[Spi-private] Bruce's Platform

[Bruce Perens]

Joshua D. Drake wrote:
> This is important because as new groups sign up, they are going to have
> differing ideals about things like software patents.
Actually, I think that a pro-software-patenting organization would be in
conflict with SPI's stated purpose for existence, which is to build,
promote, and educate about Free Software. Software patents are the very
best way I know of to promote Free Software.
>
> Sounds like lobbying not education.
Some of it. But SPI can't, for example, donate to a political campaign
as lobbyists often do. We'd lose our 501(c)3 status.
>
> Are you kidding? If you believe so strongly in the anti-software
> patent, join an existing PAC... Keep the movement focused. Don't
> splinter it to the point where it's not relevant.
1. There is no such PAC today. That is a problem we need to work on, but
it's outside of the 501(c)3 guidelines.
2. Saving Free Software from software patenting is a heck of a lot more
relevant than managing a checkbook.
>
>
> You mean like this? 
>     * to support, encourage and promote the creation and development
> of software available to the general public;
>     * to organize, hold and conduct meetings, discussions and forums
> on contemporary issues concerning the use of computers and computer
> software;
>     * to foster, promote and increase access to software systems
> available to the general public;
>     * to aid, assist, cooperate, co-sponsor and otherwise engage in
> concerted action with private, educational and governmental
> organizations and associations on all issues and matters concerning
> the use of computers and computer software
>       and generally
Yes, exactly like that.

    Thanks

    Bruce