i have spent a long time thinking about what the free software movement means to me, and why i care about it. i’ve decided that, for the most part, the free software movement is missing the point.
i’ve decided that i care about ethical software, not free software.
it’s not how free the software is that matters. it’s who uses it, and what they use it for.
most software must have its source available in order to be ethical - but that is not a requirement.
we all know that closed source software may be used to subjugate its users. but there’s nothing prohibiting free software from doing the same.
do you think the US drone program doesn’t make extensive use of free software? because of course it does.
corps stay away from GPL’d software, which happens to prevent some evil - but it also prevents some good. i’ll still use AGPL3 for my own software, but i’m not convinced it’s the best choice anymore.
forcing software to be used ethically isn’t something that can be done - legal frameworks exist to serve the bourgeoisie. the best solution may very well be a non-free (by the FSFs definition) license. there are many to choose from.
if the open source movement is complacent centrism, the free software movement is libertarian, or anarcho capitalist.
finally, i think this movement is already underway. i’m not convinced it has a name yet, but it involves permacomputing, individual understanding, economic responsibility, solidarity, humanity, and compassion. it’s not the free software movement. it’s something else.
we should consider leaving stallman, his kin, and their licensing behind.
i urge all leftists to consider how their software shapes the world, and how licensing plays a role.