I promised last month that I'd tell you who I'd be voting for in the European elections. I'm glad I didn't tell you then, because I've changed my mind since.
Alan Cox has written an open letter about software patents and the upcoming EU elections on June 10th. It makes the point that this is our one chance to send a message that politicians can't ignore, and to elect parties who will support an anti-software-patent stance.
The two parties which have such a stance are the UK Independence Party and the Green-EFA alliance (Green Party, Plaid Cymru and friends). So, if you are fan of further European integration, vote Green and, if not, vote UKIP.
Software patents are the most dangerous threat to free software worldwide - without exception. Our stuff is so good that the only way the competition can stop it is resorting to the law. Patents are monopolies on ideas, and are their best weapon.
So, if you live in Europe and value your freedom to hack, stop doing it on June 10th for an hour, get out there and vote.
Posted by gerv at June 6, 2004 6:11 PMThe Green Party of Canada includes pro-open-source and anti-patent statements in their platform.
They've got my vote.
Posted by: Steven Garrity at June 6, 2004 8:46 PMdon't forget the lib dems they have an outline of where they stand here: http://www.libdems.org.uk/documents/policies/Policy_Papers
the pdf "Making IT Work"
pay attention to sections 2.2 and 4.3
guuiverunit: apparently the Lib Dems have not always voted in line with their stated policy :-(
The LibDems voted in favour of software patents last September. Their MEPs just don't get it. Their letters to constituents show that they are clueless.
They also voted in favour of IPRED and against all limiting amendments.
A Disillusioned LibDem
Posted by: Alex at June 10, 2004 3:19 AM