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Open Source in Oregon
Anonymous writes "MWVLUG's coordinator, Cooper Stevenson, has asked Linux Today to post this detailed history of events surrounding the battle to get open source software legislation enacted in the Beaver State in an effort to raise public awareness for the campaign."
The problem here is, again, that legislators are elected by people to represent the interests of those people but instead are acting on behalf of artificial entities such as corporations and/or other organizations which pay them money in turn for which the legislators then represent their interests, often in betrayal of the interests of the people they are supposed to represent. It's a most cynical and duplicitous perversion of democracy.
r rorism-Lif e-OR-SB742-27feb03.htm
/or which represent aims with which the legislators identify themselves, even if those aims are detrimental to the welfare of the people to whom the legislators should be wholly dedicated to protecting.
I regret that I have to say this, but a big part of what's so far preventing this bill from succeeding is John & Karen Minnis, a powerful but very misguided duo in Oregon's capitol. Look at this beauty from last session:
http://www.mindfully.org/Reform/2003/Te
This bill would define almost anyone, anywhere, as a terrorist and send them to prison for life without possibility for parole.
The Oregon open source law's failure to pass indicates that our legislative process has been quite effectively coopted by legislators who draw their power from the people, then use their power to protect and further the interests of organizations which pay them money and favors, and
Hopefully the bill will pass. Even so, the problem of our subverted legislative bodies will continue. And as it does, we are in deep, deep trouble.
It's very sad considering Oregon, and Portland in specific, have very large IT infrastructure. And no jobs. We have exactly 1.9 trillion unemployed IS/IT consultants in Portland alone. I think keeping some of the money in our state instead of shipping it off to washington in boat loads is a great idea.
Let's see: Create jobs. Save money. Why didn't anyone think of this a long time ago?
As an aside, Oregon public schools use Linux probably as much or more than any other school district. They even have their own distro!
You can't legislate goodness. Let each to his own destiny, by will of his freely made choices.
You are forgetting they went with IBM, an American company, as well. Don't get on your jignoistic high horse too fast.
Sadly, I know of $100,000 of tax money that went to buy a single custom Access database at $85/hr.
write a short letter, e-mail or place a short phone call.
/. readers.
I had some involvement with this while it was in the house general committee. The combination of AeA lobby and the Minnis couple are what is holding this bill back.
I got a chance to speak with some legislators on a one for one basis. Most of them do consider well written / spoken input and are happy to have it.
When you do write this letter or place a phone call, be sure and ask for a response to a question. Not only is your input catagorized and considered, it will take time. They will give you some sort of answer; otherwise, they are on the defensive for later conversations.
Interestingly enough, if you mail Minnis, you get a short form indicating in advance exactly why you will not get a direct response. (Really shows where the attention is here doesn't it?) Anyway, phone calls and fax work best for her because both of those take actual time and resources from her staff. Your legislator may vary...
Example questions:
What is your position on SB 589, the Oregon Open Source bill?
Given the number of unemployed IT professionals and the potential for savings HB 589 holds, why not work to keep Oregons dollars here where they can do some good for those struggling to find work in tough times?
Can I count on your support in committee regarding SB 589?
If, they express support, ask them how you can best help them move the bill forward. --Then do it. (Won't be bad, just a couple phone calls, friendly discussion or a letter.)
If against, ask them "why?". Take those answers and do some research and get back to them.
Finally: (The guilt approach)
Cooper Stevenson along with Rep. Phil Barnhart's staff have worked very hard on this bill against a powerful lobby. Many people across Oregon, myself included, devoted time and energy to the task of education for our legislators the first time around.
After about a month of hard lobbying, phone calls, letters and appointments, I personally believed Minnis had stopped the bill. We have a second chance people! Passing a bill like this is worth it! Spend a little time, feel good today --why not?
This is damn good news coming at a time when the legislature is looking for money anywhere it can. Perhaps ongoing pressure from the people of Oregon can make a difference. There must be at least 10,000 Oregon
This is a lot of noise people. If you have never done this before, it's easy, please start now and get two other people to do the same.
This group deserves an hour or two of your time.
Cooper, Sally, others... --good job!
(Off writing and calling as you read this...)
Blogging because I can...