What ought to be on a Ron Paul + Linux website?

[mkeller]

After searching the web extensively, and asking people around here (http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=89849), it appears that there is no website on the topic of why Linux users should vote for Ron Paul, or for Linux users who already do support him.

And so, I intend to create one!

But, I need your ideas.

What should be on such a site? I think that a main part of it should have to do with Ron Paul's stand on software patents (I don't think he's said anything about it specifically, but I'm pretty sure he'd be against them - something we need to find out), and how his message and the message of Linux are so similar - Freedom!

I was thinking that a list of the names of Linux users who do support him might also be good, since there are apparently a lot of them, but I'm not sure.

Give me your ideas!


And finally - what domain name would be good? Is www.linuxusersforronpaul.org too long?

[mkeller]

Bump. :)

[JeffersonThomas]

Bump! there is a thread somewhere in this forum about Ron Paul linux users & I was kind of surprised at how many of us use linux :)

opensuse man here

[liberty_Forever]

Somene needs to release a Ron Paul Linux distro based on Debian or Ubuntu

[JimInNY]

The constitution does protect intellectual property rights for a limited time, so I would imagine, being a strict constructionist, he would be in favor of patents.

[danda]

GNU/Linux = Free Software.

The philosophy of FSF/GNU/GPL is built around freedom of the end-user. See
http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html

Ron Paul is the only candidate dedicated to real freedom of the individual.

Ron Paul is the only candidate that will truly keep hands-off the internet, as opposed to pandering to special interests.

Linux users are a minority struggling upstream against a powerful elite = Microsoft domination. Building a FREE software community.

Ron Paul revolution is a minority struggling against a powerful elite = the military/gov/medical/media/prison establishment. Building a community of true freedom seekers.

Ron Paul favors a limited central government, and a strict interpretation of the constitution. It is doubtful he would support things like the DMCA, software patents, or endless copyright terms. ( Need to confirm his stances on these issues. )

QUESTION: Has anyone approached Ron Paul about many of the issues that are important to geeks? If we could get some solid statements from him about software patents, the DMCA, encryption, and copyright extension, I bet we could get some very positive and HUGE coverage on slashdot, digg, etc.

In fact, I've kinda been waiting for this for a while.





Free software is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of free as in free speech, not as in free beer.

Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. More precisely, it refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:

* The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
* The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
* The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
* The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms. Thus, you should be free to redistribute copies, either with or without modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to anyone anywhere. Being free to do these things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay for permission.

You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they exist. If you do publish your changes, you should not be required to notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way.

The freedom to run the program means the freedom for any kind of person or organization to use it on any kind of computer system, for any kind of overall job and purpose, without being required to communicate about it with the developer or any other specific entity. In this freedom, it is the user's purpose that matters, not the developer's purpose; you as a user are free to run a program for your purposes, and if you distribute it to someone else, she is then free to run it for her purposes, but you are not entitled to impose your purposes on her.

The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable forms of the program, as well as source code, for both modified and unmodified versions. (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary for conveniently installable free operating systems.) It is ok if there is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a certain program (since some languages don't support that feature), but you must have the freedom to redistribute such forms should you find or develop a way to make them.

In order for the freedoms to make changes, and to publish improved versions, to be meaningful, you must have access to the source code of the program. Therefore, accessibility of source code is a necessary condition for free software.

[UtahApocalypse]

try to get www.tux4paul.com

[danda]

It could also be big if we got an endorsement from Stallman or even Torvalds.

[EvilNight]

Legal reform is going to be necessary. Copyright's ideal protection period is 15 years, not life plus seventy five, or eternity if a corporation holds the copyright. Likewise, patents were supposed to protect inventors and secure their rights, but only if they USED them and only if the patented innovations weren't trivial or obvious. The concepts are good ones, but are horribly abused.

Did you know, that medical procedures have a special exemption that prevents them from ever being patented? The court ruling was that this was in the public's best interest. Frankly, software that meets the Open Source Definition ought to enjoy a similar exemption where any code under an OSD-compatible license should be exempted from patent infringement.

There are a lot of ways to solve this problem. I'm sure Ron will listen, and that's more than I can say for any other presidential candidate.

[danda]

yes, and I believe Ron should understand, better than any of these other guys, the *original intent* of the copyright provisions, which is a balance between providing incentive for authors and the public's (individual's) natural rights to copy/distribute, etc.

In order to provide incentive for authors, the government uses the threat of force to prevent everyone else in the country from doing things they would otherwise be free to do.

So if this becomes a matter of dispute (which it has), then Paul as a libertarian, *should* come down on the side of the individual (public) every time.

If not, then perhaps he is not the person I have thought.

I really would like to hear his views on this.

[mkeller]

And JimInNY, From what I've heard, software patent laws carry it a step too far, creating, in effect, "math you can't use." A lot of Linux/Ron Paul supporters seem to think (http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=994) he'd be against it (http://www.linuxworld.com/community/?q=node/1672), but I don't think anyone's actually asked him. And I don't know enough about how it all works to be the one to do so, either. :)

But about this website. Do you have any suggestions as to the content to have on it?

(whew, these posts are flying!)

[plb]

I'd think Linux in government facilities would save some money? If countries in Europe can do it, why not us?

[danda]

Content on the site:

All the free software mascots, and the Ron Paul Revolution Logo. And the blimp. And the limo. :-)

Here's a good starting point:
http://chl.be/mascots/



http://isc.tamu.edu/~lewing/linux/sit3-shine.7.gif
http://www.gnu.org/graphics/gnu-head-sm.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/55/Bsd_daemon.jpg

[danda]

You could also mention the Cathedral and the Bazaar, which has been influential to many in the Linux world. It champions a decentralized development model vs a centralized model.

Likewise, Ron Paul champions a decentralized republic with the toughest decisions made the closest to home, instead of our current centralized mess.

If it is valid in software development, couldn't it also be valid for our country?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cathedral_and_the_Bazaar

[danda]

Slashdot recently asked for Q's for POTUS candidates. I'm hoping that Ron Paul replies, and knocks their socks off.

http://interviews.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/01/15/1523214

[Redcard]

I suspect that RP would find Linux to be a bit too socialist/communist for his liking.

The new GPL even disallows software patents, and that would step on RPs feeling about free trade.

[JeffersonThomas]

I suspect that RP would find Linux to be a bit too socialist/communist for his liking.

The new GPL even disallows software patents, and that would step on RPs feeling about free trade.

LOL...those communists Linux users! Why don't they use microsoft like a good capitalist! :D

[Redcard]

LOL...those communists Linux users! Why don't they use microsoft like a good capitalist! :D

Hey, you asked.

The GPL ensures that all people, no matter the value or amount of work put into the code, get the same rights.

I'm typing this from a laptop running linux, but the open source movement IN ITS LICENSE is decidedly socialist.

[Shink]

Someone slap the brain of a Linux simpleton like me with some info. What exactly is it? What's different about it? Why is it better than (insert)? How do I get it/use it? And how do I keep the NSA away from my computer? Links, colored graphs, and hypnotic video may help with this. :P

[JahWarrior]

Ubuntu on my laptop, CentOS on my servers. Linux user for years.

[Korey Kaczynski]

It could also be big if we got an endorsement from Stallman or even Torvalds.

Stallman is essentially a communist/socialist and Torvalds isn't American, and probably doesn't even care about Ron Paul or politics.

[Korey Kaczynski]

I suspect that RP would find Linux to be a bit too socialist/communist for his liking.

The new GPL even disallows software patents, and that would step on RPs feeling about free trade.

No.

I believe Linux is going to stick with the GPL2 or whatever, and not move to the GPL3 (or whatever.)

[Korey Kaczynski]

Hey, you asked.

The GPL ensures that all people, no matter the value or amount of work put into the code, get the same rights.

I'm typing this from a laptop running linux, but the open source movement IN ITS LICENSE is decidedly socialist.

What about the BSD license, which is also open-source and far less restrictive than the GNU GPL?

Why would Ron Paul be against the GPL, anyways? It's not government, it's in the private sector and is a licensing agreement.

[danda]

So I guess that by your measure, the declaration of independence is decidedly socialist. After all, it states that "all men are created equal" and endowed with "inalienable rights", and that this is self-evident. I don't remember anything about tying the rights and equality to how much work each person does.

wow, what communist trash.

please.



The GPL ensures that all people, no matter the value or amount of work put into the code, get the same rights.

I'm typing this from a laptop running linux, but the open source movement IN ITS LICENSE is decidedly socialist.

[danda]

Your point being?

Their opinions are very important to LOTS of americans. Like everyone who reads slashdot.org. Ever heard of the slashdot effect?

duh.


Stallman is essentially a communist/socialist and Torvalds isn't American, and probably doesn't even care about Ron Paul or politics.

And anyway, Stallman is already supporting Kucinich, but states "Among republicans: Ron Paul", and has this page: http://www.stallman.org/ron-paul.html

http://www.stallman.org/

[Am3RiCaN_microcosm]

Someone slap the brain of a Linux simpleton like me with some info. What exactly is it? What's different about it? Why is it better than (insert)? How do I get it/use it? And how do I keep the NSA away from my computer? Links, colored graphs, and hypnotic video may help with this. :P

- Linux has many flavors, and it will take some time to find the right one for you. Try them all, but stick with what feels the most comfortable, as a rule of thumb. Some of the most popular distros of linux are: Fedora, Ubuntu, PCLinuxOS, OpenSUSE, Puppy Linux, and Debian. There are hundreds more...too many to list. Check out a nice list with descriptions here: http://distrowatch.com

- All the software you will ever need in linux is available freely via online software repositories. No more searching the web for stuff, since they are easily installed right from the desktop with only 1 or two clicks! Fedora and Ubuntu have some of the largest repo's available, with over 16,000 packages last time I checked. Free software repo's are the coolest thing about linux imo. Another cool thing about installing packages is you can do it with the commandline too. For instance, to install firefox in Fedora, simply open a terminal and type "yum install firefox". If you have the internet connected, your PC will now automatically download and install firefox for you! Neat huh?

-It could be argued that right out of the box, Linux PC's are about 300% more secure than a Windows box even without installing additional Antivirus or Antimalware programs. Considering that the vast majority of internet servers are running a unix/linux derivitave, I'd say they might be on to something :D I've not shut off my linux PC in about 6 months now, and I've yet to get a virus or spyware!

-You can play with linux without even installing it! When you finally decide on the 'flavor' of linux you want to try, download what is called a "Live CD". A Live CD is a bootable disc that you can run in memory and have a full linux desktop without ever installing it! When you reboot your pc, everything is as it was before :D This is a great way to test various distros of linux and find one that meets your liking. I have friggin' stacks of LiveCD's on my dresser right now! yikes! DAMN you distrowatch!

-Compiz Fusion 3D Desktop. Nuff' said.
yummy vid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI9FCrdtjcw)

-You can have bragging rights for 'Sticking it to the man' :D

-Even Old-as-dirt-PC'c can run linux and perform better some some modern desktops running Windows XP.

-Vista is a gargantuan-bloated-flying-pig of an Operating system, with less performance even though you need a better PC to run it? WTF is wrong with this picture?

-There is nothing to stop you from installing both Linux and Windows on your hard disk at the same time, as long as you install windows first (MS doesnt like to play nice with others)

-There are a myriad of other good reasons to check it out, but really the proof is in the pudding, so I encourage anyone who has not seen a linux desktop to download one from distrowatch and try a LiveCD out for yourselves!

[Korey Kaczynski]

Your point being?

Their opinions are very important to LOTS of americans. Like everyone who reads slashdot.org. Ever heard of the slashdot effect?

duh.

Slashdot is already voting either RP or Obama, and Stallman would NEVER support a free-trader.

[danda]

Slashdot is already voting either RP or Obama, and Stallman would NEVER support a free-trader.

NEVER? Granted this isn't a full endorsement, but I was still pretty happy to find it.

http://www.stallman.org/ron-paul.html



Why would I, as a Liberal, have anything favorable to say about a Republican such as Ron Paul?

I have fundamental disagreements with Ron Paul. I support a welfare state and the New Deal. He wants to weaken social security and medicare, in effect throwing the poor back on their own resources. He wants to abolish income tax, which would mean reliance on taxes that fall most heavily on the poor and let the rich off lightly. This would increase concentration of wealth, which is already dangerously excessive, and the poor would pay for it.

In ordinary times I would simply oppose a candidate with such views, but these are not ordinary times. The Bush regime has contempt for human rights, and most of the 2008 candidates are little better than Bush. Most voted for the disgraceful U. S.A.P. A.T. R.I.O.T. Act, which authorized the Bush regime to collect businesses' (and even libraries') records about individuals without a court order. Most of them voted to launch a war of aggression in Iraq, accepting Bush's patent lies with the innocence of a sheltered child. Obama, who was not in the Senate when those were voted on, nonetheless does not convincingly oppose them.

Aside from Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul, those candidates that criticize the occupation of Iraq do not show a firm will to end it. They dwell on "mismanagement", as if the worst you could say about Bush's crime was that "he didn't plan it well enough."

The only Democratic or Republican candidate, aside from Kucinich, that clearly stands for human rights, democracy, and an end to torture, secret prisons and the occupation of Iraq is Ron Paul. I urge Republicans to support him for that party's nomination.

Ron Paul denies accusations of racism, saying that he never said or believed racist statements in his newsletter.

If indeed he fired the employee who wrote those things, that would be sufficient reason not to blame them on him.

[Shink]

- Linux has many flavors, and it will take some time to find the right one for you. Try them all, but stick with what feels the most comfortable, as a rule of thumb. Some of the most popular distros of linux are: Fedora, Ubuntu, PCLinuxOS, OpenSUSE, Puppy Linux, and Debian. There are hundreds more...too many to list. Check out a nice list with descriptions here: http://distrowatch.com

- All the software you will ever need in linux is available freely via online software repositories. No more searching the web for stuff, since they are easily installed right from the desktop with only 1 or two clicks! Fedora and Ubuntu have some of the largest repo's available, with over 16,000 packages last time I checked. Free software repo's are the coolest thing about linux imo. Another cool thing about installing packages is you can do it with the commandline too. For instance, to install firefox in Fedora, simply open a terminal and type "yum install firefox". If you have the internet connected, your PC will now automatically download and install firefox for you! Neat huh?

-It could be argued that right out of the box, Linux PC's are about 300% more secure than a Windows box even without installing additional Antivirus or Antimalware programs. Considering that the vast majority of internet servers are running a unix/linux derivitave, I'd say they might be on to something :D I've not shut off my linux PC in about 6 months now, and I've yet to get a virus or spyware!

-You can play with linux without even installing it! When you finally decide on the 'flavor' of linux you want to try, download what is called a "Live CD". A Live CD is a bootable disc that you can run in memory and have a full linux desktop without ever installing it! When you reboot your pc, everything is as it was before :D This is a great way to test various distros of linux and find one that meets your liking. I have friggin' stacks of LiveCD's on my dresser right now! yikes! DAMN you distrowatch!

-Compiz Fusion 3D Desktop. Nuff' said.
yummy vid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI9FCrdtjcw)

-You can have bragging rights for 'Sticking it to the man' :D

-Even Old-as-dirt-PC'c can run linux and perform better some some modern desktops running Windows XP.

-Vista is a gargantuan-bloated-flying-pig of an Operating system, with less performance even though you need a better PC to run it? WTF is wrong with this picture?

-There is nothing to stop you from installing both Linux and Windows on your hard disk at the same time, as long as you install windows first (MS doesnt like to play nice with others)

-There are a myriad of other good reasons to check it out, but really the proof is in the pudding, so I encourage anyone who has not seen a linux desktop to download one from distrowatch and try a LiveCD out for yourselves!

You have me interested...but how much memory would this suck up...and would I have to fiddle with stuff I don't understand? This is a Windows machine...so....:confused: I have to sell my wife on this as well.

[Am3RiCaN_microcosm]

You have me interested...but how much memory would this suck up...and would I have to fiddle with stuff I don't understand? This is a Windows machine...so....:confused: I have to sell my wife on this as well.

It wont suck up ANY disk space if you use one of those bootable 'LiveCD's' - I'd advise starting there. Remember that if you boot a liveCD then you don't actually have to install anything. Here is a good one to try, it has all of those fancy 3d effects installed. It's also very small and quick to download. This is just a beta release, but its super cool if you just want to get the feel of things :D I'd also advise checking out distrowatch eventually to get something more stable if you like what you see.

http://coblitz.codeen.org/puppylinux.ca/puppyfiles/wNOP/wNOP-v0.2.iso

This one is called Wobbly NOP, and it's based on Puppy Linux. You'll have to burn it to a disc. And yes, just like anything new there is certainly a 'fiddle factor', but most linux distros are designed to feel like Windows in alot of ways, so some harmless poking around and great online documentations will go along ways for this. Once you've restarted your computer and booted from this liveCD, you can even remove the disc becuase the entire thing runs in RAM :D Currently, I have this installed on my key-drive-thinger just to make my friends think I am smart :P

[Shink]

It wont suck up ANY disk space if you use one of those bootable 'LiveCD's' - I'd advise starting there. Remember that if you boot a liveCD then you don't actually have to install anything. Here is a good one to try, it has all of those fancy 3d effects installed. It's also very small and quick to download. This is just a beta release, but its super cool if you just want to get the feel of things :D I'd also advise checking out distrowatch eventually to get something more stable if you like what you see.

http://coblitz.codeen.org/puppylinux.ca/puppyfiles/wNOP/wNOP-v0.2.iso

This one is called Wobbly NOP, and it's based on Puppy Linux. You'll have to burn it to a disc. And yes, just like anything new there is certainly a 'fiddle factor', but most linux distros are designed to feel like Windows in alot of ways, so some harmless poking around and great online documentations will go along ways for this. Once you've restarted your computer and booted from this liveCD, you can even remove the disc becuase the entire thing runs in RAM :D Currently, I have this installed on my key-drive-thinger just to make my friends think I am smart :P

That youtube video makes me want to do cartwheels down a wet, grassy hill.:D If I don't do much about this on this comp, I sure will once I buy a new computer, as I intend to within the next couple of months.

[magicmike]

Ron Paul is closer to BSD, or if he becomes president Solaris.

All three have a stable record.

Anyway, as far as the OP here is a way to approach this.

"Open source ideas being used to create Open Source politics"

I know a lot of Linux users have in the back of their mind. "Wouldn't it be cool to open source real life & modify it"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source_governance

[mkeller]

To resuscitate this thread a little . . .

Thanks for all your ideas so far! The site will contain a comparison of the Ron Paul campaign and the world of open-source (possibly in danda's actual words), Richard Stallman's secondary endorsement of Ron Paul (after the now-departed Kucunich), images of free software mascots and Ron Paul and the Revolution logo, and will likely be called www.tux4paul.com or www.tux4ron.com. Which of the two do you think are better?

I'd really like to have Ron Paul's views on the "geek issues", too, but I don't know if those are available anywhere. Does anyone know? Slashdot's poll appears to have either got no answers, or hasn't even been sent out.

And, the biggest question - do you think, this being so close to Super Tuesday, that creating a site like this is still a good idea? Do you think we'll be able to promote it enough for it to make a difference?

And, of course, more ideas are welcome!

[mkeller]

Bump. :)

[RCA]

The Campaign Needs To Put This On Their Issues Page!