In the course of human events, stupidity may occur. Dan Marshall, a friend of mine once told me the following:
“Evil will screw you over. Stupid will screw everybody over!”
This is the very reason why I am not a fan of the MPAA and RIAA, otherwise known as the movie and music mafias respectively. I want you to imagine this for a moment: Microsoft does not have a monopoly and it would seem to be impossible for them to become one, right? Well, what if I were to tell you that there may be an opening for them to become one by default?
You think this is crazy, don’t you? Allow the education to begin…
Problem > Reaction > Solution.
It is a three part scenario taught to me over and over again. Imagine if a terrorist, real or imagined (or labeled… take your pick), were to run a Linux-based system and were to get “caught.” A problem, or a perceived problem has arrived, and the people react with fear. Restrictions do not quite work, as one could easily run virtual machine software in order to keep running Linux-based systems. There is one problem: It is quite easy for an influential group or groups to create imaginary problems so that an audience that is targeted will indeed react and then request they solve the problem.
What if Linux and Free and Open Source Software became illegal to use due to “national security?” Never mind the fact that the American military uses it. Never mind the fact that Microsoft funded both political parties in the year 2000. Never mind that Richard Stallman has accused Microsoft of enabling terrorism in the first place.
So what can be done? Like helios, I would also recommend showing everyone you know that there are alternatives to Windows. There needs to be advertising, especially on television. Now imagine if a commercial were seen during the SuperBowl! However, everyone must work quickly! The Tux Project is a good place to start for those who have no idea where to start. I am doing my part by attempting to blitz radio talk show hosts, starting with the political underground. Look on that very site for a suggestion pertaining to that soon enough. Either way, it’s time to get to work, now! The more people who are using FOSS, the better.