[NCLUG] On topic, but a little political

[dobbster]

Given all of the political talk recently, I wanted to share an amusing
anecdote, 100% true.  Please let me know if you think this is
inappropriate (flames don't faze me too much).

Last week I wrote Richard Stallman and asked him to consider running for
president.  I was half-kidding, and I didn't expect a response.

To my surprise, he did respond (I was actually quite flattered!)  I've
swapped a few messages with him since, and I asked him permission to
post some of his message content to NCLUG (which he commented should
really be called "GNU/NCLUG".)  He granted me permission, and he also
gave me a good lecture about Open Source/Free software, as well as other
political topics.

I found his messages interesting and amusing, and thought they might be
appropriate to post.  It's not really off topic, given who he is...

Anyway, this is part of what he said.  To avoid rekindling our recent
political controversies, I have blocked out certain names (although I'll
bet you can guess who they are).  The portions of my original message
are indented.  If anyone is interested, I can send you the details.

Mark (dobbster at frii.com)

Richard Stallman wrote:
> 
>     Have you considered running for president?
> 
> I have imagined in fantasies occasionally things I would do if I were
> president--but actually running, I wouldn't have a chance.  Aside from
> being unable to raise the money to run, I also lack some positive
> skills that are essential, such as keeping my temper when provoked.  I
> don't know if I would do a good job if I were president.
> 
> As an out-of-the-closet Atheist, I couldn't get elected dog catcher in
> the US.  Which is just as well, since I am afraid of dogs.
> 
>       I would suggest Linus Tor**lds as a running mate.
> 
> He is not eligible, since only native-born Americans can be president.
> (Torvalds has been residing in the US for a number of years but I
> don't know whether he wants to become a US citizen.  Perhaps he feels
> attached to Finland.)
> 
>       You could start the "GNROD" party ("GNAPP's
>     Not Republican Or Democrat").
> 
> I would get the votes of every hacker in America, except for the
> right-wing ones like Eric Ra***nd.
> 
> I think it is more effective to support Na*er--he has a better chance
> of winning.