Geeks like to think that they can ignore politics, you can leave politics alone, but politics won't leave you alone

Geeks like to think that they can ignore politics, you can leave politics alone, but politics won't leave you alone

Richard Stallman, often referred to as the father of the free software movement, is a prime example of how geeks cannot simply ignore politics. Stallman is a computer programmer and software freedom activist who has dedicated his life to promoting the idea that software should be free for users to study, modify, and distribute. His work has had a profound impact on the tech industry, influencing the development of open-source software and challenging the dominance of proprietary software companies.

Stallman's advocacy for free software is inherently political. By advocating for the freedom to use, study, modify, and distribute software, he is challenging the power dynamics of the tech industry and advocating for a more democratic and equitable system. Stallman's work is not just about technology; it is about social justice, freedom of expression, and the rights of users to control their own computing.

Despite his focus on technology, Stallman has not shied away from engaging with political issues. He has been a vocal critic of government surveillance, corporate control of technology, and the erosion of privacy rights in the digital age. Stallman has also been a staunch advocate for net neutrality, arguing that an open and neutral internet is essential for a free and democratic society.

Stallman's activism has not always been well-received by the tech industry. His uncompromising stance on software freedom has put him at odds with companies like Microsoft and Apple, who have built their empires on proprietary software. Stallman's refusal to compromise his principles has made him a controversial figure in the tech world, but it has also earned him a dedicated following of supporters who see him as a champion of freedom and democracy in the digital age.