---
layout: signed
title: An open letter in support of Richard M. Stallman
description: An open letter in support of Richard Matthew Stallman being reinstated by the Free Software Foundation
image: /assets/social-media-preview.png
locale: en_US
twitter:
  card: summary_large_image
---

2021-03-23

Richard M. Stallman, frequently known as RMS,
has been a driving force in the free software
movement for decades, with contributions including
the GNU operating system and Emacs.

Recently, there have been vile online attacks 
looking to remove him from the FSF board of directors 
for expressing his personal opinions. We have watched 
this happen before in an organized fashion with other 
prominent free software activists and programmers. 
We will not stand idly this time, when an icon 
of this community is attacked.

FSF is an autonomous body that is capable of treating 
its members in a fair, unbiased fashion, and should not 
give in to external social pressures. We urge the 
FSF to consider the arguments against RMS objectively 
and to truly understand the meaning of his words and actions.

Historically, RMS has been expressing his views in ways 
that upset many people. He is usually more focused on the 
philosophical underpinnings, and pursuing the objective 
truth and linguistic purism, while underemphasising people's 
feelings on matters he's commenting on. This makes his arguments 
vulnerable to misunderstanding and misrepresentation, something 
which we feel is happening in the open letter calling for his removal. 
His words need to be interpreted in this context and 
taking into account that more often than not, 
he is not looking to put things diplomatically.

Regardless, Stallman's opinions on the matters 
he is being persecuted over are not relevant to 
his ability to lead a community such as the FSF. 
Furthermore, he is entitled to his opinions just 
as much as anyone else. Members and supporters do not 
have to agree with his opinions, but should respect 
his right to freedom of thought and speech.

**To the FSF:**

Removing RMS will hurt FSF's image and will deal 
a significant blow to the momentum of the free software movement.
We urge you to consider your actions carefully,
as what you will decide will have a serious impact
on the future of the software industry.


**To the ambush mob who is ganging up on Richard Stallman over 
reasonable arguments in debate and various opinions and beliefs
voiced over decades as a public figure:**
    
You have no part in choosing the leadership of any communities. 
Especially not via another mob attack which does not remotely 
resemble a fairly conducted debate as exemplified 
by better people such as Richard Stallman.

To sign, please [submit a pull
request](https://github.com/rms-support-letter/rms-support-letter.github.io/pulls).
To sign without using Github, you can:
- Send a signed patch to [signrms@prog.cf](mailto:signrms@prog.cf) 
- Or to [~tyil/rms-support@lists.sr.ht](mailto:~tyil/rms-support@lists.sr.ht).
- Or add your signature here: [https://codeberg.org/rms-support-letter/rms-support-letter/issues/1](https://codeberg.org/rms-support-letter/rms-support-letter/issues/1)
