I wrote the following in response to an email I just received from freetheiphone.org c/o freepress.net. I applaud their efforts to pressure Apple and the FCC to play fair with the release of the iPhone on a proprietary network. Supposedly we own the telecommunications bandwidth and the companies are just renting, but for the past 6 years at least, it's felt like it's the other way around. As I said, I applaud their work thus far and I urge you to take the time to read up on the issues. But as you'll see below, I implore freepress/freetheiphone both that it's time we made our own game and instead let them play catchup.
Apple will continue to work with proprietary software and make sweetheart deals with whomever they choose as it suits their interests and those of their shareholders. As Microsoft didn't feel the pinch until Linux came along and exposed the naked emperor, Apple will sit on its pedestal meting out its favor to those who prostrate themselves until something puts the magnifier to its nethers and reveals that indeed there is no there there.
I give you, OpenMoko: http://www.openmoko.com/
Take REAL action. Create a fund to hire developers full time to make this a project real working reality - one that works with all GSM/GPRS networks globally, that is not enslaved to iTunes, MusicMatch, or the other media mongers, and that transcends whatever bandwidth the FCC (Federal Communications Cyndicate [sic]) seeks to control.
You must leave the matrix to fight The Matrix. With mindfully dedicated backing Neo1973 (http://www.openmoko.com/products-neo-base-00-stdkit.html) can be that red pill.
I endorse your efforts to reign in the FCC and return them to service of the people, for the people, and by the people. Michael Powell is gone but his ghost yet remains. Exorcise him and the rest of the flunkies from all our airwaves and bandwidth!
As far as Apple and others like them are concerned, corporations are no longer beholden to the people who issue their charters and allow them their 14th amendment "right" to operate as citizens (http://www.thecorporation.org/), Thus, like any torch wielding mob does to unrepentant sociopaths, you've got to hit 'em where it hurts. Hit 'em hard. Then bite it off. I know a mad little window smashing penguin that'd be awful proud.
Yours,
The AFroNaut
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2 comments:
note from ed: the previous comment which I blocked was from an anonymous poster promoting a "test shopper" program in which you could try out services and earn a "free" OpenMoko. I've seen similar offers for "free" iPods and "free" XBoxes. Though they may be legit, they have a tinge of pyramid scheminess to them that I just can't palate.
I don't have anything against anonymous posters as one of the benefits of the 'net is maintenance of confidentiality when one chooses, however I am against advertising in a comments section that doesn't spark discussion or contribute meaningfully to an ongoing one.
I do encourage comments, questions, suggestions, coupled with plugs for thoughtful related sites, blogs, discussions, articles or products. So please, jump in with both feet. Save the schemes, scams, and penis enlargement product plugs for your MySpace invites.
Thanks.
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