Weekly Update
Submitted by rkamens on Wed, 2007-08-22 12:20.I have a lot to fit in this email, so I'll try to keep things short and sweet for you. There are action alerts in here, so keep scrolling ; )
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New web site features
Software Freedom Day Coming Up
Submitted by rkamens on Tue, 2007-08-21 20:50.On September 15, 2007 free software activists around the world will engage in autonomous and de-centralized actions for Free Software on Software Freedom Day. I encourage you to check out softwarefreedomday.org and find a group near you. If you can't help your group or there is none, do something. This can be five minutes in a best buy educating users about the dangers of the Vista computer they are about to buy or it can be making a donation to any number of Free Software projects or organizations. If you are in Boston, Binary Freedom is hosting an event and needs your help.
Action Alert: Hands off the Red Cross!
Submitted by rkamens on Mon, 2007-08-20 16:17.Johnson & Johnson sues the Red Cross
Comrades,
As many of you already know, Johnson and Johnson has launched a lawsuit against The American Red Cross for violating J&J's trademark on the Red Cross. First off, it's hard to believe that you can actually trademark such a thing since it's basically a public domain image and used by government and health institutions all over the world. The American Red Cross is one of our comrades and suing a non-profit humane organization like the Red Cross is nothing short of a war crime.
Call To Action: Catch AT&T Red Handed
Submitted by rkamens on Mon, 2007-08-20 15:26.This year At&t did live webcasts of the Bonnaroo festival in which they
censored several bands any time they spoke of Bush, etc. The
Nightwatchman was one of those artists who got censored when he spoke of
being sick of the Bush Administration. At&t are trying to deny that they
did this, so what we need is a captured stream of the At&t free webcast.
We need a fan who used one of the many recording technologies that allow
you to record a stream you are viewing on your computer so we have some
proof. If you have this,
visit for more information:
http://www.nightwatchmanmusic.com/
Class Action Lawsuit Pending Against RIAA Cartel
Submitted by rkamens on Sat, 2007-08-18 17:53.Comrades,
I just received some amazing news that I think will excite all of you.
This isn't technically a victory, since we haven't won yet but I
believe there is merit in what has just happened. Remember Tanya
Anderson? The 42 year old single mother who was sued by the RIAA for
downloading gangsta rap? Well if you don't, you should know that she
got the case dismissed with prejudice and she's turning around the
lawsuit onto the RIAA and has petitioned the court to allow a
class-action lawsuit against the RIAA so that victims caught in the
AT&T Must Face Justice for Illegal Spying
Submitted by rek2 on Fri, 2007-08-17 11:39.AT&T Must Face Justice for Illegal Spying - NSA Surveillance Comes Under Fire Today in Appeals Court Battle
San Francisco - In a packed San Francisco courtroom today, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) urged the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to allow AT&T customers to continue to fight against illegal spying on their telephone and Internet communications.
Wikipedia vandalized by CIA propaganda!
Submitted by rek2 on Thu, 2007-08-16 13:14.Like if there is not enough propaganda with Fox news and other American media around the world.. An online tool that claims to reveal the identity of organizations that edit Wikipedia pages has revealed that the CIA was involved in editing entries and we should not allow this to happen in any digital media.
From the BBC:
By Jonathan Fildes
Science and technology reporter, BBC News
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
The tool detected changes to a page about Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Appeals Court Battle Over NSA Surveillance on August 15
Submitted by rek2 on Wed, 2007-08-15 02:18.Appeals Court Battle Over NSA Surveillance on August 15 - Government Aims to Block Accountability for Illegal Spying on Americans
San Francisco - In the wake of Congress approving a dramatic expansion of U.S. warrantless wiretapping powers, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments on the future of two critical lawsuits over illegal surveillance of Americans. The hearing is set for August 15, at 2 p.m. in San Francisco.
Daily Update
Submitted by rkamens on Tue, 2007-08-14 14:36.Comrades,
Today is a busy day so I'll try to keep the emails to a minimum, although it seems like I am not doing that great of a job at that. Sometimes in activism, like in life, in work, or whatever project you are working on you CAN NOT rest and this month has been, and is, one of those times. With the BBC protests today, we need to keep up the pressure but also remember to not neglect our other campaigns. If you haven't already contacted the BBC at least once today, please do so now. Contact information and talking points are available at http://binaryfreedom.info/node/200
Victory: Malaysia Adopts ODF
Submitted by rkamens on Tue, 2007-08-14 14:21.The Malaysian government has adopted ODF. The tables are turning...
http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/software/0,39044164,62030781,00.htm
In Victory,
Comrade Ringo Kamens
International Day of Solidarity is TODAY
Submitted by rkamens on Tue, 2007-08-14 01:39.Comrades,
Today (Aug. 14) a swarm of activists will descend on the BBC Media Complex. If you are in the UK, you can become a part of the swarm and be the first activist group to ever protest a major TV network over their DRM Policies (correct me if I'm wrong on that one). These protests will become more and more common in the future and they will keep happening in higher frequencies and intensity until DRM is completely abolished. If you want to sign up or get more information, please go to http://www.defectivebydesign.org/iPlayerProtest
Binary Freedom Summit/Congress Report
Submitted by rkamens on Mon, 2007-08-13 19:13.Comrades,
A few of our members just finished the national Summit/Congress to determine the direction of binary freedom. These meetings occur every so often when list members request them. Over the course of the meeting, the following actions were taken:
*Chris F. agreed to put a captcha on the wiki to control spam.
*Blog admin rights were granted to Ringo on the basis of a voice vote. Ringo agreed to fix grammatical errors on site.
Victory: OOXML Won't Get Fast-Track Standardization!
Submitted by rkamens on Sun, 2007-08-12 14:36.No need to paraphrase, just read the subject. See slashdot:
http://slashdot.org/articles/07/08/12/0543256.shtml
This isn't the end of the war against OOXML or Microsoft, but it's a big battle. Thanks to everybody who brought pressure from everywhere. Whether it was a business interest, a personal commitment to boycott, or a phone call. Or maybe you just told people the truth about OOXML, whatever you did it worked. We defeated what could be called the largest technology lobby in the world.
Relishing in Victory,
Comrade Ringo Kames
We will not back down...
Submitted by rkamens on Fri, 2007-08-10 15:59.I have been emailing you for several months about REAL ID and at every turn you have supported our fight against it. Along with our allies in groups such as the EFF and the ACLU we made a lot of noise but apparently it wasn't enough. The REAL ID act passed and although we have fought it's many children, the main act itself is still alive. When I said we would not back down on this issue, I was serious. Please send a message to your representatives today asking them to REPEAL REAL ID.
http://action.downsizedc.org/wyc.php?cid=30
FSFE offers to help companies adhere to Free Software licence terms (2007-07-27)
Submitted by rek2 on Thu, 2007-08-09 11:54.FSFE offers to help companies adhere to Free Software licence
terms
(2007-07-27) - The terms of the GNU GPL licence have been confirmed as binding
once again, with a German court ruling that Skype was failing
to uphold its obligations as a distributor. FSFE wants to help
other vendors understand their GNU GPL obligations. [FSF.Europe]
Will Regal Regret?
Submitted by rkamens on Thu, 2007-08-09 10:44.Comrades,
Recently I asked you to join me in boycotting Regal Cinemas for arresting and prosecuting Jhannet Sejas. For those who don't already know, or have heard differently from Regal Cinemas, here are the facts:
1. Jhannet had no intention of re-distributing the tape for commercial purposes as she said in statements
2. Jhannet was taping a section of Transformers so she could get her little brother excited about the movie
3. When she was caught she had a total of 20 seconds of film on the camera. Groups like the NYU Freeculture have said this would be considered fair use
Conference Call Coming up
Submitted by rkamens on Thu, 2007-08-09 10:15.Comrades
This Sunday (The 12th) we will be hosting a conference call to discuss the future of Binary Freedom, our current projects, and other administriva. If you are interested in attending, it will take place from 10PM EST until an unknown time. Everybody is welcome to come and contribute. The revolution takes place at Server: irc.oftc.net Channel: #binaryfreedom and goes down on Sunday the 12th, 2007 at 10PM EST.
See you there,
Comrade Ringo Kamens
I am not afraid
Submitted by rkamens on Wed, 2007-08-08 12:54.Another way to fight FISA: Stop being afraid
Comrades,
Re: Boycott Regal
Submitted by rkamens on Wed, 2007-08-08 12:35.Also, please digg this link to spread the word
http://digg.com/movies/Help_Fight_Draconian_Zero_Tolerance_Piracy_Laws_a...
In solidarity,
Comrade Ringo Kamens
