🚀 go-pugleaf

Hi, folks.

This isn't about DC-Linux per se, but it's about an issue that might be 
important to Linux users and people who enjoy Free software.

I heard the chairman of the FTC say yesterday that a "Do Not Spam" list 
is unworkable.  I believe he is right about that.  But he's also calling 
for email authentication.

I've just printed some letters I'm sending to the FTC asking them to 
protect consumers by working to prevent the insertion of patented 
software in email authentication standards.

At the moment it's not clear by whom or how standards for authentication 
will be set.  Nevertheless, I'm writing and I hope you will, too.  If 
you can suggest other people to write to regarding patents in standards, 
especially internet standards, I'd like to hear from you.

The Commissioners are: (http://www.ftc.gov/bios/commissioners.htm)
Timothy J. Muris, Chairman
Mozelle Thompson
Orson Swindle
Thomas Leary
Pamela Jones Harbour

Their address is:

Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580

One of the letters I'm sending:
June 16, 2004

Orson Swindle, Commissioner
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580

Dear Mr. Commissioner Swindle,

I applaud the Commission for rejecting a �Do Not Spam� list as 
unworkable.  Email authentication is a good idea.  But any email 
authentication that adopts, as a standard, any patented software 
programs must be rejected.

The internet is based upon TCP/IP --an open protocol.  That open 
standard is the reason why it works so well and was adopted so widely. 
Do your part for consumers and prevent the adoption of patented software 
in email authentication!  I don't want to pay royalties to use email!

Say NO to patents in email authentication standards!  Save consumers 
from paying an email royalty!

Sincerely,



Damon Riley