🚀 go-pugleaf

        There are interesting parallels between the development of
Linux (by a virtual community) and the development of many community
networks (by non-virtual communities :-).
        Each begins with the efforts of a visionary innovator, who is
eventually joined by a small group of highly motivated implementors.
Eventually, the project becomes a cooperative enterprise, with
individual contributions from all over the community, still guided
by a smaller group.
        There is an emphasis on low cost, and inclusiveness.

Quoted from: Michael Chui

That is what TFN needs a core of committed people, with a clear vision, 
which may be like my proposed one or a diffferent one, the important 
thing is to have a mission statement that far exceeds just free access 
and free expression (which are of course very important). It needs 
something to add to it a special flavour than other community networks. 
In my opinion, it should be learning. TFN as an organization must be 
looked upon as a free medium of exchange of opinions (not insults and 
obsenities) free logical discussion (no generalizations and or 
sensitivities) PLUS an education medium that prepares the coming 
generation for the information era (which is upon us actually now).

With this vision, rediculous suggestions as forbidding youth from being 
members (through their parents approval) becomes absolutely unproductive.

Silencing antisemits (of which I am a member in the original difinition 
of the word, not as largely misunderstood), unless they are spreading 
hate (which should be handled by the law), becomes even more rediculous. 
We - and that means the whole community - should respond to them by logic.

This is irrespective of what the TFN board is composed of (which will 
never IMHO be truly representative of the Toronto Community, particularly 
the current list of candidates). Hopefully this will change in the coming 
few days.

The TFN is a service, the board are the servants and not the rulers of 
the membership. We represent a far diverse society than our own entities, 
and as such should be more committed to freedom of expression, democracy 
and open governorance. Egocentrism, parasitism, selfishness and vengance are 
definitely not the qualities to be sought in any board of any public 
organization or position.

This is NOT pointing fingers or laying charges against anybody, it is 
just my own convictions, that I hope all can agree with. Those who feel 
it is personal, may search deeper in their real motivation and/or believes.

May common sense prevail.
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Nabil M. El-Khodari                    SAVE TFN NOW  
Info. Provider  TFN              WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS
Board Candidate           WITH TFN LOYALITY TO NOMINATE THEMSELVES