List help requested - response to govt position on Open Source

[Jason Greenwood]

Hi All,

I have just recently had a meeting with Tim Barnett (MP) on a few issues 
including OSS/Open Format use and adoption at the government level. He 
is VERY open to the idea and is slowly becoming a keen OSS supporter 
(albeit quietly). This is the second such meeting I have had with him 
and he now understands the benefits of OSS/Open Formats (especially at 
the government level)more clearly.

He has asked me to formulate a response to the rather week stance on OSS 
adoption by the NZ government found here:
http://www.e-government.govt.nz/docs/open-source-200303/chapter1.html

Remember, this is the "official" position of the NZ government in 
relation to OSS. Sad isn't it? It's can be summed up with another poular 
quote "don't ask don't tell." The recommendations:
http://www.e-government.govt.nz/docs/open-source-200303/chapter1.html#Recs
IMHO are based on very flawed thinking and weak pre-suppositions. I will 
be forming a letter based around my own thoughts on this particualr 
government document and wish to invite all of you to relate any salient 
points I may miss, so I can incorporate them into my response. Here is a 
potential chance for us to be heard. Much as Tandoor has been asking 
good questions, now Tim Barnett can start asking tough OSS questions in 
parliament. I feel we will have achieved something if the right 
questions start getting asked because the answers will make politicians 
squirm. MS has plenty of shills in our government, now it's time for us 
to do some "educating" of our own. It beats the brainwashing that most 
politicians have recieved at the hands of MS.

Anyway, I welcome any and all of your thoughts but either way I will be 
going ahead with the creation of this document ASAP.

Regards,

Jason Greenwood

PS, Tim is very keen to speak at a NZOSS meeting ASAP, to assist in 
getting the OSS word out. He is prepared to share his thoughts on how to 
bea heard at the government level more effectively. It will also be a 
chance for him to see the level of OSS support that is already out there.