In this article entitled The GNU GPL and the American Way, Richard M. Stallman, founder of the GNU project, responds to recent claims by a Microsoft executive that open source software is somehow “un-American”. Stallman draws a distinction between “open source software” and “free software” and clarifies the intention of the word “free” in that phrase. Stallman writes . . .

“Microsoft describes the GNU General Public License (GNU GPL) as an 'open source' license, and says it is against the American Way. To understand the GNU GPL, and recognize how it embodies the American Way, you must first be aware that the GPL was not designed for open source.”

“The Open Source Movement, which was launched in 1998, aims to develop powerful, reliable software and improved technology, by inviting the public to collaborate in software development. Many developers in that movement use the GNU GPL, and they are welcome to use it. But the ideas and logic of the GPL cannot be found in the Open Source Movement. They stem from the deeper goals and values of the Free Software Movement.”

“The Free Software Movement was founded in 1984, but its inspiration comes from the ideals of 1776: freedom, community, and voluntary cooperation. This is what leads to free enterprise, to free speech, and to free software.”

“As in 'free enterprise' and 'free speech', the 'free' in 'free software' refers to freedom, not price . . .”

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