Re: SPI-debian relationship

For some reason, my previous email is yet to appear. So, another:

Given that SPI has a policy of non-interference in project internal
decision-making processes, and that SPI resolved to follow decisions
made according to OFTC's consultation, please would the board confirm
that SPI will recognise decisions taken according to the Debian
Constitution as well as those made by the DPL?

Motive: http://lists.debian.org/debian-vote/2007/02/msg00083.html

Regards,
--
MJ Ray - see/vidu http://mjr.towers.org.uk/email.html
Somerset, England. Work/Laborejo: http://www.ttllp.co.uk/
IRC/Jabber/SIP: on request/peteble.

On Wed, Feb 14, 2007 at 07:00:52PM +0000, MJ Ray wrote:
> Given that SPI has a policy of non-interference in project internal
> decision-making processes, and that SPI resolved to follow decisions
> made according to OFTC's consultation, please would the board confirm
> that SPI will recognise decisions taken according to the Debian
> Constitution as well as those made by the DPL?
>
> Motive: http://lists.debian.org/debian-vote/2007/02/msg00083.html

I already gave my answer to this question in a comment on MJ's blog, but
I'll repeat the substance of it here for the record. I don't believe the
board has given any official statement as a board about this, and I
further believe that the only thing that can provide an answer on behalf
of SPI board is a board resolution. Any statements from board members
that are not simply informing people of the result of a resolution are
just speaking in their individual capacities.

However, in my individual capacity as a director, it is certainly my
intention to vote for SPI to respect decisions of Debian taken according
to the Debian Constitution (e.g. via GR) where those decisions override
DPL decisions in keeping with the rules of the Debian Constitution, as
well as non-overridden decisions made by the DPL. My understanding is
that most other board members feel the same way, but I'll let them speak
for themselves. If it turns out that a significant number of board
members do not feel this way, I'm happy to state it in a resolution for
the board to vote on, but I'll wait until the other board members speak
up first.

- Jimmy Kaplowitz
jimmy(at)spi-inc(dot)org

On Wed, Feb 14, 2007 at 07:00:52PM +0000, MJ Ray wrote:
> [...] please would the board confirm
> that SPI will recognise decisions taken according to the Debian
> Constitution as well as those made by the DPL?

As far as I'm concerned, there's no difference. In accepting the role
of project representative to SPI, I consider that to mean accurately
representing all decisions made in accordance with the constitution to
the SPI board, including those I might disagree with or not care about
personally.

I think the only case where it's come up is the legal opinion on including
Java in non-free, which eventually happened during linux.conf.au so
I completely forgot to do anything about it. Tsk. I'm not sure how to
summarise or followup on it while respecting/preserving attorney/client
privelege, but I've forwarded it on to John now anyway.

In any event, there are a number of other DDs on the SPI board whom I
have every reason to expect will ensure that Debian's resources are used
in accordance with Debian's constitution. Heck, the original drafter is
one of the board members at the moment...

Cheers,
aj

Anthony Towns <aj(at)azure(dot)humbug(dot)org(dot)au> wrote:
> On Wed, Feb 14, 2007 at 07:00:52PM +0000, MJ Ray wrote:
> > [...] please would the board confirm
> > that SPI will recognise decisions taken according to the Debian
> > Constitution as well as those made by the DPL?
>
> As far as I'm concerned, there's no difference. [...]

I hope that debian is always fortunate in that way.

> I think the only case where it's come up is the legal opinion on including
> Java in non-free, which eventually happened during linux.conf.au so
> I completely forgot to do anything about it. Tsk. I'm not sure how to
> summarise or followup on it while respecting/preserving attorney/client
> privelege, but I've forwarded it on to John now anyway.

Is John satisfied and please will someone let debian-legal know the
outcome?

Thanks,
--
MJ Ray - see/vidu http://mjr.towers.org.uk/email.html
Somerset, England. Work/Laborejo: http://www.ttllp.co.uk/
IRC/Jabber/SIP: on request/peteble.