President Lula da Silva continues his insightful support for free software. Translation by NXS: “In the middle of a world dominated by competitiveness […] the free software community demonstrates that there is still space for the democratization of knowledge.” Lula made the remarks at CONSEGI 2009.

Lula spoke about the broader goals of free software to break down barriers in an increasingly information-based society. These goals are being pursued by using both the programs and values of free software. He continued: “We are discussing access to development. Our meeting is important for us to strengthen the necessary collaboration to become a factor in social inclusion. I feared that the social relationship would remain prejudiced but what I saw was children sitting around, talking amongst themselves, working on the computer, researching and teaching each other. A total interaction.”

How can these values be imported into the United States?