I'm deeply disturbed and disappointed by the hatred, bigotry, and tribalism I've observed from certain groups over the past number of weeks.

The free software community should know better than most that people have differences in opinion---we fight for freedoms many people don't even see as something worth fighting for. Every day is a brutal, uphill struggle against forces many times more powerful than we are. But we persist, undeterred.

Yet many can't handle differences of opinion within our own community?

People are upset. But if your posts feel like you're waging war, please take a step back and consider what you're doing. I don't care what side you are on, or what position you hold---if you spew intolerance, then I condemn your words even if I'd otherwise support your cause. Think of what example you're setting for future advocates and activists looking to join us in our cause.

And, since this statement could be easily misinterpreted as supporting those I'm speaking out against: the FSF is not the enemy. A collective of GNU maintainers are not the enemy. In fact, if you see any "enemy" in any of this, I urge you to take a deep breath and step away for a bit.

One useful strategy is to write what upsets you, but don't send it. Sit on it for hours, maybe even a day. Return to it when you're calm. I've deleted or re-written countless messages doing this.