Debian's General Resolutions

Debian developers have no less than four issues to vote on this week. The voting period for all of them closes at the end of the day, October 14, 2006. Hopefully these issues will soon be resolved, however we cannot be certain because "further discussion" is an option on all of the ballots.

The General Resolution to clarify the scope and applicability of item 2 of the Debian free software guidelines (DFSG) has gotten a second call for votes. The full text of this resolution contains all the nitty gritty details, but basically this one says that the DFSG applies to firmware as well as software.

The next GR (call for votes / full text) covers the handling of source-less firmware in the Linux kernel. While progress has been made since the Sarge release in terms of removing source-less/non-free firmware from the main archive, there is still enough that it comes down to a choice between removing all of it or releasing Etch on schedule. Since it will not be possible to do both, this GR provides for the release of Etch even with kernel firmware issues, or it could grant a special exception to DFSG2 for firmware as long as required.

Those two votes are intertwined. If it is determined that the DFSG2 has a narrow focus there will be fewer firmware issues to deal with. Even if the DFSG2 is given a broad interpretation, the second GR makes it possible to release Etch on schedule.

The next two GRs are also intertwined. In light of the Dunc-tank controversy the Debian developers may now vote to recall the project leader or reaffirm support for the project leader. Anthony Towns has released a caretaking memo, delegating his DPL duties to various people at least until a decision is reached. Presumably these people will continue on in case of a recall, until a new leader is elected.

Once these issues are resolved we can get back to the Bug Squashing Marathon, currently in progress.

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