Conceptually, open source is important because it means sharing knowledge. Since we are all supposed to be developing technology because it makes the world a better place, then we should be open in sharing how we are coming up with these improvements. Pragmatically, it's important because the world is adopting technology, and without this tech being open, we would live in a world ruled by technology that we can never hope to understand.

I consider myself an open source enthusiast, but that's probably understating the impact that open source has had on my life. I learnt very little from closed source applications and systems, and profit-driven schools and courses. By contrast, I learned most of what I now know because of open source, the hacker culture, open ideas, creative commons, and friends who openly share their knowledge.

I want to help promote that, and protect it.

Also, if you vote for me, I will pass laws to clean up the Earth of all litter, outlaw traffic accidents, and get the latest pop star [pending research to find out what pop stars are around these days] to show up at our school dance.

Relevant links:

http://straightedgelinux.com

http://slackermedia.info