Being the kind of person who would do what he did, having a history of being That Guy in shitty and gross ways ("tender embraces" cards, opining about "natalism" on emacs-devel, pedophile apologia over a couple decades) is why this became the straw that broke the camel's back. Saying is a reflection of being, and that is what is so often elided by a certain crowd getting all hot under the T-shirt right now.
Particularly for figures with significant platforms, the way to redemption is through demonstrating that one has learned and improved, not merely quickly saying "I'm sorry!" and moving on. Perhaps a good way to start would be for RMS to spend time working with an organization dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault, learning from that experience, and using his broad platform to discuss what he learns with people who, as this thread amply demonstrates, could sorely use the perspective.
My shit does stink, yes. Never felt a need to cape up for pedophiles, but I've certainly said and believed some real unfortunate shit. I used to be a shitty little "libertarian" when I was younger who, through saying things, did hurt people. Had the modern MRA/GamerGate funnel existed when I was young I'd probably have fallen into it. As it is, I've spent most of my adult life being coached out of and in many ways deprogramming myself out of being a selfish reactionary, and working (deeds, not words) to make up for being shitty.
I'm not a particularly good person--but I'm working on it in a conscious way. He can, too.
I will admit I am not involved in FSF and am realizing I am missing a lot of context here regarding Stallmans apparent history of these types of comments.
Particularly for figures with significant platforms, the way to redemption is through demonstrating that one has learned and improved, not merely quickly saying "I'm sorry!" and moving on. Perhaps a good way to start would be for RMS to spend time working with an organization dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault, learning from that experience, and using his broad platform to discuss what he learns with people who, as this thread amply demonstrates, could sorely use the perspective.