[oclug] Legal Precedents (was; Computer programmers...)

[Chris Herrnberger]

On August 17, 2002 12:57 pm, rmacinty at sfu.ca wrote:
> > > It seems Computer Programmers in California are rallying to
> > > get the State Government to support Open Source and I guess
> > > they're invoking the "it's American" mantra (as opposed
> > > to the "it's un-American" one).
>
> In my opinion, it seems to me that "all it would take" is some upstart(s)
> to sue the government for using closed-source proprietary software (CSPS)
> as perhaps being contrary to their rights & freedoms (as taxpayers,
> citizens, etc.)- that using CSPS, because of its nature in relation to the
> nature of our government, is unconstitutional.
>
> ...Any Linux lawyers in da house?

IANAL but there seems to be a certain level of backlash that can be 
anticipated with such an action if they are not carefull, particularily in 
the American context and particularily since this is in part a vendor driven 
proposal. I am very concerned about the consequences of such actions despite 
their well intentions on the surface. 

/ch