German Constitutional Court: Authorization to shoot down aircraft void

The German Constitutional Court decided on February 15th, 2006, that the authorization for armed forces to shoot down hijacked aircrafts is void. The law lacks a proper legislative competence and violates the fundamental rights of life and human dignity.

The law was made as a reaction to September 11th, 2001. It enabled the German air force to shoot down aircrafts which are supposedly used as weapons by terrorists.

Rocky Mountain high for open source

The small Colorado town Steamboat Springs moved some programs to open-source software. ZDNet covers an interview with Kent Morrison, the IT manager of the town:

ZDNet: Why do you think some local governments in the U.S. are reluctant to use open-source software?
Morrison: I think the main reason people don't use open source is due to lack of appropriate skills or familiarity--once the technicians or decision makers become aware of what's possible, they start to become really excited about open source. My boss was really skeptical five years ago when I told her about the direction we were going to take. But now, every month you can read in magazines about open source being used in the public sector.
ZDNet: Do you notice a change in attitude toward open source within the public sector?
Morrison: I believe the increased visibility and the ever-increasing environment of acceptance is helping quite a bit with open-source adoption in the commercial and government market. There is still some resistance--mainly from people who I believe are primarily motivated by fear.