I agree with Marc line of reasoning here.

I see Red Cross/Crescent as a merit institution, but otherwise see no
reason that is should be allowed to have special privileges. Its
budget surpasses the budget of many countries.

Unless of course that Red Cross states that to have this privileges is
important to pursue its action.

I have said this before on the list. Not-for-profit is not the same as
non-commercial. Red Cross and other NGOs are clearly not-for-profit.
(period).

Warm regards to all,

Nuno Garcia

On 5 October 2011 13:36, Marc Perkel <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I will agree with you that I also share the opinion that the Red Cross
> should be nominated for sainthood. The question is though - should that be a
> reason for special privileges?
>
> So - let's play a game here. What other organizations would qualify for
> special privileges, and what would be the rules for granting them? After
> all, if we start playing favorites don't we invite lawsuits or at least
> accusations of cronyism? It this going to be an arbitrary process based on
> feeling good? I'm a fan of the Electronic Frontier Foundation. I'm sure many
> of you are as well. Do we give them the .eff TLD? Based on how I feel - I
> would. But why does how we feel matter?
>
> Even calling it "special privileges" in itself bothers me. There has to be
> some sort of policy that makes sense so that the process is fair.
>
> On 10/5/2011 4:21 AM, warigia bowman wrote:
>>
>> I personally approve of giving special privileges to the Red Cross/Red
>> Crescent, but not to the IOO.
>>
>> The Red Cross is one of the only organizations I trust when I do
>> fundraising for famine in East Africa.
>>
>> Thanks, Rigia
>>
>