I was surprised to read (on the BC's public mailing list) that in the  
draft charter for the Commercial and Business Users Constituency that  
members can be kicked out of the constituency simply for taking an  
action contrary to the official constituency position.

How is that going to spark debate and new ideas - especially from new  
comers, businesses in developing countries or small business - those  
who do not share the "big business" perspective of the BC?

3.4.2. Review and Discipline: "a member takes action, beyond mere  
internal communication, that contravenes an adopted position of the  
Constituency and thus would seem to be pursuing interests that may be  
aligned with the constituency..."

7.5. Solidarity: "When a member declares themselves as a Constituency  
member, they shall remain faithful to approved positions..."

There's more.  You also aren't allowed to sue the constituency or  
threaten to sue any member of it for any reason.   The charter seems  
to indicate that the BC is becoming a dictatorship of single party rule.

It certainly is "pay to play" according to these public documents.   
The BC's 2008-2009 budget shows it spends Euro 24,000 annually on a  
professional secretariat and the BC takes in about Euro 40,000  
annually in membership fees.  It is amazing what a little cash can do.

Robin
 

IP JUSTICE
Robin Gross, Executive Director
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