On 05/10/2011, at 8:36 PM, Marc Perkel 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?
> 
	The philanthropic activities of the Red Cross should not qualify it for special privileges. 

	The Geneva Convention, and various national laws that implement it nationally, do, however, specifically protect not just the Red Cross symbol, but the words 'Red Cross'. The vast majority of the states in the world are parties to the Conventions. The words Red Cross are granted unique special legal status in terms of their use in many, if not most, legal jurisdictions. 

	So, the philanthropic nature of the Red Cross should not qualify it for special privilege. The Geneva Conventions, however, make a pretty good case. 

> So - let's play a game here. What other organizations would qualify for special privileges, and what would be the rules for granting them?

	I think 'organisations granted those rights by near universally ratified international treaty' is a pretty good limiting case for which organisations deserve special privileges. I can't think of many such except the Red Cross (and perhaps the IOC - but the treaty of Nairobi does not grant the rights they are asking for). 

> 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?

	Nope. I think it is a bar set extremely high, requiring extraordinary levels of international support. 

	Cheers

		David