[IMC-bristol] tony gs trial

[v g]

I am completely appalled that the trial and decisions of Tony G were carried out at a meeting where, in several previous group mails, we were told it would not be discussed.  I think its atrocious that this discussion went ahead without Tony G there to represent or defend himself.
 
I find it ridiculous that you 'try' him for broken rules that are non existent.  This is the way it works folks - you make a rule, you make sure everyone (or at least the majority) agrees with it, then and only then do you have the right to suggest that someone has broken that rule.  You can then proceed by calling a meeting specifically to deal with it, giving the accused the opportunity to defend or explain themselves.  If the group then agrees that it is a punishable offence, a punishment can be set that is proportionable to the crime and reasonable.
 
So, democracy at work at BIMC...  what actually has happened is:
A suggestion was made that Tony Gs should not be linking to specific sites
An accusation was made that Tony G had been speaking on behalf of BIMC without permission (from who isnt made clear)
 
To the first, BIMC and the people involved have absolutely no right to dictate what any of the people involved link to or are part of.  If there is a serious objection to be made, then that can be brought up, and discussed with the person involved.  However, a couple of links on a site full of hundreds of links, is hardly something to scream about.  
 
To the second, I have yet to hear details of exactly who Tony G was said to have spoken to 'on behalf of BIMC'.  Perhaps this was a mistake, or he was misquoted?  Perhaps it never happened, we'll never know because we were never offered any evidence that this had happened and neither was Tony allowed to defend himself.  Even if the proof was provided that he had indeed done so, although its definitely a rude offence, its not actually against any rules, so short of a reprimand theres little BIMC can do about it.  Best to make a new rule about it, but you cant just punish people willy nilly.  
 
Unfortunately, not all of us can make it to your meetings, so just a small clique of you get to decide everything.  I am thoroughly disgusted with the behaviour of BIMC, I will no longer recommend the site, I will no longer post news there, I will no longer bother to comment on any of the 'news' there already.  I will make an effort to discourage others from using the site, though to be honest most people I know dont bother anymore anyway.  I gather I am joining many others who have decided that BIMC is a nasty little clique, undemocratic, most definitely not open to everyone, and certainly not living up to its claims.
 
Its a shame that a project that could have been so useful and couldve been so great has turned out to be as corrupt as the Whitehouse.  
 
Remove me from the list please, there are many other ways to find out whats happening in Bristol and surrounding area.  I hope and expect that you are all treated with the same discourtesy, disrespect and plain nastiness that you would treat others with.
 
 
 
  

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