langz@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Lang Zerner) (10/24/87)
The following is copied with permission from Computer Update Magazine, a
monthly publication of the Boston Computer Society, issue of November/December
1987. It is extracted from the "Off the Grapevine" column of rumors,
editorials, and "true facts".
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"A New Twist"
During the past few months, the BCS's Telecommunications Group has been
trying to develop a viable alternative to the FCC's proposal to impose a tariff
on computer data networks. The group's work has received so much national
attention that the congressional committee that oversees the FCC has asked the
BCS to testify before Congress.
The BCS is concerned, however, because our nonprofit, tax-exempt status
limits our ability to engage in activities that might be considered political
lobbying. If the IRS feels that we have stepped outside our educational
mission, it could threaten to revoke the Society's charitable status.
Thus, when the director of the BCS's Telecommunications Group was told
a few days ago that an agent from the IRS had phoned and was waiting on hold to
speak with him, he felt a sinking feeling in his stomach.
"I'd like to speak with you about your work on the FCC proposal," the
agent told our director.
An ominous silence followed.
"Yes," our director replied.
"The IRS is the largest user of one of the leading data networks. If
this proposal goes through, we're going to get hurt badly. We could really use
the BCS's help."
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Just thought you all might get a kick out of this.
--Lang
Lang Zerner langz@athena.mit.edu ...ihnp4!mit-eddie!mit-athena!langz
"No one is exempt from talking nonsense; the only misfortune is to do it
solemnly" --Michel de Montaigne