The Red Crock

Well it looks like I might be asked to change the scarlet crucifix in my sidebar. Another blogger, Grunt Doc has already been notified thusly:

April 3, 2006

Attn: Allen (aka Grunt Doc)

Re: Unauthorized Use of Red Cross Emblem

Dear Sir:

It has come to the attention of the American Red Cross that you are using the emblem of the American Red Cross in connection with your Grunt Doc website. The red cross symbol is a protected trademark of the American Red Cross. Your use of the emblem of the American Red Cross is considered unauthorized.

The red cross symbol is not a generic symbol for emergency or medical services. Federal statute prohibits use of the name and emblem of the Red Cross by third parties except those which had used the name or emblem prior to 1905. I call to your attention Title 18, Section 706 of the U.S. Code:


Whoever wears or displays the sign of the Red Cross or any insignia colored in imitation thereof for the fraudulent purpose of inducing the belief that he is a member of or an agent for the American National Red Cross; or Whoever, whether a corporation, association or person, other than the American National Red Cross and its duly authorized employees and agents and the sanitary and hospital authorities of the armed forces of the United States, uses the emblem of the Greek red cross on a white ground, or any sign or insignia made or colored in imitation thereof or the words Red Cross or Geneva Cross or any combination of these words Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both. 18 U.S.C. 706.

This statute is brought to your attention in the belief that you may not have been aware of the above prohibitions. As you can see, federal law expressly prohibits unauthorized parties from using the Red Cross name and emblem and imposes criminal penalties for violations. Furthermore, the emblem is also a federally registered trademark. Therefore, your misappropriation of the emblem also violates federal and state trademark law, unfair competition law and anti-dilution law. Attached is a brochure that explains the unique status of the Red Cross emblem and why protection of it is so important.

The American Red Cross insists that you immediately refrain from all current and future uses of the American Red Cross emblem in connection with your Grunt Doc website and in all other aspects as well. You must either (i) change the color of your cross to a color other than red or a shade of red or (ii) stop using the cross symbol altogether.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please contact me to advise me of the corrective action taken.

Sincerely,

[redacted by me]

Senior Paralegal

Office of the General Counsel

American Red Cross

2025 E Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20006

Ah well, it always bothered me that some readers might mistakenly think I was affiliated with an organization that is full to the gills with corrupt beauracrats and graft anyway. Clara Barton would be ashamed of them today. I remember when I needed to take emergency leave from Japan when I was in the Navy. The American Red Cross offered to give me a loan of $70 for the emergency trip home. Seventy dollars at 17% interest to travel from Japan to the United States. I have never forgotten that.

With their institutionalized ignorance, arrogance, and corruption clearly showing after hurricane Katrina I'll never donate to them or volunteer for them again. I do not wish to be associated with them in any manner. Therefore, my sidebar icon is changed.