[anti-abuse-wg] VERIFIED[.]IS

I have a lot of very visible character flaws, but I like to think
that at least I'm not reticent when it comes to admitting my own
abundant ignorance, or about asking for help to correct that, when
appropriate.

I've been asked if, rather than just howling at the moon (which I
admit is my usual modus operandi :-)  I might not, on this occasion,
also or instead like to draft some sort of concrete policy proposal.

That is an eminently reasonable suggestion/request under the circumstances.

I would like to try to do that, but obviously, I am wading into
deep waters here... deep in the sense of there being quite a lot of
personal feelings and personal principals... sometimes in agreement...
sometimes in conflict... that might relate rather directly to the
issues at hand.  Agreement on any proposal in this area would likely be
elusive, even if the drafter had a deep understanding of RIPE, as an
organization, which I admit that I don't.  Not yet anyway.

What's I'm trying to get at is just this:

I think that it would be a waste of everybody's time... not just mine
but everybody's... if I was to draft a policy suggestion that is
somehow at odds with one or more of the fundamental and/or long-held
principals of RIPE, the organization.  (As an illustration, here in
America it would be kind-of entirely silly for any legislator to
propose a bill to lock up anybody who says the word "Nee!" because
that would quite obviously be in direct conflict with our founding
document, The U.S. Constitution, and more specifically, in conflict
with the First Amendment thereto.)

So here is where I must publically admit my abundant ignorance.
Today I tried for awhile to seek out the overall "Charter of RIPE"...
its "constitution" if you will.  I felt that before I draft anything,
it would be wise of me to go back to first principals, basic common
beliefs, and already-agreed-to fundamentals.  I should read, study,
and think about these before I draft anything.  What are the high level
goals and highest aspirations of the organization?  I should familiarize
myself with these things -- *before* attempting to draft anything.

But for the life of me, google as I might, I was unable to find any
document online that purported to be the overall Charter of RIPE.
If someone could point me to that, I would much appreciate it.  (I have
found many documents that describe in great detail various individual
policies and procedures, but nothing that, at the highest level, enumerates
the intent and purpose of the organization.  I cannot bring myself to
believe that no such fundamental document exists, so I just have to hope
now that some kind soul will point me at it.  That would be most helpful.)


Regards,
rfg