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      AN INVESTIGATIVE NEWS SERIES
    ON THE STANDARDS AND PRACTICES   
    OF THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
       
         START WITH TRUTH


  V 1.4  Aug 2010
ANTI-BBB PROTEST HITS DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
AUGUST 24, 2010

With chants of "BBB, it's not for me" filling the air, some 100 protesters mounted the steps of City Hall to demonstrate their opinion of the Better Business Bureau.

Protest Against LA BBB

Earlier in the day, the same group passed out approximately 7500 flyers to concerned citizens, as well as city and state employees.  Here's the front of the flyer.  Here's the back of the flyer.

Flyers being handed out

Today's protest was sponsored by a group of anonymous Los Angeles businesses, who, fearful of reprisals from the BBB, sent proxies to march in their stead.

LA BBB PROTEST MARCH

Typical of the sentiment of those businesses that did show up today is this quote from one business who wishes to remain anonymous: "We are very much afraid of the BBB’s unfettered power to destroy our new business, just like they did the last one."

Sounds like the business model of an extortionist, except in this case instead of breaking legs, the BBB uses "F" grades to install fear in legitimate businesses.

LA BBB PROTESTERS ON THE MARCH

Organizers say another protest is scheduled in about a month.  If you are interested in participating send me an email at editor@bbbroundup.com and I'll hook you up.
Editor's note:  There is a need for a consumer advocacy group that the public can turn to, and it used to be that the Better Business Bureau fulfilled this role adequately.  No longer.  It is obvious the Better Business Bureau does not now, nor ever will have, the resources to fully investigate the four million businesses in their database, much less grade them with any sense of accuracy.  It's an impossible job, and to think otherwise is a mistake that the BBB should acknowledge so they can get back to their reason for existence--protecting the consumer.  There's an old saying, "who will watch the watchers" and it applies here as the BBB has set themselves up to be above the law.  We are simply here to help the Better Business Bureau do a better job so that they may properly serve the consumer, the business community and themselves.  If they refuse to reform, then they must bear the consequences.
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