[clug] IEEE-USA, IEEE and open source software

[Paul C. Leopardi]

Hi all,
Through reading Groklaw, it has recently come to my attention that IEEE-USA 
supports software patents to the extent of joining in an amicus brief 
relating to the Bilski case before the US Supreme Court. 
http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20090922030639824

While IEEE-USA supports software patents to the extent that they have joined 
in this amicus brief, I find that I can no longer remain a member of the IEEE 
and I will urge all other members who support the creation of new 
mathematical ideas and new open source software to also leave IEEE. 

Any opinions here? Is this discussion too off-topic for this mailing list?
Best, Paul