Well, folks;
 
     It seems I've stepped right smack dab in the middle of something I had
     never intended.  My mere mentioning of the AFA has created quite a
     response/reaction.  I care not to get into the nitty gritty details,
     but I am concerned about ferrets and their owners' (current &
     prospective) knowledge of caring for them.
 
     The bottom line is; there are a lot of different ferret organizations
     (STAR*, AFA, FURO, LIFE and others I apologize having failed to
     mention).  As with most organizations, there are differences of
     opinions; it's to be expected.  Take for example, teachers unions vs.
     school board(s), or the Maryland Trooper's Assoc. vs. the Fraternal
     Order of Police.  In both cases there are those trapped in the middle
     on which both groups at odds are supposed to focus; the students in
     the former and the state police officers in the latter.
 
     My point: How can information about ferrets and their enthusiasts
     benefit them if the groups that are supposed to be working in their
     best interests cannot work together for a common goal?
 
     I am offering my services, right now, to all parties involved to help
     bring these groups together for all of our benefit (ferrets
     inclusive)!  I do not know exactly what i can do, but I'd like some
     response regarding this issue.
 
     Note: Responses are not to be confused with flames.  I'm not being
     accusatory towards any group(s) in particular.  Your response would be
     greatly appreciated via the FML.  Flames and ignorant comments MAY be
     forwarded to the FML.  I didn't insult anyone (at least it was not my
     intention) so don't insult me!  This will probably be my first and
     last offer!!
 
[Moderator's note: In spite of Alan's invitations, flames WILL be deleted if
posted to the FML.  The AFA issue is *incredibly* political, and the FML is
not the forum to hash it out.  Not while I'm moderating it anyhow.  BIG]
 
                                        Regards,
                                        Alan Braunstein
                                        [log in to unmask]
 
     The above comments are mine and mine alone and may not necessarily
     (but probably do) represent the opinion(s) of any other group or
     individual.
[Posted in FML issue 1078]