Date:    Sat, 17 Dec 1994 15:56:14 EST
From:    MR PAUL M RAHMAN <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: A rebuttal of the information quoted below and an URGENT request...
 
[ Moderator's note: I'm worried about this getting out of hand.  Paul
  makes some good points here, in my opinion, but let's be careful to
  keep it factual so we don't escalate to personal attacks.  Besides,
  the author of the anon post is no longer even subscribed.
  Thanks... BIG ]
 
Thanks for the input-I realize some of my wording was being a bit terse,
however, the GLFA heard from several people, as far away from CO, and then
the other reply was posted here. We have three mainland states that are not
yet legal, and dealing with the state legislator's is a VERY tactful job.
Even though they are representing 'us', we must be EVER diligent to keep a
cool head, and use logic to accomplish a bill passing. This particular
bill, HB#4495 has been in the works for just about 2 complete years. It has
been fully approved, and is the closest we (we-MI residents) have been in
over 8 years of attempting to get legislation. If anyone wants to help, do
so if you're compelled-but THINK FUZZY!! If you're a non-resident, keep in
mind that MI is a big tourist state (I travel with my ferrets in an RV, and
frequently like to visit back to my old home, or friends in MI), also an
industrial state where keeping major companies and the qualified people to
work at them (I have several job offers, and one is in MI, and I own
ferrets...). The point I'm trying to get across is to share the facts, and
get involved if you think you can help, but remember kindness and facts do
MUCH more than 'hot heads' and 'negative remarks'. ONE phrase in an
otherwise GREAT letter can get a poor response to a letter 'my ferrets have
only bit my kids...'.
Please keep in mind, I was acting as UNOFFICIAL 'electronic media liason'
with the knowledge of and the blessing of the GLFA in any 'offical request'
I post!! I am NOT speaking for them in any personal notes I post-Please
make note where the 'official request' of the GLFA ended in the previous
FML!! I reflected there, the fears of the GLFA, but added a LOT of my
personal opinions, not to 'start a fire', but to hopefully put one out. I
feel I should apologise for some terse wording there, but as has been
noted, the point is when it comes to legislation pending, factual
distribution is needed quickly, and widely!! When a 'call to arms' is
required, which these posts have been intended as-we are seeking QUICK,
factual, cool headed data to help us. I have access to the FML, Genie,
Prodigy, and Delphi. When I get data from the GLFA, I dissert it to ALL
four of these media in the ferret topics to 'get the word passed' to ALL
ferret lovers, ESPECIALLY those in MI that DO NOT have access to the data.
Passing it to friends, pet shops, vets, etc. is the intent!!
With my above apology, let's keep FACTS and helpful assistance going!
 
Sincerely,
Paul Rahman (NOT 'Mr.'-that's my dad) in MI and all the happy fuzzies with
their paws crossed!
[Posted in FML issue 1047]