A few days ago someone posted to the list asking why we are not more
outraged regarding the heinous crime committed in MA this past week.  I
definitely do not have any good answers, but the question did strike a
cord within me.
 
When I read the initial post in the FML I (like I am sure many of you)
ended up in tears.  I do not believe that silence on the FML because we
are being callous or uncaring on this issue.  On the contrary, I am sure
that 90% of us would wish a lobotomy on the murder.  I think that we are
all numbed by this story and I for one feel overwhelmed with all of the
senseless violence perpetrated against ferrets recently.  However, I think
that we as a list have also learned how to deal with a crisis like this,
and that is not to run around yelling "The sky is falling The sky is
falling and to recap all of the gory details.  I knew that within a few
days the local ferret shelter would post the facts to the list and also
give us any information on where we should send our condolence letters
(this did happen).  I am also sure that someone will post where to send the
letters to the mayor and other city/state officials to insure that this
murder stays behind bars and gets counseling that he obviously need.  We
are all heart broken and outraged.  However I do not believe that replaying
the incident over and over with each list member pointing out why we are
outraged is going to help the situation any.  I personally can not read a
barrage of posts talking about the horrors that were committed on these
ferrets, and I do not know many loving ferret people who can.  I am NOT
SAYING that we should ignore this issue AT ALL.  I am saying that to dwell
on this horrific crime will not bring back 2 helpless ferrets, but it will
succeed in depressing all of the loving ferret people on the list.  I am
sure that many of you may disagree with me on this issue.  Please do not
think that I want to sweep this under the rug, I will not let this crime go
unpunished, and I will act when we know where to write our letters.
 
Kirstin in Phoenix
[Posted in FML issue 2459]