Back in the late 80s (around 85 or 86) in Michigan, a young girl took her
ferret Shroeder to the steps of the Capital in Lansing Michigan.  At that
time of course ferrets were illegal here.  She had tried unsuccessfully to
get a sponsor for a bill to legalize them and this was her last ditch
effort.  She and Schroeder stood out there and anyone venturing into the
Capital building was approached, talked too and asked to please help her.
She took a great risk as the Dept.  of Natural Resources would confiscate
and kill any ferret they got ahold of.  Schroeder was not taken, she
received alot of publicity on the news and in the papers.  Gerry Geisler saw
the article and got ahold of her.  Together they began the effort that
eventually legalized ferrets in Michigan.  Sometimes, open defiance is the
only way to accomplish a goal.  I'm certain that taking Winston out in such
a public way was not a spur the moment decision.  I'm also sure that plans
were in place for whatever might happen.  BTW, during the legalization
effort one of Gerry Geisler's ferrets was taken onto the floor of the House
of Representatives by the Chairman of the Natural Resource Committee.  He
was such a hit that the reps voted that he (Raffles) could stay the day, but
the Chair (Tom Alley) had to leave.  Oh yes, they also voted to legalize
ferrets in Michigan.
 
[CP]
[Posted in FML issue 2124]