Some of these arguments appear to resemble the cigarette smoke debate.  In
the face of all collected data and observations, still the cig. proponents
stood fast.  Even though there is a huge body of evidence and testimony from
the caretakers, all the data was correlational, or observational, not
causative.  Must we see a repeat of this absolute DENIAL amongst ourselves?
 
Let me share an observation of a rescue shelter:
OF THE APPROX.  150 FERRETS, 1/3 had adrenal disorders.  Of the 150 ferrets,
all with the adrenal disorders were identified as MF ferrets.  In fact, most
of the remaining were MF except for a few European, none of these had
adrenal disorders.  Now, ofcourse, we are assuming the blue dots are MF.
Can we EXAMINE this issue?
 
This is the ID MF chose, it is THEIR responsibility to insure consumers by
responsibly policing the market.  Have any such attempts been made by MF to
do so?  Further, it is most probable that these are infact MF ferrets,
because 1) 100,000/yr projected sales, 2) Very few local breeders and
retailers of non MF ferrets, and 3) Of these few other sources, how many
would actually attempt to sell bogus MF ferrets.  So quite logically, if it
looks like an MF(small, blue dots), acts like an MF(very domestic), and
smells like and MF(descented and "de" sexed), chances are its an MF!
 
If MF believes that unfair, let MF BEGIN to make an effort to correct it.
Until MF does its own policing, they will have to accept the possibly few
bogus MF's as the real thing when any discussion, observation, or study is
conducted.  Again, the logically SLIM chance of a highly unlikely bogus MF's
should not be of statistical significance.  This attempt to diffuse
responsibility or HIDE behind the apparently rare bogus MF leads to a
misdirection of focus and sends many off to various and time consuming
distractions.  The numbers aren't even close.  This argument is meant to be
viewed in its entirety, not misleading, out of context quotes.
 
For Kodo and all of those with no names,
best wishes,
until next time,
alphachi
[Posted in FML issue 1985]