As always I'm about six years behind on the FML so I don't know if this is
already being discussed here or not, but I wanted to voice my opinion on
something without contributing to the problem.  I have been on the mailing
list from FerretNews (California issues) for a long time now.  There's not
a whole lot I can do from here in Pennsylvania, but I like to keep up on
how the fight is going out there.  I am a strong supporter of legalization
and am so amazed at the dedication of Jeanne and Floyd Carley and the
rest of their "team." Imagine how difficult it must be for them to almost
literally, year after year, keep beating their heads against stone walls
and still picking themselves up again and again after so many heartbreaking
defeats.  Their dedication is tireless and I don't think they can be
subject to anything at all but commendation for their cause.
 
Yet, I'm seeing all of these emails come through from people who are
angered because Jeanne made an honest mistake in sending out an email that
released the email addresses of the list members.  YES, I understand that
people are scared that their ferrets are in jeopardy living in California
and they trusted the list to be safe.  Jeanne didn't intentionally make
this mistake.  I can understand that some people are scared but why attack
Jeanne for it?  She is fighting FOR YOUR FERRETS.  Those of you who are
angrily removing yourselves from her list and basically making Jeanne feel
like crap for an accident - what are you doing?  I'd bet that you're doing
little more than just receiving emails about the situation, not lobbying
or getting out there fighting.  And you attack someone who IS fighting for
your furry babies.  It just doesn't make sense.  A mistake was made, deal
with that and keep the fight for ferret freedom going.  And keep in mind
that should you EVER, as a result of this email problem or otherwise, find
yourself in a legal position with your ferrets involved, Jeanne would be
the person to turn to for help, and she would be there for you.  I can't
believe that some of you can be so harsh on her for a mistake that she
feels very badly about.
 
I don't know Jeanne.  I met her briefly once though she certainly would
not remember me, so I'm not writing this out of any loyalty to a friend
or anything.  I just have always been an admirer of her and her father's
cause, and felt that I needed to say something.
 
I won't send this out to the list of people that is complaining about
being removed from future mailings, but I also certainly won't complain
if someone else forwards this to anyone on that list.  I can handle the
flames.  Send them to me, but leave Jeanne alone.  She's doing a hell of
a job and deserves credit, not criticism.
 
just my two cents.
 
Kymberlie Barone
Director, Pennsylvania Ferret Rescue Association of Montgomery and Chester
Counties
http://www.ferretrescue.com
[Posted in FML issue 3352]