Just my 2 cents (actually about 1 cent) regarding a national organization...
 
Since I live in CA, I'm leery of getting "involved" in anything that will
attract attention from the CDF&G.  I wrote letters, faxes, etc.  for Kodo,
and in support of AB363.  The tendency is to "think" there is no real
danger, and they won't just show up on your doorstep and rip your pets out
of your arms.  I called the local warden and was told they responded to
"complaints" only.  But Ilona only lives 60 odd miles away, and they were
right there at the airport the other day, so perhaps one can't be too
careful.
 
I'm not a "joiner", either.  And Rachel's post was appropos of myself.  I
would gladly donate money and/or time for legislative efforts, but would
actually prefer to remain anonymous.
 
I couldn't care less about show standards, etc.  All I'm really interested
in is getting ferrets recognized as the wonderful pets they are, legalizing
them in this state and other FFZ, and changing the kill and test policies.
Bill Killian makes a lot of sense when he talks about the time and effort
required to set up the "infrastructure" of a large organization.  If there's
already a viable one out there that has the contacts and expertise to move
forward on these issues, it would be foolish and counterproductive to start
all over again from scratch, wouldn't it?
 
I admit to being more than a little naive (ignorant) about the "power
struggles" and "turf wars" that people are alluding to as major stumbling
blocks in uniting the current clubs and organizations.  I find it hard to
believe that grown people can get their skivvies twisted over who gets the
credit for this or that.  Surely there's enough glory to go around?
 
I will probably go along with whatever comes out at the end.  A new
organization?  Fine!  Here's my money.  The AFA?  Fine!  Here you go.  But
if time is of the essence (and it is!) then we need to start doing something
NOW, while everyone is still angry and motivated.  Time has a way of
removing the urgency to right an injustice.
 
JMHO
Linda
Phoebe.."Look, Mom! I can fly!".....splat
Charlie..."ONE raisin? Is this a famine or something?"
[Posted in FML issue 1976]