Well, I previously wrote to you all, through the FML, in an attempt
     to try and get all of the ferret organizations out there to work
     together.  I have received much mail regarding this issue and I have
     come to a conclusion I would like to share with you all.
 
        Basically, I have found that some of the things I have stated in
     previous mailings have upset people.  In fact, from the words used to
     describe my writings, I have infuriated some folks.  Well, as I said
     earlier, I'm not sorry; for I was not intending to offend anyone and
     my words were plain and clear.  Had I meant to be insulting I would do
     it privately, not through the FML.
 
        Meanwhile, this experience has led me to better understand that we,
     as humans (I hope), are so very different and sometimes just too damn
     much alike that we all cannot [for whatever reasons] play nicely
     together.  I am not criticizing, I'm just a little upset but not
     surprised.
 
        I would like to think something positive came out of my original
     offer, though.  I have heard from numerous folks on many sides of this
     [political] issue and have broadened my contacts.  I have a very nice
     collection of folks I [hope] I can turn to if I have questions or
     concerns regarding my ferrets.  I have decided to abandon the attempt
     to create an "official" togetherness of all of the individual groups.
     However, because I plan on joining as many of these groups that I can
     afford, they will be unofficially together through my memberships.
 
        As for all of the things I have heard and read about this group and
     that group, and this person and that person, and who shot John;  I am
     going to handle it much like a trial (although I am not a judge and
     wouldn't want to be) and declare it all as hearsay.  In other words, I
     hold no one person's statements to be more true than any other's and I
     must just remove myself from getting in the middle of these issues.
 
        Finally, I will continue to request permission to publish articles
     in the AFA newsletter until I am told [by Bill] that I can no longer.
     Had I been more aware of the other groups out there, I'd have joined
     long ago.  But, I didn't, and the AFA could use someone to locate
     stories and tips of interest to ferret owners that are members of the
     AFA.  Remember, you have the right to tell me "No" if/when I ask your
     permission.
 
        Please keep in mind that I am a very open-minded individual.
     Should you find me guilty by association to a group or groups of
     people you do not like or share similar thoughts, then you become the
     narrow-minded.  We all have opinions and I welcome them at any time.
     Mind your manners, though.  Try to educate others without making up
     their minds for them.
 
        In closing, I must say that I am canceling my offer to try and
     officially bring all of the ferret organizations together.  I tried
     and therefore did not fail since "you only fail when you have failed
     to try" (I don't know if anyone has ever said that, but if they didn't
     then it's my quote).  Anyway, Bill Gruber has done a wonderful job of
     unofficially merging the organizations by bringing so many different
     folks together through the FML.  My hat's off to you, Bill, as you are
     most incredible in the amount of information you filter and the
     dedication you put into this mailer.  It shows!!
 
 
                                Sincerely,
                             Alan Braunstein
                        [log in to unmask]
 
     "Remember, the opinion expressed above is mine and mine alone
      and may not (but probably does) reflect the opinion of other
      groups or individuals."
[Posted in FML issue 1081]