I've decided that Edward Lipinski will not be allowed to post on the FML,
at least for the next several months.  This is exceedingly rare in FML
history, but I feel the "line has been crossed" and it would be in my
best interest legally as well as in the best interests of the FML
subscribers if this action was taken.
 
The decision stems from his recent mentions of his 501(c)(3) non-profit
status:
 
   "Ferret Endowment for Research, Rehabilitation, Education & Training
    Society, North West is a 501 (C) (3) org charitable foundation and
    all donations are therefore fully deductable in accordance with
    applicalble law."
 
What Mr. Lipinski fails to mention is that the holder of the non-profit
status is neither himself nor F.E.R.R.E.T.S. NW, but the National Heritage
Foundation.  In order for any donations to be deductable they would have
to be payable to the National Heritage Foundation (NHF) and sent directly
to the NHF, making note the funds should be earmarked for his particular
organization.
 
According to the NHF, their member organizations (and F.E.R.R.E.T.S. NW
*is* indeed a member organization) must identify their affiliation with the
NHF in all printed materials and if asked for a taxpayer ID number to prove
tax-exempt status, they must supply the id number of NHF.  Mr. Lipinski
has not mentioned the NHF in his submissions to the FML and he refused to
supply me with the taxpayer id number when I requested it.
 
In short, I feel Mr. Lipinski was leading us to believe that donations
sent to him would be tax deductable.  Dishonesty will not be tolerated.
Sorry, Ed.
 
Bill
 
P.S. Shelters wishing to play by the rules might look into the NHF.
Their web site is http://www.nhf.org
[Posted in FML issue 3342]