Gentle Readers I am amazed how a simple message can generate so many different agendas. First, let me say this. Because of the 'politics' that surrounded the Christmas ferrets rescue, I was left with a very bad taste in my mouth about SOS and some of the people involved. Being out West, isolates me from the realities of Eastern ferret politics so I may only be getting half or 1/4 of the real stories behind everything going on. That, coupled with the fact that I learned in doing business that eliminating the 'middle man' was always the most efficient way of doing that business. Fund raising organizations are 'middle man' organizations. They are usually costly to run and maintain and only a small portion of the monies received, earmarked for a given charity, etc. ever reach the earmarked party. Perhaps SOS does not have any overhead...probably not, but my business logic still throws up a cautionary flag...as it does for **any** fundraising organization. The simple purpose of my original post was to simply say, "Hey..TLE needs help...instead of sending donations to people not associated with TLE's rescue, why not send it directly to her". I did question SOS because of the 'distaste in my mind' for the above stated reason. From my short post on APF, it became an attack on Kouri, it became a 'rather rude' post, to various other affronts. Doesn't anyone ever read a post anymore? No attacks were made on any group, not even SOS, I only questioned them, and suggested any donations be sent to Troy Lynn directly. I am really sorry Kouri's name might have been sullied..I had nothing to do with that. If a group can't stand up to scrutiny, especially a fund raising group, then they have no business being in business. Sharon B. wrote me a very nice, well written private email, which I thought needed to be public. She said some very good things, so I reprinted it. I was even attacked for making the post public because, "I was trying to ridicule Sharon". Some people need to get a life. Sharon was only doing what I asked in my original post, which, BTW, no one else did until the message grist mill started to distort the original intent of the post! Gang, if I don't know, yet have suspicions, I would be remiss in NOT stating and asking for clarifications and corrections. What if I was right and said nothing and suddenly a whole bunch of good, honest, helping folk were out a bunch of money? Below is the message I originally posted to APF. Draw your own conclusions. I DID ask to be corrected...PUBLICLY. Sukie, Sharon, Lisa, Sandy and others have done just that, without the nasty comments. No distortions, just facts. My feelings have been put to rest. As I hope this whole SOS thing will be too. I can see that my 'feelings' about SOS were unfounded, and I am happy to say so. MC Original Post to APF on 12 July, 2001: Sandy Adams wrote: >... I was hoping that everyone could possibly work some magic and find a >way to help Troy Lynn and all of the little ones of Ferret Family Services >in this time of need. If you know of a good used vehicle at very little >expense.. or even have one to maybe donate?? or perhaps you could donate >to the SOS fund in TLE's name.. Correct me if I am wrong here...but if my geezer memory serves me, the SOS funds are controlled by a group that, well...has questionable solicitation practices??? If this is true, might I suggest that should you decide to help TLE, that you contribute directly to her..... And again, if I am wrong, please state so..IN BIG LETTERS SO ALL CAN SEE! Thanks... MC >or send a donation of supplies or funds to Ferret Family Services. > >She has helped so many over the years and never asks for any help for >herself that I'm praying that we can help her through this very trying >time. > > Her website that has her address is > > http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Haven/5481/ > > Sandy & The Adams Family Ferrets [Posted in FML issue 3482]