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]