Let me begin by thanking the wonderful moderater of this list for the oppurtunity to clarify and responsed to the flames against my stance on Casper. Number one, I was not comparing animals to inanimate objects, I was simply illustrating the difference between ignorance and stupidity. Allow me to be more clear, ignorance is not knowing all the facts about something, stupidity is knowing the facts and not caring. Number two, I was talking about forgiveness, the very act heals the forgiver as much as the forgiven. Number three, I believe in freedom, and in this country you are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty and are allowed to face your accuser. Not one of you asked to hear from the other party. I am not trying to cast aspersions on the individual's integrity. I do not know either party, but I would like to hear the other side of the story. Number four, Let me clarify why number three is so important, we want the state of California and Massachusetts and even Maryland to listen to us on the subject of ferrets. The MD issue upset many, mainly because they would only listen to the "experts" and based on a one sided argument they killed a small animal. That is just what you have done in this issue with Casper. If the person who has Casper now loves ferrets so much why can't he get another one? The ferret they love is Casper, just as he says he does. If we do to others what we don't want done to us is it any wonder that the "experts" will not listen? I want to hear the whole story, both sides, because if it were me I would want the oppurtunity to be heard along side my accuser. If you have any further comments in regards to me please email me and keep this forum clear. To those who understood my stance and support it, thank you for your comments and sharing them with me in private. Susan Meyers, W.O.V.& P. [Posted in FML issue 1150]