STAR* was not set up to fight legalization battles or rabies issues, except from the assistance side where facts and figures collected via the shelter and rescue part of the "house" could support claims and statements of those trying to change laws and restrictions. Yet STAR* IS a national/international organization, because without it's subscribers it could not learn, educate others, grow and support, not to mention assist the ferrets that find themselves homeless or abandoned. STAR* also made a committment in 1991 when it was formed not to align with any other ferret organization, just for the reasons mentioned for starting a new group. STAR* will never come under the direction of another group, but will support all that ask for its assistance. STAR* is too important to me, and the ferrets that fall under its care. I have always held that each ferret organization should take on a specialty - one for legalization battles, one for shelter purposes (STAR*), one for show purposes, another for education and club activities.... by concentrating on one thing well, but by having groups covering all aspects, ferrets could be better off. But no, many groups need to do it all and have set themselves up with monarchy to control the proceedings. Yes, I run STAR*, am treasurer and editor, but I'm not a power freak - STAR* is a newsletter, shelter assistance, and information service, not a club. Wait until everyone sees what I'm doing about the Kodo incident - with my connection in the pet industry, more people who know nothing will become alarmed and hopefully move to change things when I get done saying my piece. But I do this under my own name, not the organization's. I do have affiliations with other ferret groups (AFA, LIFE, WFU, UFO, etc.), and they know Pam will participate as she can, but I refuse to hold office or make commitments that take me from the ferrets and STAR*. Anyway, what all this is leading to is the idea of an all encompassing ferret group is a grand pipe dream because that is the premise that EVERY OTHER ferret group started out under, and see where they are now. I give Jeanne Carley's Ferret Legalization group the best chance of succeeding, but they will not go national until CA is legal. Like me, she has a very focused agenda. Good luck. Pam [Posted in FML issue 1978]