Good morning, fellow Fans!

I just came from reading Martita's posting late last night and I never thought one of her posts would leave me so shaken. I was not at the Celebration but if I had been, I, too, would have left with my head hanging in embarrassment.

This is not the way I wanted to start my Thursday. Sigh.

Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever

HAPPY THURSDAY EVERYONE!! GOOD MORNING ALEX AND FOB'S!

GO BO -- SHE DEFINITELY KNOWS HORSES!! SHE'S BEEN VERY LOYAL WITH THE ANTI-HORSE SLAUGHTER BILL!

I'VE BEEN SO BUSY WITH MY DOG AND MY SISTER IS IN TOWN FROM SAN DIEGO, SO I HAVEN'T BEEN KEEPING UP. HOPE ALL IS GOING WELL IN THE HORSY WORLD!! :>)

LOVE,
CHERYL G
:>)

Hay, FOB's!

###
Martita, thank you for posting. You know my issues with the celebration (could not launch "Cassidy's Rescue")..but I'm determined to make lemonade from this lemon...still trying to figure it out...I still want to travel to other FOB celebrations to market "Cassidy" or fundraise around the country.

but I have a reputation for being able to track finances...and am offering my services for next year's fundraiser to ensure that all pledges are paid for and accounted for. If I can keep an IT department reconciled for multi-million dollar capital projects, FOB's would be easy to keep reconciled. The fact that it would be for the horses makes it fun and worthwhile.

We're resourceful...we'll work this out.

Healing, Love, Peace
ONS
Padme

Come on in and visit the Forum (Discuss and Chat).

Don't be shy.

Rob

Good Morning Barbaro

Saw your shiny star in the heavens....and I know you are with God and all of your heavenly friends. We know you are safe, loved, and happy..but we miss you...and we need your sweet spirit. We love you!!!

Good Morning Family/Fans of Barbaro

PLEASE CALL, FAX, EMAIL...the only voices that are speaking for us...theones who are truly horse/animal lovers...the ones who are truly love, compassion and care.

Please help and remember the rescues...
I think I read Chester was safe...we have Carrier and others...

And Jonna, Cathy, and others...have reminded us...these rescues, MHR, SOS, Horsefeathers,and so many more...they need us more than ever...they are facing high gas prices, high grain bills, vets, meds, and hay...PLEASE BE THERE FOR THEM..

FOBS...thank heaven we are not like Congress...some of them deadbeats, some of them...all they care is the status.....WE CAN CHANGE THIS....VOTE...VOTE...MAKE CHANGES...the ones who have not carried the will or listen to the people...we get them out...bottom line.

Most of Congress is interested only on money, status, and re-election....

Also our Fallen Angels...the ones suffering human and animal, prayers to all the FOBs...and their furbabies and horses...our wildlife (I think of the wildfires and floods)...God be with them...and always our loving family.

Have a nice day..

####
Good Morning Alex...thank you...thank you.
Tim and Fair Hill....thank you,too.
Our precious Fallen Angels...we are here.

#####
Amen Harriette...the quote from Abraham Lincoln...yesterday...all my life I heard the downfall of America will happen without firing a shot...it will be within...

We know this...and we with the will of God can stop this...we are a powerful nation...but if we do not change things around in this nation...
God will turn his head...

I know it is so heartbreaking...it is a hard road...trying to get Congress and Nancy Peloski to bring the Barbaro Bill to the floor...but we have a task to do...and we made a promise.

We are family...but we are individuals...and we think and we act differently...this is good...and if we disagree, if we need to vent...we need to realize...this is good...because we have a place to come to...that no one will put us down...because of how we feel, and how we act and speak...

I am made fun of enough...for my love and animals and horses...and the money I spend...and what I do....but...that is my love....God's precious animals...His creations...and those beautiful horses who face the most....horse slaughter..

SAVE THE HORSES, SAVE THE WILD MUSTANGS, SAVE THE ANIMALS....AND LOVE OUR FAMILY....WE ARE UNITED, WE ARE ONE...AND WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES.

Hiya, FsOB, and I encourage everyone to read Martita's thought-provoking post from yesterday evening. Perhaps someone skilled in the copying/reporting process can reenter that entry to today's page. Martita gives praise to the work that Sharon, Shelley, & Gloria did. And, very subtly, Martita gives thanks to an act of generousity which Alex performed unheralded last year.

May we all keep our "eyes on the prize" and find ways to promote the end of horse slaughter in North America, safer TB racing, research into the causes and treatment of laminitis, and an end to the abuse of wild and domesticated horses.

Wishing each of you a productive day. Alex, my thanks to you once more for all that you do! Peace, RMH

#### To Laurie: Glad to hear that you & Bart are enjoying these times.
To Susan E.: Thanks for your gracious words late last night.
Healing thoughts to Nala, Over Enough, Kaiser, & Beau.
Welcome to all newcomers! #####

####
PLEASE LIGHT CANDLES FOR BARBARO AND HIS FRENS...KEEP HIS FLAME GLOWING.

What on earth happened last weekend? I am in shock over what I read in Marita's post. For those who were there, can someone explain?

To Deirdre in Central California:

You missunderstood the Curlin' thread...we (MargieinNM, Harriette, et al) want him to keep running too. We were going to carrot soup wrestle to bring him to our places for grass, distance and hill training. We thought he'd train for the Arc better with one of us than at Aqueduct, now Saratoga. Plus, I think one of his connections said they weren't sure where he should go next (of course, in reference to a specific race)...I think MinNM volunteered to take him as she had a spare bedroom with private bath. It got sillier from there.

Denise

Martita's post from late last night:

july 16th,2008

to mary in maryland
to many who work tirelessly
for the voice of the voice- less horse

here are some of my feelings about this last week end

BARBARO --a song for the horse nation....

a dark cloud came over delaware..for me

every time i put on a pin with his name on it
i walk about representing that ..image of spectacular talent
that
LIGHT AND WONDER

and by association
take his owners name and the jockey;s name
and the trainers name and the groom's; name
with me
even if they never chose to be taken in the first place

and my behavior
my outward appearance
my words and most of all my actions..
reflect back on them all

i was taught and may not always succeed

to be impeccable with my word
dont take anything personally
dont make assumptions
always do your best

watching Barbaro run with a jockey divinely inspired and learned
no ego
just devotion-
has been a lesson in living the high road

on sunday over many hours
i watched edgar ride ten times
and he was all of the above ten times over
.he never got into his ego
he did his job
he endured countless offers to sign books and things
some fans grabbed him without asking him if they could.
.he never said peep
but his eyes told the whole story

each time he passed the gates on a new,horse
each ride grew more articulate
till race ten and you could see
he was a fluid machine like his horse
and in a groove
..
how he wove that horse ready set ..from the back to third place
was superb ..
was twenty years simple
from my perch at the fence
it was thrilling .

it was four fans on sat eve
who saved the night
starting with gloria
who is so much in the vein of grandma bea
meticulous ethical to the penny
and caring beyond
these events have to be planned
-this is not high school
you cant ask someone to drive three hundred miles
two days before
to do an errand
it has to be planned out of kindness and for thought

four fans worked till two in the morning
sorting out the auction
run by shelley who did a fantastic job
on the spot
..and the fierce rushing about before the guests arrived
.was chaos.

fans never got food
-i had a small plate of iceberg lettuce for dinner at ten pm

no one can ask
one person to do all this and expect a smooth sail
sharon can not do all this

others have to plan to step up to figure out how
you want the event to be shaped
well before the time
each duty from a list
..it gets too complicated and compromising
with so much money being generated in BARBAROS NAME
where does it all go .

.last year alex made up the difference
to the tune of a couple of thousand dollars
he never said peep about it
what ever didnt work then
never got fixed

people have to be paid and checks cant bounce
not in barbaro's name

when i write a check i cant assume
it is going to some venue
i have to know exactly the breakdown for my own tax records
i am accountable for my income

or else we are all libel
that is the law
it would be terrible to get in trouble and darken barbaro's name
because of our mistakes
WORSE
PEoPLE WALKED oUT WITHOUT PAYING FOR THiNgS
art was STOLEN .
.CAN YOU IMAGINE ?

please consider
having an ad hoc committee to take each job that makes
an event flow
know what was donated and what was sold
there were bids never sorted out or claimed too
too much for one person to deal with

we each have to be accountable for
our name meaning
BARBARO'S NAME
is on the event
.

i was so grateful to be able to meet so many wonderful fans
and have the chance to thank them all
to express myself in my own language
for their selfless work
endless invisible behind the scenes efforts

on behalf of the horse nation
what many refer to as his legacy
there were many wonderful moments
the generosity of fair hill staff and the fans who organized the rides
just terrific
real team work

the golf tournament benefit created by daryl s. for mike rea
raised almost three thousand dollars for his trust

however
i was deeply sad when i came home .
because i witnessed and experienced
rudeness
a spirit of selfishness
of taking for granted the freely offered talents of the group
just do it -no thank yous
no welcoming to the tent or on sat eve
things were abandoned
there were people who who had nothing to do with barbaro in the tent

..there were may missing from the tent this year
and why
would be a good question to address
the poor artist vendors.
folks were left out ..fans stepped up and fixed ..extra t shirts and hats were not thrown away but donated to the backstretch workers -.
finally
what i witnessed and experienced on sunday
from around one to the conclusion of the stakes
was appalling
.it was a handful of fans
a small group
some a bit drunk and stoned
and some who felt they had a divine entitlement
to assault mrs jackson
to get THEIR PICTURE

edgar prado and anyone else they wanted to take a picture or get an autograph of
and kiss them

i saw their expressions
they endured it all
but these folks were oblivious
i was mortified .
in hollywood
it is part of the business
but these folks
the jacksons etc
are doing their jobs by living their lives
they never asked to be propelled into the public eye
they were given a divine horse and horses
..i do not understand those who demanded to see barbaro'ss stall
at fair hill
what right do we have to ask for these things

i think it is fine
to ask to get an autograph and a picture
BUT to assault them for it
to dis- regard their privacy?

what is missing here
until horse slaughter is ended
i will not be doing any celebrating
i am too busy dealing with congress and strategy my own life--
my goal is
to

honor barbaro in actions every day
it is a life
while horses are dying in agony in the trucks and plants and race tracks
and starving to death
i am going to use every cent i have
to support horse rescues and retirement organizations that are approved and 501 c

. i ask you all
like i am doing
to really think what part you want to continue to do
and to do it with all your heart
blaming does not work

saving this horse nation is not for the weak and fickle
or spineless
it is endless
look at the corruption in our government which has to be fixed

after all \
we are the people who elected the congress

who said ti was going to be a walk it the park

i never promised you a rose garden
is right\
you dont like something
then fix it
my dad used to say
amen

with gratefulness to those many fans who called me
to share their pain and disappointments
we must do better
and have to help those fans like sharon-
we each have to take responsibility for what we believe in
check out the wind chill site
they sure do
we have to find ways ..to ease their load
you cant expect sharon to do it all

each one of us has to chip in
determine how
you want to shape your actions when you carry
HIS NAME

Barbaro

martita

Posted by: martita goshen at July 17, 2008 6:54 AM

###
DENISE - thanks for reposting Martita's comments from last night...you beat me to the punch!

(reposting my own comment in the hopes of opening discussion...)

READ MARTITA'S POST & WEEP, MY FRIENDS...for when events are held under the banner of the Fans of Barbaro, they reflect on me and you and you and you...whether or not we were actually in attendance!

Martita's gracious, somewhat reserved post echoes everything I have been told about the events of the past weekend...and I am so ashamed! Money and goods for which there is no accounting, Barbaro's connections hunted down and harrassed like rock stars, no organization or accountability...and the list goes on.

I respectfully suggest that IF such events take place in the future, we need a "Special Events Committee" that will utilize the expertise of various people to avoid such problems in the future...for instance, people with accounting/bookkeeping experience must track all incoming and outgoing monies; people with administrative skills must organize volunteers who will actually SHOW UP when they are scheduled, rather than leaving good-hearted, hard-working FOBs to pick up the slack at the last minute in the effort to avoid total chaos.

I am glad that some of you in attendance "had a good time" and were "happy to meet other FOBs"...however, the things that were WRONG about the event are an embarrassment to all loyal Fans of Barbaro, and must not be allowed to continue time after time after time...

Posted by: Nancy in CT at July 17, 2008 9:30 AM

WOW!!! Whaa happn?????

I realize that events, fundraisers, etc are very, very complicated. I was involved with this kind of work as a volunteer and boardmember at our local humane society. It wasn't easy and we had our share of deadbeats (bounced checks, not picking up item/paying). But this sounds awful.

Who was in charge? How about an "after actions" report (military coming out of me again)? Certainly that would help for next year's event...if there is a next year. Since it is almost impossible to get away from my farm and expense of travel, I can't attend these events.

Denise

STRATEGY FOR THURSDAY, JULY 17

Both the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid (D-NV), have the power to bring the bill up for consideration in their respective chambers, therefore it is vital that as many people as possible, both at the grassroots level and internally within Congress, insist that the House Speaker and Senate Majority Leader do everything in their power to afford the bills legislative due process and bring them immediately to the floor for a vote.
Speaker of the House - Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) DC Phone: 202-225-4965 Fax:202-225-4188
Senate Majority Leader - Harry Reid (D-NV) DC Phone: 202-224-3542 Fax:202-224-7327

It is our understanding that more co sponsors would certainly facilitate our efforts with Speaker of the House Pelosi and draw the much needed attention to this legislation. For this reason, we will be posting the names of Representatives that we will be targeting.

Mario Diaz-Balart – FL Phone: 202-225-2778 Fax: 202-226-0346 Aide: Justin Kimbler
David Scott- GA Phone: 202-225-2939 Fax: 202-225-4628 Aide: Amy Schultz
Jerry Costello – IL Phone: 202-225-5661 Fax: 202-225-0285 Aide: Cara Camacho
Timothy V. Johnson – IL Phone: 202-225-2371 Fax: 202-226-0791 Aide: Robert Frederick
Peter J. Visclosky – IN Phone: 202-225-2461 Fax: 202-225-2493 Aide: Catherine Beechler

Please continue to gather information from your calls and pass that information on to us via email through the DB.

Finally, please mention Americans Against Horse Slaughter when making your calls and remind them that we are a non funded, grassroots group of people from across the country brought together for the sole purpose of passing this legislation. It is important that they know we have NO OTHER agenda.

We are BARBARO’S VOICE……Let it be heard!!

Shelley and Deb

####
That is so sad what Martita wrote...very sad....

####
We are being noticed on a daily basis on how we react, conduct, and show ourselves....

#####
Besides the rodents in my office...the neighbors have called animal control...there is a trap set out since Monday....catching one by one of the ferral cats I feed...

I open the gates in and out...and have to watch this...and watch the renters throw enticing food like shrimp etc...to catch them..

Like the horses, cats, dogs, whatever....I am a true animal lover, I care...and right now...between scared of the snake, etc..in office...and crying because of the ferrals...I am almost out of it...

###
Please pray for me...

Hooray for the appointment of a horse lover to the California commission! Thanks to the governor for such a caring choice.

Many, many thanks to Alex who has brought both the love of racing and the needs of OTTBs to our attention so that we might all be able to find and support a rescued thoroughbred, and work together to try to create happy outcomes for many more retired OTTBs.

##
Martita -Thanks for bringing to light what happened over the weekend in the name of Barbaro and FOBs. We can make change only when problems and concerns are brought to the light of day; not hidden and whispered about. We now have a big task at-hand.
NancyCT- I like your idea of forming a committee with responsibilities clearly stated

We are representatives of Barbaro and with that realization comes an awesome responsibility to represent Barbaro appropriately. This is too important to have screw-ups so we must make changes.

Thanks to the FOBs who attended the celebration and stepped in to make sure things did not go into total chaos. Just stepping-in and doing what needs to be done sounds so "Barbaro-like". You did the FOBs proud!

###Several thoughts (I know, I know: This early in the morning, too. It's a miracle).

###Joan, pray that the feral cats that are being captured will be examined and vaccinated and neutered and made suitable for homes. I love animals, too, but I keep an eye on the ferals around here--there are problems with rabies and other illnesses, some of which are zoonotic. I don't want to get sick either.

I'm especially leery of cottontail rabbits that don't run away when I'm "right there." If they stay where they are as I approach, it often means they are sick.

###Yay for Bo Derek being appointed (and being willing to serve) on the racing board. One more step in the right direction.

###Martita's post: I too am heartsick about what happened at DelPark. However, for those who observed the FOBs, they will take into account that alcohol and drugs make people do stupid things--and make stupid people do even stupider things.

Taking items without paying for them is also unacceptable, whether the "taker" was drunk, drugged or not. Sadly there are people who take advantage of the basic good nature of others. I often wonder just how legitimate some of the pleas for funds are, on this board and on others.

I have learned (the hard way, often) that people do not tell the truth. Many have learned that if they just LOOK sincere, others more gullible will believe them. I've learned to donate goods and services rather than money to a lot of causes just because I want to make certain the items get delivered where they are going. Money too easily ends up in someone's pocket rather than in a fund to help those in need.

I hate being suspicious, but it is, sadly, the way we have to be these days.

Those who are involved in future FOB celebrations will learn from this one and take steps to monitor the crowds and the items.

###What bothers me most is the treatment of Edgar and the Jacksons. Class SHOWS, and these folks have it to the max. I hope those who were there and who witnessed the boorish behavior of the few will write to the Jacksons and to Edgar and let them know how sorry we ALL are that they were subjected to such rudeness.

###It's too bad addicts don't realize they need help. It's too bad they have to resort to their "drink or drug of choice" to have a good time.

Personally, I'd rather be high on life--and "high" on the love of and the relationships I have with my animals.

###To Martita and all those who worked hard at the DelPark celebration: I am so sorry you had to go through the embarrassment. I wish there were something we could do to make it better.

That sounds lame, but anyway {{{{FOBs at DelPark}}}}

The DelPark Barbaro celebration needs to be discussed. For those that went, please post your thoughts. For those that were in charge, please respond and post your thoughts. And people, DON'T attack anyone. Find constructive ways to post your thoughts and ways to correct/plan for next year. This needs to be fixed. Sometimes, bad things happen. We need to know what, who, how and why.

I firmly believe cards/notes of thank you to Michael and Fair Hill staff, the Jackson's and Mr. Prado need to be sent with a brief apology for the rudeness that was observed and assurances that it won't happen again. Remind them that we are committed to honor, with the highest respect the legacy of Barbaro. Who can do this? Is anyone responsible for reporting the monies spent and received?

Denise

We’ve notice that over the past few days, there has been a lot of controversy about several issues. One of them is AAHS and the methods used to try and pass the anti slaughter bills.

Let me begin by saying, there is no such thing as instant gratification when trying to pass legislation. It is long, tedious, frustrating and, many times, disheartening work. However, imagine where our country would be if everyone stepped back instead of stepping up when the going got rough.

AAHS was established to be a dedicated site that deals with no other issue and is presented as such when dealing with legislators. Unlike other groups that deal with several different animal issues, this assures them that we are looking for nothing but to end slaughter and the transportation to slaughter. Grassroots lobbying is "our call to action" with the intent to change public opinion and continue to spread awareness. The more members we have, the stronger we are.

So far, everything we’ve done has been paid for directly by us. We are working on creative concepts for higher visibility and a media campaign. However, in order to move forward we need to raise dollars. We’ve started an AAHS store on cafepress but very few people have purchased items. Even if sales picked up, it would be far from the dollars we would need to achieve the maximum impact.

More efforts in DC are also needed but timing is critical when making those decisions. There have been many suggestions that we have a paid lobbyist thus defeating the meaning of grassroots. HSUS and AWI are paid lobbyists and have been working on this for years. AAHS has and will continue to work jointly with these organizations.

In order to move forward with more aggressive campaigns, AAHS will have to raise money. Keep in mind that donations will NOT be tax deductible and we are NOT a registered non profit.

It will be up to it’s members to decide if you want AAHS to grow because this belongs to all of you.

In the meantime, thank you for your dedication and hard work on behalf of our horses!!!

Good Morning Gang.

Just to explain. Curlin's future from yesterday. By no stretch of anyone's imagination did I make an opinion that he should stop racing. THAT WAS NOT MY INTENT. NOT AT ALL. I simply was making a lite joke out of a very heavy day on this board.

Who the heck wouldn't want Curlin living in their house, if such a thing were possible. It was just lightheartedness. IT WAS NOT A STATEMENT THAT HIS CAREER IS OVER.

Gang, this should be an example of how our words can be misinterpreted and turned into something that is so far off base it makes you shake your head. Let's all be very careful. And let's all put a little laughter into our spirits. Goodness gracious. I would have thought at least the carrot soup wrestling would have shown it was just fun fodder.

I am sorry that last week end had it's problems.

I am sorry it dirtied Barbaro's name.

Thank you so very, very much Alex.

wow.
wow.
I am astonished.
I am saddened.
Martita: possibly the best thing you have ever bestowed upon us. What courage to put it out there, and a honor you for that.

Next year: the dedication of the sculpture and the internment of Barbaro's ashes? Right? This important event cannot be a repeat of this year's Celebration.

I cannot attend these events with my greyhound group running day in and day out. So I am tiptoeing around the whole situation.
But may I offer some thoughts?
Any city/area with a big enough/old enough AKC sanctioned Kennel Club show (we do two a year) has the organizational tools that would dovetail nicely with what the FoBs have tried to do at DelPark.

Food:
Judges have to be fed and snacked to death all day
Auction/Silent Auction:
donations for this begin coming in many months before the event
Vendors:
Again, set up many months before the event.
Security:
Yes, it seems we need it.
TROUBLESHOOTER(S)
Our kennel club has four per show.With over 2500 entries...they really need more, but it works. Most everyone in the dog show circuit knows all the judges, handlers, owners, vendors, and each other, so a lot of respect goes a long way to keep things running smoothly.
Publicity: I've done this for them several years running, so I could lend some advice there.

I guess what I'm saying is that the burden of such an event needs to have lots of backs to carry it.
I think that last year's celebration may just have been buoyed by the high level of emotions present...and everyone pitched in. Is that so?

Committees need to be formed--like NOW--for next year's event. Because there will be lots of PRESS there and dignitaries from the racing world and the track. It needs to go off without a hitch/

OY: I wish I lived closer and I could come and go each day. As it is, I can only shake my head and wonder at what some people were THINKING?
The "assaults" on Edgar and the Jacksons::::that goes beyond the pale. And must never happen again...

Sharon: if I can do anything, please let me know. I am so sorry this all happened. It seems we're under a strange moon these days/and we have to get out from underneath it. Fast.

I love my FoBs. Thank you Martita. Thank you Alex. Thank you Sharon. Thank you all who maintained the
proper behavior of an FoB.

I am so saddened by this stuff. But it can be fixed. And we all need to think what we can do to that end...xxoo: j
Courage.

####
It's unfortunate that what probably amounts to a handful of people should spoil what was a wonderful day/weekend for the rest of us. I was unable to attend the Saturday events so I can't comment on what happened there. I will say that I have been in contact with Sharon Crumb to work with her to try and secure a more appropriate (and still affordable) venue for next year's fundraiser.

I personally did not witness any of the inappropriate behavior mentioned in other posts. I think part of the difficulty was that the FOBs were unable to secure the tent area for a private function. Therefore the tent was open to the public and not just those attending our celebration. Also it's my understanding that Delaware Park has rules, laws possibly, about the types of vendors that can sell items at the park.

I'm certainly not trying to excuse those who behaved badly. They have to live with their actions.

My thanks go out to Sharon Crumb and the others who went above and beyond to make it an enjoyable event for the rest of us. And as always, to Barbaro and his connections, and to Alex, for bringing us all together.

Sorry for dithering....but what I meant to come through that post was that there are other organizations with whom many of us are also involved who have TEMPLATES in place that we could mold to our own needs.

I am a firm believer that there's no need to reinvent the wheel if you don't have to...

wow.
wow.
I am astonished.
I am saddened.
Martita: possibly the best thing you have ever bestowed upon us. What courage to put it out there, and a honor you for that.

Next year: the dedication of the sculpture and the internment of Barbaro's ashes? Right? This important event cannot be a repeat of this year's Celebration.

I cannot attend these events with my greyhound group running day in and day out. So I am tiptoeing around the whole situation.
But may I offer some thoughts?
Any city/area with a big enough/old enough AKC sanctioned Kennel Club show (we do two a year) has the organizational tools that would dovetail nicely with what the FoBs have tried to do at DelPark.

Food:
Judges have to be fed and snacked to death all day
Auction/Silent Auction:
donations for this begin coming in many months before the event
Vendors:
Again, set up many months before the event.
Security:
Yes, it seems we need it.
TROUBLESHOOTER(S)
Our kennel club has four per show.With over 2500 entries...they really need more, but it works. Most everyone in the dog show circuit knows all the judges, handlers, owners, vendors, and each other, so a lot of respect goes a long way to keep things running smoothly.
Publicity: I've done this for them several years running, so I could lend some advice there.

I guess what I'm saying is that the burden of such an event needs to have lots of backs to carry it.
I think that last year's celebration may just have been buoyed by the high level of emotions present...and everyone pitched in. Is that so?

Committees need to be formed--like NOW--for next year's event. Because there will be lots of PRESS there and dignitaries from the racing world and the track. It needs to go off without a hitch/

OY: I wish I lived closer and I could come and go each day. As it is, I can only shake my head and wonder at what some people were THINKING?
The "assaults" on Edgar and the Jacksons::::that goes beyond the pale. And must never happen again...

Sharon: if I can do anything, please let me know. I am so sorry this all happened. It seems we're under a strange moon these days/and we have to get out from underneath it. Fast.

I love my FoBs. Thank you Martita. Thank you Alex. Thank you Sharon. Thank you all who maintained the
proper behavior of an FoB.

I am so saddened by this stuff. But it can be fixed. And we all need to think what we can do to that end...xxoo: j
Courage.

oh drat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To MargieinNM....I got it and thought it was very funny. Ergo, my attempt to stear Deirdre in Central California in the right direction.

I still think the grape vat wrestling is better than the carrot soup ;)!!! A tip of the hat to Mr. J and Curlin'.

Well, allrightythen! Let's get a sense of humor here.

As to DelPark...this needs to be fixed ASAP!

I have not heard from anyone other than Martita about the situation...anyone out there???

As to the financial situation of AAHS and lobbyists, would it be possible to get some local law students from DC that could help us? Why can't AAHS be a 501(c)3?

Denise

I don't know where to start this morning???

Some GOOD NEWS perhaps??
My doctors appointment was STRANGE?? The office was crowded to overflowing and ALL I got was approx 5 minutes with the doctor.The new test showed that my heart is pumping with an ejection factor of 37.9per cent with tachycardia on the left side??? I read the report briefly when the doctor was out of the room. Sadly I didn't get to read the conclusion of the report....

However the plan is ..."no pills for you" and "we'll see you in 3 months time". Whatever that means???

SO...I continue. I continue my powerwalk and weightloss regime.My low fat low calorie low cholesterol diet. SO I guess that means I ignore ALL THE REST....I'll just fix this myself!!!!!!!

THIS IS WHY....I LOVE NATURAL MEDICINE!!! It actually fixes things instead of JUST ATTEMPTING TO TREAT SYMPTOMS!!!!

I did learn one valuable piece of info while at the healthfood store yesterday...

I learned that cholesterol is the bodies response to inflamation and I have mega inflamation from my rheumatoid arthritis which explains my high cholesterol and the fact that my arteries are fine??!!! I will keep my low cholesterol diet FOREVER though!!! My family has a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol my sis and cousins all have it!!!

SO...MANY MANY MANY THANKS for LOVE and PRAYERS!!!
NOBODY DOES IT BETTER!!!!

I LOVE YOU...ALL !!!!

###
Alex
After reading Martitas post I want to THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for ALL YOU DO!!!!I have even more new- found RESPECT for you!! You are an exemplary human being and we are proud and honored to be a part of this community!!!

####
Martita
THANK YOU for bringing these facts to light.I noticed some of them at the first celebration and you have said everything so well it does not require repeating....it just makes me SAD!!!!

PERHAPS at the end of each celebration we could have a brief meeting of the heads of each section to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the event so that each one could be made BETTER????
We have so much talent here...Barbaro hoof-selected wisely!!!!

Must go for now...Auntie is calling me.

HUGS and love....WE WILL WIN !! WE HAVE TO...

Martita - thank you.

Love, Light and Protection for All of Our Horses

URGENT: Starving horses, Jacksonville FL

Jen has these horses safe---the poor starving injured creatures. God. Now she needs help with much much badly need dental care for them.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THEY'RE STILL NOT SAFE ONCE WE GRAB THEM FROM HARM'S WAY. THEY NEED CARE, FEED, MEDICAL ATTENTION.

Painted Star is raffling off a video cam to induce folk in for $20 donation...But I am sure the woman will take whatever tou can afford to part with.

Times are hard: ok: times suck. But we have to do right by these animals we "save." The glow wears off real fast for the rescuers who are now faced with increased costs in Vet care, feed, housing, fencing, farrier costs...it just never stops.

So we can't stop either. Please help.

Please help: Pick a rescue and be their Angel. Angels don't have to have big pockets--hey, that's ok too--but the Angels need to stand by their creations.

LOVE YOUR RESCUER! PICK ONE! BE AN ANGEL!

Shelley,

Thanks for putting it so clearly. Yes AAHS does need more exposure therefore money needs to be raised. Even grassroots organizations need the almighty dollar in order to help get things accomplished.

Ro & Brady

##

Prayers for Joan, and the feral cat situation - that an angel watches over them, and no harm comes to them.

I have followed this board when it was TWR, since the beginning. I can vouch what has been said with regards to Sharon Crumb and her lack of organizational skills. Alex was not the only one out of pocket at last year's event. I have e-mail from Sharon saying she would reimburse me for the actual cost of the name tags $350 and she was even given $100 for those name tags, which she kept and did not forward to me.

I have continued to work in Barbaro's memory and to keep his legacy alive. I can produce copies of anything that anyone has ever sent me. Can Sharon? I doubt that.

Last year's event was a huge success because so many people worked behind the scenes. When Sharon wanted something, we went out and did it. She did not have us this year...and there were many that she lost...the FOB's lost.

This isn't about name calling or being disrepectful...it is about being truthful and for all of you who choose to not see Sharon and her lack of professionalism, I am truly sorry. Each year there will be a few more that will get hurt and that damages the image of the FOB's and what we stand for.

It is because of the integrity, character and strength that Barbaro showed during his courageous struggle that I am able to write these words.

I am so tired of good folks getting scammed and used.

LOVE YOUR RESCUERS!!!
*************************************************
Thursday, July 17th... Last night in a Salt Lake City bar, more than 40 people came to celebrate the life of Point To Pluto. I told you about Sarah the other day, and how she lost her thoroughbred gelding Pluto. For almost 10 years Sarah has been a big part of our lives, and Cathy and I feel terrible for her.

On the phone Sarah says listen to this. The song Celebration was playing. The crowd of more than 40 are boarders and employees at the ranch where Pluto lived. Pluto was loved by all. Sarah says there is a big poster of Pluto at the entrance to the bar, showing him playing in a snow storm. The crowd was eating carrot pizza, because Pluto loved carrot pizza. They were eating sliced apples topped with brown sugar. Chips dipped in mango salsa. Tall cold beers, and they raised their glasses to Pluto. Cathy and I could hear the crowd roar. We thank Sarah for sharing this moment with us.

More horses come to our ranch later today, and we are once again approaching the 120 number. This Saturday 4 horses who were evacuated because of fire, can return to their homes. It was a treat to know them. The skinny chestnut gelding Dial Up has a new home with a loving family in Newcastle. Dial Up leaves us this morning, and he will be best friends forever to Mary Proper, an older quarter horse mare who recently lost her long time companion. Dial Up will live on green grass, and there is a pond to play in. Mary Proper is waiting at her gate.

A special hello to Katie Hilton (no relation to Paris) and Thank You for the box of apples. A special hello Kelly Findlay, I hope you are having a great time at camp, and Thank You for the phone call. A special hello to Mikka Thorson, and Thank You for the Starbucks gift card.

Chores are forever, and it is time to get started. Enjoy your 92 degree Thursday, and be sure to hug your horses.

Joe

Top Row shows horses adopted from Tbfriends who now live in Reno. Our computer is able to load photos once again, so these pictures will soon be up under the Update link.

Top Left: This is Patrick with lots of room to play. Patrick was adopted by Eric and Carla in 2003.

Top Right: This is Justin who was adopted from us last month. Justin is a quarter horse, and he is loved like crazy by 7 year old Sequoya. Justin is pampered, and he deserves it.

Bottom Left: He came to us yesterday from a feed lot, and we named him President. There is a racing tattoo which says President is 4 years old. He still has one racing shoe on.

Bottom Right: She came to us yesterday from a race track, and her name is Dare Thee Power. We have been calling her Pow Wow. She is built like a quarter horse, 15.2 hands high. Pow Wow is very sweet. Both President and Pow Wow have yet to acquire a taste for apples or peppermints.

((((((((((((Joan and the Kittehs))))))))))))))))))

God, please give Joan the strength of a Viking. She needs it.

And perhaps, God, a well-placed thunderbolt in her neighbor's home would be a good idea as well...

Mornin' all

Shelley A THANK YOU for saying so succinctly what I've been trying to say over the past week or so, however not so eloquently. We have to keep at it and keep on. plainly and simply.

Margie in NM i thought it was very cute and amusing too. Much needed comic relief during some rather tense times.

Good to see Debbie Anderson posting here, thanks. am proud you are my neighbor and fren.

SusanE thank YOU dear fren.

It was really good to see this page visited by some who had been away for some time. Reading yes, ever present and heart and spirit, but it's really good to have you visible :)

Maribel....Keep up the good work. You are amazingly strong and so motivated. Will keep on cheering for you and Hans, as you're both so special.

Finally ( for now anyway ) I'm so sorry and disturbed at what transpired over the weekend at Delaware. I understand from LindaVA's post that the unsecured area may have allowed uninvited "guests" to take advantage. That's really too bad. I'd prefer to think that. As far as planning in the future is concerned, seems that's a job to start now, and is HUGE, so hopefully Sharon and others who have taken on so much responsibility will get more assistance. What a shame. feel bad for those who did work so hard to have the event tainted by the things that Martita mentioned. so sorry.

all PLEASE read Shelley's post timestamped 3:08PM today. we can't do this divided and with continuous contention

((((((((((((((((((((((MARIBEL!!!)))))))))))))))))))))
Great news!
I am SO proud of you....and I will forever love you, even if only just for giving me the word:
GOBSMACKED.

####Denise - the grapes would stain our skin, wouldn't they? But I will wrestle anyone, anytime, in whatever disgusting concoction you create. And Curlin, or any other equine, is still welcome to his private bath and bedroom in my home. Imagine the tuck-ins! :-)

I'm off to haul some water. Hoping I don't get stuck in mud somewhere.

It is my opinion that anyone that caused the Jacksons or Edgar any discomfort owe them a written apology immediately.

Anyone that stole something, whether an idea, a chair, a product, or personal space, needs to return it immediately and apologize to all offended by your actions.

You perps have tarnished the name of Barbaro, FOB, Alex, and God knows who else. Do the right thing for God's sake. I am ashamed and want no parts of any of you that are responsible. Your actions are reprehensible.

There. I've said it. Now off to haul water to the herd. Love to all of you with good intentions and RESPECT for all that has gone on here.

## martita - barbslegacy - I applaud you. Since I've returned from the weekend I've been searching for the right words ... what has come to mind, repeatedly, is "lack of RESPECT." There were many things and many times during the weekend that I wondered about my decision to attend - and there were many calls placed to friends, at home - sharing frustrations and disappointments. In truth, I am grateful for the 2 days I had before the events with Lyn/Padme - and that I attended the golf fundraising tournament on Saturday. Much gratitude to Rachel for the generous BBQ and sharing her home and her family. Traveling from Arizona - it was a monumental decision for me on whether or not to spend the amount of money required to attend - beginning with the substantial airfare ... I heard the frustrations and I saw some of the problems ... and I experienced, many times, the lack of respect. I've read the reviews from many ... and wondered ... did I really attend the same function ..... glowing reports ??? YUP - there were organizational problems all over the place ...... BUT the bottom line for me was ... lack of respect for what I had thought we had come to represent ....... courage, tenacity, truth. I could say more - could give many examples of my concerns and disappointments - but - this is a forum for other purposes -
and I am not so confident that this is the place to air all laundry. We have been "hoof selected" by our Beloved Barbaro to provide safety for his friends ....... we must continue this mission .. first and foremost ...... and this other "stuff" must absolutely be tended to ...... but ..... in another way and NOT here in this place. NOW that the information is out there .... perhaps someone can suggest another "forum" for making the much needed changes. One final note .... I am NOT sorry I attended ..... I met several wonderful friends .... and had many wonderful moments ... BUT .......... sadly, my "high" momemts were not at the Celebration events. Perhaps we had to fall so low to pick ourselves up and make the needed changes. That is sad to me .... that the "right and respectful" things just don't come naturally.

Sherry - Arizona

reposting excerpt:

SAVE THE HORSES, SAVE THE WILD MUSTANGS, SAVE THE ANIMALS....AND LOVE OUR FAMILY....WE ARE UNITED, WE ARE ONE...AND WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES.

Posted by joan roya at July 17, 2008 11:32 AM [end repost]

and with that in mind:

reposting

ACTION ALERT - SAVE YELLOWSTONE'S WOLVES

crossposting from the DB

http://forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=26482.1

Hotlinks are in the above DB Thread post

sharing email ACTION ALERT / NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) Action Fund

note from CJ - technical difficulties prevent me from copying the hyperlinks within the email, so I have provided the URLs where the email has a hyperlink, so there are active links below where you can click both to sign the petition and to donate. [in thise Comment here on the main page of ABR I inserted spaces within the URLs so this will post; pls close them up before using.]

PLEASE BE SURE TO SIGN THE PETITION and pass this info along to likeminded people.

106 Wolves Killed in 118 Days!

Nearly one wolf per day has been killed since the Bush Administration stripped them of their endangered species protection in March.

Tell the Interior Department to do its job and protect wolves instead of allowing them to be killed.

Dear C.,

The last time I wrote you, 37 wolves had been slaughtered since the Bush Administration stripped them of their endangered species protection in March.

Now I'm sorry to report that a terrible new milestone has been reached: 106 wolves have been killed in the past 118 days.

That's nearly one wolf killed every day. And if Wyoming, Idaho and Montana have their way, at least 900 wolves -- nearly 60 percent of the population -- could be exterminated this fall, when a massive public hunt begins.

Make no mistake: This will be the very last summer for many of Yellowstone's wolves -- unless immediate action is taken to stop the killing.

That is why I am urging you to sign our petition to the Interior Department demanding that it restore protection for wolves now.

Tourists visiting Yellowstone have been horrified to learn that the very wolves they've traveled hundreds and thousands of miles to see are being gunned down just outside the park. Hundreds of tourists a day are signing petitions to protest the slaughter.

And as I write, our partner organization, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), is circulating those petitions in the park AND taking court action -- along with 11 other conservation groups -- to compel the Bush Administration to restore protection for the wolves.

What can you do to help the wolves of the Northern Rockies from where you live?

First, be sure to sign our petition.

http: // www. nrdconline.org/campaign/save_yellowstone_wolves?qp_source=button%5faction

Then, if you'd like to do more, you can donate

https: // secure.nrdconline.org/08/wolves_donate_072008?source=message_donate

to help the NRDC Action Fund build a national outcry against the slaughter.

Your support will help us broadcast the wolf's plight and mobilize America against the Bush Administration's heartless, wolf-killing policy.

Swift action is imperative since the wolf death count rises higher every day.

Wyoming, Montana and Idaho are planning public hunts for the region's remaining 1,400 wolves this fall -- the first in more than three decades. Once the leaves fall from the trees, wolves will be easy targets for aerial sharpshooters who can gun down entire packs in a matter of minutes.

That is why we must act quickly this summer to compel the Bush Administration to restore the wolf's desperately needed Endangered Species protection.

Your petition -- and any contribution you can give to our Call Off the Guns campaign -- will help us put an end to this wolf-killing rampage.

Sincerely,

Frances Beinecke
President
NRDC Action Fund
nrdconline.org

Posted by CJaffe at July 16, 2008 9:17 PM

reposting excerpt:

SAVE THE HORSES, SAVE THE WILD MUSTANGS, SAVE THE ANIMALS....AND LOVE OUR FAMILY....WE ARE UNITED, WE ARE ONE...AND WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES.

Posted by joan roya at July 17, 2008 11:32 AM [end repost]

and with that in mind:

reposting

ACTION ALERT - SAVE YELLOWSTONE'S WOLVES

crossposting from the DB

http://forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=26482.1

Hotlinks are in the above DB Thread post

sharing email ACTION ALERT / NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) Action Fund

note from CJ - technical difficulties prevent me from copying the hyperlinks within the email, so I have provided the URLs where the email has a hyperlink, so there are active links below where you can click both to sign the petition and to donate. [in thise Comment here on the main page of ABR I inserted spaces within the URLs so this will post; pls close them up before using.]

PLEASE BE SURE TO SIGN THE PETITION and pass this info along to likeminded people.

106 Wolves Killed in 118 Days!

Nearly one wolf per day has been killed since the Bush Administration stripped them of their endangered species protection in March.

Tell the Interior Department to do its job and protect wolves instead of allowing them to be killed.

Dear C.,

The last time I wrote you, 37 wolves had been slaughtered since the Bush Administration stripped them of their endangered species protection in March.

Now I'm sorry to report that a terrible new milestone has been reached: 106 wolves have been killed in the past 118 days.

That's nearly one wolf killed every day. And if Wyoming, Idaho and Montana have their way, at least 900 wolves -- nearly 60 percent of the population -- could be exterminated this fall, when a massive public hunt begins.

Make no mistake: This will be the very last summer for many of Yellowstone's wolves -- unless immediate action is taken to stop the killing.

That is why I am urging you to sign our petition to the Interior Department demanding that it restore protection for wolves now.

Tourists visiting Yellowstone have been horrified to learn that the very wolves they've traveled hundreds and thousands of miles to see are being gunned down just outside the park. Hundreds of tourists a day are signing petitions to protest the slaughter.

And as I write, our partner organization, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), is circulating those petitions in the park AND taking court action -- along with 11 other conservation groups -- to compel the Bush Administration to restore protection for the wolves.

What can you do to help the wolves of the Northern Rockies from where you live?

First, be sure to sign our petition.

http: // www. nrdconline.org/campaign/save_yellowstone_wolves?qp_source=button%5faction

Then, if you'd like to do more, you can donate

https: // secure.nrdconline.org/08/wolves_donate_072008?source=message_donate

to help the NRDC Action Fund build a national outcry against the slaughter.

Your support will help us broadcast the wolf's plight and mobilize America against the Bush Administration's heartless, wolf-killing policy.

Swift action is imperative since the wolf death count rises higher every day.

Wyoming, Montana and Idaho are planning public hunts for the region's remaining 1,400 wolves this fall -- the first in more than three decades. Once the leaves fall from the trees, wolves will be easy targets for aerial sharpshooters who can gun down entire packs in a matter of minutes.

That is why we must act quickly this summer to compel the Bush Administration to restore the wolf's desperately needed Endangered Species protection.

Your petition -- and any contribution you can give to our Call Off the Guns campaign -- will help us put an end to this wolf-killing rampage.

Sincerely,

Frances Beinecke
President
NRDC Action Fund
nrdconline.org

Posted by CJaffe at July 16, 2008 9:17 PM

ooops unintentional hiccup - sorry for the double post. Didn't mean to say it twice (despite how intensely I mean it!)

########### reminds me of one of my favorite quotes. Burt Reynolds was being interviewed by Oprah many years ago. She asked him if he had any regrets, and he said (in essence) The only things I regret are things I did NOT do, not things I DID do. And then he said, and I quote:

"Anything worth doing is worth doing twice, because I could have had a headache the first time."

Martita, Barbslegacy and Sherry have my deepest respect for daring to speak the unpleasant truth. It is only when people ignore problems, turn a blind eye, or make excuses that the same pattern is allowed to continue and no progress can be made!

###
MARIBEL - congratulations to you for your miraculous efforts on your own behalf. I am a tad envious, but primarily very proud of you!!!!

oh, Martita, what beautiful heartfelt words you write. I'm so sorry things didn't turn out as well that weekend. But, maybe, with your words, and with reflection, those that acted wrongly, may learn to act with more reverence and pride in knowing that they help represent what Barbaro has brought about in the FOB nation of people. We all came together in grief (and in the power of prayer in numbers when Barbaro was fighting for his life).

Let's hope that things will change and people will grow and learn to respect other people. Be like Barbaro. Strong, respectful (yet earning respect from others), and honorable...brave...too many words to describe what I saw in our beloved Barbaro. I love you boy....

Thanks for sharing your thoughts of what happened that weekend, Martita. Let's pray that things will change for the better so that we what we all represent in fighting for the horses and animals in general is looked at favorable and thus win people over.

Hugs to all.

oh, Martita, what beautiful heartfelt words you write. I'm so sorry things didn't turn out as well that weekend. But, maybe, with your words, and with reflection, those that acted wrongly, may learn to act with more reverence and pride in knowing that they help represent what Barbaro has brought about in the FOB nation of people. We all came together in grief (and in the power of prayer in numbers when Barbaro was fighting for his life).

Let's hope that things will change and people will grow and learn to respect other people. Be like Barbaro. Strong, respectful (yet earning respect from others), and honorable...brave...too many words to describe what I saw in our beloved Barbaro. I love you boy....

Thanks for sharing your thoughts of what happened that weekend, Martita. Let's pray that things will change for the better so that we what we all represent in fighting for the horses and animals in general is looked at favorable and thus win people over.

Hugs to all.

oops, i too posted twice accidentally. Hit post two times (didn't think i pressed it the first time).

Sorry about that! :-)

####
This is what FOBS...are all about.
Jonna....called me...! she knew a family member needed someone else in the family.

thank you Jonna.

####
This is what Barbaro wanted from us...he wants us to speak for his brothers and sisters and help other animals, and wildlife.

He wants us to be together, be united, and be one.

Yes...we have our differences....no two peoploe act alike, think alike, do alike, etc....we are a unique individual...

BUT THIS DOES NOT MEAN WE CANNOT COMPROMISE...AND COME UP WITH GOOD PLANS AND AGREE.

We are having enough hard times with our so called rated Congress...to listen to us.

How are people going to listen to us, or do anything...if we cannot set an example?

#####
right now...and alot of people do not care for ferral cats...one by one picked up by animal control...and there sure is not adoptions for them.

but i fed these cats for several months....just because they are God's creations...and I greatly admire anyone and everyone who has dealings with rescues, feed lots, and all.

WHAT A HEART OF GOLD!!!!

Shelley,

Thank you for your heartfelt post. This is a strange time in our history and many feel the frustration of being at the mercy of a Congress with no priorities, it seems.

We have taken on a daunting, emotional cause. This is my first experience of political activism and I must say it has been both enlightening and frustrating. Knowing full well that the vast majority of the American public finds horse slaughter revolting and calls for an end, only to witness the total disregard of the will of the people is frustrating at best.

We need to find the will amongst us to carry on with the task we set out in Barbaro’s name. We need to find the solidarity we once felt to support one another. Without each other we are nothing. Who alone can handle the horrors of this issue? I can’t, it hurts too much. We know more than our emotions can sometimes handle but together we are able to march on.

Admittedly, I have been one who took a leave of absence from here. I felt invisible as one of the “oldtimers” but I realize how selfish of me to feel that way. So, for those who have felt similar emotions please let me say that our horses are suffering horribly and it’s not about me or us, it’s about them. We need each other here for support and to pick ourselves up when the chips are down.

Thank you

####
I also what to note: I brag all the time I have family all over the place.
Fran, Renee, Cathy, Jen, Debra, Lenny, Maribel, Barb, Mary, Nancy, AND I CAN GO ON, AND ON, AND ON.....
I am so proud of my family, the FOBS.

####
Now...let us pull up our horse reins...and move forward, family....

Thank, Cathy.
It's really great to see you back! You've always been such a voice of reason and you've been sorely missed! I sincerely hope that many more of the "oldtimers" realize how badly they are still needed.

Further info re Reps on today's (Thursday 7/17)ABR target list:

No need to "bother" Henry ("Hank") Johnson (GA); he signed up to cosponsor HR 503 on 6/10/08. If you do call, pls say thank you for cosponsoring and ask that he pls do whatever possible to try to get it to a vote. (Suggest that his office make that request to Nancy Pelosi...)

HS History on the rest - in short - A very horse-friendly group!

For most effectiveness in our daily contacts - IMO - pls tailor your spiel to the HS history of the target. Here's the skinny on the Reps on today's (Wednesday July 16) ABR target list.

All voted YES on HR 249 in the 110th Congress. Though none cosponsored HR 503 in the 109th, they all voted YES on that bill.

IMO - THANK them all for having voted YES on HR 249 - but remind them that 249 only applies to WILD equines and we still need HR 503 for the rest of them and to end export.

Thank them all for having voted YES on HR 503; use their prior support of the slaughter ban bill when urging them to cosponsor now. "DO THE RIGHT THING AGAIN - support the slaughter/export ban - but this time, cosponsor...."

I am a little confused. Was I at the same place? I only attended the sunday function. I was there at 10 am to help set up. There seemed to be some org problems at the begining but seem to be sorted out. I did not see anyone drunk, and certainly noone high. I did not really see anyone drinking alcohol.I was not concentrating much on that anyway. There were some miscommunications with the track people from what i could gather about who could sell things there or not. there were gambling booths at the tent that did allow other people to come into the tent. I did not see who was there monitoring if whomever got food was from the fob group. I think Del Park has a new management and their policies might have changed or become strickter. I know Sharon seemed flustered that morning but I had no idea all she was dealing with. If indeed things were stolen shame on you. I know i left my bag several times at the table and nothing was missing. I can honestly say that some events during the weekend I chose not participate. I am especifically talking about the trail ride at Fair Hill stables. I thought promoting that place would be beyond what FOBs would want to fund and it really curtailed me in participating in anything else besides the sunday event. majela

Sending All, All All All All All All All My Love
And Rainbows To Angels Lou Ann, Renee, Maribel,
Jonna And God's Messenger Of Love Angel Equine
Heaven. When God Made Angels He Made You So, So So So So So So So Very Special. For All Your Care
And Love. My Heart Is Touched So A Lot So.

All, All All Angelic Beautiful Glowing Rainbows To You.........

Affirmed

# Dear FOBS in June Deb of Avalon Mist Farms went to the Davenport Auction (horrible auction for horses) in WA state and purchased 17 horses for about $2200. that was raised by the FOBS. That averages about $130 per horse. They are all safe!!! No money was asked for quarantine or feed at the time of the save but Deb needs some help with hay. A couple of adoptions have fell through and has put her in a pinch.

The hay in WA is expensive but she is able to buy 100 bales at $8.00 a bale which is a good price. We have raised $239. so far. If anyone can afford to buy a bale of hay it is much appreciated. She has mares and babies and one ready to foal. Thank you FOBS and here is the blueline link ~ I hope:)

Buy a Bale of Hay $8.00

####
Hay Everbuddy

If you're out there please come home. Please help us help our horses.

"God's Wonders In Rainbows"

From God's Loving Heart
The Most Beautiful Rainbow Glowing
His Wings Of Love
Eight Belles God's Glowing Angel In The Sky
Her Wings Of Love
Angel Erin God's Precious Angel In The Sky
Her Glowing Wings Of Love And Rainbows
In The Night Sky
Our Angel Horses
Nicanor
God's Divine Hope
His Wings Of Love In Rainbows
God's Light Of Love Shining On You
Lentanor
Glowing Angel
Your Wings Of Love In Rainbows
Glowing Angels
Glowing Wings
Glowing Rainbows
Barbaro's Famblee Of So, So So Beautiful Angels
Your Angelic Hearts Of Love
Your Glowing Wings Of Love
Beautiful Visions
Beautiful Creations
Beautiful Inspirations
Divine Connections
Barbaro's Halo Is Glowing So, So So Beautifully
All The Colors Of The Rainbow
The Circle Of Love
In Hearts
In Roses
In Halos
In Wings
In Rainbows
The Most Beautiful Rainbow Angel Barbaro
The Circle Of Angels
Barbaro's Angels
The Brennan Famblee
Our Angel Horses
You Are The Inspiration
Mystical Angel Horses
Bringing God's Wonders
The Rainbow Of Wonders
Visioning
Fruition
God's Love For You Angels
His Rainbows
His Angels
All In The Famblee
Barbaro And His Angel Frens
Sending All Their Love To You.........

8.........Halos.........Two Hearts.........
Connected In Love........God's Divine Blessings
........

Affirmed Rainbows........
Sacred Prayers........
God's Angels.........

Affirmed Prayers.........
God And The Angels Are With You.........
Jesus.........
Angel Barbaro.........
Angel Eight Belles.........
Angel Erin.........
Angel Windchill.........
Angel Secretariat.........
Angel Seattle Slew.........
Angel Ruffian........
Angel Cuz.........
Angel Vindication.........
Angel Vinstar.........
Barbaro's Angel Frens Are With You.........
Angel LITF Is Lifting You Up In Halos........
Their Wings Of Love..........
Their Rainbows Of Love Shining On You..........

Affirmed Knowing..........
Bluebird Barbaro Is Lifting You Up In Halos........
The Word On The Rainbow........
Miracles.........

Affirmed

---VERY IMPORTANT REPOST - July 17, 2008---

We’ve notice that over the past few days, there has been a lot of controversy about several issues. One of them is AAHS and the methods used to try and pass the anti slaughter bills.

Let me begin by saying, there is no such thing as instant gratification when trying to pass legislation. It is long, tedious, frustrating and, many times, disheartening work. However, imagine where our country would be if everyone stepped back instead of stepping up when the going got rough.

AAHS was established to be a dedicated site that deals with no other issue and is presented as such when dealing with legislators. Unlike other groups that deal with several different animal issues, this assures them that we are looking for nothing but to end slaughter and the transportation to slaughter. Grassroots lobbying is "our call to action" with the intent to change public opinion and continue to spread awareness. The more members we have, the stronger we are.

So far, everything we’ve done has been paid for directly by us. We are working on creative concepts for higher visibility and a media campaign. However, in order to move forward we need to raise dollars. We’ve started an AAHS store on cafepress but very few people have purchased items. Even if sales picked up, it would be far from the dollars we would need to achieve the maximum impact.

More efforts in DC are also needed but timing is critical when making those decisions. There have been many suggestions that we have a paid lobbyist thus defeating the meaning of grassroots. HSUS and AWI are paid lobbyists and have been working on this for years. AAHS has and will continue to work jointly with these organizations.

In order to move forward with more aggressive campaigns, AAHS will have to raise money. Keep in mind that donations will NOT be tax deductible and we are NOT a registered non profit.

It will be up to it’s members to decide if you want AAHS to grow because this belongs to all of you.

In the meantime, thank you for your dedication and hard work on behalf of our horses!!!

Posted by: ShelleyA at July 17, 2008 3:08 PM
-------------------------------------------------

TAKE ACTION: AAHS will be reaching out to you seeking some volunteer assistance regarding the logistics of said campaigns and other grassroots efforts.

If you are interested in helping out, please email us at info@americansagainsthorseslaughter.com.

Please include "VOLUNTEER CAMPAIGN ASSISTANCE" in the subject field.

Thanks in advance for your consideration,

Debra

HEY GUYS....GUESS WHO IS COMIN TO POST?

*pullin up pute chair...lookin for glasses*...

Long time no see, eh? Well, good to be back...

What's new?

pamie

OH....

PS...I GOT THA FRIGGIN SHINGLES!...

*patently feeling sorry for self*....

LOL

Harriette, Jonna, Denise, and everyone else on the Curlin bandwagon:

I'm sorry! I knew you were teasing, and I was teasing you back with my comment about putting your lust on the back burner (harkening back to comments made after C won the Stephen Foster).

I didn't mean to sound severe or like I was reprimanding you. I just got carried away talking about my favorite subject - Curlin.

I do apologize for any misunderstanding. I adore all of you and wish I could join in the fun more than I do - but work demands that I just peek in occasionally, and there's this pesky time zone thing...

Carry on however you want to carry on, and I'll make sure to include a wink next time - ;-)

Love and Blessings,
Deirdre

Hiya Pamie

You have sorely been missed. You have a knack of injecting humor and enthusiasm at just the right moment.

So sorry about the shingles. Never had em myself but have heard how bad it is.

Lub ya ta pieces

HEY Miz Cathy!

R U OK IN CAL-FOR-NEE- AH...?

Say, Where tha hay is everybuddy?

HEY, LYNDA P...how is CHELOKEE? Last report was he was doing really, really well!

##
Hey all, Another "oldie but goodie" is out from behind the curtains.!!

It is so GREAT to see so many familar names once again on here! I have so missed all of you.

Remember what this site was started for, and remember WHO We are and continue the fight to stop Horse Slaughter, to make racing safer, to ensure the safety and well being of the horse, in all walks of life

Let's get behind AAHS and be a force to be reckon with! Each of us has a VOICE but to gather all those voices together to stand behind what we believe in and want to do can be one awesome movement.

To the orginal BarbaroManiacs, the Carrot Posse and now the FOB's.. Let's us rally and come back and be heard!! Let NO one put us under and be quiet again.. :)

When Barbaro died, Mrs Jackson asked us to carry forth those undone tasks.. and help horses not only in racing but in all walks.. Let us continue what she has asked us to do.

EXTRA THURSDAY July 17 NATIONAL TARGET LIST (HAHS)

Today's extra HAHS list NOW posted below and at this DB Thread:

http://forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=26517.1

Stress the importance of cosponsorship & getting S 311/HR 503 to a vote.

Heads-Up - per Daryl Smoliak's feedback/request: Ask the Sens who may support (plan to vote for) S 311 but don't want to cosponsor, to send a brief "letter of support" to Sen Mary Landrieu, sponsor of the Senate Bill. Similarly - ask Reps in that position re HR 503, to send such a "letter of support" to Rep. Janice D. Schakowsky, sponsor of the House Bill.

Here's something to add to ALL your contacts please - and the 800 numbers for your convenience on all calls.

IMO - convey the website vetsforequinewelfare.org to all your contacts - to counteract the position of the 2 big vet ass'ns. Links to VEW's two 2007 antislaughter releases and their 2008 WHITE PAPER are at the DB Thread noted above.

Use these DC 800 numbers and ask for the legislators by name (or ask for extension, last 5 numbers of each legislator's office phone).

800-828-0498

800-828-1887

800-614-2803

You know the drill - don't address this list until AFTER you have followed today's ABR/AAHS Strategy and the instructions of your Group Leader (and if you don't have one, get one, or become one!) - contact our intrepid State Group co-ordinator, Stephanie Breaux sbreaux1@verizon.net

AND use the CURRENT Talking Points from ABR Strategy when contacting this extra HAHS list as well as when contacting the ABR daily lists.

1. Let [the legislators] know that all three former horse slaughter houses in this country are closed permanently; and Cavel (Dekalb IL) lost its appeal and the US Sup Ct just refused further review. It is URGENT that we now get this legislation passed to STOP THE TRANSPORT of horses to Canada and Mexico. It's VERY important that you stress the cruel and inhumane way these horses are transported. Now is the time to focus on the fact that closing down our slaughter houses is NOT enough but that we must pass this FEDERAL legislation to stop the transport of American horses for slaughter.

2. Let your Senators know that we NEED them as co-sponsors for S311 to get this on the calendar and to the floor for a vote.

3. Tell your Congressman that we need their cosponsorship for HR503 to get this bill out of committee and to the floor for a vote.

4. Dispel the "unwanted" horse theory. Read John Holland's information for more talking points.

5. Closing of all three slaughter houses in the United States helps to reinforce our efforts. We can now dispel the idea that American jobs will be lost due to the end of slaughter. Only Mexico and Canada will now profit from OUR horses being slaughtered!! This is a very important point and one that you should all make when talking to your legislators.

Rhetorial Question Du Jour:

ANY EXTRA TIME/ENERGY/PASSION FOR THE HORSES?
Here is today's (Thursday 7/17/08) extra National Target List from HAHS (Humanity Against Horse Slaughter). These legislators are targeted by other groups on specific days, so our voices add to the impact.

Don't forget to mention S 311 (Senators) & HR 503 (Representatives); ask them to cosponsor - and please use the Talking Points from the ABR Strategy (posted above), reasons why to support the end of horse slaughter and export for slaughter NOW.

Changed Circumstances call for a Fresh Look with an Open Mind. The closure of Cavel is a HUGE changed circumstance.

PLEASE NOTE: Per the ongoing ABR national strategy "...[I]t is important when you make your calls, you request they support and VOTE YES for ANY legislative measure that will ban horse slaughter and export for slaughter. In addition to the Daily Call List, please contact your own senators and representative with this message."

adding this CAVEAT from recent ABR Strategy:

"Remember…….these calls are to gain co-sponsors and support for HR503 and S311. As difficult as it is, please concentrate on the transport of the horses to slaughter more than the conditions in Mexico. We can’t let anyone who is not well informed come to the conclusion that it would be better to have the plants in this country because of the conditions in Mexico."

extra Thursday 7/17 NATIONAL TARGET LIST (HAHS) -

HS History - All these Reps cosponsored and voted YES on HR 503 in the 109th Congress. All voted YES on HR 249 in the 110th except Lewis (KY) who voted NO.

IMO - THANK those who voted YES on HR 249 - but remind them that 249 only applies to WILD equines and we still need HR 503 for the rest of them and to end export.

Thank them all for having cosponsored and voted YES on HR 503; use their prior support of the slaughter ban bill when urging them to cosponsor now. "You cosponsonred before - WHY NOT NOW?!?!?! DO THE RIGHT THING AGAIN."

KENTUCKY
Rep. Ron Lewis (CS & Y on 503; N on 249)
Fax: 202-226-2019 Phone: 202-225-3501
2418 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-1702

MICHIGAN
Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers (CS & Y on 503; Y on 249)
Fax: 202-225-5144 Phone: 202-225-3831
2182 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-2203

MISSISSIPPI
Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (CS & Y on 503; Y on 249)
Fax: 202-225-5898 Phone: 202-225-5876
2432 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-2402

NEW YORK
Rep. Louise McIntosh Slaughter (CS & Y on 503; Y on 249)
Fax: 202-225-7822 Phone: 202-225-3615
2469 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-3228

IF you're done with today's ABR/AAHS Instructions & State directions & the above list and STILL want to do more - you can go to post 2 of the DB Thread noted above, for a good alternate target list of Senators compiled by AWI/SAPL.

Pls email me potlucky@sbcglobal.net re specific details re your HAHS contacts, such as what concerns an aide may have expressed, whether you were told the legislator "supports" the bill, did they tell you they only consider input from constitutents, or that he/she doesn't cosponsor due to a committee or leadership position, anything like that. I will make sure our strategy experts are duly advised; this kind of feedback factors into future plans.

THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL THAT YOU DO FOR THE HORSES! Go get 'em.

LIVING PROOF OF THE LIVING TRUTH

Hope Peace Love Music & RESPECT - CJ the craziest catlady (Blackie's Mother Forever & Shona's Aunt) in Hammond IN, f/k/a CJ of T Bar J (Elgin IL)

HEY...Quit hoggin tha posts, Miz Pamie...LOL..

IS CHELOKEE SINGLE?

P.S.

So sorry to hear of the chaos in Delaware! These things can be difficult to control, but they are important enough to keep doing and (hopefully) keep improving! Perhaps preregistration and preprinted passes (like they use in trade shows) would be a good idea for next year to help keep out the riff and the raff?

Family obligations mean it may be years before I have the opportunity to join you all out there or offer my help - I'd make a really good security guard/bouncer! For now, all I can offer is my admiration for you all along with my encouragement and prayers that things will go better next time.

Deirdre

####
MOCHA!!!
It's so good to see you!!! I hear Chelokee is lookin' for a hot date :o)

###
MaryL...GRRRRREAT to see you here. You are so right about honoring Mrs. Jackson's request. You are right that TOGETHER we are a force to be reckoned with.

Hay Cathy!! Hay Pamie!! (dangberned friggin' shingles :(( ) Hay Debra.. thanks for reposting Shelley's message. Hay Majela..Hay MaryL

wow I LOVE THIS :)

I'm still here...just been on the quiet side for the last few weeks. Been a bit under the weather.

####CJ...I'm thrilled to have read that Joely has gained some of his weight back. Apologies for not replying sooner to you about that.

####Pamie...join the club. I have the dreaded Shingles as well....sucks doesn't it? I feel your pain...truly.

####Joan...I, too, have watched as the feral cats I fed in my ally (years ago) were trapped and taken to be "put down". Cried everyday. The cats were actually an old couple's 'pets' that lived behind me that they had been feeding for years. Hardest thing in the world was for me to see the old gentleman up at dawn each day, with tears just streaming down his face silently, as animal control took this kittehs away. Must confess, there were many days that those traps got "emptied and opened" mysteriously..(cough cough) before animal control came to get them. Those were the mornings when the old gentleman and I shared a smile. Unfortunately, animal control was unwilling to work with us even when I offered to pay for several to be spayed/neutered.
I'm so sorry you have to go through the pain of watching these kittehs being trapped. We are here for you....

Tamme

OK MIZ MOCHA....can it or I will kiss ya and give you tha "chicken pops" or, even better, I could send word to CHELOKEE that you were hanging around Del Park tryin to pick up BETTER TALK NOW!

Tee hee...ain't blackmail great? LOL

hAy Famblee, Proud Pear of the Carrot Posse reporting for duty!!

Well, temporary duty--Im sposta be werkin and not surfin on the net.

Anyway--a HUGE SHOUT OUT and a million hugs to Pammie, my comrade in carits, my fren, our amazing, amazing light.

A parting thought till I can return tonight: There is NOTHING, I repeat NOTHING, that this group cannot fix, mend, accomplish, make better, create, or do.

Love you all!

Proud Forever FOB

http://forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=26519.1

sharing this email action alert [note - hotlink to Petition is at the above DB thread]

Act Now to Protect Ocean Ecosystems!
Target: Director Risenhoover, National Marine Fisheries Service
Sponsored by: PEG & Marine Fish Conservation Network

Two blue-ribbon commissions say our oceans are in trouble. Globally, the majority of fish populations are overexploited, runoff pollution is creating vast dead zones, and global warming is causing the death of corals.

Help keep strict environmental reviews in place for our oceans!

Don't let the Bush Administration gut the basic rules for protecting our oceans!

Hi C.,

The Bush Administration is trying to exempt fisheries from this requirement of strong environmental review.

Tell the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to go back to the drawing board on this proposal! [use this link to take action / sign petition - note, remove spaces I've inserted; or you can go to the DB Thread noted for hotlink to petition]

http: // www. thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/615719269?z00m=15757550

This reckless proposal would basically gut the environmental review process for fisheries, and it would even limit the public's right to participate in the process.

This proposed rule would hand over too much authority to fishery management councils, and could undo the progress achieved under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for our oceans.

Currently NEPA enables saving endangered species, preserving food sources for coastal communities, saving deep sea coral reefs and more.

Please sign the petition to preserve essential protection of the oceans.

Thanks for taking action!

Emily
Care2 Campaign Team

I'm just checking in to say I'm here, and in support of the AAHS efforts! And of rescues! And of just doing the right thing for horses and people! Together we are strong.

Here's something that happened to me yesterday, which I will bet has happened hundreds of times in a similar way to many: late in the day I went to a dental appt. I was wearing a Derby 132 tshirt, and a mom and her daughter asked me if I went to the Derby this year (nope!). The older lady of the two said she used to have horses and had nursed a pregnant mare through pneumonia. She was obviously tuned in to the value of these wonderful creatures. We started talking about Big Brown, and then Barbaro.

When a moment presented itself, I asked if they were aware of horse slaughter. They were appalled. I was called in just then to my appt., but I gave them my Americans Against Horse Slaughter card (which shows ABR and the AAHS website) and said they could join in helping pass a federal bill by something as simple as a call or email. Who knows if they will, but you never know if one more voice will be the turning point. Keep adding voices!

Hello GUYS! Sorry I am late. Some of Lexington KY was evacuated because a pyrotechnics plant caught on fire and it was thought it would EXPLODE! hehehe. Never exploded thankfully. I was trying to get news on tv, but it seems Brette Farve was more important.

GREAT NEWS Chelokee is doing GREAT!
CURLIN will race again!!!

Repost and VERY IMPORTANT!!! everyone must read

We’ve notice that over the past few days, there has been a lot of controversy about several issues. One of them is AAHS and the methods used to try and pass the anti slaughter bills.

Let me begin by saying, there is no such thing as instant gratification when trying to pass legislation. It is long, tedious, frustrating and, many times, disheartening work. However, imagine where our country would be if everyone stepped back instead of stepping up when the going got rough.

AAHS was established to be a dedicated site that deals with no other issue and is presented as such when dealing with legislators. Unlike other groups that deal with several different animal issues, this assures them that we are looking for nothing but to end slaughter and the transportation to slaughter. Grassroots lobbying is "our call to action" with the intent to change public opinion and continue to spread awareness. The more members we have, the stronger we are.

So far, everything we’ve done has been paid for directly by us. We are working on creative concepts for higher visibility and a media campaign. However, in order to move forward we need to raise dollars. We’ve started an AAHS store on cafepress but very few people have purchased items. Even if sales picked up, it would be far from the dollars we would need to achieve the maximum impact.

More efforts in DC are also needed but timing is critical when making those decisions. There have been many suggestions that we have a paid lobbyist thus defeating the meaning of grassroots. HSUS and AWI are paid lobbyists and have been working on this for years. AAHS has and will continue to work jointly with these organizations.

In order to move forward with more aggressive campaigns, AAHS will have to raise money. Keep in mind that donations will NOT be tax deductible and we are NOT a registered non profit.

It will be up to it’s members to decide if you want AAHS to grow because this belongs to all of you.

In the meantime, thank you for your dedication and hard work on behalf of our horses!!!

Posted by: ShelleyA at July 17, 2008 3:08 PM

Margie and all, yole made me laugh about plans for Curlins living quarters. We are under stress here with the rescue situation and if we dont laugh we will all go nuts. ###As a famblee we are bound to hit rough patches in the road but we dont quit. We just pull ourselves up and go forward. ###The vet came and gave Chief a cortizone shot for his constant itching allergy. ##Maybe I missed it as have a very sick family member and reading posts off and on but could someone tell me Cruisers status.?

Thank you Martita and Sherry for writing posts that must of been even more difficult to write than they were to read. The harder the truth, the braver the person who steps up to speak that truth.

I bid via the internet on Ruffian's picture and was notified on Saturday night that my bid had won. The email said I would hear shortly as to how to pay for the picture and the mailing costs. I have not heard a word from anyone since about my winning bid. After reading Martita's post, it seems beautiful Ruffian's picture could have been swiped by some creep. The idea that Sofie's picture could be with someone like that makes me very sad.

After the events of the weekend, the Jacksons must be rethinking the ceremony at Churchill Downs next spring and who can blame them one bit? No one can.

Since Barbaro's death much has changed, including this board. Life moves on, as they say. But what I would give right now for the spirit of the FOB when we were posting "another comfortable night" in the present tense. Melissa K.

Hail! Hail! The gang's all returning. Somehow I have this urge to make a few more calls. Love seeing all the "oldtimers". Where's Sally, (formerly of Key West and now Parump, NV.), Verna, Dora, Chris Byers? To name only a very few.

##
Love seeing some of the "old" names! YEAH!!!!!
jan

I just responded to Post by Debra, WI at July 17, 2008 6:28 PM - "COUNT ME IN"

Sherry in AZ, I was glad to meet you on Saturday. I am sorry I was a bit frazzled and couldn't speak to you more at length. I do thank you for your many offers to help and if I had an idea of what I was doing I would certainly have given you a job.

Ro & Brady

July 17 Cherokee Devotional [sharing email from Harriette Brillianthawk]

Love has no part of abuse. Claims of great love are really claims of great need when there is abuse. Love doesn't abuse. It protects and comforts and gives support. Abuse is from a possession of evil----the need to hurt and destroy. It is a need for a prey--a smaller prey where domination is secure.

Human need is a net thrown over a thing or a person to keep them close and subdued. If escape seems possible the possessor turns to tears and persuasion as another way of dominating. But love--love is a deep sacred trust that runs through the most common acts, the shared hours, the sweetest and most trusting touch. It is the miracle of life.

Why does the agent seek to take away our religion?

Sitting Bull, 1889

RE Curlin:
I have a heated waterbed. I think that trumps carrot soup, all you weenies......

I think we all realize there are things that can be improved upon from the weekend events.

However, from some of the comments I'm reading, you would think EVERYONE was running around acting like drunken thieves. That was simply not the case.

A few bad apples don't spoil the whole bunch.

LindaVA; from what it sounds like the idiots may not have even been one of us, they were probably drunks that came in from the outside if there really wasn't any security. Shoot I should have been there with my uzi lol.

LyndaP: Don't mess with the gal that used to be from Texas LOL! Yikes! An uzi??

LindaVA; Well thats what Jake said I had! LOL!!!

###Jonna, what good would that heated water bed be for a big horse?!?!? The plug would shoot out like a rocket once he stepped on it, and you'd all be soaked with no bed. No. No. I have the better set up here.

I hope Curlin doesn't walk in his sleep.

Sorry if I offended any FOB with my anger this AM. I am just upset that something may have happened to tarnish this entire group, or offend those with good intentions.

The carrot posse shows up everywhere, doesn't it? It is soooooooooooo good to see them post again.

### I cant believe some of the names I am seeing on here today! Yea! Jen

CJ, thank you a gazillion times for the identity theft photos. I will treasure them, and it was just what the doctor ordered.

((((CJ))))

I think we need this right now. I love this old song: But it's something we could live by.
*************************************

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows when
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.

So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me

If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another.

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share
And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.

He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.

ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE FORGOTTEN WHY WE STARTED THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE.

To help get each other through the pain.
To rejoice in our common love and hopes for Barbaro.
To go to work for the good of the horse.
To become something bigger than ourselves.
To help one another.
To support the Rescues.
To educate the world about horse slaughter
and to defeat it where it stands.

('Specially for Joan today.Hang in there girl. We've got your back.)

####
Diedre(SP)
i knew you were funnin' back. Life is too short and already to serious for crankiness here. Glad to see you here, and rave on.

Where is Capt Carrot anyway????

IS CURLIN SINGLE?...

MAYBE I SHOULD HELP HIM WITH HIS WATERBED?

###
Now Mocha, you hussy! Leave that young man alone.

To Cheryl Jones: Thank you for your restrained reply to me last night, which read as follows:

Majasmom Welcome. one suggestion Follow along for a bit and then give your views. This isn't about who is voting for whom in the next election at all and there are no alliances or divisions formed based upon one's presidential candidate choice. The debate is about not destroying this community.
------------------------------------------------
I actually have been following the discussion, even though I have previously posted only on the DB (on other topics), and I do understand that the current debate here is about preserving/not destroying the community. However, I get riled when people make gratuitous, politically partisan comments bashing one side or the other for reasons unrelated to the topic at hand - that's what got me stirred up. I know a lot of people hate the Pres, but there is no need to bring that hatred here. I do believe this community would be a lot stronger if newcomers were treated better. There are some, perhaps mostly on the DB where I have more experience, who behave like a swarm of killer bees anytime someone new comes along and expresses an opinion or asks a question. Over time, there is bound to be attrition and if new people do not join and stay, this "community" will be no more