First of all, I'm probably in the vast minority in thinking that the choice of National site should be what's best for the dogs and the membership, not necessarily a political statement of some kind. BUT.....if the dog show world really wanted to make a political statement, I'd start with the proactive suggestions already made on the List about increasing positive publicity, etc. but, as usual, I would go much further. If you are going to make a political statement, make it loud and clear - really stick it to them, get the dogs in their faces and don't let up. Okay, so this is pie-in-the-sky, but here's what I would do: 1. EVERY breed that is banned or threatened with banning should hold their "national" - or large show - in cities with the MOST stringent BSL laws. If possible, target just several cities and hold as many shows as possible there in one year. If there is some law disallowing a breed's show there, hold it as near to the city as possible - a suburb, perhaps. 2. Mount HUGE publicity campaigns with local media before and during the shows. 3. ENFORCE correct doggie etiquette (pick up poop, etc.) among the exhibitors - on pain of dismemeberment (pun intended!). 4. Extend personal invitations to all local reporters and politicians. (The pols probably won't come - that's not so important. The idea is to get to the PUBLIC. Then the politicians will have to expain their actions, or lack thereof - get them on the defensive: "Hey, Joe, I took a chance and went and it was great. Why weren't you there and what's so wrong with these dogs, anyway?...) 5. Hold Rally, Temperament, CGC, and TDI tests at each show. 6. Each breed put on herding, earth dog, retrieving, etc. tests to showcase the breed's accomplishments. 7. Target CHILDREN and TEENS: educational demos, frisbee, games, contests, etc. - get the kids in by whatever means. If the reporters and politicians have children, extend a public invitiation. (Again, I know most won't come, but the point is publicity and pressure - they will have to explain to the kids and the public why not.....) Of course, this is in a perfect world where all exhibitors are friendly, outgoing, welcoming people who have lots of time during a show to hang around a bunch of strangers and educated them about their dogs and, of course, all the dogs are of exemplary character...I know... dream on. None of us have the time, money, or energy for this at a dog show - especially a National....AND THAT'S NOT REALLY WHAT A NATIONAL IS FOR. So.....I am back to my original statement: PICK THE NATIONAL SITES THAT BEST SHOWCASE THE DOGS AND ARE THE MOST EXHIBITOR-FRIENDLY and fight BSL by other means. Sharon CODA GERMAN SHEPHERDS ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================