Important USARK message.........

[ThomasH]

By USARK~

"DANGER: Python Ban Goes to Committee


HR2811 (House version of S373) Sponsored by Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL), will go to Mark-up (amendment) in a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday the 28th, and then to the full committee on Wednesday the 29th. This bill has been called the Python BAN. If passed as written, it will BAN the IMPORT, EXPORT and INTERSTATE TRANSPORT of the entire genus python. Once it passes Mark-up it will go to a vote on the floor of the full House of Representatives. Anyone who doesn't believe that this is an immediate threat to the entire Reptile Community has their head in the sand. If the Reptile Nation does not wake up and take massive and decisive action right now we could lose ALL pythons.

USARK has worked hard and spent a lot of money to make sure the Reptile Nation has the best information available regarding the fate of our community. We make our positions clear and operate with complete transparency. We have no conflicts of interest. Our only allegiance is to the Reptile Nation. We are asking you to TAKE ACTION NOW to save this industry. No one else can do this for us. We hold our fate in our own hands. That is why we created USARK, to take control of our own destiny.

We have the best lobbyists, contacts and strategy to address the situation. This is not the time to panic or get angry. It is time for calm deliberate action. We need to engage in a massive phone and fax campaign on Monday the 27th. Get everyone you know to call. Spread the word to every forum and social networking site you frequent.

Phone & Fax Campaign: Monday July 27 (call & fax ALL Congressman at ALL numbers)

Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL),

Washington DC: phone 202-225-4506; fax 202-226-0777

Miami: phone 305-690-5905; fax 305-690-5951

Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL)

Washington DC: phone 202-225-5792; fax 202-225-3132

Punta Gorda: phone 941-575-9101; fax 941-575-9103

Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL)

Washington DC: phone 202-225-3001; fax 202-225-5974

Boca Raton: phone 561-988-6302; fax 561-988-6423

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)

Washington DC: phone 202-225-7931; fax 202-226-2052

Pembroke Pines: phone 954-437-3936; fax 954-437-4776

SCRIPT: My name is...... I want to register a NO on HR2811. If passed as written this bill will destroy thousands of Florida voters, their families and small businesses. There is not a shred of scientific evidence to support banning all of the different species in the genus python. Please amend the bill to address only the IMPORT of the Burmese Python. Thank you for your consideration.

Click here to donate $10 with dollar for dollar matching from Zoo Med

http://usark.org/donate.php



THIS MUST BE BIG!!! SPREAD THE WORD FOR MONDAY July 27th 2009!!!!!!"

TBH

 

[kupo969]

I live in FL and they officially started killing/capturing pythons from the Everglades. Things don't look too good.

 

[ballpython2]

I live in FL and they officially started killing/capturing pythons from the Everglades. Things don't look too good.

And you didn't see this coming because ???? What else they going to do with them? Put em all on a plane and shipping back their native homes? Doubtful. And the zoos will only take so many and I don't blame them.

 

[kupo969]

And you didn't see this coming because ????

Um, lol? I dunno how anyone couldn't have.

 

[UrbanJungles]

I live in FL and they officially started killing/capturing pythons from the Everglades. Things don't look too good.

This has been going on for a while now. There has been a special task force in the Everglades for almost 3 years.

 

[UrbanJungles]

Here's what I got in the mail...

United States Association of Reptile Keepers

CALL DAY 7/27/09- Stop Ban On ALL Pythons Nationwide!

There seems to be some confusion in the Reptile Nation about what is going on here. HR2811 if passed would Ban ALL Pythons Nationwide. This is NOT a Florida bill. It is in the US House of Representatives. This is NOT about Burmese Pythons. IT IS ABOUT ALL PYTHONS!... from Ball Pythons on up... ALL PYTHONS!!! If HR2811 passes the House and Senate as written, the trade in ALL PYTHONS IS OVER!!

Our only chance is to get the bill amended. It is going to get voted on in subcommittee on Tuesday and the full House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. If we are unable to get it amended it will include ALL PYTHONS!
USARK is calling on the entire Reptile nation to turn out for a MASSIVE calling day tomorrow, Monday July 27, 2009!!! If we fail, the ability to work with ANY Python will be devastated. Don't let this happen. We owe it to our children and future generations to be able to enjoy these animals! This is the most fantastic hobby and profession there is. DO NOT LET IT DIE!
Phone & Fax Campaign July 27, 2009: This is not a full list of the House Judiciary Committee. We will focus only on key members.

SCRIPT: My name is...... I want to register a NO on HR2811. If passed as written this bill will destroy thousands of families and small businesses. There is not a shred of scientific evidence to support banning all of the different species in the genus python. Not all pythons are the same. There are many different species. Please amend the bill to address only the IMPORT of the Burmese Python. Thank you for your consideration.
Sponsor and Key Members:

Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL), Sponsor
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4506; fax 202-226-0777
Miami: phone 305-690-5905; fax 305-690-5951
Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5792; fax 202-225-3132
Punta Gorda: phone 941-575-9101; fax 941-575-9103


Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3001; fax 202-225-5974
Boca Raton: phone 561-988-6302; fax 561-988-6423

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-7931; fax 202-226-2052
Pembroke Pines: phone 954-437-3936; fax 954-437-4776

Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) Committee Chair
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5126; fax 202-225-0072
Detroit: phone 313-961-5670; fax 313-226-2085
EMAIL: john.conyers@mail.house.gov

Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX) Ranking Member
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4236; fax 202-225-8628
San Antonio: phone 210-821-5024; fax 210-821-5947

Congressman Howard L. Berman (D-CA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4695; fax 202-225-3196
Van Nuys: phone 818-994-7200; fax 818-994-1050

Congressman Rick Boucher (D-VA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3861; fax 202-225-0442

Congressman Howard Coble (R-NC)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3065; fax 202-225-8611
Greensboro: phone 336-333-5005; fax: 336-333-5048

Congressman Randy Forbes (R-VA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-6365; fax 202-226-1170
Chesapeake: 757-382-0080; fax 757-382-0780

Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4576; fax: 202-225-6328
Glendale: phone 623-776-7911; fax: 623-776-7832

Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-CA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5811; fax 202-225-1100
Thousand Oaks: phone 805-497-2224; Toll Free: (800) 423-0023; fax 805-497-0039

Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5635
New York: phone 212-367-7350
CALL, CALL, CALL!!! Our Future Depends On It! Make an avalanche of calls and bury HR2811!

Click here to donate $10 with dollar for dollar matching from Zoo Med
http://usark.org/donate.php

THIS MUST BE BIG!!! SPREAD THE WORD FOR MONDAY July 27th 2009!!!!!!
usark.org

 

[skips]

This really is a ridiculous resolution. H.R. 669 made some sense to me (I will not be arguing this point) but this not so much. I've posted this link to the text of the bill and the bill to which it refers and amends. Please everyone read them both. I'm tired of USARK making wild claims and not backing them up. And also tired of people voting without reading what they're voting on. Point being, if you're going to try and spook us all you'd better post the supporting information from a credible source. This is pointed more at USARK than the poster.

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.2811:

http://www.fws.gov/le/pdffiles/lacey.pdf

 

[ThomasH]

USARK has never steered us wrong. What's missing in your opinion? We should NOT have such a stupid national ban as this one! Are you seriously telling me that we need to ban such ecologically harmless animals as ball pythons?
TBH

 

[skips]

USARK has never steered us wrong. What's missing in your opinion? We should NOT have such a stupid national ban as this one! Are you seriously telling me that we need to ban such ecologically harmless animals as ball pythons?
TBH

no. that's why i said it was a ridiculous resolution. My problem is that USARK does advertising like a soviet propaganda film (i.e. "they're the devil, but we're right by the grace of god"). Gets everyone riled up. At least in my experience with this forum and USARK posts when they were voting on H.R. 669 people were posting but the majority hadnt taken the time to read the resolution. My ultimate point is, dont cry wolf without posting the text of a bill. Just because a resolution may limit our hobby doesnt mean it's the devil. I repeat though, this particular resolution is ridiculous.

 

[ThomasH]

no. that's why i said it was a ridiculous resolution. My problem is that USARK does advertising like a soviet propaganda film (i.e. "they're the devil, but we're right by the grace of god"). Gets everyone riled up. At least in my experience with this forum and USARK posts when they were voting on H.R. 669 people were posting but the majority hadnt taken the time to read the resolution. My ultimate point is, dont cry wolf without posting the text of a bill. Just because a resolution may limit our hobby doesnt mean it's the devil. I repeat though, this particular resolution is ridiculous.

I've checked into every single bill on opencongress.org against us since 2007 Including HR 6311/669. It can easily be googled, so I've never posted it. I agree with USARK's advertising. It is extremely effective and to be praised.
TBH

 

[Matt K]

Just to reiterate:

There is still an ever present movement in the government to ban non-native livestock, be they reptiles, tropical fish, insects (feeder roaches) and arachnids. The keystone to thier legal strategy is to start with the most commonly bred non native reptiles- snakes, pythons in particular. You may or may not be familiar with the ban on AGB millipedes, which was just a first step in this direction.

As a group we have to support the movement against this legislation in order to protect our hobby down the line- which is not that far away.

Here is a copy of the info. Make the calls and send the emails urgently!


usark.org
United States Association of Reptile Keepers

CALL DAY 7/27/09- Stop Ban On ALL Pythons Nationwide!

There seems to be some confusion in the Reptile Nation about what is going on here. HR2811 if passed would Ban ALL Pythons Nationwide. This is NOT a Florida bill. It is in the US House of Representatives. This is NOT about Burmese Pythons. IT IS ABOUT ALL PYTHONS!... from Ball Pythons on up... ALL PYTHONS!!! If HR2811 passes the House and Senate as written, the trade in ALL PYTHONS IS OVER!!


Our only chance is to get the bill amended. It is going to get voted on in subcommittee on Tuesday and the full House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. If we are unable to get it amended it will include ALL PYTHONS!
USARK is calling on the entire Reptile nation to turn out for a MASSIVE calling day tomorrow, Monday July 27, 2009!!! If we fail, the ability to work with ANY Python will be devastated. Don't let this happen. We owe it to our children and future generations to be able to enjoy these animals! This is the most fantastic hobby and profession there is. DO NOT LET IT DIE!
Phone & Fax Campaign July 27, 2009: This is not a full list of the House Judiciary Committee. We will focus only on key members.


SCRIPT: My name is...... I want to register a NO on HR2811. If passed as written this bill will destroy thousands of families and small businesses. There is not a shred of scientific evidence to support banning all of the different species in the genus python. Not all pythons are the same. There are many different species. Please amend the bill to address only the IMPORT of the Burmese Python. Thank you for your consideration.

Sponsor and Key Members:

Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL), Sponsor
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4506; fax 202-226-0777
Miami: phone 305-690-5905; fax 305-690-5951
Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5792; fax 202-225-3132
Punta Gorda: phone 941-575-9101; fax 941-575-9103


Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3001; fax 202-225-5974
Boca Raton: phone 561-988-6302; fax 561-988-6423

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-7931; fax 202-226-2052
Pembroke Pines: phone 954-437-3936; fax 954-437-4776

Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) Committee Chair
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5126; fax 202-225-0072
Detroit: phone 313-961-5670; fax 313-226-2085
EMAIL: john.conyers@mail.house.gov

Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX) Ranking Member
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4236; fax 202-225-8628
San Antonio: phone 210-821-5024; fax 210-821-5947

Congressman Howard L. Berman (D-CA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4695; fax 202-225-3196
Van Nuys: phone 818-994-7200; fax 818-994-1050

Congressman Rick Boucher (D-VA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3861; fax 202-225-0442

Congressman Howard Coble (R-NC)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3065; fax 202-225-8611
Greensboro: phone 336-333-5005; fax: 336-333-5048

Congressman Randy Forbes (R-VA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-6365; fax 202-226-1170
Chesapeake: 757-382-0080; fax 757-382-0780

Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4576; fax: 202-225-6328
Glendale: phone 623-776-7911; fax: 623-776-7832

Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-CA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5811; fax 202-225-1100
Thousand Oaks: phone 805-497-2224; Toll Free: (800) 423-0023; fax 805-497-0039

Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5635
New York: phone 212-367-7350
CALL, CALL, CALL!!! Our Future Depends On It! Make an avalanche of calls and bury HR2811!

Click here to donate $10 with dollar for dollar matching from Zoo Med
http://usark.org/donate.php

THIS MUST BE BIG!!! SPREAD THE WORD FOR MONDAY July 27th 2009!!!!!!
usark.org

 

[pitbulllady]

no. that's why i said it was a ridiculous resolution. My problem is that USARK does advertising like a soviet propaganda film (i.e. "they're the devil, but we're right by the grace of god"). Gets everyone riled up. At least in my experience with this forum and USARK posts when they were voting on H.R. 669 people were posting but the majority hadnt taken the time to read the resolution. My ultimate point is, dont cry wolf without posting the text of a bill. Just because a resolution may limit our hobby doesnt mean it's the devil. I repeat though, this particular resolution is ridiculous.

Thomas, this is how the Anti's win-they take advantage of that "last time we got all riled up, and nothing happened" scenario. They catch us off-guard. That's the same attitude that people in Louisiana had about hurricanes before 2005, and we here in SC had about hurricanes prior to 1989; the weather people always presented the worst-case scenario, and nothing would happen. The supposed threat would just fizzle out or turn away, and we got complacent. Complacency is the surest way to doom yourself, in ANY endeavor. When the worst-case scenario DID happen, when the sky DID fall, so to speak, we were caught completely unprepared, due to complacency. When we become complacent about bills that affect OUR hobbies, and for many people, their livelihoods, we are caught with our proverbial pants down, and the Anti's have got us right where they want us. This resolution in question will do far more than just "limit our hobby". I am willing to bet that you yourself do not own, breed, keep or sell/trade any of the animals in question, so like many animal owners, you're OK with someone taking away OTHER people's choices, as long as they don't come after YOURS. Pythons, and Ball Pythons especially, make up a very significant part of the herp industry as a whole, and the herp industry is a large and important part of the pet industry. There are many people, people I know personally, who DO make a living breeding and selling these snakes, or who depend on that income to a significant degree. Those people will be financially devastated, and in this economy, do we really NEED to destroy a significant portion of the one industry that IS still successful, and result in MORE people without an income?

The other bad thing about this bill is that it, like its state-and-local counterparts, both anti-"exotic" laws and BSL, is that it leaves the door open to add other species/types of animals. THIS time it might be just all pythons, but it can easily and quickly, without any fanfare, be amended down the road to include all boas, all venomous, all large lizards...the sky is pretty much the limit when it's backed by people who want to see ALL captive animals gone. If you aren't willing to fight for other people's choices of animal, who do you think will fight for YOURS when something comes up that threatens to take them away from YOU?

This bill stands a better chance of passing than the Invasive Species bill awhile back, because as it is written NOW, it focuses on a type of animal for which the public perception is largely one of fear and disgust. There are no cute fuzzy little critters like Guinea pigs and hamsters and gerbils or beautiful exotic colorful birds that might be adversely affected. This also comes right off the heels of a tragedy of bad parenting in Florida that has received a great deal of international publicity, combined with tales of terror of man-eating giant snakes that will soon be invading most of the United States, devouring everything in sight. This bill is one based on that long-standing fear/hate of snakes. It's hard to convince someone that a gerbil or an Amazon parrot is much of a threat, but with a SNAKE, it's a whole different ballgame. None of us, regardless of what kind of animal we keep, can afford to be complacent about this. ANYTHING that provides the Anti's with a victory is a loss for each and every one of us, whether we have Retics, tropical fish, or just a Labrador.

pitbulllady

 

[ThomasH]

I find it laughable that skips supported HR669 but not S373. HR669 would have banned all pythons and almost every other nonnative. S373 was genus Python in particular and Skips was against it. How does that even make rational sense?
TBH

 

[ThomasH]

Thomas, this is how the Anti's win-they take advantage of that "last time we got all riled up, and nothing happened" scenario. They catch us off-guard. That's the same attitude that people in Louisiana had about hurricanes before 2005, and we here in SC had about hurricanes prior to 1989; the weather people always presented the worst-case scenario, and nothing would happen. The supposed threat would just fizzle out or turn away, and we got complacent. Complacency is the surest way to doom yourself, in ANY endeavor. When the worst-case scenario DID happen, when the sky DID fall, so to speak, we were caught completely unprepared, due to complacency. When we become complacent about bills that affect OUR hobbies, and for many people, their livelihoods, we are caught with our proverbial pants down, and the Anti's have got us right where they want us. This resolution in question will do far more than just "limit our hobby". I am willing to bet that you yourself do not own, breed, keep or sell/trade any of the animals in question, so like many animal owners, you're OK with someone taking away OTHER people's choices, as long as they don't come after YOURS. Pythons, and Ball Pythons especially, make up a very significant part of the herp industry as a whole, and the herp industry is a large and important part of the pet industry. There are many people, people I know personally, who DO make a living breeding and selling these snakes, or who depend on that income to a significant degree. Those people will be financially devastated, and in this economy, do we really NEED to destroy a significant portion of the one industry that IS still successful, and result in MORE people without an income?

The other bad thing about this bill is that it, like its state-and-local counterparts, both anti-"exotic" laws and BSL, is that it leaves the door open to add other species/types of animals. THIS time it might be just all pythons, but it can easily and quickly, without any fanfare, be amended down the road to include all boas, all venomous, all large lizards...the sky is pretty much the limit when it's backed by people who want to see ALL captive animals gone. If you aren't willing to fight for other people's choices of animal, who do you think will fight for YOURS when something comes up that threatens to take them away from YOU?

This bill stands a better chance of passing than the Invasive Species bill awhile back, because as it is written NOW, it focuses on a type of animal for which the public perception is largely one of fear and disgust. There are no cute fuzzy little critters like Guinea pigs and hamsters and gerbils or beautiful exotic colorful birds that might be adversely affected. This also comes right off the heels of a tragedy of bad parenting in Florida that has received a great deal of international publicity, combined with tales of terror of man-eating giant snakes that will soon be invading most of the United States, devouring everything in sight. This bill is one based on that long-standing fear/hate of snakes. It's hard to convince someone that a gerbil or an Amazon parrot is much of a threat, but with a SNAKE, it's a whole different ballgame. None of us, regardless of what kind of animal we keep, can afford to be complacent about this. ANYTHING that provides the Anti's with a victory is a loss for each and every one of us, whether we have Retics, tropical fish, or just a Labrador.

pitbulllady

I completely agree. I am very against this bill, have been since Febuary third. Purple albino retics have got to be some of the most attractive animals in the world. I don't own anything from the genus in question but I know many people that do and I would like to own one. Also, Skips' profile claims a BP.
TBH

 

[skips]

I've checked into every single bill on opencongress.org against us since 2007 Including HR 6311/669. It can easily be googled, so I've never posted it. I agree with USARK's advertising. It is extremely effective and to be praised.
TBH

And that's great that YOU know what the bill says. So YOU would be prepared to argue your case, as you're doing now. Your constituents however are not. To me, one of the main downfalls of an organization is the disorganization of it's people. You need to make sure that your people know what the bill says, which would require you posting that information. It's sad to say, but unless you do people will not go looking for it, though I agree it's easy to find. Secondly, to someone who is not an avid fan of reptiles your advertising style is forceful and offensive. Not offensive in the sense that you've made jabs at any one person, but offensive in that to an outsider you look like a one minded organization that will lash out at anyone who apposes your free rein over buying whatever you want.

1.) Thomas, this is how the Anti's win-they take advantage of that "last time we got all riled up, and nothing happened" scenario. When the worst-case scenario DID happen, when the sky DID fall, so to speak, we were caught completely unprepared, due to complacency. When we become complacent about bills that affect OUR hobbies, and for many people, their livelihoods, we are caught with our proverbial pants down, and the Anti's have got us right where they want us. This resolution in question will do far more than just "limit our hobby".

2.) I am willing to bet that you yourself do not own, breed, keep or sell/trade any of the animals in question, so like many animal owners, you're OK with someone taking away OTHER people's choices, as long as they don't come after YOURS. Pythons, and Ball Pythons especially, make up a very significant part of the herp industry as a whole, and the herp industry is a large and important part of the pet industry.

3.) There are many people, people I know personally, who DO make a living breeding and selling these snakes, or who depend on that income to a significant degree. Those people will be financially devastated, and in this economy, do we really NEED to destroy a significant portion of the one industry that IS still successful, and result in MORE people without an income?

4.) The other bad thing about this bill is that it, like its state-and-local counterparts, both anti-"exotic" laws and BSL, is that it leaves the door open to add other species/types of animals. THIS time it might be just all pythons, but it can easily and quickly, without any fanfare, be amended down the road to include all boas, all venomous, all large lizards...the sky is pretty much the limit when it's backed by people who want to see ALL captive animals gone. If you aren't willing to fight for other people's choices of animal, who do you think will fight for YOURS when something comes up that threatens to take them away from YOU?

5.) This bill stands a better chance of passing than the Invasive Species bill awhile back, because as it is written NOW, it focuses on a type of animal for which the public perception is largely one of fear and disgust. There are no cute fuzzy little critters like Guinea pigs and hamsters and gerbils or beautiful exotic colorful birds that might be adversely affected. This also comes right off the heels of a tragedy of bad parenting in Florida that has received a great deal of international publicity, combined with tales of terror of man-eating giant snakes that will soon be invading most of the United States, devouring everything in sight. This bill is one based on that long-standing fear/hate of snakes. It's hard to convince someone that a gerbil or an Amazon parrot is much of a threat, but with a SNAKE, it's a whole different ballgame. None of us, regardless of what kind of animal we keep, can afford to be complacent about this. ANYTHING that provides the Anti's with a victory is a loss for each and every one of us, whether we have Retics, tropical fish, or just a Labrador.

pitbulllady

bullet point correspond to bullets in the above post.

on point 1.) I agree with you fully. You missed the part where I said I didnt agree with the bill though. H.R. 669 made sense to me. This bill is a blanket that is far too broad and not founded on any real science. Although, i'm troubled by your Phrasing in "things that effect our hobbies." I see it nowhere in the bible, koran, or torah saying that it is your god given right to own animals. This is a privilege. Those of you that keep your animals responsibly, kudos. Those of you that dont, and more importantly those of you that think you do and really dont are the reason these rights get taken away.

On point 2.) Wow, rule one of a good productive discussion is you dont make assumptions and attack other people, lest they call you on it. I both own, sell, and breed inverts, verts, and specifically ball pythons. If you would like me to list all my animals, I would be willing to do that. And also being a studying ecologist myself I would willingly give them up for a higher cause. Your argument for thinking ahead to when things "DO" happen works both ways. What happens when some of your animals DO establish in ecosystems where they're not welcome. Wait, they have several hundred times!

3.) and this is always an issue. For this I would be sorry for their loss. I cant speak for those people. However, I see no difference with these people and industry. Take teflon for instance. It was a huge industry until research came out that it, being a heavily fluorenated compound, released it's chemicals into food over time. It was removed and it's producers moved on

4.) the "if i am not for myself, then who will be" argument. It's a good one i admit. In that you have to be careful. In every cause we fight for we are opposed by others who dont believe the way we do. Should I then switch sides because the other side might be right and will fight for me in the future?

5.) I agree with you to point. the difference is you seem like you're fighting for the animals. You're fighting for YOUR right to own the animals. Therefore you're fighting for you, not the animal. I wont play the "they'd be happier in the wild" card because i dont have the power to read animal's minds. I worked and volunteered at the my local zoo (not to pulled into this) and I've started an animal collection at my university. All to promote awareness and do educational demonstrations with animals. It is a problem that people can own a dog that has bitten several people, but not a snake that has hurt no one. and even breeds of dogs are mis understood...obviously.

I'm repeating AGAIN. I dont support this bill. It blankets too much. I was making a comment on other facets of the campaign.

 

[skips]

I find it laughable that skips supported HR669 but not S373. HR669 would have banned all pythons and almost every other nonnative. S373 was genus Python in particular and Skips was against it. How does that even make rational sense?
TBH

I like that: "claims a ball python." I promise you it's real. Reptiles were my first love. Once again you prove YOU can do research before making statements. Kudos.

If you'd like to have it out over H.R. 669 we can do that over PM...though I highly doubt that will happen. I dont want to waste this threat rehashing that argument. It took up so much space before

 

[ThomasH]

And that's great that YOU know what the bill says. So YOU would be prepared to argue your case, as you're doing now. Your constituents however are not. To me, one of the main downfalls of an organization is the disorganization of it's people. You need to make sure that your people know what the bill says, which would require you posting that information. It's sad to say, but unless you do people will not go looking for it, though I agree it's easy to find. Secondly, to someone who is not an avid fan of reptiles your advertising style is forceful and offensive. Not offensive in the sense that you've made jabs at any one person, but offensive in that to an outsider you look like a one minded organization that will lash out at anyone who apposes your free rein over buying whatever you want.

1. The organization emails explain what is going to be regulated, they said that S373 would ban animals of the genus python. Governmental texts would just disengage people.
2. Politics are partially about being forceful and offensive. It's a proven strategy. Deal with it. Is this the first political campaign that you have witnessed?
TBH

 

[ThomasH]

I like that: "claims a ball python." I promise you it's real. Reptiles were my first love. Once again you prove YOU can do research before making statements. Kudos.

If you'd like to have it out over H.R. 669 we can do that over PM...though I highly doubt that will happen. I dont want to waste this threat rehashing that argument. It took up so much space before

I said that you claimed it because I had no grounds to validate whether you were currently keeping it or if you had it at the time of writing your profile but have since gotten rid of it. I'm not trying to get personal here. Checking your profile and referring you to Opencongress.org was research in of itself. Do I have to link you to a bunch of crap to prove myself?
I am not going into HR669 with you or What again. It doesn't work.
TBH

 

[skips]

1. The organization emails explain what is going to be regulated, they said that S373 would ban animals of the genus python. Governmental texts would just disengage people.
2. Politics are partially about being forceful and offensive. It's a proven strategy. Deal with it. Is this the first political campaign that you have witnessed?
TBH

So you follow everything your organization emails you? I'm not implying that they're conniving and evil, just that they're people--people with an agenda. I'm saying that the governmental text of the article is exactly what will be voted on, therefore that is what people should read and form opinions from. When you watch the news, you want the news caster to tell you what to think about a story, or do you just want the darn news so that you can be an informed citizen. Saying that government text would scare people is saying that you want them to share your opinion, not be 100% informed, regardless of your intent.

2nd. and do you enjoy politics as usual? The status quo? I dont. Gandhi or MLK would win my vote in an election over any politician here. speak softly, but carry a big mental stick. The reason is that I know politics have become a pissing contest, I cant believe that anyone has clear motive.

 

[ThomasH]

So you follow everything your organization emails you? I'm not implying that they're conniving and evil, just that they're people--people with an agenda. I'm saying that the governmental text of the article is exactly what will be voted on, therefore that is what people should believe. When you watch the news, you want the news caster to tell you what to think about a story, or do you just want the darn news so that you can be an informed citizen.

2nd. and do you enjoy politics as usual? The status quo? I dont. Gandhi or MLK would win my vote in an election over any politician here. speak softly, but carry a big mental stick. The reason is that I know politics have become a pissing contest, I cant believe that anyone has clear motive.

1. Yes, I look up every bill and impacting story [I.E. Child killed by Burm in Penascola.] about the topic. Rallying doesn't mean that every one must know the text to have an opinion. They just need to know how it impacts them. I like to be an informed citizen from unbiased information. But it isn't a lobbyist's job to be unbiased, so I seek multiple sources. I agree with USARK about this issue.

2. Sometimes a lobbyist is just a lobbyist. Their emails are of an average lobbyist's fashion. Get supporters, funds, and make a difference in the most impactful way. That's it.

TBH