Help save our hobby!

[Strutter769]

Please help save our rights by taking a moment (literally, less than 2 minutes) to read and follow this to enter the fight with Congress to save our hobby and our rights!

No on FWS Python Rule; BAD for American Small Business & Families Facing Economic Hardship. | United States Association of Reptile Keepers (http://united-states-association-of-reptile-keepers.rallycongress.com/5799/no-on-fws-python-rule-bad-american-small-business-families-alread/)

Please send your comments as well. We need to stop this ban. It will be a huge step in the right direction when we win! (Notice I didn't say "if" we win. Positive thinking people!)

[mykee]

From the experience I have of havng been in this hobby for a long time, you'll find that 95% of reptile owners, though they love their pets, are apathetic towards this fight. You'll be lucky if one out of every 20 reptile owners lifts a hand to help.

[shaunyboy]

From the experience I have of havng been in this hobby for a long time, you'll find that 95% of reptile owners, though they love their pets, are apathetic towards this fight. You'll be lucky if one out of every 20 reptile owners lifts a hand to help.

^^^^^
i have to agree with mykee pal

cheers shaun

[Norm66]

Done. Hope it helps.

[Strutter769]

I think the proof for your statement is right here in this post. 26 views and one comment. Now its time to rant a little.

Are you people kidding me?! 26 views and ONE person even commented in the forum, much less takes TWO @#$%ING MINUTES to fill in a couple blanks, and click a couple boxes?! I didn't ask anyone to take a half-hour hour to write an original letter, find a stamp, find an envelope, put it in the mailbox.... NO! I asked to type your name, address, and check a few boxes! The letter is written for you!

Maybe I'm the one who is in the wrong here. I thought the community on this board cared enough about THEIR hobby to actually TRY to make a difference. TRY to prevent a ban on large constrictors. TRY to voice your OPINIONS, and win this ever-important first battle for OUR rights! And yet NO ONE of nearly 18,000 members has chosen to stand up.

How embarrassing!

Can someone please help me understand why that is?!

Sorry Wayne. If this argument should be moved now to "Rants" I can find it there.

Make it a great day everyone.

[Strutter769]

Done. Hope it helps.

THANK YOU NORM!! I personally really, truly appreciate your time and effort!

[Strutter769]

From the experience I have of havng been in this hobby for a long time, you'll find that 95% of reptile owners, though they love their pets, are apathetic towards this fight. You'll be lucky if one out of every 20 reptile owners lifts a hand to help.

Thank you Shaun. This kind of refusal to stand up for our rights almost makes me ashamed to be American. Our country was built on the ability to stand up and voice our opinions and fight for our rights! I guess today that's only true if there is absolutely NO effort required in that fight. What a shame.

[Gungirl]

I did it.. Just never left you a comment saying that I did it

[shaunyboy]

can folk from over fill it in and make a difference ?

cheers shaun

[CK SandBoas]

Okay, i just did it:)

[Strutter769]

Thank you! And thank the rest of you who may have taken the time to do this, but not report it in the forum. A warm, heart-felt thank you!

[Strutter769]

can folk from over fill it in and make a difference ?

cheers shaun

Unfortunayely, I don't think so Shaun, because it asks you to fill in your resident state, so it can get to the proper people in Congress. Thank you for your willingness to help, Shaun!

[snakehill]

Done!!!!! :cool:

[Strutter769]

Thank you everyone. I really apologize for my tirade. I am just so passionate about this hobby, I got really frustrated and felt really alone thinking no one responded. I apologize for going "overboard" in my previous post. Please know, that was passion speaking, not anger. I'm not one to get angry. O:-)

[Norm66]

Honestly I don't believe it's apathy per se. I think it's because most people, myself included, feel like things are out of our hands. And in a practical sense it's all too true. The ruling class (and don't kid yourself about there being one) is the ruling class and the rest of us are the ruled. Sure you can make a stink and *maybe* get noticed but does it really change anything? I don't know. It's hard to get motivated and step outside your comfort zone to do anything when it feels like tossing a pebble in the way of a tidal wave.

all that said, it's a couple blanks to fill in and a couple boxes to click. Do it!

[Strutter769]

Thanks for that, Norm. I completely understand the "pebble in a tidal wave" aspect. But, we REALLY won't get anywhere if we don't try! Thank you for helping to promote this cause. I personally truly appreciate it very much.

My apologies again to the forum for seeming so frustrated in my initial post today.

[millertime89]

I signed early, I'm way back on page 3 now. Says "Kyle M signed 3 hours ago"
thanks to everyone that is against this ban, the large constrictor community thanks you.

[Strutter769]

Here is an auto-reply I got back from my Senator's office. I'll share the "real" response when it comes: Dear Friend:

Thank you for your email. I appreciate hearing from you.

We are experiencing a high volume of incoming emails, but every message is read by my staff and if you live in Illinois we will provide a response as soon as possible.

I appreciate your comments. Thank you again for contacting me.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin United States Senator

[Strutter769]

I signed early, I'm way back on page 3 now. Says "Kyle M signed 3 hours ago"
thanks to everyone that is against this ban, the large constrictor community thanks you.

Kyle, it is your actions in fighting the Fear Factor debacle that inspired me to take this step and try to get more of us involved, and for that I really thank you! Your activism is really an inspiration!

[theapexgerman]

I've just done it

[Strutter769]

Thanks Ape! Or is it German? Lol Thank you very much for your support!

[Norm66]

Thanks Ape! Or is it German? Lol Thank you very much for your support!

I think I'd go with Apex for short. ;)

[Strutter769]

I like "Apex." Thanks Apex! (& Norm)

[millertime89]

Kyle, it is your actions in fighting the Fear Factor debacle that inspired me to take this step and try to get more of us involved, and for that I really thank you! Your activism is really an inspiration!

thanks man, the government has been trying to step on too many people's toes lately. I REALLY am pulling for Ron Paul to win the republican nomination because if he is anything like he claims to be, it'll stop with him.

[Strutter769]

thanks man, the government has been trying to step on too many people's toes lately. I REALLY am pulling for Ron Paul to win the republican nomination because if he is anything like he claims to be, it'll stop with him.

Great, now I have to research him. :nerd:

[DavethePython]

I read it and I think it is crap too , but I did not fill it out simply because it is an American issue and my voice will not count being in Canada. Fortunatly this is an issue we probably will never have to deal with, as any snake or reptile released into out environments stand little to no chance of survival unless it is a native species. Our climates do not permit survival for tropical species at all. As for the danger element , I have heard nothing in my recent memory of any snake owner being harmed or killed by their animals in Canada. Not to say it does not happen or has not happened , just don't recall ever hearing of it. I do recall hearing several stories per year of dog attacks , or other "domestic" animal attacks hurting or killing people or other animals.

[theapexgerman]

apex or German either or i don't care witch one i get called apex is short for the apex predator the ultimate predator i got it when i was in high school

[DavethePython]

I do have to correct myself a little . I did just recall an incedent about 18 years ago in the Vancouver BC area where a large constrictor , I believe a Python of a giant breed ,maybe a Burm did escape it's enclosure and get out of the house and into the neighbours yard where the young children were playing with their small dog. The snake did attack and eat the dog while the family watched. I am almost 40 years old and this is one of the very few snake attacks I remember hearing in the media. I hear of at least a dozen or more dog attacks a year.

[millertime89]

I read it and I think it is crap too , but I did not fill it out simply because it is an American issue and my voice will not count being in Canada. Fortunatly this is an issue we probably will never have to deal with, as any snake or reptile released into out environments stand little to no chance of survival unless it is a native species. Our climates do not permit survival for tropical species at all. As for the danger element , I have heard nothing in my recent memory of any snake owner being harmed or killed by their animals in Canada. Not to say it does not happen or has not happened , just don't recall ever hearing of it. I do recall hearing several stories per year of dog attacks , or other "domestic" animal attacks hurting or killing people or other animals.

sign anyways, it shows solidarity among keepers from all countries.

[Strutter769]

apex or German either or i don't care witch one i get called apex is short for the apex predator the ultimate predator i got it when i was in high school

I'm hoping that's because you're a good wrestler? :shocked: hahaha

[Strutter769]

sign anyways, it shows solidarity among keepers from all countries.

^^^^^ +1 ^^^^

[theapexgerman]

i got the nick name long before wrestling they copied it from me XD

[KORBIN5895]

Hey strut.. provide a zip code and city for our citizens that are currently out of country..... like me...... and Shaun ;)

[Strutter769]

Hey strut.. provide a zip code and city for our citizens that are currently out of country..... like me...... and Shaun ;)

Hi everyone! Did you know President Obama is from Hyde Park, IL? The Zip Code there is 60615. That's close to me!

[marvelfreak]

I did my part. I even left a nice little comment.

4 minutes ago link (http://united-states-association-of-reptile-keepers.rallycongress.com/5799/no-on-fws-python-rule-bad-american-small-business-families-alread/?src=widget#comment-3000586)
Charles S. from Farmington, IL writes:

Do we really need to put more hard working people out of work?
This use to be the land of the free. What happen to our right to pursue happiness? It's a fact that owning pets help relieve stress. Which in turn help us live more joyful, longer, and healthier lives. Just because our chose of pets aren't furry does mean we don't deserve the right to own them.

[millertime89]

Thanks Chuck!
I like using Obama's zip.

[nickseran]

done.and thank you all who gave and give time to stand up for our rights.

[KORBIN5895]

So I totally used my uncles address in wheaton to send an email to the representative and Senators and Pres

[KORBIN5895]

These people
Dear Representative Roskam, Dear Senator Durbin, Dear Senator Kirk,

[Jacob1750]

I sent my letter to congress and all the television stations. I think if all us reptile owners can send enough then we will put this ban to rest.

[KORBIN5895]

It will never be put to rest. We have a constitutional right to own guns and they are still trying to restrict that!

[theapexgerman]

It will never be put to rest. We have a constitutional right to own guns and they are still trying to restrict that!

I'm a gun freak i collect them i almost had to give a few just because they made some laws in AZ

[Strutter769]

Nicely done, Chuck! Thanks you!


I did my part. I even left a nice little comment.

4 minutes ago link (http://united-states-association-of-reptile-keepers.rallycongress.com/5799/no-on-fws-python-rule-bad-american-small-business-families-alread/?src=widget#comment-3000586)
Charles S. from Farmington, IL writes:

Do we really need to put more hard working people out of work?
This use to be the land of the free. What happen to our right to pursue happiness? It's a fact that owning pets help relieve stress. Which in turn help us live more joyful, longer, and healthier lives. Just because our chose of pets aren't furry does mean we don't deserve the right to own them.

[Strutter769]

Thanks Chuck!
I like using Obama's zip.

:freakedout:

[kernel]

I signed it too. Lol, I didn't see this and created another topic.

[Strutter769]

done.and thank you all who gave and give time to stand up for our rights.

Yes, thank you!

[Strutter769]

So I totally used my uncles address in wheaton to send an email to the representative and Senators and Pres

Creative! I love it! Thank you.

[Strutter769]

I sent my letter to congress and all the television stations. I think if all us reptile owners can send enough then we will put this ban to rest.

Good thinking! Thank you

[Strutter769]

Let's try to keep this going. If you get around to it, post that link on your Facebook, other forums, where ever you think it might be helpful, I promise you it WILL be more helpful than not doing it.

Speaking of Facebook, is it possible for me to keep this post at the top of my page? I don't want it forgotten as it moves down the page.

Thanks again everyone!

[Strutter769]

Thanks Chuck!
I like using Obama's zip.

Won't Mr. President be surprised to learn of all the beepers right in his own back yard? And he never even knew! So maybe the giant snakes are nothing to fear afterall? :freakedout:

[Strutter769]

If you have not already, please take a couple minutes to visit the link I provided to show your support and STOP THE PROPOSED BAN ON GIANT CONSTRICTORS.

Thank you for your support!

[beardeds4life]

Done :) glad to help

[Strutter769]

Please continue to help spread the word! Almost 17,000 letters/signatures sent! USARK needs 25,000 (just over 8,000 more!) votes/signatures, emails, letters in order to have the ammunition to lobby against this Ban in Congress. If we can stop this ban on big snakes, then it could put a stop to the Python & Boa Ban this year. If we can't stop this ban, then it will most likely spread to other snakes and reptiles as well all over the country eventually. There is more information on this at the USARK site with Andrew Wyatt.

[BarelyBreathing]

I found this on another forum and filled it out before I even joined here. Then I filled it out again for hubby.

I've also given lots of time, money, and hand written letters supporting this cause. A copy of my letter is up at my studio for everybody to see, and several people have filled in the blanks for me to mail, including some bigger names.

[Strutter769]

I found this on another forum and filled it out before I even joined here. Then I filled it out again for hubby.

I've also given lots of time, money, and hand written letters supporting this cause. A copy of my letter is up at my studio for everybody to see, and several people have filled in the blanks for me to mail, including some bigger names.

That's awesome B.B.! I didn't think to copy the letter into written form! Great idea! Thank you for your support!

[Strutter769]

Has anyone received a response to your letters?

[BarelyBreathing]

Yes. I've received both email and written responses.

[Strutter769]

Awesome! From what level? State or White House?

[BarelyBreathing]

Only state. I got a generic "thank you for writing to me, signed, President Obama" email, but that was it as far as White House".

[Strutter769]

Yeah the generic White House email is all I've seen.

[millertime89]

I haven't, not surprised though, there's a high likelihood it got lost in the spam filters.

[beardeds4life]

My senator personally replied to mine :) I have noticed this is not on a lot of forums so lets all go raid the forums and oh ya the ban now includes ball pythons :'(

[Strutter769]

I'd be happy to. Are we allowed to discuss which we choose to help spread the word?

[marvelfreak]

WTF Does this have to do with the Snake Ban. This is the letter i received this morning in reply to the letter i sent out. I don't give a dam about logging i wrote him about the python ban. Freaking idiots running this country.


Dear Mr. Suit:

Thank you for contacting me concerning the Lacey Act. I appreciate knowing your thoughts on this matter.

The Lacey Act was signed into law in 1900. It was the first federal law designed to protect wildlife and is administered by the Departments of Interior, Commerce, and Agriculture (USDA). Over the past century, the law has been amended several times to expand protection to a broader range of flora and fauna, and to control the potentially dangerous introduction of non-native species.

Most recently, the bill was amended by the 2008 Farm Bill to prohibit the import of illegally logged timber and timber products. This amendment included language from the Combat Illegal Logging Act of 2007, which was written to help curb illegal logging practices abroad by eliminating offenders’ access to the U.S. market.

I appreciate your concerns regarding the scope of the Lacey Act. Although no legislation has been introduced that would amend or defund the Lacey Act, I will keep your views in mind in case the matter is considered by the Senate in the future.

Again, thank you for your message. Please feel free to stay in touch on issues of importance to you.
Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator

RJD/ei

[ZARADOZIA]

WTF Does this have to do with the Snake Ban. This is the letter i received this morning in reply to the letter i sent out. I don't give a dam about logging i wrote him about the python ban. Freaking idiots running this country.


Dear Mr. Suit:

Thank you for contacting me concerning the Lacey Act. I appreciate knowing your thoughts on this matter.

The Lacey Act was signed into law in 1900. It was the first federal law designed to protect wildlife and is administered by the Departments of Interior, Commerce, and Agriculture (USDA). Over the past century, the law has been amended several times to expand protection to a broader range of flora and fauna, and to control the potentially dangerous introduction of non-native species.

Most recently, the bill was amended by the 2008 Farm Bill to prohibit the import of illegally logged timber and timber products. This amendment included language from the Combat Illegal Logging Act of 2007, which was written to help curb illegal logging practices abroad by eliminating offenders’ access to the U.S. market.

I appreciate your concerns regarding the scope of the Lacey Act. Although no legislation has been introduced that would amend or defund the Lacey Act, I will keep your views in mind in case the matter is considered by the Senate in the future.

Again, thank you for your message. Please feel free to stay in touch on issues of importance to you.
Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator

RJD/ei


WTH does timber have to do with reptiles?!?!? I would write him back and point out that he got his wires crossed...

[marvelfreak]

WTH does timber have to do with reptiles?!?!? I would write him back and point out that he got his wires crossed...
Well i know the Lacey Act is about protecting your natural wildlife so why doesn't he mention Florida and Burmese Pythons. That what started the whole thing with the ban. Instead he talks about logging. I'll be writing back and asking what his personal stand on the whole ban is. Then remembering it at voting time.

[KORBIN5895]

I got the same letter Chuck...... brilliance.

That makes me giggle! How big is the forestry industry In your area Chuck?

[marvelfreak]

I got the same letter Chuck...... brilliance.

That makes me giggle! How big is the forestry industry In your area Chuck?
Nothing but Corn Fields.:)

Here's a copy of the letter i just sent to him in response to his.

Dear Senator Durbin:

I thank you for your responses. I was wondering what your personal feeling on the Python Ban are? I agree there is a problem in Florida with Burmese Pythons killing off natural wildlife. So why not pass law requiring micro chipping baby Burmese, Anacondas, Rock Pythons, Scrubs and Reticulated Pythons. Pass a law make people wanting this snake to take a class and show they can be a responsible owner. Pass a law requiring a licenses to buy one and for people to show proof before Breeders are aloud to sell them to people. The problem is this snakes sell for a $100.00 up and any fool can buy one. Why punish the 90% of responsible owner, because of the few idiots who are irresponsible owner. Instead of jumping to Banning why not try to fix the problem first before taking these most drastic majors?

I have a Special Needs Child so i go to work and come home. I spend the rest of my time taking care of my son and my snakes. I don't get to do much at all. When i have a hard day i go spend some time handling my snakes and cleaning cages. For me this a stress reviler and real help with my depression. If this law is passed i become a criminal for owning a five foot male Yellow Anaconda. I keep all my snakes in locked cages they have everything they could ever need. I am a very responsible owner. So please don't make me and the other 90% of responsible owner criminals.

Thank you for your time. Charles Suit

[KORBIN5895]

Congratulations Chuck. Thanks for taking the time.

[beardeds4life]

we need more people like you

[marvelfreak]

Just doing my part for these snakes we so love and our rights to own them.

If every snake owner took that 5 minutes to send a letter. We have Millions of letter sent. I wonder just how many people on this forum have taking the time to do their part?
Even if you don't own or never will own these snakes you should do your part. It always starts some where. If this passes then how long before they start banning Medium size snakes like Carpets, Blood, Rainbow Boas, Corn Snake and such? Then all snakes.

Please if you haven't yet take the time to help out this great hobby we all love. So some day you aren't sitting there with out our snakes thinking "I wished i had done more to stop the Python Ban."

[beardeds4life]

I did it :)

[Strutter769]

Chuck! Thanks so much for your persistence! Being an illinoisan myself, I guess I have the same garbage reply to loll forward to. I'll be responding much the way you did.

Keep up the diligence!

[marvelfreak]

Chuck! Thanks so much for your persistence! Being an illinoisan myself, I guess I have the same garbage reply to loll forward to. I'll be responding much the way you did.

Keep up the diligence!
I wonder how many Illinoisan are on this site and if they done their part?
I know KORBIN5895 use to be.

[Strutter769]

I don't think I recall seeing IL in many sigs, but I'm in total agreement. I hope all follow suit and send letters.

[KORBIN5895]

I still an Illini at heart!!

[EasternGirl]

Nothing but Corn Fields.:)

Here's a copy of the letter i just sent to him in response to his.

Dear Senator Durbin:

I thank you for your responses. I was wondering what your personal feeling on the Python Ban are? I agree there is a problem in Florida with Burmese Pythons killing off natural wildlife. So why not pass law requiring micro chipping baby Burmese, Anacondas, Rock Pythons, Scrubs and Reticulated Pythons. Pass a law make people wanting this snake to take a class and show they can be a responsible owner. Pass a law requiring a licenses to buy one and for people to show proof before Breeders are aloud to sell them to people. The problem is this snakes sell for a $100.00 up and any fool can buy one. Why punish the 90% of responsible owner, because of the few idiots who are irresponsible owner. Instead of jumping to Banning why not try to fix the problem first before taking these most drastic majors?

I have a Special Needs Child so i go to work and come home. I spend the rest of my time taking care of my son and my snakes. I don't get to do much at all. When i have a hard day i go spend some time handling my snakes and cleaning cages. For me this a stress reviler and real help with my depression. If this law is passed i become a criminal for owning a five foot male Yellow Anaconda. I keep all my snakes in locked cages they have everything they could ever need. I am a very responsible owner. So please don't make me and the other 90% of responsible owner criminals.

Thank you for your time. Charles Suit I really like this letter...and it addresses my concern..as I was going to post...that I certainly do not want to see a ban on pythons because it is ridiculous to generalize and claim that because there are irresponsible snake owners, that all large snake owners are therefore irresponsible. But I was wondering if anything can be done to restrict the purchasing of these snakes to people who are serious and responsible hobbyists. I see so many morons who know nothing about snakes purchasing them just because it's "cool" to have a big snake...which ends of being disastrous for the snake and the owner. I for one would be concerned if one of these irresponsible owners lived next door to me. I am sure you know exactly what I am saying here...

[marvelfreak]

I really like this letter...and it addresses my concern..as I was going to post...that I certainly do not want to see a ban on pythons because it is ridiculous to generalize and claim that because there are irresponsible snake owners, that all large snake owners are therefore irresponsible. But I was wondering if anything can be done to restrict the purchasing of these snakes to people who are serious and responsible hobbyists. I see so many morons who know nothing about snakes purchasing them just because it's "cool" to have a big snake...which ends of being disastrous for the snake and the owner. I for one would be concerned if one of these irresponsible owners lived next door to me. I am sure you know exactly what I am saying here...
I agree something needs to be done about how easy it is for just any idiot to get one. What gets me is they are going from doing nothing at all to Banning them. At least first try to fix the problem before a flat out Ban of the Big Nine.

[EasternGirl]

Exactly...here in Delaware, it is illegal to own any big snakes specifically because of this problem. Which I find ridiculous...yet, the stores still sell them and I still see idiots going in to buy them...perpetuating the problem they were trying to solve in the first place. What they should have done instead of banning them, was restrict the selling and owning of them to responsible owners. Make the laws concerning owning these snakes take the responsibility of ownership into account. I like the idea of people having to take a class...offer some sort of proof that they know what they are doing with a large snake.

[marvelfreak]

Exactly...here in Delaware, it is illegal to own any big snakes specifically because of this problem. Which I find ridiculous...yet, the stores still sell them and I still see idiots going in to buy them...perpetuating the problem they were trying to solve in the first place. What they should have done instead of banning them, was restrict the selling and owning of them to responsible owners. Make the laws concerning owning these snakes take the responsibility of ownership into account. I like the idea of people having to take a class...offer some sort of proof that they know what they are doing with a large snake.
I even support having to register them and seller asking for proof that they have. Also fines for selling to unregistered people. If people had to pay to register them or pay to get a license to own them. It would help keep a lot of idiots from owning any of the big nine.

[kernel]

Anyone notice that Kyle D. from Oklahoma City, OK keeps signing over and over again?

[kernel]

Check out the excellent comment from Tracy Barker!



Tracy B. from Boerne, TX writes:This is the wrong rule:

There are an increasing number of women who are doing this as a hobby and or business, which enables them to have a way to enter the field of science getting into teaching, research, academics, business or simply be able to spend more time with at home with their children.

What about this generation’s code words “Biodiversity” and “Green Planet?” How will that happen with no animals?? Conservation of species through the maintenance of captive populations is increasingly important by the day. Where are future keepers with the ability and experience to carry out the work going to come from?

100 million dollar threshold? FedEx, Delta Air Cargo, UPS, Home Depot, hotels, restaurants, airline travel, venues, and that is only the service industry part, not animals or equipment part. The contributions made by reptile keepers and breeders are significant and important, and any regulation that will reduce that contribution will have rippling effects throughout the entire economy and the middle working class. Instead of contributing to the economy, these regulations will be yet another venue to secure tax payer dollars and spend money on endless “projects” that will employ a handful of agency employees.

Do Americans really want their kids to have no exposure to animals except digital images on the TV computer or print media? Biology teachers should be absolutely horrified at the prospect of bans like this that will ultimately lead to fewer kids getting into science related fields.

Imagine the life trajectory of many snake keepers and breeders: graduate high school; then maybe graduate college, even graduate school; spend almost every day building an American small business; put all heart, soul, energy, and every dollar into this American small business. As is the nature of small business, some of these businesses fail for legitimate business reasons, whether it be through economics, bad luck, or maybe even unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the business owner. Now, however, businesses that have been functioning for decades could be forced out of business without valid reason by regulation that is based on agenda, controversial ethics, politics, and poor science. How can Americans possibly be encouraged to start small businesses knowing that at any time special interest groups and excessive regulation can wipe out a lifetime of work?

If the American public is to be banned from maintaining captive colonies of hundreds of species of reptiles, what plans then exist to support wildlife conservation by viable ancillary captive populations in the United States or anywhere in the world. It can rightly be described as bizarre that the United States appears on course to become nationalistic in terms of biodiversity. Do FWS, USGS, and various NGO’s believe that citizens should be divested of nonnative animals on the national level, and from native animals at the state level? Do they think that American zoos or will they regulate zoos out of existence more gradually? These actions have a prejudicial taint. Are the plans of FWS so influenced by the environmental and animal-rights movements that it will work to see the United States divest itself from working with all nonnative animals. We state that such policy would be inconsistent with how America works and with centuries old traditions of Americans working to conserve the animal life of the entire planet.

[Strutter769]

What she said!

Very positive projection of us and our hobby!

[beardeds4life]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^ x2

[BarelyBreathing]

Yes! Very well said!

[millertime89]

fantastic response from Tracy!