I think people have brought up some very good points about becoming more organized, writing letters in proper forms, and reaching herpers through magazines ads and shows.



I don't think 'they' want us to divide, argue, and become more unorganized. We're talking about adults and the government. You may not like certain facets of the government, but the bottom line is...every person in it honestly believes they are doing the best thing. (Yes, even corruption is geared toward doing the best thing...if you favor the corruption theories). People aren't perfect and we all make mistakes. Gasp...even politicians.



There are certain issues that cannot be swept under the table. The breeding Nile Monitor population in South and West Florida is having an effect on Burrowing Owls. The Burmese Pythons are alive and well in the Everglade regions. Green Iguanas are all over the place and most of the citizens don't like them. I'm not sure of the numbers, but now there is an established boa population. We do get hurricanes and tornadoes on occasion, so what happens to the exotics who are left behind or victims of damaged facilities?



The people charged with taking care of these problems are trying to do something. While each one of us reading the boards may not have had a part in what happened, we will reap the consequences. With the ROC permitting law this year, I think the state was hoping to get some accountability and fund efforts to 'fix the problem'. Other states are coming on board and some are also worrying about what would happen with a large population of exotics in their regions.



I don't want to say that we have to sympathize with the governmental point of view, but by looking at the issue from their eyes, we will be in a better position to present our side. How can we provide answers if we don't understand their questions? If we are concerned about our personal property rights, can we find a precedent, or at least address their concerns about public safety in a unemotional, practical manner? I'm sure that much of this proposed legislation is fear-based. A lot of people don't like snakes, so education is the key. Knowledge is power!



Internet boards are funny creatures because so many can post with a certain degree of anonymity and little accountability. Tone of voice doesn't always come through and mud-slinging is rampant. The intent of this post was to add a little perspective without rambling too much. Perhaps it was better suited under the letter writing thread, but I stuck here because it's where I stopped reading....

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