HH - I'm simply pointing out that big pythons in the news is what has gotten us where we're at today. Simply as that. And until that is seen as THE cause for this gov inquiry, we as a community, are not directly taking this problem on. Every forum has their posts to write letters - and that's great - but how about we work preemptively as a whole to attempt to rectify the 'problem' perceived by the media and the public - jumbo pythons.

I don't have an agenda other than this constant battering of 'write your letter now' with ZERO emphasis on any of the actual issues that have brought these issues upon us. Where is the call for responsible keeping and breeding of jumbo pythons?

Ya, I'm from PETA. That seems to be the general response from jumbo keepers - that if you call us out, you're with them!! We must unite!! Give me a break. Let's all act like big boys here, identify the problems within our community, and act to rectify those issues. Who's got a plan for keeping burms out of the everglades? Who's got a plan to make sure retics/burms aren't making their way into pet stores and expos where any joe can purchase them only to become later problems? Where's our propoganda to fight their propoganda? Our facts won't mean squat if this becomes a real fight. That's all I'm saying. Be responsible breeders and dealers. You think I want regulation? You think I want people to stop breeding retic morphs - if that's what you took from my post, stop being so defensive and use your head.

If we're all so seriously concerned about the well being of our hobby/businesses, then calling me out to get a grip is lackadaisical and the exact opposite tone this issue needs. This entire inquiry, CNN articles, etc are based on perception and not fact. With that said, at any given time, politicians/media can drum up any story they please whenever they want to make a stand against our hobby as a whole. What are we doing to combat the issue besides letters? When some governor comes and says 'so and so is producing xx amount of retics a year, and our undercover investigator purchased xx burms at an expo in Orlando for $xx no questions asked' then what is our response? Our letters won't mean squat if we don't change our practices.

You want to relate this issue to the gun lobby? Where's our protective body? Are you serious? Not a chance - even the gun lobby has concededed into the gov for it's (perceived) most dangerous semi auto weapons to lessen the heat. What are we doing to lessen the heat on our necks?

Glad you enjoyed my 'jokes'. You apparently think I'm a teenager or someone younger and less wise than yourself. All I have to say is sometimes you're so far behind you're actually think you're winning.

Shea Peterson

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