Posted by:
natsamjosh
at Mon May 19 22:34:43 2008 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by natsamjosh ]
I agree. A "National Organization" might help, but I don't think it's the panacea some make it out to be. Individuals need to contact their representatives for sure. But I also think individuals need to make an effort to educate the public. Presentations at local schools are a great way to do this. Even just talking to neighbors and/or showing them the realities of snake/reptile ownership helps. I've done both, and I've been pleasantly surprised by the overall positive response I've gotten. I know many people just don't like reptiles, especially large snakes, but I firmly believe many are just ignorant.
One other way to defend against these AR extremists is to hit back hard using the media, but from my limited perspective, I don't see that happening. Every time a stupid "Pythons will overrun the country" article is published and not rebutted, it's another nail in the coffin for us. Sitting down and privately negotiating in good faith with those who we know want to ban all reptile ownership is silly. It's like negotiating with terrorists.
Anyway, just my two cents...
Thanks,
Ed
>>we are going to live and die in the legislators and the courts.
>>
>>LOBBY yourselves and hire lobbyists.
>>
>>Make friends with legislators and senators. This is where we are getting hammered. Educate them and convince them to vote yes or no according to what we want them to vote. Let them know you want them present when the vote takes place
>>
>>Lobby some more
>>
>>Challenge unjust laws in the courts to establish a precedent.
>>
>>Every single one of us should be on first name basis with our senators and representatives. Same goes for your city councilmen and women. All levels from city, state and national.
>>
>>That what everyone needs to do, and if only a few of us are doing it we won't prevail.
>>
>>BTW you don't need any affiliation to do it. If you are part of a group fine, if not the plan is the same. Just do it.
>>-----
>>Herp Conservation Unlimited
>>Mexicana Group Directory
>>Photography by Joseph E. Forks
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RE: Where are we & where are we headed? - natsamjosh, Mon May 19 22:34:43 2008