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

[ Hide Replies ]

• Where are we & where are we headed? - HappyHillbilly, Sun May 18 03:32:26 2008
• National all inclusive org. needed - OHI, Sun May 18 04:56:07 2008
• RE: National all inclusive org. needed - TexasReptiles, Sun May 18 21:00:38 2008
• RE: National all inclusive org. needed - jpenney, Sun May 18 23:43:19 2008
• RE: Where are we & where are we headed? - Joe Forks, Mon May 19 08:48:28 2008
• RE: Where are we & where are we headed? - natsamjosh, Mon May 19 22:34:43 2008
• RE: Where are we & where are we headed? - Joe Forks, Tue May 20 08:49:48 2008
• RE: Where are we & where are we headed? - HappyHillbilly, Tue May 20 10:51:59 2008
• RE: Where are we & where are we headed? - HappyHillbilly, Tue May 20 10:42:53 2008
• RE: Where are we & where are we headed? - natsamjosh, Tue May 20 11:30:52 2008
• Funding, participation and agenda - OHI, Tue May 20 14:56:52 2008
• RE: Funding, participation and agenda - natsamjosh, Tue May 20 18:47:49 2008
• RE: Funding, participation and agenda - HappyHillbilly, Wed May 21 01:07:23 2008