Hey Mike,

Oh, we're on the same page, I think this is a great discussion.

I agree there are strength in numbers, but I don't think that automatically translates to a national organization. Don't get me wrong, a national organization would not hurt, but if 50,00 or 100,000 individual herp owners rebutted every stupid article or requested a TV show to cover this issue, progress might start before we wait around for the mythical organization or celebrity representative. In a way, a "grass roots" effort is more effective than a large organization. Maybe this is an unrealistic expectation, I don't know. Regarding star power, again, that would certainly help, but "grass roots" effort could attract that if there is no immediate star power.

I think a website would be great - maybe have a list of the news organizations that publish the stupidity, as well as a list of other media outlets we can pursue. (TV shows, other websites, newspapers, etc.) I've been e-mailing a popular TV show for a while now, trying to get this covered. But one, two or 5 people emailing a show will do nothing. A website could give people some concrete information and instructions on how to help.
IMO, this is even bigger than reptiles, it's about civil servants pushing an agenda using junk science and scare tactics. It's time to fight back, not "sit and wait" or write polite letters to the USGS pointing out their research flaws.

Anyway, I appreciate your posts. I say let's create a website, something that is free and accessible to everyone, not just members of any particular group. What do you think?

Thanks again,
Ed




>>I agree that there are things we, as individuals, can & should be doing. Each one of us has to do our part. However, we can't deny the power that a well organized & prestigious national organization could have. Odds are we would all be protecting ourselves & hunting with slingshots if it weren't for the NRA.
>>
>>We aren't battling "Joe Blow" of HSUS, or "Jane Doe" of API, we're battling several thousand members with collective resources. Remember, "there's strength in numbers."
>>
>>Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not arguing with you or anyone else, or being hasty in any way. I'm just trying to get people to see the point I'm trying to make, the purpose for this thread.
>>
>>For instance: A statement in someone's reply suggested "Challenge unjust laws in the courts to establish a precedent."
>>
>>How many individual reptile keepers can afford to do that? But if everyone pitches in what they can, financially as well as individual non-monetary efforts, we'll have enough collective resources to do so. And more.
>>
>>
>>"Every time a stupid "Pythons will overrun the country" article is published and not rebutted, it's another nail in the coffin for us."
>>
>>Exactly! However, I don't have the finances to pay for 30-second infomercials. I don't have the needed "star" power to be taken seriously enough by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, USA Today, NY Times, etc, to get them to publish a rebuttal from me. If there were collective resources we could afford to hire someone that already has a bit of star power or formal training.
>>
>>Ed, you mentioned individuals needing to educate the public - I agree. This can be very effective at the local level. It gives the public firsthand experience, which is much needed. However, I've already seen & heard of a few bad situations stemming from this right here in my very small community. Let's face it, we don't want/need just anyone/everyone doing these kind of displays.
>>
>>In order to be effective in the court of public opinion s person must be respectable, in character, as well as appearance, and knowledgeable. We've all read articles or seen videos from enthusiasts that left us shakin' our heads, saying, "That doesn't do us any good!"
>>
>>At the time of this posting a branch of OUR Federal govmt is heavily engaged in fear mongering with their relentless media blitz of "invasive, dangerous, large constrictors". How many of us have written to and/or called these branches of govmt, Congress, and even the President of the United States of America, about the abuse of authority and taxpayer funds? And I thought the funding of a study measuring polar bear penises was a hideous abuse.
>>
>>Like I said earlier, I don't have much money, but I'll take care of domain name registration, website hosting, webmaster, errand runner, signature collecion, water boy, or whatever else I can do to help organize & maintain a national organization. I even look half-way presentable if I put my teeth in & take a shower.
>>
>>One thing's for sure, folks - we don't need to let this cause strife amongst us. We're all in this together and we need each other.
>>
>>Ya'll have a great day!
>>Mike
>>(HH)
>>-----
>>Due to political correctness run amuck,
>>this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
>>Appalachian American
>>
>>
>>www.natures-signature.com

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