Interesting, I guess I have a very different opinion. Not saying I am right, just a different opinion. Public exposure (even humiliation) of the corrupt politicians and AR organizations is, imo, the ONLY way (if there even is a way) to stop them from steamrolling over us. We are too small of a minority (and we're a minroity that likes scaley things that the majority do not like) to simply "talk amongst ourselves." I believe exposing these jokers to the general public is critical.

The other thing I'm unsure about is "self regulation." What exactly does that mean? Theoretically I'm not sure it makes sense, but practically how would it even get implemented? Who would make the rules? Who would enforce the rules and how would they be enforced? And I guess I don't agree that a few "irresponsible" keepers/breeders reflect badly on the rest of us, any more than a bad/drunk driver makes other drivers look bad or an irresponsible dog owner reflects on all dog owners. And can we all agree on what "irresponsible" means? What about buyers/sellers/breeders who don't agree with any proposed "self-regulations?" I certainly could be missing something, but I don't see how self-regulation could even be implemented, much less be effective at stopping the real enemy - the AR groups and corrupt politicians. As far as I can tell, they don't want responsible herp ownership; they want NO herp ownership.

Thanks,
Ed



>>And I can't emphasize WE enough!
>>Public name-calling, criticism, and recrimination are very counterproductive. Sure, I understand this is a subject we're all very passionate about. Taking away our herps is like removing a limb. We're all very close to this. We feel it in our bones like the changing of the seasons. It's an ebb and a flow. A circadian rhythm from deep within. Unfortunately others just don't seem to get it.
>>We need to get together in PRIVATE to create/set professional standards, bylaws, ethics, morals, guidelines and then self police/enforce these standards ourselves. Unfortunately, there have been a few slime balls that give the "business" a bad name. Those few who's actions tarnish us all need to be removed by "US"! We need to clean our own house ourselves. We need to become proactive instead of continually acting in a reactive/defensive manner. It's something we cannot expect those that do not understand to get right. It's something that we cannot delegate to others and expect anything worthwhile.
>>It is time to get of our dead asses, stop whining, and fix the problem ourselves.
>>jsc
>>
>>-----
>>"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
>>John Crickmer

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