Posted by:
laurarfl
at Sun Nov 22 17:08:50 2009 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by laurarfl ]
I understand the cause and effect of the guns and war statement, I just didn't want to address it since it was 1)completely irrelevant to the python ban in the US, 2)historically inaccurate as wars have been waged in other countries for much longer than either guns have been invented or the US has been in existence and 3)simply an anti-American generalization with no logical merit.
I didn't post on the thread to argue the merits of the America system or to defend US political choices. I did want to post because there is a misconception that this python ban is happening solely in the US solely because of incidences in FL.
The python ban is a political move to get funding for Everglades restoration. The park was practically destroyed by the US Army Corp of Engineers. A few zealous politicians are acting on a golden opportunity to capitalize on the emotions of the people. It happens in politics around the world. The hard part is fighting the animal rights activists who are more organized and have more money than herpers.
The European Union is going through a similar proposed ban and has a stronger animal rights movement than the US. Norway already bans the ownership of reptiles, Australia prohibits import/export/ownership of its wildlife, and certain areas of Canada bans ownership of what it deems to be dangerous exotics. In fact, the RSPCA (Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was talking of banning reptiles BACK IN 2002.
I'm really not trying to start a debate, be negative, or place blame on any country. I just want to point out that there is a strong anti-exotic sentiment AROUND THE WORLD. This is not unique to America, regardless of how anyone feels toward the US.
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RE: Python ban, thoughts from Europe - laurarfl, Sun Nov 22 17:08:50 2009