All,
We are at a major crossroads. The slippery slope is sliding ever faster. The US Government has initiated an attack against the most powerful and wealthy sub-group of our industry in my estimation - the boa and python hobbyists, breeders and dealers. And they have good reason. A line in the sand has been drawn.
Over the past 10 years more and more of our rights, privileges, and freedoms have been systematically rescinded. This has been accomplished by like-minded groups, institutions and individuals that wish to apply their agenda to our society with total disregard for individual rights and freedoms. They have employed a wide range of tactics, activism and networking to achieve their goals. If this can't be realized by everyone in this hobby and occupation at this point, then we might as well raise the white flag of surrender.
We need to act now or there will be no tomorrow. We must form an all inclusive organization that will fight for the rights of all those who enjoy amphibians and reptiles. This means everybody from the owner of one ball python to the biggest breeders, companies and dealers. We have to put aside our differences, band together and fight for our rights and privileges. The time is now.
Several organizations have been formed in the past that have tried to bring folks together. They have since folded. PIJAC is an organization that we should all support but they can't do it all. Their focus is on the entire pet industry not just amphibians and reptiles. PIJAC monitors close to 19,000 pieces of legislation a year (Bill Brant pers. comm.). It is my understanding that PIJAC was asked to participate in the Texas issues of the past year and they didn't have the manpower and resources to dedicate to this effort in light of the large body of legislation elsewhere. Other localized hobbyists groups have a much narrower focus then what is called for.
Most of us are to busy or poor to devote the time and resources required to create and run a successful organization individually. An organization of the magnitude required will need to employ a full time staff of lawyers, lobbyists, researchers, editors, PR staff and support staff. This will have to be done at both the state and federal level. This will cost a great deal of money and commitment from everyone is mandatory. The costs of not doing anything are too great. We can make this a reality if we want to.
I want to. I have no choice. I value my rights and freedoms to much to sit back and watch it slip away down the slope. I think amphibians and reptiles are awesome and I know many of you do as well. I have been working on forming just such a group. I have been in communication with many well known folks about forming just such a group but I certainly haven't talked to everyone and I certainly can't do it all. No where even close. I don't know if others are working to form an organization or not. But I have to try. I can't sit back. If you think this python thing is the end then think again. You are wrong. There is no end until all of our rights and privileges are gone.
The name of our group is the American Herpetological Association. We are working on our agenda and our webpage but it is a slow go. We model ourselves after the NRA and we support ALL aspects of the amphibian and reptile industry. But we also support conservation (wise use). This post is not an invitation to personally attack me. I will not debate issues on public forums. If you would like information about our group, I can be contacted through the information below. Thanks for reading.
Take Care,
Mike Welker
El Paso, TX
915-595-8831
OHI2007@elp.rr.com
