Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here are some facts -

Harvey Hilderbran (R) Texas - Initiated proposals requiring permits for pythons, outlawed road collecting in Texas, used dirty politics to get it passed.

Rick Perry (R) Texas - Signed both of those into law and has appointed a Land Commissioner who seems to be intent on selling Texas parkland, including areas in the Big Bend and Black Gap to private interests.

Ralph Poppell (R) Florida - Leading the charge against the Python in Florida, he is intent on seeing many pets banned as "invasive" species at the federal level.

You can consider this kingsnake.com's official endorsement of the Democratic party. Even though most, if not all, these candidates
are not running, I cannot in good conscience vote for a party so seemingly intent on destroying our hobby and our industry.

Jeff Barringer
President/CEO
OnlineHobbyist.com, Inc.
home of kingsnake.com

Way to go Jeff! And to think you're in the heart of a Republican stronghold. That's what I call political courage.
I do appreciate the common sense approach over ideology, for sure.
Most of us if not all of us are for smaller government and less regulation by government, as well as fiscal responsibility. Unfortunately, the party with that mantra couldn't have performed farther from their ideals. They were off the beam by 180 degrees. Fortunately, that village in Texas will be getting it's idiot back real soon.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

"Most of us if not all of us are for smaller government and less regulation by government, as well as fiscal responsibility."

You think Obama will reduce government and regulation? LOL!!

I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

I don't know if he will or not.
Why don't you ask yourself "What have you done for me lately?" in regard to the past administration. We have just witnessed the largest expansion of Government, as well as the largest increase in National Debt in our history.
You people need to let go of that fear mongering mentality that got us here and do your best to turn the page. As John Lennon said, "Give peace a chance". Time for a paradigm shift. The Cold War is over. As Rodney King said, "Can't we all just get along?" Eight years of "Us againt Them" thinking has moved us in the wrong direction. Turn the page.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

The Cold Wart isn't over...just resting for a period. Have you not seen what Russia has done recently. As Biden said before Hussein Obama muzzled him, Obama will be tested. He wasn't talking about a urinalysis. Russia, Iran, Al Queda and others already have their plans for that test. I just pray to God that he passes, or the change the masses have been chanting for won't be what they blindly thought was coming. While I certainly have been sorely disappointed in the Bush administration, I was not willing to vote for a Marxist, leftist just to say we got "change".

Unfortunately, Bush and his team have intentionally or unintentionally revived the Cold War. A complete failure on their part. Opportunities missed for sure.
By the way, I'm not a bleeding heart liberal. I was a Reagan Republican up until the Bush Administration. My education is in Business -- finance and economics, I'm a honorably discharged Vet., property owner, and Tax paying citizen.
I spent several years of my life working overseas with foreign nationals of all persuasions.
I'm confident I have a qualified and broad understanding of our situation. What's wrong with America in my opinion is way too many ignorant people, with limited life experience, susceptible to sound bite snap judgments from the demagogues' pander.
jsc

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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

" ignorant people, with limited life experience, susceptible to sound bite snap judgments from the demagogues' pander. "

Exactly .............the ones that voted for Obama .

Ernie Eison
Westwood Acres Reptiles Farms Inc.

Unfortunately, this applies to far too many voters on both sides of the spectrum. Blacks voting for Obama strictly because he is black and this will make history, whites voting against him for the opposite reason, lazy ne'er do wells wanting their share of productive citizens tax dollars (we need to share the wealth you know). I wish we could find a politician that would put the USA first and foremost. But we haven't found that grain of sand on our political beach yet.

Actually, I was referring to the Bush/Cheney team of Likud Zionist Neo-con Chicken Hawks and their FOX News Chicken Hawk pundits, along with Chicken Hawk Carl Rove and his Chicken Hawk political hatchet men/women and spinners.
A bunch of Mamma's Boys that played Stratego and Battle with their little tin soldiers as children. Most recently, the game remained the same. But the lives became real.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

Who didn't see that coming?

While there may have been some Republicans that did these things, I still feel that the Democratic party overall is more damaging to the reptile hobby, as they're more the party of "controlling the people," and not allowing businesses to run themselves. They are also more likely to prevent people from going into certain areas to photograph or field collect reptiles through their environmental policies. I guess time will tell.
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Tyler Stewart
Las Vegas NV
www.BLUEBEASTREPTILE.com

Yeah, the Republicans talk a good game, but look at the facts.
The philosophy might be good, but the reality is so far from it.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

The democratic ties to animal and environmental activist groups such as the Sierra Club (Peta`s twin Sister ) and Green Peace etc. are very strong.

FACT: Sierra Club 501(c) organizations brought in more than $110 million and spent nearly $104 million. The Sierra Club 527, the Sierra Club Voter Education Fund, brought in only $60,000 but managed to spend nearly $1 million.

Similar to LCV (League of Conservation Voters ) , the Sierra Club has a history of endorsing candidates for political office,” Inhofe said, adding that it recently announced its support of Sen. Obama’s presidential bid.

When the study was completed, Sierra Club had announced support for 13 candidates for U.S. Senate seats, the report said. None of the 13 was Republicans. The organization had announced endorsements of 156 House candidates, only four of whom are Republicans, the report said.

“Essentially, 98 percent of Sierra Club’s endorsements favor Democrat

Maybe we should ask Reed , Rhoda, Snow , Nelson , HUSU founder Cleveland Amory who their going to voter for .

Ernie Eison

Westwood Acres Reptile Farms

I too am in agreement that the Democratic ties to Peta and many other animal rights activist groups who would like nothing better than to see our hobby become non-existant, are very strong. I however am not convinced that it is a Republican/Democrat issue, rather a personal and group agenda within both parties, that we as Americans need to stand against, some things don't need change.
Tye Poulsen

My point exactly... A Democratic presidency, congress and senate could be a very dangerous thing for reptile enthusiasts when PETA and Sierra Club are brought up.
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Tyler Stewart
Las Vegas NV
www.BLUEBEASTREPTILE.com

Imho, either party in control of both houses of the legislature and the presidency is dangerous. It is said here in Texas that the most dangerous time in the state is when the legislature is in session. That being said, while some Republicans have their heads up theis asses, the Dems are in the hip pocket of the environmental extremists. They will soon be expecting their payment in full. If the Dems do win out, look for PETA, HSUS, GreenPeace, etc to try to take away OUR hobby, along with curtailing hunting, fishing, onerous restrictions on ranching and food production, etc. I don't want to sound like the sky is falling, but look up....it may be!

While the democrats may be talking about away our rights, it is the republicans that have actually succeeded in doing so.

I don't fear what the democrats might do as much as I deplore what the republicans have already done. A democrat didn't take away my road collecting, that was a republican. A democrat didn't require me to register my big snakes, that was a republican.

When the republicans stop pursuing the animal rights agenda I will reconsider, but until then they have lost my support after 25 years of voting republican.

The republican party has become the best friend the animal rights lobby has ever had even though neither wants to acknowledge it.

True activist groups have friends on both sides and they often play the non partisan card but when push comes to shove their ties STRONGLY FAVOR the democratic party by a wide margin.

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES ENDORSES THE FOLLOWING :

Democratic candidate Barack Obama for President and running mate Joe Biden.

And who else ? WAY to many to list.

Here's a sample...........People the HSUS say scored the highest possible 100 receiving a perfect score in agreeing with the HUSU on animal protection / Pro Activist legislation

The following 8 Senators and 24 Representatives :

27 Democrats out of a possible 32

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.)
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.)
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)
Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.)
Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.)
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.)
Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.)
Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.)
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.)
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.)
Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.)
Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.)
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.)
Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.)
Rep. Mike Ferguson (R-N.J.)
Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.)
Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.)
Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.)
Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.)
Rep. Tom Lantos (D-Calif.)
Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.)
Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.)
Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.)
Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.)
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.)
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)
Rep. Chris Shays (R-Conn.)
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.)
Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.)
Rep. Betty Sutton (D-Ohio)
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)

The HUSU 's list of their favorites , Legislators who consistently support animal protection / Anti Ownership measures .

24 Democrats out of 30

Top 15 Senators:
Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI)
Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO)
Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV)
Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL)
Senator John Ensign (R-NV)
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)
Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA)
Senator John Kerry (D-MA)
Senator James Jeffords (I-VT)
Senator Carl Levin (D-MI)
Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT)
Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)
Senator Harry Reid (D-NV)
Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) Read More...
Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)

Top 15 U.S. Representatives:
Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY)
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR)
Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA)
Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-CA)
Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY)
Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH)
Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA)
Rep. George Miller (D-CA)
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT)
Rep. Christopher Smith (R-NJ)
Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY)

And that list is the short one. So if the HSUS supports these people who do you think PETA, Sierra Club, and any one of the countless other spin off groups of these organizations is going support ?

Ernie Eison

Westwood Acres Reptile Farms

Seems to me that Kingsnake.com has endorsed a wolf in sheeps clothing...

The KKK endorsed the Republican candidates. Does that mean that the Republicans stand for the same things as the KKK? Of course not. No candidate has control over who endorses them. I have never seen animal rights issues in the Democratic platform. I don't feel you can condemn a party based on the people who join it.

Ginger

" The KKK endorsed the Republican candidates. Does that mean that the Republicans stand for the same things as the KKK? Of course not."

What's does it mean if the candidate has a track record of supporting what the KKK wants ? Thats what we'er talking about.

The people I listed , almost all democrats are not just endorsed because the Hsus thinks they will be a good choice.

They are all people who are being endorsed by the Hsus because of their proven support on legislative issues and the fact that they do stand for the same things. The Hsus likes these people because they already know their on the same side.

One of the things The Hsus does is survey hundreds of politicians to see who agrees and doesn't agree with their agendas. Almost always democrats score very high on these surveys.

Here's a list of the politicians in Florida who had the highest rate of agreement with the Hsus . State by state you see the same type of results.

Suzan Franks Fl. St Senate Dist 3 Democrat 76%

Elton Gissendanner St. Rep. Dist 77 Democrat 94%

Bill Heller FL Rep. Dist 52 Democrat 100%

Richard Jackson St. Rep Dist 67 Democrat 100%

Barry Leach FL St Rep Dist 24 Democrat 100%

William Smalley St. Rep. Dist 28 Democrat 100 %

I don't know what the deal in Texas is and I can understand why Jeff B has a bit of contempt for some republicans but it's still the democrats that are clearly way ahead in supporting activist views. They always have been.

In Florida republican Ralph Poppell Florida is not really the guy leading the charge. He's just one of the guys (mostly democrats.) The real people leading the charge are Heather Veleanu and Carole Baskin . Both of these women preach day and night that they want ALL exotic animals banned completely.

While speaking in Henderson, Nevada, Democrat Barack Obama says he won't just be a president for the American people, but the animals too.

He was asked "What about animal rights?"

Obama responded that he cares about animal rights very much .

Mike Markarian, President , Humane Society Legislative Fund said ,

" we urge all voters who care about the humane treatment of animals, no matter what their party affiliation, to vote for them." Them being Obama / Bidden

Who do you think Obama and the other democrats are going to back ? The activist groups that helped them or the private owners these groups are against ?

Obamas environmental adviser this campaign is Frank Loy , we should just go ahead and put Rodda in office.

Ernie Eison
Westwood Acres Reptile Farms Inc.

>>The KKK endorsed the Republican candidates. Does that mean that the Republicans stand for the same things as the KKK? Of course not. No candidate has control over who endorses them. I have never seen animal rights issues in the Democratic platform. I don't feel you can condemn a party based on the people who join it.
>>
>>Ginger

I call BS on this until you can show me proof. I don't quite think your Phacts are in order.
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HCU
Snakes of Hudspeth County, Texas

As much as I agree with your sentiment I am going to deal with the wolves in the kitchen before I play with the wolves in the back yard...

There is no "perfect" party, attacking reptile people is a non-partisan issue that both parties seem to be adept at. It's shocking to see so many republicans espousing, supporting, and
legislating the animal rights agenda however and though the democrats seem to support that agenda more fully, it's the republicans that appear to be taking action.

When the republicans stand back up for us I will reconsider
but until then, off with their heads.

Jeff,
Even though I disagree with your reasoning I can understand where you're coming from. Both parties have reached record lows when it comes to the caliber of our so-called representatives.

So many people are too hung up on 'change" to where it looks like we may very well be in for change that this country may never recover from.

A straight Democrat Party line vote today will only worsen the situation. Be prepared to give at least half of your collection to people sitting around with their hands out; people that won't take care of them, won't work to feed them, etc...

Hang in there!
Mike Sanders
(HH)
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com

"When the republicans stand back up for us I will reconsider
but until then, off with their heads."

My sentiments exactly.

Randal Berry

But what if this is the first time this candidate has run for office? How can I find out where he or she stands?

If the candidate is running for election to the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives, or the presidency, contact Humane USA to see if we have already received a response to our candidate questionnaire.

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES ENDORSES THE FOLLOWING :

Democratic candidate Barack Obama for President and running mate Joe Biden.

The Humane Society thanks you for your support.

>>But what if this is the first time this candidate has run for office? How can I find out where he or she stands?
>>
>>If the candidate is running for election to the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives, or the presidency, contact Humane USA to see if we have already received a response to our candidate questionnaire.
>>
>>THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES ENDORSES THE FOLLOWING :
>>
>>Democratic candidate Barack Obama for President and running mate Joe Biden.
>>
>>
>>The Humane Society thanks you for your support.

Out of curiousity, is this in print or writing somewhere?

The reason I ask is HSUS is a 501c3 Non profit entity. It is illegal for them to endorse anyone politically as well as it is illegal for them to campaign on behalf of a political issue or candidate.
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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

Cindy,

Are they a 501(c)(3) or a 501(c)(4)? 501(c)(4) can be politically active. I get where your going but I doubt they made that big of a mistake.

Welkerii
El Paso, TX

>>Cindy,
>>
>>Are they a 501(c)(3) or a 501(c)(4)? 501(c)(4) can be politically active. I get where your going but I doubt they made that big of a mistake.
>>
>>Welkerii
>>El Paso, TX

I believe they are 501 C3. Which is why I asked if they specifically had anything with HSUS in writing. I have issues beyond the reptile world with HSUS and their proposed issues and last year went against the third in charge in PETA in regards to some dog issues. But if they accidently messed up it is an opportunity to us.
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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

Humane USA has been formed by leaders of major animal protection organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, The Fund for Animals, Farm Sanctuary, ASPCA, Doris Day Animal League, Animal Welfare Institute, The Ark Trust, Animal Rights Foundation of Florida, and others. Its board or directors, advisory board, and advisors are top grassroots and national animal protection leaders.

Because of their charitable status with the Internal Revenue Service, other animal protection groups - such as The HSUS and Farm Sanctuary - are legally barred from endorsing candidates. Humane USA is the only national animal protection group that is allowed to participate in candidate election campaigns.

So, how does Humane USA obtain money to donate to candidates? We raise money through direct mail, our website, person-to-person solicitation, and fundraisers.

What's the difference between lobbying and electioneering? Lobbying entails persuading elected officials to support a specific position on legislation. Electioneering involves endorsing a specific candidate, donating money to his or her campaign, holding a fundraiser for a candidate, or otherwise attempting to influence the outcome of an election. Nonprofit groups can and should lobby (although there are limits to the amount of time and money that can be devoted to lobbying under Internal Revenue Service rules). However, nonprofit groups cannot electioneer without breaking the law. If they do, they jeopardize their tax-exempt status.

The news media makes it sound like political action committees are unscrupulous. Is Humane USA any different? There has been a lot of negativity surrounding PACs, especially as Congress considers legislation to regulate the influence of money in campaigns. Humane USA does not oppose current efforts to regulate "soft" money and impose other restrictions on funding campaigns. That said, it is vital that animal advocates fully participate in political activity in order to be effective. Without the work of Humane USA, our movement was at a distinct disadvantage in the political sphere. Now, we can compete for the attention of all lawmakers and make sure that our issues are recognized as worthy and important.

When choosing whether or not to donate to a candidate, does Humane USA consider other important issues as well - such as education, abortion, civil rights, defense spending, etc.? No. There are many vitally important issues that come before legislative bodies. However, Humane USA has a single focus - animal protection. If we were to consider other issues, no matter how important, it would be difficult to find a candidate to support. Humane USA believes that animal protection voters must be viewed as an identifiable voting block in order to gain greater respect and attention from candidates. When we can influence the outcome of elections, more candidates will embrace our agenda.

Ernie Eison
Westwood Acres Reptiles Farms Inc.

Don't kid yourself. Republicans will regulate your interests away as fast as anyone if it suites their purpose.
They'll put the reptile keeping agenda in check in a heartbeat if that agenda interferes, is a distraction, or an inefficiency in any way to their bottom line.
The difference between the two is their motives. One is unselfish and altruistic, although misguided. The other is calculated, self serving, and ambitious.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

John,

While I can see your point and agree, I think both parties, at times, can fit into those adjectives. Ernie has some valid points but I vote on more issues then just who supported the conservation/AR agenda. There are other considerations. I really don't know why we are focused on this because whoever wins it really won't change what we need to do to survive. We need to protect ourselves and that means coming together. There are goods and bads on both sides which is why a competitive third party would be ideal.

Welkerii
El Paso, TX

There is a third party,The Liberal news party.In all cases of human interactions of three,it will always be two against one.The old man kept up a good fight considering the odds of age,money,and that third party.Third party's never win,they undermind one or the other.Liberal means convoluted restrictions not liberty.Thats why they hate the way the Bill of Rights is stated.Congress shall make no law...Vic Morgan Live free or die......

All,

There are points to both arguments. I usually vote for the party that is more conservation/environmentally oriented but now that the “agenda” has been identified I lean more towards the middle. There is no party of the middle. There are other issues, policies and platforms that are important like healthcare and the war. There are other conservation related issues that should be important to us: Stopping habitat destruction, birth control, and getting big business out of Washington. But for now both parties will require us to “play the game” if we want to keep our rights and privileges.

One of the big reasons we need to worry, which ever party is in power, is that we don't have a group working to protect our rights and privileges. No matter who is in power and who is in control we will not have a voice, that will be heard, without a large, all inclusive national herper’s rights group. PIJAC is too big and too diverse. HCU is too small and doesn’t support the entire industry. And USARK has yet to post their position statements.

We need a group that can organize a grassroots effort. We need a group that can afford to hire lobbyists and lawyers. We need a group that will answer the negative PR blitz by academics and animal rights groups. We need a group that will review the scientific literature and identify the agenda. We need a group that will conduct or fund unbiased scientific research or force those that do research to be unbiased. We need a group that will force those in power (academics, agency biologists and their superiors) to break up their monopoly, their conflict of interest, and their power loop and level the playing field. We need a group that will fight for our right to possess all herps. We need a group that will fight for our right to access new blood, new localities and new morphs. We need a group that will fight for our ability to conduct our businesses and hobbies. We need a group that will fight for captive propagation. We need a group that will help us earn the respect we have yet to find.

So bottom line, either way, we still need to organize and fight which ever party is in power.

Welkerii
El Paso, TX

Gee...I thought the issues were progressive taxes, social security, the economy, involvement in two wars, energy, bank bailouts, and the appointment of two Supreme Court justices.

Herping is my business, but I won't vote Democrat for it. Sometimes it's not about me, but what I think is best for the country. Sorry for speaking so boldly and probably in a way that will offend some, but I think there's a bigger row to hoe out there.

Why would I vote to maintain the status quo, when they are the ones responsible for socializing our banking system, while at the same time bankrupting our nation's economy, as well as the World economy, with all the phony paper they peddled, to finance an ill conceived and mismanaged elective War of Colonial Adventurism? Reality is: Neo-Conservative = Neo-Colonialist.
Right-wing Conservatives = Pseudo-Conservative physically.
Kentucky goes Republican. An early and easy call.
If Republican administrations are so Herp-Keep Friendly, why then does someone have to get a permit from Fish and Wildlife for every non-native reptile brought in? Doesn't sound so Herp-Keep Friendly to me. Rather -- a micromanaged, archaic, cumbersome, Anti-Herp Keeping system in a heavily Republican state.
jsc

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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

Most of Kentucky's elected officials are democrats. Ernie Eison

Governor Steven Beshear (D)

Kentucky State Legislative Directory

Commissioner of Agriculture: Richie Farmer (R)

Attorney General: Jack Conway (D)

Auditor: Crit Luallen (D)

Lt. Governor: Daniel Mongiardo (D)

Secretary of State: Trey Grayson (R)

Treasurer: Todd Hollenbach (D)

Westwood Acres Reptile Farms Inc.

I'll give you that, Ernie.
Still, I'd guess Kentucky is a socially conservative state and the Dem's there are Blue Dog Democrats.
I could be wrong, of course. I defer to your authority.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

It doesn't matter today, but it wouldn't be a vote to maintain the status quo. The Congress is already in a Democratic swing, balancing out any would-be Republican president. Now we have a Dem pres and Dem Congress...absolute power.

It surprises me to hear people point fingers at the mortgage crisis and bank bailouts. Both parties were involved in this mess, and this started in the Clinton administration.

There are some wonderful moderate Democrats out there and some misled, crazy Republicans. I'd like to think of myself as more informed than to endorse a whole group based on one issue. In that sense, I'm not voting 'for' anything, but simply 'against' something.

Well if the RATS control congress and the presidency you can kiss all herp hobbies GOODBYE!!! The enviro wackos will outlaw keeping any reptiles/anphibians plus no one will be able to afford them any more because, you know, the government knows how to spend your money better then you do!!! Kinda sad that such a perfect example of small business America here on kingsnake would endorse a socialist/marxist.... just my 2 cents

While yes, the Repubs in our state tend to crap on our hobby, I agree with most of their agenda. While I our buddy Hilderbran took a giant crap on us, I believe he was ill informed and unfortunately too lazy to get the real side of the story. I do think painting Repubs with a broad brush based on the actions of a few misinformed folks here in TX is wrong. Socialism, the eroding of our country's founding ideals, taxing us to death, running our small businesses in the ground, and slowly carving away at the basis of our constitution are way more important to me than picking up a snake in the road.

As a Christian and proud American, I have to believe that this will all work out in the end. While I believe our house is creaking and showing cracks, I have hope that in the long run it will stand and we can repair the foundation. I will give the man the benefit of the doubt and wait to see how he handles his new position at the helm of the Greatest Country on earth.
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HCU
Snakes of Hudspeth County, Texas

It's interesting to see how our personal political ideals come out during an election...In this polarized environment, you have the far right that isn't concerned with protecting habitat or endangered species, and on the other side you have the far left that is very active in regulating and banning our ability to enjoy herps.

Thinking that the right will somehow become concerned with protecting habitat makes about as much sense as thinking that the left will somehow favor less regulation and government intervention. The fact is that BOTH sides present their concerns as relates to herps, and simply blaming the OTHER side for the current state of the hobby/industry is a waste of time....

It's all too easy to target current political figures and say "it's all THEIR fault", but this accomplishes nothing...the issue is moving FORWARD from where we are TODAY. Change for change's sake isn't always a good thing, but it's incumbent upon each of us to work with our representatives to improve the state of the herp hobby/industry for all of us.

So please....save the "neo con", "leftist", etc. political buzzbabble for your personal space....such talk doesn't do much more than make the poster feel better...and that in the grand scheme of things means little when one considers the very real issues that this industry is faced with.

-Kris

no post

See-even Mike and I can find something to agree on!
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Brad Chambers
WWW.HCU-TX.ORG

The Avalanche has already started-it is too late for the pebbles to vote....

I agree with some of what you said, Jason. But I have to say that, when it comes to eroding the Constitution, after the last 8 years we can see that the Republicans have shown themselves just as eager (if not more so) to shred our Constitutional rights as the democrats.

And as for small business, my own small business was thriving and raking in the cash under the Clinton administration-but the worsening economy under Bush eventually forced me to sell out in 2006!

If Obama keeps his promise of tax cuts for those making under 200,000 a year, and rolling back the Bush cuts for the wealthy (how is it a tax increase if you let cuts that were DESIGNED to expire in time, go ahead and expire?)then he'll get my vote next time.

A pox on both their houses-register as an Independent!
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Brad Chambers
WWW.HCU-TX.ORG

The Avalanche has already started-it is too late for the pebbles to vote....

Clinton like Obama was elected as a celebrity President . A Kennedy wanna be. The economical success during his first term was the direct result of riding the wave of the previous Bush administration .

Without straying into all other political areas and sticking to reptile related issues. The one true fact is that anti ownership industry's heavily support democrats because the democrats have heavily supported them. The working relationship between the democrats and businesses such as Peta , the Sierra Club , humane society etc is long standing. There might be plenty of blame to go around but clearly the people that are most against the most prefer the democrats by a WIDE margin.

Ernie Eison
Westwood Reptile Farms Inc.

Sounds like an opportunity to help the left focus on the true enemy of wildlife -- habitat degradation, fracture, destruction. That's common ground for both of us.
We need to make an effort to convince them we are not bad guys.
I honestly believe the private sector has done more than any other to familiarize and educate the general public on issues regarding the plight of wildlife, as well as the benefits and intrinsic value of wildlife. The private sector has done far more to benefit wildlife through captive breeding than government or academia..
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

Clinton riding the economic wave of the first Bush administration?!?!?

You should be on Leno
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Brad Chambers
WWW.HCU-TX.ORG

The Avalanche has already started-it is too late for the pebbles to vote....

Thanks Brad but Leno is a democrat so I wouldn't consider it . You know what else is funny the people that talk about protecting our ownership rights but support the Anti ownership candidates. I think you guys are hilarious.

Below are a few words from the Humane society's pre election campaign take a look at who they endorsed . Their guys did real well . Still funny.

If the candidate is running for election to the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives, or the presidency, contact Humane USA to see if we have already received a response to our candidate questionnaire.

Every individual has a right to contribute to candidates. However, your contribution may have more impact if you donate to Humane USA instead of directly to a candidate because the candidate will know the money came from the animal protection camp.

Humane USA works to make pro-animal voters an identifiable voting block in order to gain greater respect and attention from candidates. We can influence the outcome of elections and thus encourage more candidates to embrace our agenda.

Ernie Eison
Westwood Acres Reptile farms Inc.

If your saying we could create a PAC, I think that's a good idea.
We should.
I agree Clinton did benefit somewhat early on from the rising economic tide courtesy of his predecessor. And he did do a few things right to continue that economic expansion.
Unfortunately, some economic policies he and Greenspan initiated were carried forward far too long a time in the Bush administration.
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

I hate to have to remind y'all-but we were in a mild recession when Bill took office (after four years of Bush Sr.), not even a "mild" expansion. The Republicans had the first 8 years of this decade (6 of which they controlled congress and the presidency both)

We can all see the result. I'm an independent-but the evidence of my own eyes tells me what Republican rule has wrought-and the definition of insanity is voting in the same folks and expecting a different result!

Obviously, the American people are not insane.
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Brad Chambers
WWW.HCU-TX.ORG

The Avalanche has already started-it is too late for the pebbles to vote....

There is about a 6 month lag time. The economy had turned when Clinton took office. The recovery had started.

The thing I was referring to with Greenspan was his artificially low discount rate going for far too long (FED Monetary Policy). That was leg one of the three legged stool of Bush economic policy. Far too easy credit. Artificially low credit.

The administration was able to continue generating good economic numbers through artificial, imprudent, somewhat fraudulent means. Eventually, the house of cards came crashing down.

Motivation for this economic policy -- to finance the War in Iraq, as well as beneficial political capital. They go hand in hand.

I voted for Bush the first time. I'd changed my opinion by the end of his first term. Could not believe we actually reelected him for a second term. Fooled me once, shame on you. Fooled me twice, shame on me. Like I always say -- "We get the Government we deserve".

jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

Dont forget how many times we were attacked around the world and in NY while Bubba traveled around the world crying about how bad America was to have slavery, as Big Ben invest in our Stock Market.If your going to get WAY off topic,dont feed us the same BS as the third Party.Make no mistake about it,Wise up!or the next generation will have to be invited to see a gov.run Reptile Expo. Vic Morgan This is what we can expect now!