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If you didnt make phone calls today to defeat the python ban (which may be amended to include boa constrictor), and you are not a member of USARK, then I really dont want to see pictures of your boas, or purchase any boas from you. I am going to make it a priority to never purchase an animal from someone who will not support their hobby and passion. Please do your part and put up or shut up. Thanks

I ABSOLUTELY 100% AGREE WITH YOU!!! I'm tired of people sitting back and doing nothing and dreaming that their business excels while waiting for a pat on the back for their so called "nice animals" or "designer morphs".

Like you said...PUT UP OR SHUT UP!!!!

I think I will take a step in the right direction and ask my friends at USARK to give me the member list! Those are the only people I want to do business with from now on. I have been shocked to find so many big names and semi-big names that are not a part of this group.

Perhaps we should publicly post the member list.

When I first began seeing the USARK symbol plastered all over reptile forums I decided to look into it. I don't want any legislation to decide what I may keep...my gun, my insurance, my pets, my freedom, so on and so on. I looked at the website and wanted to find out more about USARK to make a determination as to whether or not I should support it and it's ideals. There was not enough information available without hours and hours of research on my part which I'd rather spend on issues more meaningful to my endeavors. My ability to keep boas is important to me although it is a hobby, not my livelihood. When I contacted USARK, I promptly received a reply from Andrew Wyatt. What I wanted to know in a nutshell was who the members were....because I check out organizations before I jump on board. All that info is private and unavailable. Currently I don't think there is enough info available for me to decided on supporting this organization or not. Unfortunately, it's folks like myself that can help, but just need to be reached. You may not care about one person's support...maybe a better outreach program should be initiated. In the meantime, I guess you won't read my posts, look at my pics or buy a snake from me.

The decision to not be involved happened by default. When I am better informed, there is a chance I'd jump on the wagon.

very very well said. Thank you. Mike Panichi
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honesty is my only policy

Maybe you can join after your animals become a crime to own.

perhaps when the political TRUTH about why bills and movements like these get started in the first place is openly discussed, I will support them with my money. But that does'nt look like it will happen. At least not in this forum. In my opinion, the the sad thing is, myself and I'm sure others like me, know why and how these political actions get started and see how the truth is hidden. Many people in our hobby don't really know anything about bills, movements and politics and if they dont see it on TV, read it in the papers, or see it in this forum, its simply not true.
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honesty is my only policy

Mike, I agree 110%. No truer words have been spoken in recent memory in these here forums and the courage to do so is off the chart. Please I encourage all to make as many phone calls or e-mails possible to the powers that be even though it's effect will be nominal at best. Unfortunately our future was determined long before the current legislative madness came to light. It's probably been many decades since any introduced legislation was actually debated on the merits of the bill and not used as a tool to expand but at a bare minimum maintain elected civil servants base of power and position of authority. In closing I doubt any of the bills will pass that limits commercial activity. Take care and great luck this season. Andrew

thank you for that Andrew. Its good to know that there are others out there like us. Take care. Mike
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honesty is my only policy

I am in agreement with you. We should all fear what greed and power will do to any group. It still comes back to the main point. Without USARK we wouldnt be debating the issue. It would have been decided in a closed room with zero input from our industry. Stay actively involved in our political in our no matter how flawed it may be, and we can stay one step ahead. Thank God for USARK. IMO.

I am a Union Steward and a Dustrict Delegate for my union. I come across people that think as you do.People who will not try and help non union folks because they won"t join and pay the 60 bucks a month. I have found that some people just are't in the position to join. For whatever reason a person may have I still fight for them to the best of my abilities. In this current issue I have no doubt that there are hobbiests that aren't in the position to speak out publicly.As far as giving out member info.....that would be highly unethical.

Regardless...people should still make the phone calls. How will they ever know the opposition that they are against if people don't take the time to make the calls.

I don't care so much about a member list. I am more concerned with a list of people who are putting up a serious effort on these matters whether it be financial contributions or good old fashioned phone calls and letter campaigns.

THank you..... I am a member of USARK and fortunate enough to be in the position to donate.... but you cant fault someone for not sending money to an organization.... There are many things people can/will do to support our hobby that dont cost anything.... SO to the guys who chastise the people who dont send money to USARK..... you have no idea if these people made phone calls/wrote letters... and campagned in our support..... It's very easy to send money to an organization.... it takes alot more effort to do the other things....... The reptile industry isnt a Union Shop.... To start divisions within our industry would be really counterproductive... especially now
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Marc Duhon
Lafayette, Louisiana
SURINAMBOAS.COM
kaiyudsai@SURINAMBOAS.COM

and I will make sure I dont purchase any of yours. I make my phone calls like most of us but thats a SHORT TERM fix. In my opinion, USARK has yet to say the magic words that I need to hear before I support them and this cause with money. And the really sad thing is, I cant even mention the words in this forum without it being removed. You should make the calls you want to make and support who you want to support but mind you're own business when it comes to inflicting your opinion on others.
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honesty is my only policy

No intention to inflect my opinion on anyone. Just stating my stance of trying to raise awareness of the real danger to our industry. USARK sent mass email communications over the last few years alerting us of all of the dangers to our industry. All of these phone campaign and letter writing efforts wouldnt have happened if it werent for USARK. I believe if it wasnt for usark aggressivly meeting these issues head on, we would have already been extinct.

We hope that everyone at this point realizes how important this organization is to this hobby. They have worked 24/7 on our behalf. Membership is key to the organization!! Please join now!!

The effort by USARK to provide the info on the onslaught that our industry is being hit with on a daily basis by some new extreme bill is all the reason anyone should need to become a member (under $50 yr). I do not agree hook line and sinker with ANY organization, but USARK is a great asset to our industry. It will be so sad to see the reptile industry turned to dust because we dont have enough info to pay $35-$50 on an annual membership. COME On, that is a cop out. Its always about the $$$$. Just my opinion. Thanks

I support USARK 100% , I'm a Bronze member at this point
and I will undoubtedly upgrade that membership in the future

I make the phone calls , I send the letters

I also try to get the word out promoting the good work
done by USARK on forums and by word of mouth.

I'm a little confused by a decision not to Join USARK

but at the very least be proactive and Make the Phone calls ,
send the letters

Talk to your Senators and
Representatives (congressman / congress woman)

Let them know your position on Reptile Bans and Legislation

There is great Strength in numbers

We need to ban together not be a fractured splinter group

I hope everyone who is not a member of USARK will reconsider
and please join and or Donate to the cause

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . Lar M

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Boas By Klevitz
Boas By Klevitz

Even if "they" dont add boas to the list this time around, you can count on them going for them soon after!

SPEAK UP!
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Chris & Alliey
www.bloodyleopard.com
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