Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This may be already being done but when you send letters to your government representatives are you sending pictures as well. I would think that sending pictures of you and your families (kids especially) will put a face to who this bill, if passed will devastate.

I think that most non-snake lovers look at us all as being freaks of nature and don't realize that we are real everyday people that share a common passion. The fact that this passion has fueled true entrepreneurship and a multi billion dollar industry is what the American dream is all about.

I may be wrong but the staffers that open these letters have families themselves and sometimes putting a face to the reptile nation may not be such a bad thing.

I'm very hopeful for you guys!!!!

Markus
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www.ballpython.ca

that is a very good idea. I also strongly agree with you in that these politicians think we are toothless backwoods freaks of nature. In every letter I wrote and every phone call I made, I made a point of telling the representative, where I live, what I do for a living and what my annual income is. I also let them know how much I spend on shipping, supplies and electricity each year. More importantly, I let them know that I vote in every local election. Good points you brought out there. Thanks. Mike Panichi
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Honesty is my only policy
www.mikepanicreptiles.com

Thanks Mike!
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www.ballpython.ca

That is an extremely valid point , that quite frankly
never even crossed my mind !

It would make very nice touch to any letter sent I agree

. . . Lar M
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Boas By Klevitz

I Support USark.org

I totally agree with Mark, I think the more family friendly herpers show themselves to be the better. Its easy to pass laws that effect nameless, faceless people, however when politicians (and their staff) see that many reptile keepers are normal people with families and kids, it will at least get them to stop and think. One of the most constructive ideas I've seen in this whole debate/ issue !
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John Berry
Designer Morphs, 2nd edition - totally updated, hardback edition due April 2010.

Thanks John.

i really think it is time to think old school in regards to this offensive. Today we are slaves to technology and use it sometimes to our disadvantage. A computer can handle millions of emails and it still looks the same sitting on a desk. Nice and tidy. Now you do it the old fashion way. Write a detailed letter. Make them personal and not a form letter like the senators are using. Enclose pictures of your family, your pets, your home, your employees, the people you buy your supplies from, your facility and anything else that will make us real. Stuff it all in an envelope and send it the old fashion way by mail and now those neat and tidy desks will be covered in envelopes that they will have to open. They will have to read. And they will have no choice but to look at the faces of the real reptile nation. Just ordinary every day people living a dream.

Remember Miracle on 34th Street. When the government was suing Santa Claus saying he did not exist and all those letter poured into the courthouse? (I'm showing my age now) It worked then! Time for another miracle.

Thanks for listening.

Markus
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www.ballpython.ca

What is wrong with toothless backwood freaks? I only take my python (pronounced pie'tahn) out to walmart when my babies momma has him.

just kidding..but that is a good idea...show them who they are speaking with, most of us, lol, and show them the way we keep the snakes in proper cage that are escape proof and safe and provide jobs for the makers of these safe cages etc.
Great idea...
later

Mike

this idea may need to be presnted in a way that is very clear for people to understand.

I am all for supervized interaction with reptiles but I hate seeing pictures of children holding snakes either looped or half looped around neck and shoulders.

I really like the idea of proper caging pic's and agree that responsible family and pet pic's would make a difference in the eyes of the senators.

Maybe over reacting but what some may consider a normal or harmless photo may be viewed in a very different way by others.....I could only imagine some guy sending in a pic of mounds of thawing rats or boas eating bunnies and saying how much revenue could be lost to the rodent suppliers.

Good suggestion.
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Joel Thomas

Don't tread on me!

You're absolutely right! I don't think showing any snakes is really necessary. I do however think if you are an educator or if you have a party business that allows kids to handle snakes PROPERLY, these should be shown. I agree that snakes wrapped around necks is a bad idea on anyone, especially children.

Keep it simple is the best approach. Tell your story. Tug at their heart strings. Put ammunition in the hands of the senators that will argue to defeat this bill. A senator holding REAL letters with REAL pictures of REAL families will hit home. Talking about emails will not even come close to having the same affect.

I feel like my hands are tied being up here in Canada and I would hope someone in the US would try to organized a letter writing day and a set mailing date so that the barrage of letters arrive on mass. It's an old fashion approach that just may work.

I apologize if I am sticking my nose in your business, but I've made a lot of great friends in this industry over the years and it kills me to see the BS that is going on.

Markus
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www.ballpython.ca

That is a very good idea and I have done it. When I sent some of my e-mails to the Representative's and Senator's I added links for pictures of me and my kids with are boas and pythons. I also add a link to my educational show pictures so they can see that I try and educate people about reptiles.

Take care
Tom
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McCarthyBoas.com