I sent my two Senate representatives an e-mail using the USARK form (Thanks USARK!). Here in Southwestern NC, my Senators are Richard Burr (R) and Kay Hagan (D). I believe Burr is a sensible man and will vote against the bill. On the other hand, Kay Hagan has never met a far-left agenda she didn't like. Here's a copy of the reply her office sent me on S373.
Dear Friend,
Thank you for contacting me regarding the importation of non-native snakes into the United States. I greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts on this important issue.
Non-native plant and animal species introduced to the United States often pose a significant threat to the local environment, public health, and the domestic economy. New species can damage sensitive ecosystems, carry disease, and compete with existing species for scarce resources. Unfortunately, once a non-native species is established, methods to remove the species can be costly, inhumane, or ineffective. For that reason, the federal government works to monitor the importation of potentially damaging species into the United States.
As you know, nearly 30,000 Burmese pythons are estimated to be living in Southern Florida, threatening multiple native species and a delicate natural ecosystem. This self-sustaining population is believed to have originated from pets that have escaped or were illegally released, and it has no natural predator in the Everglades. On February 3, 2009, a bill to include Pythons as an injurious species (S.373/H.R.2811) was introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. On December 10, 2009, the bill was amended and approved by the Committee, and it is now available for consideration by the full Senate. This legislation would prohibit Pythons and eight similar constrictor snakes from being shipped or imported into the United States.
I believe we need to ensure that newly imported species will not negatively affect North Carolina's economy or environment. Like you, I also believe it is important to balance the protection of our natural resources with the rights of pet owners. While S.373 has not yet been considered by the full Senate, please be assured that I will continue to keep your thoughts and opinions in mind.
Again, thank you for contacting my office. It is truly an honor to represent North Carolina in the United States Senate, and I hope you will not hesitate to contact me in the future should you have any further questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Kay Hagan
Shouldn't it be a requirement in order to be a Senator that you HAVE to be "smarter than a 5th-grader"? I am so looking forward to doing everything within my power to see that far-left loon doesn't get re-elected.
Later!
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
