-oldherper- “Well, the problem seems to be that they have not defined a valid agenda as they claim.” Oldherper should read the entire forum first, before making this remark. Under the “NHL info” forum, it specifically states “NHL national agenda,” “NHL state agenda,” and “NHL local agenda.”
Ummm...I did read the entire forum (didn't take long)and I stand by what I said. I realize the forum titles contain the word "agenda", but that doesn't make the outlined agenda valid IMHO. I have pasted below parts of the content of the NHL Agenda for ease of illustration in this conversation.
In your National Agenda:
Assist in research to correct reptile related salmonella zooinosis misinformation currently being circulated
Where in your website is there any supporting data or reference to supporting data to validate this "misinformation" claim? Do you have epidemiologists and bacteriologists willing to support this? This is very vague. It sounds like someone that wants to get the laws stopped or reversed so they can sell turtles under 3" in a pet store. As I said in my first post, a very narrow and personal-sounding agenda. If you are going to be this specific about particular rules or laws, you have to support that with valid data and valid reasons it should be changed as well as possible impact.
In your National Agenda:
Lessening of restrictions on the inter-state transfer of endangered species
What??? Why??? This one REALLY stinks of someone wanting to do interstate commerce in endangered species. This is why the laws are in place as they are now. There is no specifics anywhere on your website that I can find that give the particular reasons, what particular parts you want eased and what the expected outcome would be. If you have a valid reason for transferring endangered species across state lines and your facilities meet guidelines and you aren't violating any state or local laws, there are already provisions for permits. By the way, these Federal Laws only pertain to interstate commerce, they do not pertain to bone-fide institutions transferring legally held animals across state line for research, breeding loans, etc. Anyone with half a brain can see the implications of allowing unrestricted trade in endangered animals.
From your State of Ohio agenda
Remove requirement to use Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags in reptiles for identification purposes.
Once again, no supporting data anywhere on your site, nor is there reference to any. One of your banner headlines on your home page is a "story" about 200 Garter Snakes being killed by implanting PITs, but once again there is no supporting data or references or sources. You don't cite the DNR's reasoning behind the program, the flaws in the program or it's reasons, nor do you offer any alternatives.
-oldherper-provided a list or points he would like out of an organization. Most these points are valid. It will take time, however, to begin programs such as these. Several of these points were already included in our agenda. Notice to point #7. The word LOBBY is in our title. Our primary goal is legislation.
Who is your lobbying panel and where and how are they lobbying? What are the specific laws you have active lobbying efforts against and what is the progress at this point? If none as yet, what are your specific plans to get it started and who will lead the lobbying efforts? What data are you armed with to fight these legislations?
However, if someone called and asked how to take care of their common boa, I would tell them. But husbandry is not necessarily included in our agenda.
OK, that's fine. But you can't really liken this to the NRA, then (a reference made elsewhere in this thread) because they do, in fact, offer education to their members as well as Lobbying against anti-gun laws. They also offer insurance, legal assistance and a vast array of other member services. I've been a Life Member of the NRA for 30 years.
Also, several of the points (including #2,3,9) require large amounts of money. Funds are provided via membership fees and donations. If someone wants these points to be accomplished, he should pay his dues to assist the cause. I will give you an analogy….. it is like a family member showing up to thanksgiving dinner at your house, and complaining that the food is not ready in time. These complaints are made without helping to cook, or even bring food to the dinner. He wants to jump in to feast without assisting in its preparation…
No problem here, either. If you have intentions of providing these services, then they should be in your mission statement as future goals and membership money should be earmarked and set aside to accomplish them. Your Thanksgiving analogy is a bad one. It's really more like inviting a stranger to your house for Thanksgiving Dinner, then asking him to bring the Turkey.
People are naturally going to be skeptical of this and hesitant to get involved because all it appears to be is an attempt to draw more people into an existing conflict with certain agencies. This will have the appearance of nothing more than confrontation with the agencies that are in place to protect wildlife with the express purpose of meeting personal agendas that are in conflict with existing wildlife laws while offering nothing in return. In other words, it looks like you want to have protective laws reversed so that you can engage in commerce in protected species without contributing anything to the conservation and protection of these same species.
Also, you say that NHL and Captive Born Reptiles are completely separate, yet you have a big link to Captive Born Reptiles right on your home page. This only furthers the impression that this is all commercial in nature.
The text above was cut and pasted from the NHL website solely for the purpose of illustration of points in a discussion with an NHL board member on this forum. The information used is the sole property of NHL and was copied for no purpose other than the above outlined purpose.
