I know that there are new generations of herpers and students out there who want venomous animals and I am all for them having access to them as long as they are approaching it with a mature, directed interest - not "Ive got one of the most powerfully venomous animals on the planet in my bedroom" want to see it? It is important to the natural world that we have people who love even the most deadly of animals. There is soo much apathy in the world towards the environment and the animals that live there that it makes me sick sometimes.
Accidents happen though, Im sure Joe did not think he would be taken out by a Krait the size of a #2 pencil, but it happened and it was not a pleasant way to die. I got nailed by a Dusky pygmy rattler when I was 10 years old, did not even see the snake until after it bit me (I was picking lemons off the ground at a ranch in S.Florida)and even though it made me feel plenty bad, its the reason I became a biologist. Venomous snakes are fascinating, but they can kill you, if you dont love them enough to accept that fact then stick with non-venomous. If you do, then make sure you get as much experience as you can before taking one on as a pet and you will likely have a long, happy, life learning about some of the most incredible animals in the natural world.
Now if we could harness all the dollars and attention that go into making stars like Britney Spears, or inheritance bunnies like Paris Hilton we could do something to save the planet, it would probably take about two weeks considering what those guys rake in every month.
I say this because I listened to orginizations involved in primate research BEG the United Nations for 30 million dollars which would have sustained ALL the research groups worldwide involved in great ape studies, as well as conserving HUGE amounts of habitat for the next 30 years. They didnt get it and we will probably lose all or most of the great apes long before 30 years passes. Its truly amazing to see how much importance we place on the "Human Zoo".
Sorry about the rant, but I really hate apathy and our world is full of it unfortunately.

Maybe if Britney and Paris spent a month with Jane Goodall, they would do something positive with their lives instead of just taking up space and spending the equivalent of many 3rd world countries GNP on their birthday parties.

Cheers
Brett