Attention Adam, Brian, everyone fighting HR669

Just a few thoughts that came to me:

1) - A group I'm not sure if anyone is targeting... commonly farmed animals such as alpacas and emu's are not on the "exceptions" list. Does anyone want to figure out how to reach out to those communities to get the word out to them? I know many people make or supplement their living by raising these animals.

2) - Overall, it seems that the most important people we should be targeting is the Representatives on the subcommittee. Where is the list of exactly which Representatives they are? I know I saw it once, but just now I was looking and could only find membership of the Natural Resources committee, but not the subcommittee of Oceans and Wildlife. I think we should also be making an extra effort to get the word out to the people who live in their districts. For example, I live in Virginia, but I could make phone calls or send faxes to pet stores in a particular district in Colorado, which would hopefully result those pet stores getting the info out to their customers, which would hopefully result in phone calls, emails, etc to those Representatives that matter most. Craigslist postings in cities in those districts would be easy to do also.

I have set aside the entire day tomorrow to do what I can to get the word out, and I want to be sure I'm spending my time where it will be most effective.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=89057

There's a link there within that thread, first post.

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Originally Posted by kc261

1) - A group I'm not sure if anyone is targeting... commonly farmed animals such as alpacas and emu's are not on the "exceptions" list. Does anyone want to figure out how to reach out to those communities to get the word out to them? I know many people make or supplement their living by raising these animals.

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I was wondering about this too. I know that the herp community is getting involved, but what about all the other communities targeted by the bill? For example, the large communities of bird, small mammal (ferret, guinea pig, hamster, etc.), and fish keepers, as well as alpaca/emu keepers as you mentioned?

A google search shows a few bird groups are a bit irate. My seahorse group doesn't seem concerned at all really.
I think the idea for alpaca, emu, llama.. etc.. that's a GREAT idea! There should be a online group for the Alpaca club of america or some such!
Great idea!! You rock!

We live in Colorado, My representative, Doug Lamborn has received several calls from me. Having been assured by communications sent out by USARK that the Republican representatives are on our side, I switched my focus to the Denver, Colorado market. I contacted several bird and fish shops and they weren't even aware of this. I forwarded as much information to them as I could and they are working within their communities to help in the fight.

I started another thread earlier today letting people know what I am doing here in Colorado. Scales 'N Tails is located in Denver and they are
making copies of the letter that is being signed in their Colorado Springs location and having their Denver customers sign them as well.
I also contacted Chad Brown, owner of Pro Exotics, which is also in Denver and he has a meeting scheduled with Congresswoman Diana L. DeGette next week.

Thank you for your suggestions, with out of the box thinking, we all can make a difference.

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Originally Posted by kc261

I think we should also be making an extra effort to get the word out to the people who live in their districts. For example, I live in Virginia, but I could make phone calls or send faxes to pet stores in a particular district in Colorado, which would hopefully result those pet stores getting the info out to their customers, which would hopefully result in phone calls, emails, etc to those Representatives that matter most.

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NO ON HR669
Michelle

I do know that the http://www.nohr669.com efforts ARE targeting bird, fish, reptile, etc communities and forums. If you notice, the website is not set up as a reptile driven site.

I don't know if the alpaca and emu groups have been targeted, however. Very good point!

Great point, I will add non-exempted farmed animal organizations to my list of people to contact tomorrow!

Here is a list of the subcommittee members ...

http://www.pijac.org/files/public/US_Nat_Res_Sub.pdf

The problem though is that Congressmen/women are only interested in speaking with people that are from the district that they represent. For example, living in Maryland, a Congressperson in Arizona really doesn't care what I have to say when compared to the voice of his own constituents. This makes sense because that is how Congress works. Officials are elected to represent districts of Americans and speak for them in Washington. So if none the Representatives on the subcommittee are from your district, you'll be lucky if they give you more than 30 seconds.

I'm not saying not to contact the subcommittee members by any means ... do it! Use USARKs lobbyist to have your letters delivered to them by hand, call them, try and email them ... do whatever you can to make your voice heard.

More importantly, contact YOUR direct representative. If they are a member of the subcommittee ... awesome! If not, ask them to contact members of the subcommittee on your behalf. Email and call them ... (www.nohr669.com makes it super easy) and if at all possible, try and get an in person meeting with them or someone from their office this week while their home on spring break. Contact with your direct Representative in Congress is critical in making our voices heard!

If anyone has any questions on HR 669 or contacting their Representative please don't hesitate to ask here on this thread or email info@hr669.com.

-adam

LOL - you're too fast for me Adam! :gj:

As a member of the Rocky Mt. Llama Association, I've passed the word along already...It is spreading!

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

The problem though is that Congressmen/women are only interested in speaking with people that are from the district that they represent.

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I recognize that. What I was wondering is if I could make a bigger impact by getting on the phone with pet stores, putting up craigslist ads, etc, in areas served by the representatives on the subcommittee, which would hopefully get people in those areas to call or email their representatives. As it turns out, my neighboring district representative IS on the subcommittee, so I'll focus my efforts in that direction, since I live very near the border and it won't be much more driving but I'll be able to go in person.

And of course I'll call & email my own representative as well.