Why?

If we come across as unrealistic and unwilling to compromise, not to mention negligent--we will lose.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

If we come across as unrealistic and unwilling to compromise, not to mention negligent--we will lose.

---

And if we make ourselves out to be door mats and give them an inch to prevent them taking a mile, we lose X100. The government should do what it was set out to do, and worry about the Constitution being upheld. I swear the founding fathers would beat them all over the head for ruining what this country was supposed to be all about.

^ People like Hamilton and Adams would disagree.

However, I too believe that there should be state laws in place for required permits to keep large constrictors and hots. This is not going to take my animals away from me, this IS going to show that there are existing laws in place and a national ban is not needed. So you have to jump through a few hoops and pay a few permit fees. Big deal. Try living in another country where 50% of your paycheck goes to socialist programs and then complain.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ScottyBoa

^ People like Hamilton and Adams would disagree.

However, I too believe that there should be state laws in place for required permits to keep large constrictors and hots. This is not going to take my animals away from me, this IS going to show that there are existing laws in place and a national ban is not needed. So you have to jump through a few hoops and pay a few permit fees. Big deal. Try living in another country where 50% of your paycheck goes to socialist programs and then complain.

---

That mentality is going to cost you your animals and even your liberty one day. You'll feel safer giving up this for that, this for that, until you have no more to give because you gave it all away. Why not give up a little bit of freedom in exchange for that oh so tangible feeling of security. Thinking that going tit for tat, quid pro quo or vis a vis...whatever you wanna call it...with the government is going to help you keep your animals is foolish. They won't stop. Keep thinking that and one day you can line your rack with the Bill of Rights.


"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty or safety..."

Benjamin Franklin

"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government."

Patrick Henry

"Government is not reason; it is not eloquence. It is force. And force, like fire, is a dangerous servant and a fearful master."

George Washington

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Denial

Maybe they will respond to you!

---

I wrote them an email voicing my concerns and reiterating my personal stances on reptile legislation:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mainbutter

It has been rumored among the reptile keeper community that USARK is being proactive and promoting state-level legislation regulating venomous reptiles and large constrictors in states where no such legislation currently exists.

I feel that, as a reptile keeper who supports USARK in just about all their efforts, I need to bring my concerns (echoed and agreed upon by many in the community) to your attention.

I will never support any federal-level reptile legislation whatsoever.

I will never support any legislation that restricts ownership of reptiles based on the idea of dangers they pose to the public. There is no question that venomous reptiles and large constrictors are inherently dangerous, but even in states with a complete lack of dangerous reptile legislation, there is statistically ZERO risk to the public. If you were to measure the danger of these animals by the history of injuries and deaths, all danger is aimed directly at the keepers, and to a lesser degree those who reside in their household.

I will never support any legislation that restricts the rights of individuals to put themselves at risk. I don't want the government protecting me from myself, that's my choice if I wish to engage in dangerous activities.

I will never support an outright ban on keeping particular species.

I will never support any organization that supports any legislation that falls into the above categories.

I hope that USARK's positions on reptile legislation allows me to continue supporting your organization.

---

I got a prompt response, inviting me to cross post this response as well!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Andrew Wyatt

Peter,

We agree with you completely. I think much of your concern is based on misunderstanding. There are some in the community that have very little comprehension of what is going on around them politically and legislatively. They have been sleeping blissfully while our rights to own reptiles have disappeared. Finally we have a voice and are able to mold our own future instead of having it dictated to us. The same ones who are abusively critical of our efforts are the same ones who did nothing before. Now things are happening because of all the publicity our community has gotten this year. State and Federal government is taking action. Some people are getting scared and blaming USARK for what government and Animal Rights orgs are doing. All we have done is provide a framework for our survival. Nothing that we have proposed would take away a reponsible keepers ability to keep what they want. In fact what we have proposed would secure your ability to keep the herps you want into the indefinate future... including all the big 5, venomous and crocodilians. NO Permits, No FEES, NO Registration, No Microchipping.... Challenge those that are pushing misinformation to show you how anything we have done will stop anyone from keeping the reptiles of their choice. Then bring their answers back to me. I guarantee their accusations won't hold water in the light of day. Feel free to cross post.

Thank you for your support,
Andrew

---

Thanks for posting peter. Although I have not been sleeping blissfully I have been working my ass off calling offices and sending emails and letters I do thank andrew for replying to you and taking the time to reply to email also. I do feel better knowing that usark is not pushing for this bill and it is up to the residents of south carolina. So once again I urge anyone in south carolina to help fight this and continue to live in a state that has basically very few laws regarding what type of pet you may own.