USARK Alert - READ!!!!!! November 5 deadline

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Please join the Reptile Nation in a Congressional Call In Opposing HR2811 aka The Python Ban November 2, 3 & 4. If you value your Boas & Pythons you will participate and encourage your entire sphere of influence to do the same. There is a Hearing in front of the House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism & Homeland Security scheduled for November 5th. Please call in and OPPOSE HR2811.

As originally written HR2811 would add the entire genus python to the Injurious Wildlife List of the Lacey Act. This would effectively end the Import, Export and Interstate Transport of any animals listed. In July USARK was successful in narrowing the scope of the bill by removing most pythons with an amendment offered by Congressman Tom Rooney. The amendment would limit the bill to the Burmese Python and the African Python. In addition committee staff agreed in principle to further amend the bill to allow the captive bred trade in these two snakes to continue. To date this promise has not been kept and the HR2811 has not been amended to allow for captive bred trade.

Meanwhile the USGS Risk Assessment of 9 Large Constricting Snakes has been released. The Humane Society of the United States is lobbying hard to have HR2811 amended to include the entire genus python, as well as the four species of anaconda, and Boa Constrictor referred to in the USGS report. Do not assume that HSUS will not be successful in getting HR2811 amended to reflect these changes. Only USARK and the Reptile Nation stand between HSUS and the destruction of our community.

Our science experts have done a cursory analysis of the USGS report and characterize it as “…loose with numerous mistakes and inaccuracies. It is an oversimplification of a very complicated topic.” The bottom line is it is not the solid piece of science HSUS wanted to use as a tool to break the back of our community. However that has not stopped them from mischaracterizing it as just that.

What can I do?

***November 2,3 & 4 Call In and Fax the Subcommittee and voice your opposition to HR2811. Be polite & professional!

Script:
My name is____. I oppose HR2811. It is overly simplistic and politically driven. It is poorly thought out and sacrifices good science for political expediency. The negative economic impact for my family and business would be significant. Please oppose HR2811. Thank you for your consideration.

Call List:
Sponsor:

Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL), Sponsor
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4506; fax 202-226-0777
Miami: phone 305-690-5905; fax 305-690-5951

Cosponsors:

Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-1313; fax 202-225-8398
Ft. Lauderdale: phone 954-733-2800

Congressman John Lewis (D-GA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3801; fax 202-225-0351
Atlanta: phone 404-659-0116

Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3001; fax 202-225-5974
Boca Raton: phone 561-988-6302; fax 561-988-6423

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (HI-2)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4906; fax 202-225-4987
Honolulu: phone 808-541-1986

Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5792; fax 202-225-3132
Punta Gorda: phone 941-575-9101; fax 941-575-9103

Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism & Homeland Security:

Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-8351; fax 202-225-8354
Richmond: phone 804-644-4845

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3072; fax 202-225-3336
San Jose: phone 408-271-8700

Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee (D-TX)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3816; fax 202-225-3317
Houston: phone 713-691-4882

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-2201; fax 202-225-7854
Los Angeles: phone 323-757-8900

Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3265; fax 202-225-5663
Memphis: phone 901-544-4131

Congressman Pedro Pierluisi (D-PR)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-2615; fax 202-225-2154
San Juan: phone 787-723-6333

Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5431; fax 202-225-9681
Roanoke: phone 540-857-2672

Congressman Dan Lungren (R-CA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5716; fax 202-226-1298
Gold River: phone 916-859-9906

Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-TX)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3035; fax 202-226-1230
Tyler: phone 903-561-6349

Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-6565; fax 202-225-5547
Beaumont: phone 409-212-1997

Congressman Randy Forbes (R-VA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-6365; fax 202-226-1170
Chesapeake: 757-382-0080; fax 757-382-0780

Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5635
New York: phone 212-367-7350

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-7931; fax 202-226-2052
Pembroke Pines: phone 954-437-3936; fax 954-437-4776

Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-6616
Brooklyn: phone 718-743-0441

Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4061; fax 202-225-5603
Chicago: phone 773-267-5926; fax 773-267-6583

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Please join the Reptile Nation in a Congressional Call In Opposing HR2811 aka The Python Ban November 2, 3 & 4. If you value your Boas & Pythons you will participate and encourage your entire sphere of influence to do the same. There is a Hearing in front of the House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism & Homeland Security scheduled for November 5th. Please call in and OPPOSE HR2811.

As originally written HR2811 would add the entire genus python to the Injurious Wildlife List of the Lacey Act. This would effectively end the Import, Export and Interstate Transport of any animals listed. In July USARK was successful in narrowing the scope of the bill by removing most pythons with an amendment offered by Congressman Tom Rooney. The amendment would limit the bill to the Burmese Python and the African Python. In addition committee staff agreed in principle to further amend the bill to allow the captive bred trade in these two snakes to continue. To date this promise has not been kept and the HR2811 has not been amended to allow for captive bred trade.

Meanwhile the USGS Risk Assessment of 9 Large Constricting Snakes has been released. The Humane Society of the United States is lobbying hard to have HR2811 amended to include the entire genus python, as well as the four species of anaconda, and Boa Constrictor referred to in the USGS report. Do not assume that HSUS will not be successful in getting HR2811 amended to reflect these changes. Only USARK and the Reptile Nation stand between HSUS and the destruction of our community.

Our science experts have done a cursory analysis of the USGS report and characterize it as “…loose with numerous mistakes and inaccuracies. It is an oversimplification of a very complicated topic.” The bottom line is it is not the solid piece of science HSUS wanted to use as a tool to break the back of our community. However that has not stopped them from mischaracterizing it as just that.

What can I do?

***November 2,3 & 4 Call In and Fax the Subcommittee and voice your opposition to HR2811. Be polite & professional!

Script:
My name is____. I oppose HR2811. It is overly simplistic and politically driven. It is poorly thought out and sacrifices good science for political expediency. The negative economic impact for my family and business would be significant. Please oppose HR2811. Thank you for your consideration.

Call List:
Sponsor:

Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL), Sponsor
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4506; fax 202-226-0777
Miami: phone 305-690-5905; fax 305-690-5951

Cosponsors:

Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-1313; fax 202-225-8398
Ft. Lauderdale: phone 954-733-2800

Congressman John Lewis (D-GA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3801; fax 202-225-0351
Atlanta: phone 404-659-0116

Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3001; fax 202-225-5974
Boca Raton: phone 561-988-6302; fax 561-988-6423

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (HI-2)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4906; fax 202-225-4987
Honolulu: phone 808-541-1986

Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5792; fax 202-225-3132
Punta Gorda: phone 941-575-9101; fax 941-575-9103

Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism & Homeland Security:

Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-8351; fax 202-225-8354
Richmond: phone 804-644-4845

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3072; fax 202-225-3336
San Jose: phone 408-271-8700

Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee (D-TX)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3816; fax 202-225-3317
Houston: phone 713-691-4882

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-2201; fax 202-225-7854
Los Angeles: phone 323-757-8900

Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3265; fax 202-225-5663
Memphis: phone 901-544-4131

Congressman Pedro Pierluisi (D-PR)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-2615; fax 202-225-2154
San Juan: phone 787-723-6333

Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5431; fax 202-225-9681
Roanoke: phone 540-857-2672

Congressman Dan Lungren (R-CA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5716; fax 202-226-1298
Gold River: phone 916-859-9906

Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-TX)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3035; fax 202-226-1230
Tyler: phone 903-561-6349

Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-6565; fax 202-225-5547
Beaumont: phone 409-212-1997

Congressman Randy Forbes (R-VA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-6365; fax 202-226-1170
Chesapeake: 757-382-0080; fax 757-382-0780

Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5635
New York: phone 212-367-7350

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-7931; fax 202-226-2052
Pembroke Pines: phone 954-437-3936; fax 954-437-4776

Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-6616
Brooklyn: phone 718-743-0441

Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4061; fax 202-225-5603
Chicago: phone 773-267-5926; fax 773-267-6583

I cannot stress enough how important it is that each and every one of us makes these calls and faxes EVERY SINGLE DAY next week up until Thursday. Let's let them come in on Monday to fax machines that are out of paper.

This is particularly frightening and should encourage EACH of us to take action and take action swiftly:

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In addition committee staff agreed in principle to further amend the bill to allow the captive bred trade in these two snakes to continue. To date this promise has not been kept and the HR2811 has not been amended to allow for captive bred trade.

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The Humane Society of the United States is lobbying hard to have HR2811 amended to include the entire genus python, as well as the four species of anaconda, and Boa Constrictor referred to in the USGS report. Do not assume that HSUS will not be successful in getting HR2811 amended to reflect these changes. Only USARK and the Reptile Nation stand between HSUS and the destruction of our community.

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Any E-mail contact?

The HSUS are serious pieces of crap. Their lying is what really gets to me; the fact they pretend like they're going to work with USARK on this issue and just completely aren't willing to is just absolutely infuriating.

I really do hate what America has become *sigh*

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Originally Posted by Derrick13

I really do hate what America has become *sigh*

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I keep telling people that the only way this country will ever change is if we vote every incumbent out of office regardless of their part affliliation, and if the new government doesn't hold up their promises... vote them out. And keep voting people out of office until we get someone who will do the job right....


Rob

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Originally Posted by Vypyrz

I keep telling people that the only way this country will ever change is if we vote every incumbent out of office regardless of their part affliliation, and if the new government doesn't hold up their promises... vote them out. And keep voting people out of office until we get someone who will do the job right....


Rob

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Remember, remember the Fifth of November,: The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,: I know of no reason: Why the Gunpowder Treason: Should ever be forgot.

Sorry to post a rather lame question, but with all those phone numbers listed I dont know which one to call. Do I just pick one of the California numbers and read off that script?

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Originally Posted by Vypyrz

I keep telling people that the only way this country will ever change is if we vote every incumbent out of office regardless of their part affliliation, and if the new government doesn't hold up their promises... vote them out. And keep voting people out of office until we get someone who will do the job right....


Rob

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We have term limits in Florida . . . similar to voting them out. Problem is, that leaves the state employees in charge because they know the details and it's easy to sway a newly elected official.

Please call and fax every day!

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Originally Posted by Aeries

Any E-mail contact?

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emails do little. they do not disrupt or slow everyday business.
now when the fax machine is out of paper all the time or the phone constantly rings it tends to leave a better message.

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Originally Posted by JoshR324

Sorry to post a rather lame question, but with all those phone numbers listed I dont know which one to call. Do I just pick one of the California numbers and read off that script?

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the best bet is to call all of those numbers especially the sponsors and cosponsors.
if one of your state reps are on the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism & Homeland Security i would surely call them also.

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Originally Posted by JoshR324

Sorry to post a rather lame question, but with all those phone numbers listed I dont know which one to call. Do I just pick one of the California numbers and read off that script?

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You call all of them on the list, or as many as you can. You fax every single one of them, or fax as many as you can.

The reptile nation should have been calling those numbers for the past few months not just next week. If we had put up a better fight in the first place we wouldnt have burms and rocks out the door.

Script:
My name is____. I oppose HR2811. It is overly simplistic and politically driven. It is poorly thought out and sacrifices good science for political expediency. The negative economic impact for my family and business would be significant. Please oppose HR2811. Thank you for your consideration.


Is that all I need to put on the faxes? Warmin that fax machine up as we speak!!

I dont care what you are doing right now. CALL. IT TAKES TWO SECONDS.

This has to be as BIG of an impact as HR669 was.

FIGHT this with your teeth and nails. Pass it on. post it on every forum you visit ( Kindly use their search function first :D Bump existing threads)

Dont sit back. DONT hope others make a difference. EVERY SINGLE VOICE COUNTS.

Anyone from outside, consider grabbibg a skype account. 5 bucks will give you unlimited north american calling for a month. and give you an american call back number!

You can help from anywhere in the world!!

Shawn

Will these reps listen to voters who don't reside in their states? I had a lot of problem with the sponsors that were out of my state actually giving rats behind about what i had to say with HR669:/ not that im not going to call (OH I WILL)

I live in Canada and this is pissing me off...

I'm happy to send faxes and I will, seeing as I haven't bought a python yet, but really want to! This may spur things along!

However, I wonder, even if this gets out of committee, how likely is it to even come to the floor, let alone pass? Maybe we should forget about the committee members and start working on our local reps in advance.

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Originally Posted by cinderbird

Will these reps listen to voters who don't reside in their states? I had a lot of problem with the sponsors that were out of my state actually giving rats behind about what i had to say with HR669:/ not that im not going to call (OH I WILL)

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If they try to tell you that he/she is not your representative, you tell them that this is a vote on a national bill and their vote will directly affect you.

BE POLITE, do NOT be rude to the staff (not directed at you cinderbird - this is a caution for everyone). State your opposition to the bill WITHOUT dramatic emotion, the only way we want to annoy them is with the sheer VOLUME of calls.

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Originally Posted by Moonshae

I'm happy to send faxes and I will, seeing as I haven't bought a python yet, but really want to! This may spur things along!

However, I wonder, even if this gets out of committee, how likely is it to even come to the floor, let alone pass? Maybe we should forget about the committee members and start working on our local reps in advance.

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Please, don't under-estimate the importance of making these calls to the committee - it's more likely than ever, and it will continue to be a fight that we'll be facing year after year. We cannot become complacent. We must remain vigilant!

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Originally Posted by rabernet

If they try to tell you that he/she is not your representative, you tell them that this is a vote on a national bill and their vote will directly affect you.

BE POLITE, do NOT be rude to the staff (not directed at you cinderbird - this is a caution for everyone). State your opposition to the bill WITHOUT dramatic emotion, the only way we want to annoy them is with the sheer VOLUME of calls.

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YES! yes yes yes yes yes yes.... take a deep breath before each call and make it as pleasant a conversation as possible. I know myself how hard it is when emotions get surging over all this, but they definitely need to be kept in check, so we don't come across as the angry, crazy, reptile people.

is anyone actually getting an answer? i'd bet these calls by monday will be screened and msot missed all togethor.


Id on't think as an individual what we have to say will mean Squat. I think the shear volume is what will cause them to think.

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Originally Posted by Caskin

YES! yes yes yes yes yes yes.... take a deep breath before each call and make it as pleasant a conversation as possible. I know myself how hard it is when emotions get surging over all this, but they definitely need to be kept in check, so we don't come across as the angry, crazy, reptile people.

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So no threatening to feed them to my Tics?

:)

j/k

I will absolutely be calling and of course, keeping it professional.

what America needs is a revolution.. the people need to seriously stand up against the government or else their slowly going to control every step we take! they dont care about the snakes.. what they care about is limiting your pleasures in life!

I serously think it is time to move to canada

Fight
fight
fight
bump

Did my part...

I have made my calls but have been told by several that my voice doesn't count since I am not in their state. PLEASE IF YOU LIVE IN FL OR ANY OF THE LISTED STATES, CALL CALL CALL!

I'll ask again.... I been sending faxes each day but is the script in the OP all I need to write on each fax??? Or do I need to add any of my own 2 cents???? Someone please let me know soon as I am about to start my last round of faxes!!

Made my calls today.

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Originally Posted by reptidude1

I serously think it is time to move to canada

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hahaha.. nah, canada is just a mini-america.. its more peaceful and less crowded then the states but the weather is a bloody teeter-toter! :rage:

Sent 10+ faxes today... Wish I could've done more, but they're $2.75 each >.<

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Originally Posted by adam_degel

canada is just a mini-america

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Canada is bigger than America lol.

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Originally Posted by DarkComeSoon

Canada is bigger than America lol.

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i'm talking government/lifestyle wise.. canada is HUGE but the population is based outta 3 cities LMAO.. toronto, montreal and vancouver.. no offense to the smart people who've decided to stay away from those cities..

but seriously lets get back to topic here the States isn't the only place doing this.. i need more information from someone but the province of British Columbia, Canada has/ or is planning to ban all pythons and constrictors also, except the ball python..

which leads me to my next thought.. is that good or bad for ball python breeders?

Sorry for the double post, want to make sure as many eyes see it as possible.

Adam will be at the hearing tomorrow. He updated the HR669 blog today and is planning on updating tomorrow also. The hearing is at 12:30 EST so if you haven't called yet- MAKE THOSE CALLS IN THE MORNING! Post on facebook, twitter, craigslist- ANYWHERE. We need to make a BIG noise!!

http://nohr669.com/blog/

the change the date,,, heres the link

http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/hear_091105_1.html

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Originally Posted by playingwithsnake_21

the change the date,,, heres the link

http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/hear_091105_1.html

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its not a bad thing, it gives us another full day to make calls. I know ill be making mine again.

I know it's late, but, I was away from a fax for the last few days. I sent my faxes today. Good thing the hearing was postponed.

I made my calls and am urging others to do the same.

Please, make a few more calls. Be respectful and calm.

Lets make an impact today!!!

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Originally Posted by PCG Aquariums

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,: The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,: I know of no reason: Why the Gunpowder Treason: Should ever be forgot.

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Wonder if they changed it because of this? makes me wonder, that it does.....

faxed every number yesterday and called em all today! usually dont like talking on the phone but it was simple enough. My dad questioned why I didn't go vote for city propositions but made the effort to protect my snakes.... I sure gave him an earful. Cant let these fools take away such an awesome hobby that I'm just getting in to. Keep it up everyone!!

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Originally Posted by Moonshae

I'm happy to send faxes and I will, seeing as I haven't bought a python yet, but really want to! This may spur things along!

However, I wonder, even if this gets out of committee, how likely is it to even come to the floor, let alone pass? Maybe we should forget about the committee members and start working on our local reps in advance.

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Yes, I have already contacted my list of representatives to ensure they know ahead of time that I oppose the ban.

Now this is a little more tricky and WILL require a phone call and a letter signed by you the registered voter in their district on your feelings on this subject to really make an impact.

I in no way feel that we should skip or give up on the committees, but if you think the supporters of this bill havent already started greasing the skids with congressional and senate officials ..... think again.

We have to think ahead of this problem.

It is now Nov 6. Is there any news? Is there still something somebody can do?

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Originally Posted by bearhart

It is now Nov 6. Is there any news? Is there still something somebody can do?

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yes you can keep calling and faxing. They did not decide on it today they are giving it a week to get more information and more opinions.