Sorry, this gets close to being off topic, but I can't help and answer this question:

Quote Originally Posted by spottysnake View Post
what is everyone lashing out about?
Simple answer: Negative press is one way to get a couple more people to scream "Ban".
The proposed congressional ban does not just address the import of the burmese python in the Everglades. The ban proposes prohibition of the "constrictor snake of the species Python genera", meaning python like in any python species. Since the proposed ban is to be added to the Lacey Act it would not just ban the import to Florida, but to anywhere in the US. The Lacey Act further requires the receiver to export or destroy any prohibited animals/eggs.
All those that are sitting there quietly, wondering why snake keepers are getting upset over the negative media reports regarding the burmese python in Florida, have not understood yet, how powerful the media really is when it comes to causing a panic and collecting votes in order to promote a ban that is in the best interest of an ignorant minority that is situated in Florida - not the entire USA.
To sum it up: The reason for lashing out is the very realistic possibility of having to destroy our pythons, just because the media increases its amount of horror stories about the burmese invasion in Florida in order to promote the ban.