I knew my worlds would collide one day....

First off, I do understand where you are coming from. HSUS has a lot of power and backing and are not looking very nicely upon Reptile Nation.
BUT, please don't be ignorant.
To say HSUS, "do not take care of puppies and kittens. They have nothing to do with your local Humane Society," is wrong.
When I worked at the local animal shelter we were supported by HSUS. When Katrina and Rita happened we took in HUNDREDS of animals from the south and cared for them, re-connected them with their owners, and adopted out the ones that we couldn't find the owners to.
HSUS organized the animals coming to, not only us, but MANY other shelters. They funded all flights and funded care as well.
HSUS while perhaps is doing some things that not everyone agrees with, so are a lot of organizations.
No one can deny that there is a large python issue in Florida. And HSUS may be standing up to help that.
No, a lot of reptile organization and rescues do not receive anything from HSUS, but that's because reptiles are not in the same situation with population as dogs and cats, YET. At this point this is HSUS's main focus.
Perhaps HSUS is getting incorrect information as well.
MAYBE Reptile Nation should focus on trying to (and, yes, it will be hard) education HSUS and band WITH them for all animals great and small. If we could be under HSUS's wing think of the places we could go....

I am not a fighter, I do not want to get involved in a HUGE debate, but I wanted to share another side of the coin with you....