Wow is all I have to say

[j_h_smith]

Unfortunately, the keeping of reptiles as pets isn't as mainstream as we would like it to be. We've never had a burm save little Timmy when he fell down a well, nor have we had a retic find it's way to his family's new home 500 miles away.

I'm sorry to say that we'll never get our congress critters to feel for our cause. I don't know what to do. I don't know what it would take to defeat this bill.

The last thing I want to do is to preach to the choir, so I guess I'll leave it at that. We need a miracle I truely believe.

Jim Smith

[Denial]

we dont need any miracle. We need people to stand up for what they believe in and fight for there rights to own whatever animal they are capable of caring for.

[j_h_smith]

we dont need any miracle. We need people to stand up for what they believe in and fight for there rights to own whatever animal they are capable of caring for.

I don't mean to play the devil's advocate, but we don't have the "RIGHT" to keep our herps. No where in the Constitution does it ensure we can keep reptiles as pets. I'm a firm belliever in an article of the Constitution that is clearly covered in written words and we're losing a little bit at a time, the second amendment.

So how are we, as herp collectors or pet owners, ever going to "stand up" for something that we believe in? That and $1 will get you a small cup of coffee.

The only way to beat this is to contact our representatives and let them know that you will not vote for them again,if they vote for this bill and it passes. VOTES are what counts. Our representatives don't care what laws are passed, they only worry about passing a bill that will cost them votes.

You can call, fax, email or contact them any way you want. If you try to explain your point of view and expect them to understand and feel comnpassion for you, you've got another thing coming. Many times they don't read the bills presented to them. They may have as assistant read it, but most of the times, they find out what the senior representative is doing and they vote the same way.

They don't realize that the issue of releasing large boids is a regional issue and should NEVER be taken up for consideration within the Federal government. They are on point for some special interest group that for some reason has taken up this cause. I'm telling all of you that unless your representative feels his career is in jeopardy, they will not think twice about passing this bill.

I will tell you another thing. This bill will have so many amendments added, that will have nothing to do with the original bill. Many times this is why a bill is submitted. It's submitted without care if that particular bill is passed or not, but it's an avenue for them to add amendments to the bill that is their real interest.

I'd love to see what amendments will be tagged onto this one. Probably some type of Everglades cleanup, or something else like that.

Threaten your representative with votes is the only way this bill will fail.

Just one man's opinion.
Jim Smith

[bamf64]

I'm a firm belliever in an article of the Constitution that is clearly covered in written words and we're losing a little bit at a time, the second amendment.

isnt the second amendment the right to bear arms?

[j_h_smith]

isnt the second amendment the right to bear arms?

Yes, that's what I was saying, we have an amendment that covers the right of the people to own firearms and for years we've lost a little more of our rights every year. So, my point was, if the 2nd can be ignored, how can we expect our representatives to listen to a few thousand hobbyist talking about don't ban my snake, but the other snakes are okay to ban.

We need to speak their language, we have to tell them in no uncertain terms, if you vote for this bill, you will lose my vote.

We need to tell them that this is not the responsibilty of the Federal government. This is a state issue and does not need to be addressed by them.

Jim Smith

[LotsaBalls]

Yes, that's what I was saying, we have an amendment that covers the right of the people to own firearms and for years we've lost a little more of our rights every year. So, my point was, if the 2nd can be ignored, how can we expect our representatives to listen to a few thousand hobbyist talking about don't ban my snake, but the other snakes are okay to ban.

We need to speak their language, we have to tell them in no uncertain terms, if you vote for this bill, you will lose my vote.

We need to tell them that this is not the responsibilty of the Federal government. This is a state issue and does not need to be addressed by them.

Jim Smith