If a BAN comes to your STATE????????????

[Cp3_Pythons]

If the goverment Bans certain reptiles in your State what will you do?
Simpily hand over what you have worked so hard to accomplish?
Watch as your Demanded (in a so-called free country) to abide by new (yet foolish) regulations to make some pencil pusher in office happy.
Not me I'd rather deal with fines and possibly go to jail/prision than give up and roll over I mean I understand their concern but I belive it's WAY TO HARSH and in all honesty out of line. In the case with Flordia I'm hoping for all you reptile enthusisats Down there that this will be like the Alcohol Ban where they realize "hey that was a BAD idea"

I guess its time to get are newly elected president Mr.Obama to maybe shine some light on the situation. I mean obvisiously people lost their jobs when this went/ goes into full affect and Business are being single handly destroyed Which affects the economy to the point people dont want to spend money. I mean we were just comming out of a recession Right?
Why would we want to go back into one? Or in this situation be forced into one.

The whole situation on the BAN makes me I mean Im

What would you do if the BAN comes to your state? Be honest Not like we can be prosucuted for speaking your mind ( We do still have the freedom of speach dont we or are They re-writting that to benifit them also)

 

[Shadera]

He's way too busy with his world image to take any interest in genuine issues.

Hope y'all that voted for him are enjoying your hope and change.

As for a ban, they'll get my snakes the same way they'll get my guns. When they pry them from my cold, dead hands.

 

[garweft]

I would just do what I could within the legal limits of the state....

Big constrictors banned.... I would keep smaller species

All boas and pythons banned...... I would keep colubrids

All snakes banned..... I would keep frogs and geckos

All reptiles and amphibians banned..... I would enjoy field herping.

My life is a little too nice to risk going to jail over wanting to keep a snake in a box..... Just my opinion.

 

[Kaiyudsai]

Well , In my state New Reptile Laws are being pushed even with the largest Environmental Disaster in American history going down.... so never underestimate the lawmakers...... dont get complacent......

I would think the last thing on beaurocrats minds in Louisiana would be large constrictors..... but it's not the case

 

[Cp3_Pythons]

Life is to nice to spend it inside of a cell. The time spent would be for a cause and for a reason. A reason that without a doubt WOULD NOT GO UNNOTICED.

 

[brd7666]

I guess its time to get are newly elected president Mr.Obama to maybe shine some light on the situation.

The President of the United Sates and any other politition for that matter, is only interested in the majority. When it comes to reptile owners, they are the minority. There is an old saying " majority rules", whether we like it or not, that is reality. So for them to help us is going against the majority, that won't happen because they want those people to vote for them.

I would just do what I could within the legal limits of the state....

Big constrictors banned.... I would keep smaller species

All boas and pythons banned...... I would keep colubrids

All snakes banned..... I would keep frogs and geckos

All reptiles and amphibians banned..... I would enjoy field herping.

My life is a little too nice to risk going to jail over wanting to keep a snake in a box..... Just my opinion.

This is really all you can do. I was going to wait on my reply because I wanted to see what people were going to say before I posted, but after reading what you posted, I will just post now.

I want to say that I don't want anything banned any more then the next guy. I think it's a shame we are losing our rights.

If you don't do as the law says then you are now breaking the law. Some people say they will keep doing whatever they want. Well, to them I say, good for you, and when you have been arrested and now have a criminal record, and your animals confinscated and killed I hope you remain happy.

In today's world you don't want to have a crimianl record, potential employers do background checks and with the job market being what it is and will continue to be, why would you want to hurt your chance of landing a good job? Now a days, you want to have the egde on others, so you can get that job, a criminal record gives that edge to someone else.

People say, who will enforce the law? Believe me, your neighbors, friends, people you talk to, people who enter your home for whatever reason, and the list goes on. All of these people have the potential to turn in those who want to break the law. Most people don't stop and think about that.

People say, I will keep breeding my snakes. Well, another, good for you. My question is, after you breed them and produce illegal babies, what are you going to do with them? You can't sell them, you can't advertise them anywhere. So how would you get rid of them? As soon as you tell people you have them, someone will turn you in.

Some people have this crazy idea that if enough people hold on to their animals and get arrested it will show law makers that they made a mistake and they will reverse the law. Once these laws are in place, they will never be turned back, remember the saying "majority rules". Laws never get reversed that the majority wants, or even what polititions think the majority wants. So by getting arrested, it only shows that we have more criminals (BY DEFINITION) and the crime rate will go up.

The government we have today is nothing like the way our founding fathers ment for it to be. Our government now is corrupt and is now run by those who have the money, not on principles and values of the old days. The american citizen is losing more and more of their freedoms every day. This country has lost the "FOR THE PEOPLE" mentality. It should now be " FOR THE RICH AND POWERFUL".

I live in Florida, and I can tell you that the bill that was just passed is just the beginning, not just here, but in other states as well. More states are going to pass laws of their own. Once that happens, you should just do what the law says. Because when you get in trouble, you will only be hurting yourself.

 

[Cp3_Pythons]

I can deal with that But if you look at history it took Inviduals to stand up for there rights and faced the System before a change took place If it ment I would face life in jail to get to goverment/officals to re-look the ban and remove it. I would spend every day of my natural life behind bars with a smile on face knowing that I stood up for what I belive is right. At the end of the day thats all that matters.

Whats next if you lay down and roll over.......

 

[crissabella]

I am fairly new to actually owning snakes myself(though i have been around them since i was a little girl) and i would be heartbroken if i had to give up any of my beloved animals, but i would not break the law. If such a ban comes to Massachusetts, i can only hope and pray that we will be able to keep the current animals in our collections and not have to part with them. I never thought i would see the day when our rights as citizens are being taken away one step at a time.

 

[americananie]

As for a ban, they'll get my snakes the same way they'll get my guns. When they pry them from my cold, dead hands.

Pretty much this exactly.

 

[Cp3_Pythons]

So in all honesty if the goverment wants to take away something you've been doing for years that has became a passion you would stand there and let them take it without a fight. ( I know thats where USARK comes in but lets face it has the congress or the goverment ever played fair ball) No their looking in there best intrest to get elected for another term. Sometimes when dealing with the goverment you have to think outside the box and act irrational to be noticed

 

[Cp3_Pythons]

Maybe we could get some of the Big Dogs at USARK to get in touch with the Animal Planet and do a hour special on the Ban and debate both sides of the story. I belive its as simple as this Your right reptile owners are a minority So thats a reason to roll over for them?
No I wont roll over for them I belive the general population needs to see more educational shows with reptiles to make them more aware of the situation and to shine some light on the situation I mean we have people in congress fighting for our rights? Why not see if the Animal Planet could run a show on the BAN (and on reptile enthusits/hobbist alike and how it would affect them) and why it is or isnt a good idea lay the facts out Like we've been doing in Congress. This would hopefully get NON-REPTILE owners involved. People are supporting USARK and I thank everyone that has done so.

Lets hear it What do the readers of this thread think on a show on the topic.

 

[crissabella]

So in all honesty if the goverment wants to take away something you've been doing for years that has became a passion you would stand there and let them take it without a fight. ( I know thats where USARK comes in but lets face it has the congress or the goverment ever played fair ball) No their looking in there best intrest to get elected for another term. Sometimes when dealing with the goverment you have to think outside the box and act irrational to be noticed

The politicians and the special interest groups want us to do that, they want to be proven right that the Reptile industry is full of irresponsible owners/breeders that will stoop to the level of common criminals in order to preserve the hobby they love. The Reptile industry is under attack, and to give the people who want to destroy it more ammunition is completely irrational. We are better than those who want to take this industry down, and we must continue to prove to them and the media that we are not criminals and loose cannons.

 

[Cp3_Pythons]

Well , In my state New Reptile Laws are being pushed even with the largest Environmental Disaster in American history going down.... so never underestimate the lawmakers...... dont get complacent......

I would think the last thing on beaurocrats minds in Louisiana would be large constrictors..... but it's not the case

Why wouldnt it be? I mean you have a bunch of people sitting around doing nothing but trying to make life better for them. Maybe its beacuse no-one in office has there hands into reptiles? Maybe it's becacuse its an industry they cant pry apart and get to work the way they want it to? Or simply becuase there not getting any profit from it?? I mean money talks and in office it talks LOUD. In my opinion its complete madness That makes all of us a little and extremely That are own goverment would do this I mean make getting a Larger constrictor harder Like with handguns or Alcohol make penilties HARSHER for releasing them. DONT BAN THEM I mean goverment agencies are already OVERWORKED so lets make them work harder for the same pay. (that makes a whole lot of sense )

This leads back to one thing The WHOLE POPULATION HAS TO SUFFER BECUASE OF THE ACTIONS OF CERTAIN INDIVUDUALS ACTS OF NEGLECT

Why punish the whole population? Seriously Why

 

[Cp3_Pythons]

The politicians and the special interest groups want us to do that, they want to be proven right that the Reptile industry is full of irresponsible owners/breeders that will stoop to the level of common criminals in order to preserve the hobby they love. The Reptile industry is under attack, and to give the people who want to destroy it more ammunition is completely irrational. We are better than those who want to take this industry down, and we must continue to prove to them and the media that we are not criminals and loose cannons.

I understand that But if the BAN has already taken place Whats the point. To follow the regulations which even the ones that say they would abide by it Have to agree that its totaly obsurd. We as a Nation would not of made it as far as we have If we didnt eventually stand up for rights? Sometimes (are own History has proven this ) It takes an extreme activist or an act of extreme courage to stand up for what is right. Like I stated before I would spend the rest of my natrual life in a prision If it would mean the rest of you could continue doing what you love It would my pleasure

We are the minority Thats a good enough reason to push us around? NO as the minority we have to stand up and fight. Yea they might not like us becuase we own reptiles or becuase We have a thing for larger reptiles and venomous reptiles Does that give them the right to punish us as a Community? I mean if a store gets held up at gun point do they punish everyone that owns a firearm No. So why punish the community of Reptile Owners for criminal and neglectful acts of individuals? I belive Micro Chipping was a good idea All species that are bought and sold leagally have a micro chip if one is discoverd without one in someones care or about to be sold Punish them I mean the Police force use's buying narcotics to bust dealers right? USARK as well as other assiociations could help them with forming an organization that does the same. I mean it would mean more Job openings which is always a good thing right? Yes It would be hard work Would it be worth it I cant really answer that one But I can say I've seen money wasted on worse idea's? Or maybe we should roll over when where told to There are many choices in a situation like this some may or may not give the Industry a bad Image (In my book standing up for what you belive in is number one a country artist once song " If you stand for nothing you'll fall for anything")
I'll stand for this one

 

[Dennis Hultman]

I would just do what I could within the legal limits of the state....

Big constrictors banned.... I would keep smaller species

All boas and pythons banned...... I would keep colubrids

All snakes banned..... I would keep frogs and geckos

All reptiles and amphibians banned..... I would enjoy field herping.

My life is a little too nice to risk going to jail over wanting to keep a snake in a box..... Just my opinion.

You are a pretty compliant citizen. Considering your post here and the one in the census thread. I guess the only question I would ask is when enough is enough? Do you continue to comply regardless of the nature of the subject matter? Not talking just about reptiles here.

The President of the United Sates and any other politition for that matter, is only interested in the majority. When it comes to reptile owners, they are the minority. There is an old saying " majority rules", whether we like it or not, that is reality. So for them to help us is going against the majority, that won't happen because they want those people to vote for them.

I agree with much of your post but you know regardless of what they now teach our children in school (that we are a democracy) and seems to be fact with majority rules, were still a Constitutional Republic.

I'm not one to state that anyone should break laws. I most certainly never been up for civil disobedience either. I can remember back how most of us felt relieved when things were on a small scale in individual cities. The bans in New York city and elsewhere. We would chastise people who broke those laws to defend the rights we still have. It looks like it will keep coming no-matter what we do as far as policing the industry ourselves. Frankly, at some point every animal that any of us keep is going to be a target sooner or later. I'm not advocating lawbreaking but I'm to the the point I could care less if you keep something that has been restricted. Personally, and I feel awful for stating it because being a law-bidding citizen is important to me. Be smart and don't broadcast what you keep.

I can't understand how so many in this country just sit by and let it happen in every part of their lives. Things are surely changing and I personally am concerned what the future has in store for my children.

It's not about this President, Congress or if your a Republican or Democrat. It simply is about freedom. Both liberals and conservatives have more in common then they think and they are being played on both ends. Both ends of the spectrum wanted limited government but skewed their direction.

The left on personal liberties but not on things such as gun rights, financial freedom and others. The right wants limited government in the reverse. All we end up with is Big Government.
For me personally, I have come to the conclusion that you can't expect to keep the rights that are important to your perspective if you are constantly trying to restrict those on the opposite side. You both lose. I guess that makes me libertarian leaning.

I'm tired of a lot of the garbage. Watching a friend lose property to abuse of eminent domain. Taxes, User Fees, not being to enjoy simple things with my children that I did as a child for free that now costs a arm and a leg. When is it enough? I don't like every part of my life being regulated. Makes you feel like a serf. One day those inline for this continuous control of your daily life by the government in one issue will realize they lose something important. I hope.

When I was young, I would have considered myself Liberal. As I aged I became more conservative and called myself a Republican. When I woke up, I became Free and Independent.

 

[Cp3_Pythons]

Greatly spoken Thank You

 

[garweft]

You are a pretty compliant citizen. Considering your post here and the one in the census thread. I guess the only question I would ask is when enough is enough? Do you continue to comply regardless of the nature of the subject matter? Not talking just about reptiles here.

I guess I've been called worse things....

I guess part of my answer would be pretty close to what you said in the same post...

I'm not one to state that anyone should break laws. I most certainly never been up for civil disobedience either. I can remember back how most of us felt relieved when things were on a small scale in individual cities. The bans in New York city and elsewhere. We would chastise people who broke those laws to defend the rights we still have. It looks like it will keep coming no-matter what we do as far as policing the industry ourselves. Frankly, at some point every animal that any of us keep is going to be a target sooner or later. I'm not advocating lawbreaking but I'm to the the point I could care less if you keep something that has been restricted. Personally, and I feel awful for stating it because being a law-bidding citizen is important to me. Be smart and don't broadcast what you keep.

Ever notice how the police aren't too concerned with the guy down the street who smokes a little herb on the weekends. But every so often on the news you see that there was a drug bust in town.

 

[Cp3_Pythons]

If someone wants something bad enough there going to get it. Its that simple Yes to some of us this is more than a passion or a way of life its something that we enjoy to do. Thats why all of us got started in this hobby Right? Not becuase you had to but you wanted to. Now were being being told We cant do it anymore? Its illegal now. The X amount money you have invested into this is now worthless and meaningless. The Business you built up over the years put your time & effort is now wasted down the drain. The knowledge you've gathered on the subject is now useless information you cant apply it no more because your not allowed to keep the species anymore. There's always some sort of loop-hole in there if you read something enough. Last time I checked the More illegal something was the more profitable it is So instead of an Albino Burm hatchling costing 145 its going to run you 400 from some guy in a van that has a couple of them sitting right next to a couple of HOTT firearms I'm not saying thats whats to come with it But it is indeed a possibility

 

[StrictlyExotics]

As more and more laws are passed, we keep losing rights. This didnt just start with this administration, but more likley around the time that Reagan left office.

It first started with laws that we (most of us) could live with. Proof of insurance was one of the first ones. This was passed with ease as most law abiding citizens have car insurance anyhow. Then they started to infringe on two other issues, seat belts and helmets. Again, passed with ease and hardly a fight.

Next, they decided to take on the tobacco industry and.. won! YOu cant smoke anywhere anymore, especially in California. I remember the days of being able to smoke in dept stores and buying cigs in vending machines.

Hell, if we are so complacent with our freedoms of choice being taken away from us, why not take away the ability to own animals. After all, animals are slowly getting more rights as humans. You ever see a killer of a dog serve more time than someone who killed a human, I have.

We are slowly losing all these little rights because we cant stick together on the primary issue... Too much govt within our govt. This country was not designed to be this way. Our forefathers were smart men and its a shame that they arent around now to see whats going on.

I hate to say it but I am not one to comply just because my govt says so. I am a firm believer that freedom of choice is my right as a US citizen and I will fight for this right until I can no longer do so.

By the way, I do not wear a seat belt while driving and live in a state where I dont have to wear my motorcycle helmet. Now, I do own a motorcycle helmet for when I do travel into states where I MUST wear one but, its basically a skull cap with a visor. They can throw me in jail as much as they want, but, I will NEVER wear a seat belt while driving as it is MY choice not to.

As for the new proposed reptile legislature, what they dont know, surely wont hurt me.

 

[ReptileJay]

Next, they decided to take on the tobacco industry and.. won! YOu cant smoke anywhere anymore, especially in California.

While I see your point, I MUST disagree with your comparison of keeping reptiles and smoking cigarettes...

Many (if not all) of the "reasons" behind legislation regarding snakes is based primarily on fantasy. There is very little if ANY scientific evidence that points to a positive outcome to this legislation. On the other hand, there IS well documented scientific evidence (and a LOT of it) that shows that cigarettes DO in fact pose a significant public health risk, and that legislation would have an overall positive result.

What this all really comes down to is the legislation of morality. Certain groups have their opinions (which they are fully entitled to) about our hobby. Attempting to force legislation is their way to impose their moral standpoint on everyone.

While I agree completely about wanting to remain a law abiding citizen, if the law is flawed (not based on scientific evidence, based on someone else's morals, etc) I will likely not be able to justify obeying it, or changing my lifestyle because of it.