20091231
Protect your rights to have pets! Our plan to Kill S373!
USARK Kill-S373 Letter Campaign- DEADLINE Jan. 12, 2010
This page is dedicated to making it easy for you to write to your Senators in order to KILL-S373. This page can be reached and used by anyone that uses the link www.Kill-S373.com. Spread this link far and wide. These simple steps can have a huge impact if followed by a large number of the Reptile Nation. Ask your friends and family to participate. Please click the USARK Donate button above and donate $10 to help pay for the Kill-S373 Letter Campaign.
1. Write two hand written letters. One addressed to each of the Senators from your State regarding the negative effect S373 would have on you, your family and your business. Alternatively you can copy the sample letter below. Make sure you end up with two letters individually addressed and signed by yourself ready to go to your Senators.
2. Double check and make sure your letters are properly addressed. One to each of your two Senators. Make sure you sign your name. Include your mailing address and EMAIL address. (see list of Senators by state below. each state has two.)
3. Place both letters in a large flat mailer. Do not fold them and place them in small envelopes. All letters need to be flat. If you are helping others and have numerous letters make sure they are separated by Senator. All letters for Senator #1 in one package and Senator #2 in another package.
4. Send to our USARK representative for hand delivery to the Senate.
Tom Wolfe
6246 Lee Hwy
Arlington, VA 22205
Sample Letter:
Senator (name of your senator w/ address)
Please oppose S373 aka ‘The Python Ban’. Although I share concern for the environment of the Everglades this bill is over reaching and will have far more effect on the trade in high quality captive bred reptiles than addressing the issues in south Florida. It will hurt me, my family and my business. With no credible evidence to support such draconian measures it will destroy jobs in our state.
The USGS report being used as justification for listing 9 snakes on the Injurious Wildlife list of the Lacey Act has been discredited by a panel of 11 independent scientists. In a letter to the Senate EPW Committee this report has been characterized as “unscientific”. Further the scientists state “this document is not suitable as the basis for legislative or regulatory policies”.
The trade in reptiles here in the United States represents approximately 3 billion dollars annually and exports of high quality captive bred reptiles account for 82% of the trade worldwide. Thousands are employed directly or indirectly by the reptile industry. The trade in the 9 snakes addressed in S373 is approximately 1/3 of the total annual trade. In a recent letter to the Senate EPW Committee the US Chamber of Commerce states “if enacted in its current form, this legislation would adversely impact tens of thousands of businesses”. Our state alone stands to lose scores of jobs.
S373 if passed will circumvent the scientific process for the sake of political expediency. Thousands of hardworking American families will be bankrupted. Jobs will be lost in our state. Please say NO on S373. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
(your name, address, and EMAIL address)
Click the following link to get the addresses to each senator:
http://www.kill-s373.com/
Thank you!!!
SnakeLady Greta
~~~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^:)--<
Also posted as a bulletin on myspace
and as a note on facebook.
20091230
No Kidding!
(Yeah, we actually get to use them a few mornings out of the winter)
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THIS is how we thaw frozen rodents. Using wasted monitor heat! I know Gross! ;)
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20091228
Our Funky Xmas lights in the daytime
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20091226
The truth... Yeah... you knew it...
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Hear no evil See no evil Speak no evil...
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My new pet cobra & Paula & Sherman Sis&Bro-in-common-law.
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20091225
We just passed our very own Grizzwalds.
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Warning to all vegetarians: Bacon is the GATEWAY meat.
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The morning after. (Don't laugh at the old leftover paint job... I KNOW!) ;)
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Oh Yeah... It's broken... :(
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I LITERALLY rocked a Piggy Sue to sleep (or in a trance!)
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20091223
I LOVE MOOSEBUTTER!
These guys are a riot!
There are about 10 very short videos.... so keep scrolling down...
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWDjCDapKI4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCx6alTjdK0.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tY9lUC-vwHk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArSOfRy7tOQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyUlVpFjP9E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShwwG-QvJlw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HDPLeatPJ4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHUHrSw45oY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0D-BXHugSw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAY_GFE16c4
And my FAVORITE... and Yes, these are the guys who were actually singing in the Corey Vidal video (and they are actually singing in this one!) It's great!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGYAPr6UKhs
And here they are Live at the Harmony Sweepstakes Finals on May 7, 2003, in San Rafael, CA.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYWkCpABDa8
Hear moosebutter music, order CDs, download mp3s at http://www.moosebutter.com
20091221
This is NOT how it is supposed to work. She STILL has my hand. Lemego! ow! ;)
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Please help prevent me from becoming a criminal over night....
Please forward these videos and please follow the actions listed in the first video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7epX0h7G1s
And if HSUS & PETA have their way, all pet owners will be considered criminals.
Watch this video and check out what this guy says for yourself (references included in the video).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YavnMkmDGGw
You probably already know this, but I will not be giving up ANY of my snakey children, EVEN if I have to move to another state someday.
Thank you for helping! It'll cost you nothing but a few minutes of your time.
Help us fight for the defeat of s373!
Make sure to go to:
http://www.nosnakeban.com
http://www.usark.org
http://www.pijac.org
http://www.natpet.org
http://www.dontmesswithmypet.org/
~~~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^:)--< <3 <3 <3
20091220
Trucker Seven Bitch and Old Fart's Wife...
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One for me? ;) hahaha
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Now THIS is art! :D
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Nice hat
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20091219
My Dad & 2 brothers (they don't like to smile)
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Are they STILL called 'roots?' ;)
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20091218
Still comin' down hard in Mooresville! :)
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Right now... at the dentist!
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20091217
We're Supposed to head to the Toothpick. :) Hmmm...
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20091214
Nature's Asthma relief
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20091213
Just took my rings off for guard. I am marked! (both hands!) ;) I feel so naked.
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And this WEIRD BRUISE on my hand that wasn't there before bed. Hmmmm. ;)
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This one is LONG for a txt msg!
'voice,'" confusing me AND Keith!) Wow! So... How's your night goin'? ;)
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Snakes make the sexiest accessories! ;)
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Piggy Sue attempting to get into her favorite hiding space! :D
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20091212
Everybody needs a useless talent! ;D
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20091211
UPDATE: S373 Python Ban
Today the Senate Committee on the Environment & Public Works (EPW) held a business meeting on S. 373. Committee Chair Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Ranking Member Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) presided. After brief statements the committee held a mark up session on S. 373, to amend title 18, United States Code, to add constrictor snakes of the species Python genera to the Injurious Wildlife list of the Lacey Act. Senator Inhofe expressed concerns about the bill. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) offered an amendment to limit the scope of the bill to only the 9 snakes addressed in the USGS report on large constrictors. Senator Cardin further agreed to work with Senator Inhofe to improve the bill prior to a vote on the Senate floor. The amendment was passed by voice vote. S373 was then voted out of Committee by voice vote with Senator Inhofe registering a NO vote.
S373 has now passed committee. It can not become law until it is voted on and passed by the full Senate and House of Representatives. There is still much work to be done prior to the Python Ban becoming law. S373 in its current form in unacceptable to USARK and the Reptile Nation. We will continue to work with Senator Inhofe, Senator Cardin and the EPW Committee Staff to shape the future of this bill. Please make an appointment to visit with your Senator and express your concerns with S373. Everyone needs to step up and make contact with your Senator. Let USARK know about your meeting. It is time to step up our game and show Washington we are serious about this. Continue the good fight. The Reptile Nation thanks Senator Inhofe for his even handed treatment of our industry.
Following is the statement of Ranking Member James Inhofe (R-OK):
Regarding S. 373, which is designed to ban the import and export of certain constrictor snakes, I believe we need to follow the process already established, which allows stakeholders to have input. Commonsense reforms are needed to prevent the proliferation, importation or breeding of species that would be harmful to ecosystems or human health and safety. We are setting a dangerous precedent of continuing to address these species outside of normal agency channels. Although I will not be offering an amendment today, I will support efforts on the floor to mitigate the negative effects to those snake owners and breeders who legally acquired their snakes, but through no fault of their own now find that their property is worth nothing.
S373 has been amended to include ONLY:
Python molurus
Broghammeras reticulatus
Python sebae
Python natalensis
Boa constrictor
Eunectes notaeus
Eunectes deschauenseei
Eunectes murinus
Eunectes beniensis
usark.org
20091210
Planting Pythons???
~~~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^:)--<
To whom it may concern.
I am looking for commitments to a reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) that released the Burmese python(s) in Tampa , Florida this past week this week
I have a commitment of 1000 from Ballroom Pythons south and 1000 from Reptile Industries to start it off and a commitment from FWC law enforcement to distribute flyers and information to the area to search for the offenders.
It is my and other industry professionals belief that this animal (s) were released not by a pet owner but by a criminal with intent to further the legislation of banning large constrictors in the US .
Any commitment must be liquid so that it can be aid in the event that an arrest and conviction takes place so do not commit to it if you can not follow through. We will only be paying the reward if they catch the perps and convict them of Florida Wildlife Comission (FWC) Reptile of Concern violations including but not limited to the escape or release and illegal keeping and housing non licensed ROC , non microchipped ROC over 2 inches in diameter and all the other ROC rules, including possible federal lacey act violations if the animal was illegally brought into the state We are trying to raise enough money to make sure that whomever knows about the snakes release or escape comes foreword to claim their reward and to send a message that the reptile industry will not tolerate the release of non- native species .
We will be sending or commitment letter and numbers to FWC at noon on 12-11-09
We appreciate any commitment to saving our industry that you can manage.
Please send commitment letters to
Michael Cole
ballroom@tampabay.rr.com
and I will be the liaison to the FWC Major in charge.
to view the story click on the link below.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/dec/07/071025/12-foot-python-captured-authorities-port-tampa/news-metro/
Thanks
Michael Cole
Ballroom Pythons South
www.BallroomPythonsSouth.com
863-439-3015
Questions that haven't been answered yet. If S373 passes:
What will owners of boas and pythons be expected to do? Will we be expected to kill our pet snakes?
What will large breeders be expected to do? Kill their 40,000 snakes? Or should they continue housing and feeding them until they die (in 20+ years) while receiving no income?
What will owners of boas and pythons be expected to do if we move to another state? Release them into the wild? Kill them? We won't be permitted to sell them to friends...
What will large breeders do to provide for their families? Go bankrupt and then go on welfare?
Will the government come arrest the newly created criminals? (You KNOW these snakes are our children).
Will cats be banned next? They are the most widely-spread injurious NON-NATIVE animals in the USA. Cats kill birds. (Sounds stupid, doesn't it?)
~4 million boas & pythons already in captivity would be rendered valueless overnight with no provisions for disposition or compensation
How much of my tax dollar$ will be wa$ted to attempt to control the new python black market?
Do you REALLY think we'll give up our pets? Do you REALLY think we'll give up our businesses?
Will you come take me to jail for refusing to give up my "children?"
Will you come take me to jail for continuing to breed my snakes?
S373 implies that science has little value in policy decision making. Phobias and prejudices are obviously more important.
And if you're going to use science, be sure to use controversial science.
S373 also implies that the State of Florida doesn't have the competency to manage its natural resources.
I am posting the following bulletin on myspace:
Unless you've been following me on twitter or facebook.. you've been missing me being on the warpath! :(
The senate has passed S373, purposely ignoring scientific data, not to mention receiving 50,000 snail mail letters, phone calls, emails, faxes, tweets (Yes, I tw...eet politicians). And yes, I am HOLDING BACK on my anger.... this is a family show here...
If you are a snake enthusiast and want to see what's going on... check out http://usark.org Click the "Reptile Nation" link. The 1st forum has important info. Also, feel free to follow me http://twitter.com/snakelady
In addition, PDF file summarizing everything about the python ban:
http://bit.ly/61hhZ1
~~~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^:)--<
20091206
I LOVE snake PORN!
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Keith wearing the snake porn shirt!
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My friend Paula
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20091203
The SnakeLady is reading The Lizardman's book! :) I highly recommend it!
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Just received my copy of Looking Glass. Started reading. Dang I have to wait...
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