I can't hold it in any longer and I am sorry.

[Sam Bearden]

Here is a link.
Hearing on: H.R. 2811, a bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to include constrictor snakes of the species Python genera as an injurious animal
I am being accused of trashing and spreading lies about U.S.A.R.K. well I have said since the beginning that U.S.A.R.K. does a great job getting numbers and emails to the reptile community and for that I thank them.
But they do not have any pull at all as far as these laws and bills go.
Andrew Wyatt has been saying that H.R. 2811 was amended to limit it to just the Burmese Python and the Rock Python, and that he was trying to have it amended further by having the captive bread sale and trade being able to continue.
Even in his most resent email he stated that it was limited to the Burmese Python and Rock Python and the promise to allow captive bread trade to continue had not been kept.

As originally written HR2811 would add the entire genus python to the Injurious Wildlife List of the Lacey Act. This would effectively end the Import, Export and Interstate Transport of any animals listed. In July USARK was successful in narrowing the scope of the bill by removing most pythons with an amendment offered by Congressman Tom Rooney. The amendment would limit the bill to the Burmese Python and the African Python. In addition committee staff agreed in principle to further amend the bill to allow the captive bred trade in these two snakes to continue. To date this promise has not been kept and the HR2811 has not been amended to allow for captive bred trade.

Well friends that is not the case look at the link I have provided there have been no changes in the bill.

I am not saying anything about U.S.A.R.K. that is not true.
As well I have complimented them on getting the numbers, emails and fax numbers to us, but for them to pay out $20,000 a month( from Andrew Wyatt's own mouth at the Atlanta show.) to accomplish nothing but making some python keepers think there was no danger of them loosing their snakes and causing them to feel warm and fuzzy that my friends is not right. Those people who thought they where safe may not have put the word out like they would have had they known that their hobby to was in danger, they may not have sent letters and made phone calls because well it was just the Burms and Rocks on the chopping block.
Well folks we have till noon on Thursday to get the whole reptile hobby to blow these phones and faxes up, Look at the link no python is safe from the Burmese to the Ball Python.... Retics to Bloods we are all on the block and if they win this one you know the next stop is Boas so please if you have done nothing till now you may want to suck it up and get busy. It all comes to a head Thursday at high noon so make your choice is it important enough to do something about or not?

I know Wyatt is scheduled to attend but let me tell you something,
Don't count on someone else to do this for you that way if we make it through this we can all pat ourselves on the back and if we fail we can blame ourselves too.

I spent another $40.00 on faxes today and as I said before I have no problem doing that because this fight is one I will stick out to the end.

Thanks for reading I hope after this post I am still welcome here, I know there are a lot of big U.S.A.R.K. fans here and that is why I never stated my opinion on them on this forum. But now I just don't care who is mad at me I am doing what I can to get the word out and hope I am welcome here after this post.

[Pandorasdad]

Re: I can't hold it in any longer and I am sorry.

I'm of the opinion USARK is selling us out one freedom at a time....

[clsutt29]

Re: I can't hold it in any longer and I am sorry.

I see absolutely no reason you wouldn't be welcome here after this post Sam. I myself am a supporter to an extent of U.S.A.R.K. They have done some things that I don't agree with also. If people voicing your concerns on how an organazation is handling things having to do with our hobby is that much of a problem. Then something is just not right. I am a multi species keeper which does include Burms and some other pythons. So I completely understand where you are coming from and agree with alot of what you have to say.

They have been helpful in getting the information to us so that we can do our part. It is our responsability to make the calls, write the letters and so on. I think some people think that since they are here they will win the fight for us but as has been seen many times we can't depend on anyone to be our voice. They will not always express our best interests. It is our duty to fight for what we love. If this goes through then it is completely our fault for not doing what we needed too. If we beat this then it is our hard work and dilligence that got this done. I do appreciate the information that U.S.A.R.K has provided and for that reason I do support them. Alot of us would not have this info if not for them but as for the rest we have our own voice so lets let it be heard.

[JLTerry]

Re: I can't hold it in any longer and I am sorry.

I'm of the opinion USARK is selling us out one freedom at a time....

It is starting to sound that way isn't it... hmph!

[Pandorasdad]

Re: I can't hold it in any longer and I am sorry.

The problem that I see with USARK right now is that they keep asking for sponsorship to "protect" (sell out) my rights as a herp keeper, but then don't seem to be interested in any dialouge with the rank and file keepers on what it is that we want. The go to the lawmakers with proposals and there has been little or no discission with those they claim to represent.

And now it seems that dissenters are being attacked for having different points of view.

I'm grateful that there is some action being taken. I don't completly agree with USARK's position that concessions have to be made without any fight up front. I am glad that they do have a newsletter that helps keep us knowledgeable about what is going on on Capital Hill. I agree with Chris. It's our responsibility to act on that information.

That being said, I can't justify giving them my hard earned dollars.

I don't think you're gonna see a lot of unfriendly posts here, Sam. Certainly some differences of opinion, but not unfriendly..

[MonsterBoas]

Re: I can't hold it in any longer and I am sorry.

Sam, I do agree with your position. USARK continually asks for contributions. The NARBC auctions has donated 100% of their auction money to USARK and PIJAC and another local show here in Wisconsin has done the same. We spend our hard earned dollars to help support these legislative groups that seam to be losing our hobby. I also agree that USARK sends out one hell of a newsletter but I woould like to let everyone know if it wasnt for our fax's, phone calls and letters we would have lost alot more than we are now. We need to always stick together as a community and fight the good fight!

-Rob

[monkeywrench133]

Re: I can't hold it in any longer and I am sorry.

As far as I'm concerned, ANY organization that fails to respond to it's members concerns, and scrutiny, doesn't deserve to be supported.

Does anyone know if USARK has published it's financials? I'd like to see what it pays it's directors.

[Sam Bearden]

Re: I can't hold it in any longer and I am sorry.

As far as I'm concerned, ANY organization that fails to respond to it's members concerns, and scrutiny, doesn't deserve to be supported.

Does anyone know if USARK has published it's financials? I'd like to see what it pays it's directors.

Wyatt said at the Question and Answer in Atlanta that U.S.A.R.K. was 100% transparent and hides nothing but when asked where the $20,000 a month went we where told lobbying and in my opinion that is about as vauge as this bill.

I have to agree with one of the posts above one of the biggest(and I said one of) problems I have with them is they say they are our voice but you are right they have never asked me what I thought before they offered up the importation of the Burmese Python and when I found out they did I told Wyatt to his face that "you give them an inch and they will take it all" he did not agree.

I will also say again the emails and information they put out is great but I will tell you now they are not my voice. That is why each and everytime they send out a copy and paste sample letter I tell people to please write your own speak from your heart tell what it means to you make it personeal not just something someone wrote for you.

I think if we are going to have a group stand up for us,
1st thing they should be for all pets, from pitbull to hamsters from tigers to Burmese Pythons, because there are way more pet owners out there then just reptile keepers, which means many more letters and faxes when you put out your info.
2nd they should be non-profit that way money does not cloud their thought process.

Thank you guys for not railing me like has been the norm.
When I first posted my feelings on our forums in the begining of the year I had a U.S.A.R.K. fan come to our forum and go bonkers on me, that same night I had three phone calls with violent threats my wife and kids where out of town or I would have hit the roof but instead since it was just me I warned them not to let it happen again or they would be reported and it has not happend since. It is crazy how some people get over a matter of opinion. I am sure not everyone would buy from me and that is fine I am not going to go all crazy about it.

Anyway folks it has been a long day I am gonna crash.
If anyone is gonna be in Columbia SC. this weekend please stop by the show we are sponsoring it no matter what happens Thursday we will be there so come on by we are gonna throw down and have a great time.
Also if you are in the Charleston area Thursday we are having a small BBQ shoot me an email and if I like you maybe I will give you directions.. J/K I will even if I don't like ya. HAHAHA
Have a good night everybody.

[Boa Amarali]

Re: I can't hold it in any longer and I am sorry.

Wyatt said at the Question and Answer in Atlanta that U.S.A.R.K. was 100% transparent and hides nothing but when asked where the $20,000 a month went we where told lobbying and in my opinion that is about as vauge as this bill.

I have to agree with one of the posts above one of the biggest(and I said one of) problems I have with them is they say they are our voice but you are right they have never asked me what I thought before they offered up the importation of the Burmese Python and when I found out they did I told Wyatt to his face that "you give them an inch and they will take it all" he did not agree.

I will also say again the emails and information they put out is great but I will tell you now they are not my voice. That is why each and everytime they send out a copy and paste sample letter I tell people to please write your own speak from your heart tell what it means to you make it personeal not just something someone wrote for you.

I think if we are going to have a group stand up for us,
1st thing they should be for all pets, from pitbull to hamsters from tigers to Burmese Pythons, because there are way more pet owners out there then just reptile keepers, which means many more letters and faxes when you put out your info.
2nd they should be non-profit that way money does not cloud their thought process.

Thank you guys for not railing me like has been the norm.
When I first posted my feelings on our forums in the begining of the year I had a U.S.A.R.K. fan come to our forum and go bonkers on me, that same night I had three phone calls with violent threats my wife and kids where out of town or I would have hit the roof but instead since it was just me I warned them not to let it happen again or they would be reported and it has not happend since. It is crazy how some people get over a matter of opinion. I am sure not everyone would buy from me and that is fine I am not going to go all crazy about it.

Anyway folks it has been a long day I am gonna crash.
If anyone is gonna be in Columbia SC. this weekend please stop by the show we are sponsoring it no matter what happens Thursday we will be there so come on by we are gonna throw down and have a great time.
Also if you are in the Charleston area Thursday we are having a small BBQ shoot me an email and if I like you maybe I will give you directions.. J/K I will even if I don't like ya. HAHAHA
Have a good night everybody.

So Sam you've made your calls yesterday , today ,right ??


How many people in the python trade have you contacted to
make their calls ???


How many people do you think USARK contacted to make these calls ??

How many people have made the calls to stop this next threat we are facing ???


Here down below are the names of the committee members that need to be contacted,

Sam you have called these people right ???

USARK is only as good as the people who are willing to voice
their opinions and concerns to those that need to hear those concerns
(The List below)
voice your concerns about this bad legislation to the committee members

Blaming USARK pointing blame in their direction is wrong unhelpful

Blame HSUS , Blame D.O.W. Blame PETA

they and groups like them are behind this legislation

If you have called the people listed below great if not well ......

Contact as many people in the hobby as you can and make sure
they make phone calls

You need to direct that energy somewhere

Direct it somewhere constructive please


Script:
My name is____. I oppose HR2811. It is overly simplistic and politically driven. It is poorly thought out and sacrifices good science for political expediency. The negative economic impact for my family and business would be significant. Please oppose HR2811. Thank you for your consideration.

Call/Fax List:
Sponsor:

Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL), Sponsor
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4506; fax 202-226-0777
Miami: phone 305-690-5905; fax 305-690-5951

Cosponsors:

Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-1313; fax 202-225-8398
Ft. Lauderdale: phone 954-733-2800

Congressman John Lewis (D-GA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3801; fax 202-225-0351
Atlanta: phone 404-659-0116

Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3001; fax 202-225-5974
Boca Raton: phone 561-988-6302; fax 561-988-6423

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (HI-2)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4906; fax 202-225-4987
Honolulu: phone 808-541-1986

Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5792; fax 202-225-3132
Punta Gorda: phone 941-575-9101; fax 941-575-9103

Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism & Homeland Security:

Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-8351; fax 202-225-8354
Richmond: phone 804-644-4845

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3072; fax 202-225-3336
San Jose: phone 408-271-8700

Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee (D-TX)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3816; fax 202-225-3317
Houston: phone 713-691-4882

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-2201; fax 202-225-7854
Los Angeles: phone 323-757-8900

Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3265; fax 202-225-5663
Memphis: phone 901-544-4131

Congressman Pedro Pierluisi (D-PR)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-2615; fax 202-225-2154
San Juan: phone 787-723-6333

Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5431; fax 202-225-9681
Roanoke: phone 540-857-2672

Congressman Dan Lungren (R-CA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5716; fax 202-226-1298
Gold River: phone 916-859-9906

Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-TX)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-3035; fax 202-226-1230
Tyler: phone 903-561-6349

Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-6565; fax 202-225-5547
Beaumont: phone 409-212-1997

Congressman Randy Forbes (R-VA)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-6365; fax 202-226-1170
Chesapeake: 757-382-0080; fax 757-382-0780

Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-5635
New York: phone 212-367-7350

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-7931; fax 202-226-2052
Pembroke Pines: phone 954-437-3936; fax 954-437-4776

Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-6616
Brooklyn: phone 718-743-0441

Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL)
Washington DC: phone 202-225-4061; fax 202-225-5603
Chicago: phone 773-267-5926; fax 773-267-6583

[DIRTY SHOOTER]

Re: I can't hold it in any longer and I am sorry.

Lar, I don't think Sam is misdirecting his energy at all. He has legitimate concerns about USARK. A lot of us do. Remember, we have 20,000 hard earned reasons a month to be concerned about how USARK represents us. You have no problem wanting our politicians to represent us fairly...you even DEMAND it. How is this any different?

I think the main point Sam is making is to not depend on USARK or PIJAC to fight this battle for us.

FIGHT!

**BUMP**

[Sam Bearden]

Re: I can't hold it in any longer and I am sorry.

So Sam you've made your calls yesterday , today ,right ??


How many people in the python trade have you contacted to
make their calls ???


How many people do you think USARK contacted to make these calls ??

How many people have made the calls to stop this next threat we are facing ???


Here down below are the names of the committee members that need to be contacted,

Sam you have called these people right ???

USARK is only as good as the people who are willing to voice
their opinions and concerns to those that need to hear those concerns
(The List below)
voice your concerns about this bad legislation to the committee members

Blaming USARK pointing blame in their direction is wrong unhelpful

Blame HSUS , Blame D.O.W. Blame PETA

they and groups like them are behind this legislation

If you have called the people listed below great if not well ......

Contact as many people in the hobby as you can and make sure
they make phone calls

You need to direct that energy somewhere

Direct it somewhere constructive please

Let me answer your questions one at a time.
So Sam you've made your calls yesterday , today ,right ?? Yes

How many people in the python trade have you contacted to
make their calls ??? At least 361 but most likely more. See I have a mailing list also. Not only that but I do have friends outside of the hobby that I had make calls just because.

How many people do you think USARK contacted to make these calls ?? Many that is one of the things I thanked them for.

Here down below are the names of the committee members that need to be contacted,

Sam you have called these people right ??? Yea I believe I answered this one once already, but since you asked twice I will answer twice, Yes I went through the whole list yesterday and Monday.

Now I have directed my energy towards the right place ever since all this crap started, but you know what I believe since I have friends in this hobby that have sent their hard earned dollars to U.S.A.R.K. that when the offices of the polititions are closed I can ask as many questions as I want about U.S.A.R.K. and when I get shady answers from the Voice of the reptile nation then well I will post about it.

One thing I can assure you of is I am doing everything I can to protect this hobby. You can never tell me I am not trying.

At anyrate I am not going to get in an arguement with you today I have two hours before the offices open up and I need some coffee.

Have a great day.

[DIRTY SHOOTER]

Re: I can't hold it in any longer and I am sorry.

FIGHT!

**BUMP**

[Sam Bearden]

Re: I can't hold it in any longer and I am sorry.

East Coast offices open in 15 minutes....

[monkeywrench133]

Re: I can't hold it in any longer and I am sorry.

East Coast offices open in 15 minutes....

Fax machines are on all night long too!

[Sam Bearden]

Re: I can't hold it in any longer and I am sorry.

Fax machines are on all night long too!

You are right they are.
Hey how long does it take to set up the account with that EFax you told me about I believe I am going to get that today. I could have saved the $85.00 I spent on faxes at Staples Monday and Tuesday....