SNAKE OIL.
The Interior Department has made a Proposal that would designate the Burmese python & 8 other snake species as “injurious,” making it illegal to import them or transport them across state lines.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has called this Proposal another of the Obama administration’s “regulatory tsunami.” They call the snake ban could “devastate a small but thriving sector of the economy.”
Finally we're hearing Something from the House on Jobs.
Snake breeder and herpetologist David Barker testified at a committee hearing this week on Wednesday:
“It threatens as many as a million law-abiding American citizens and their families with the penalty of a felony conviction for pursuing their livelihoods, for pursuing their hobby, or for simply moving with their pet to a new state.”
“What’s going to happen to the million or so animals that suddenly are without value? The implementation of the proposed action may precipitate the greatest slaughter of pet animals in American history.”
Get a Dog.
Ranger Lori Oberhofer and Python Pete (pictured) work together to track down and remove pythons from Everglades National Park in Florida. These pythons came to South Florida as pets and when people no longer want or cannot care for them, they are often released into the Everglades.
House Democrats responded:
“With all due respect to our witnesses from the Association of Reptile Keepers, repealing a so-called job-killing regulation to allow more pythons, boa constrictors and anacondas into the United States is not the kind of bold, bipartisan solution Americans are looking for to help the economy,” Rep. Elijah Cummings ranking member of the oversight panel.
“I mean, how many people line up outside Walmart on Black Friday to buy a python? Rules like this are carefully weighed, narrowly targeted and aimed at protecting the public safety and welfare.” spokesman for Senator Bill Nelson of Fla.
photograph by Nick Knight
“And these signs will accompany those who believe:
In my name they will … pick up snakes with their hands.”
In my name they will … pick up snakes with their hands.”
The Interior Department has made a Proposal that would designate the Burmese python & 8 other snake species as “injurious,” making it illegal to import them or transport them across state lines.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has called this Proposal another of the Obama administration’s “regulatory tsunami.” They call the snake ban could “devastate a small but thriving sector of the economy.”
Finally we're hearing Something from the House on Jobs.
Snake breeder and herpetologist David Barker testified at a committee hearing this week on Wednesday:
“It threatens as many as a million law-abiding American citizens and their families with the penalty of a felony conviction for pursuing their livelihoods, for pursuing their hobby, or for simply moving with their pet to a new state.”
Republican B. Spears dancing with a snake
“What’s going to happen to the million or so animals that suddenly are without value? The implementation of the proposed action may precipitate the greatest slaughter of pet animals in American history.”
Get a Dog.
Photograph by Mark Sengelmann/Everglades National Park/NPS
House Democrats responded:
“With all due respect to our witnesses from the Association of Reptile Keepers, repealing a so-called job-killing regulation to allow more pythons, boa constrictors and anacondas into the United States is not the kind of bold, bipartisan solution Americans are looking for to help the economy,” Rep. Elijah Cummings ranking member of the oversight panel.
“I mean, how many people line up outside Walmart on Black Friday to buy a python? Rules like this are carefully weighed, narrowly targeted and aimed at protecting the public safety and welfare.” spokesman for Senator Bill Nelson of Fla.
Right on, Senator Nelson! Snakes are injurious! And look at the boar problem in Texas!! Jeez....protection of our ecosystems should be out top priority; not pet snakes or hunting imported wild boar who now number upwards of 2 million. Thanks for letting me vent. Mary
ReplyDeleteOh dear God. Madness in the Beltway!
ReplyDeleteThe only sensible suggestion I have heard about politicians.....recently......Is from the CEO of some company I like!
"How to stop politics from destroying our country ? No one; and I mean no one donates one single cent to a politician's campaign fund! Nada."
No one. I am going to do that. But who will convince the "corporations" that are now "people"?
I think it can work!
P.S. LOVE "python Pete"!!!
ReplyDeleteGotta love it ! You never cease to amaze me Gaye ! Where do you come up with this stuff ? You are a true original. Personally speaking, get the snakes out of here. Just way to big and scary and meant to be south of the equator only seen on exotic forays into the wild with a guide. Need I admit that I am somewhat snake phobic ....
ReplyDeleteWhen I read about this in the NYT I was flabbergasted. Millions of Americans without jobs...millions more without health insurance....oh wait...I get it....unemployed Americans should import large reptiles for a job and then use the oil from said reptiles to cure their ills....genius....
ReplyDeleteI must say G that this is a beautifully done post....k
I say round up all the pythons, anacondas and other non native American snakes and turn them into shoes and handbags. We have enough American snakes to deal with, without importing exotic...and dangerous...snakes from South America and elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your readers comments to this most fabulous post!
ReplyDeletedisturbing on so many levels! Snakes and politicians...hmmm
ReplyDeleteNot a snake lover to begin with...
ReplyDelete