Re: [Gecko] HSUS

[Craig Sweeney]

Hi John, I'm lost as to why you are furnishing a student with research material. Times have changed, When I went to school teachers graded the research and we had to do the research. None the less, since you have biased the students research with what you have provided her with, perhaps the other side of the coin would be for her (and you) to call or e-mail the regional director of the HSUS and see what they may want to provide on there behalf. The general outrage by herpers (including myself) has taken an ugly role. An article in Reptile Magazine by Bill Love has Bill saying this group had the nerve to declare war on the herp industry 6 days before the terrorism of Sept. 11th. What does a statement like that mean, that they had prior knowledge of the incident or that he will stoop to very low standards to vilify this group. The results are simple, circle the wagons and defend the hobby. The HSUS book, "Reptiles as Pets, An Examination Of The In Live Reptiles In The United States" costs $10 and is worth reading. It does in fact nail the reptile industry, it does however also twist a bias proposing banishment as opposed to regulating as the ARAV has submitted and I personally agree with. Maybe you could start there. I think we forget that they have in the past done some good things. Unfortunately they have crossed an important line, or is it possible they took this extravagant approach to give the herp industry a kick in the pants to police its own and clean up its act? Craig ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 8:45 PM Subject: [Gecko] HSUS A few weeks ago the Humane Society of the United States received a lot of notoriety among herpers because of their position regarding the keeping of reptiles . One of my high school students wants to do her research project on the HSUS and its philosophy, tactics, etc. I have been able to furnish her with info regarding the herp stand and the response to it, and I am sure she will visit the group's web site. However, I am wondering if some of you have any knowledge of the HSUS's other activities. If someone could direct me to other web sites or articles in credible publications (the key word here is "legitimacy"--a Washington Post expose would be great!), I would appreciate it so I could pass them on to my student. If you could send them to my school address ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), we both would be grateful. Thanks!