I got a letter form our senator

[boa and balls]

Dear Lynn,



Thank you for contacting me about attempts in Congress to limit the shipment and importation of certain kinds of snakes in the United States. I appreciate that you took the time to share your specific concerns with me about this particular issue.

As you know, Senator Bill Nelson introduced legislation (S. 373) to combat the problems caused by the release of pythons into the wild, often by pet owners who decide not to care for the animals any longer. These non-native species are a threat to fragile ecosystems, such as Everglades National Park, because they have no natural predators and are killing native - and sometimes endangered - species. Coming from a state with its own invasive species problems, I appreciate the need to protect our natural resources by restricting certain actions. However, it is my hope that we can find ways to accomplish that goal while still respecting the rights of responsible pet owners. As the Senate continues to debate this legislation, you can be sure that I will keep your concerns in mind.
I will continue to listen closely to what you and other Coloradans have to say about matters before Congress, the concerns of our communities, and the issues facing Colorado and the nation. My job is not about merely supporting or opposing legislation; it is also about bridging the divide that has paralyzed our nation's politics. For more information about my positions and to learn how my office can assist you, please visit my website at Mark Udall | U.S. Senator for Colorado.


Warm regards,



Mark Udall
U.S. Senator, Colorado

[mongoose5971]

Sounds like he's on the fence, but maybe a little more on our side?

[SUAD]

Sounds to me like he's kissing your butt and trying to appease everyone, to put it bluntly. I can somewhat see how he wants to vote on this, though hopefully he was sincere in taking your opinion into account. I doubt it, though.

[morti]

You simply won't find a politician being nailed down to any opinion unless their party has already voiced on it.

In this case, he is stating that he read your letter (and by he, I mean his staff).

[Snakemaster]

Hope that everyone is saving these form letters to send back to the politician when they come looking for your vote. Thank you for wanting to represent _____ State in the upcoming election i will keep your request in mind when i go to the polls.
Wonder how they would feel if the voters used the same format they send out to suggest they will not get that vote.

[boa and balls]

I talked to three other people in Colorado and they all got the same letter.

I think he is doing that side step thing politicians do.

When do they vote on this?

[dapozer]

Got the same letter yesterday, and the wife got hers the day before. Useless political form letters. I am sure on of his aids sent them, he prob doesn't even know the issue.........

[TammyJamaica]

Sometimes I really have to wonder what we humans have come to.

How about this for a reply to your Senator?

Dear Sir/Madam,

The recipient wishes to express his/her thanks for your response to his/hers of even date.

Rest assured that your response will be placed on file in the event that any future communication regarding voting, etc. may arise.

Yours truly.

[boa and balls]

Originally Posted by TammyJamaica

Sometimes I really have to wonder what we humans have come to.
How about this for a reply to your Senator?
Dear Sir/Madam,
The recipient wishes to express his/her thanks for your response to his/hers of even date.
Rest assured that your response will be placed on file in the event that any future communication regarding voting, etc. may arise.
Yours truly.

LOL, I needed that after the day I had. Thank you!!!!!

[RevMojo]

I got form letters back, too. And you know what...it doesn't bother me. Form letters are how this business works. Look at all the ones we have been asked to send, and yet some of us are shocked that we get them in return? They're getting their tallies of "fors" and "againsts". If it bothers you that you got a impersonal response, take more personal action. Call or visit. It's not like they can hand you a form letter if you show up on their doorstep (although scheduling an appointment is likely to be more effective).

[RevMojo]

Originally Posted by RevMojo

I got form letters back, too. And you know what...it doesn't bother me. Form letters are how this business works. Look at all the ones we have been asked to send, and yet some of us are shocked that we get them in return? They're getting their tallies of "fors" and "againsts". If it bothers you that you got a impersonal response, take more personal action. Call or visit. It's not like they can hand you a form letter if you show up on their doorstep (although scheduling an appointment is likely to be more effective).

After all that, I did get a favorable response back from Sen. John Cornyn's office.

Originally Posted by John Cornyn

Dear Reverend Graham:

Thank you for contacting me regarding legislation to regulate the importation of certain exotic or non-native animal species. I appreciate having the benefit of your views on this matter.

As you know, several measures that would regulate the importation of exotic wildlife are currently under consideration. The Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act (H.R. 669) would direct the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to evaluate the risk of a nonnative species before approving it for importation—a measure aimed at curtailing the invasion of local ecosystems by foreign species with no natural predators. Similarly, Senate Bill 373 (S. 373) would designate python snakes as an “injurious species” under the United States Code, thereby banning the species from being shipped or imported into the U.S.

I understand the importance of protecting our environment and population against the incursion of invasive species; however, I am concerned that these measures may not provide the flexibility required for Texas’ legitimate wild and exotic animal enterprises such as the pet industry, zoos, game ranches, and wildlife conservation activities. Historically, state laws and local ordinances have been established to regulate pet and wildlife ownership, and I believe that governance over this matter should be reserved for state and local entities.

I appreciate having the opportunity to represent the interests of Texans in the United States Senate, and you may be certain that I will keep your thoughts in mind should the Senate consider these or other relevant pieces of legislation during the 111th Congress. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely,

JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator

[rellek]

The problem with Udall is that Gordon Rodda from the USGS is from Colorado and contributed to Udall in the last election. We all know that Rodda was the "scientist" who built the map showing where pythons can thrive.

Link to his political contributions.

Gordon Rodda - $10,050 in Political Contributions for 2008

Thanks
Jeff

P.S thank you Lynn for all your work!

[boa and balls]

Originally Posted by rellek

The problem with Udall is that Gordon Rodda from the USGS is from Colorado and contributed to Udall in the last election. We all know that Rodda was the "scientist" who built the map showing where pythons can thrive.

Link to his political contributions.

Gordon Rodda - $10,050 in Political Contributions for 2008

Thanks
Jeff

P.S thank you Lynn for all your work!

I have been having LOTS of trouble getting a hold of anyone in Udall's office. And the letters I have gotten back don't sound like he is on our side.

[boa and balls]

Originally Posted by RevMojo

After all that, I did get a favorable response back from Sen. John Cornyn's office.

This one sounds good. Thanks it gives me some hope.
I think Colorado has 1 yes and 1 no.
So far any way we are working on it still.