This information can be found here: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/about/site/sfla-helpindex,0,4571624.htmlstory?track=ss-sub-nav-home-contact
The following is the proposal letter I wrote to William Gibson stating my view on the issue:
November
20, 2013
William
Gibson
500
E. Broward Blvd
Ft.
Lauderdale, FL 33394
Dear
Mr. Gibson:
My name is Joe Bentz, and I am writing
this letter regarding the current snake ban that is affecting the residents of
Florida. In the past year I have done
two research projects in regard to the massive python invasion in Florida, and
what is being done about it. I recently
read one of your articles in the Sun Sentinel, and found it very
interesting. I realize you are a
professional journalist and herpetological expert, but I am writing to propose
that both you and the exotic snake owners give up the fight against the snake
ban. I understand that you and the
responsible snake owners are angry, and with good reason, but the snake ban is
actually a good thing. This is because the
current snake ban will help contribute to rebuilding the Everglades ecosystem
by eliminating further population from careless snake owners, and help the
reputation of breeders and experts, like yourself, through your demonstration
of care and knowledge of exotic constrictor snakes.
As mentioned, I would like to
discuss how this vast invasion of pythons is affecting your Florida Everglade’s
ecosystem. As you know, the largest
contributor to this problem is the careless snake owners that release the
pythons into the wild after realizing they are not fit to take care of them. The snake ban prevents this. Although many experts and snake owners are
angry that they will no longer be able to import new exotic animals, as you
know, it is important to note that these owners and breeders are still allowed
to own five other types of exotic constrictor snakes, and keep the banned
breeds if they already own them. This
ban simply means it will prevent any further unwanted population increase in
the Everglades due to careless snake owners that shed a negative light on the
exotic snake trade. However, the experts
and breeders can continue their passion.
These snakes are destroying the unique ecosystem that is you’re Florida
Everglades. You may know that the mammal
population has dropped a staggering 99.8% in this ecosystem. This is an unacceptable problem. Preventing any more snakes from entering the
ecosystem will limit the damage. I
understand that it will not even come close to eliminating the problem yet, but
it will allow the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to slowly chip away at
the problem without fear of further python introduction.
Although this ban does make the
experts and breeders angry, it also has the ability to improve their
reputations’. As you experts argue, if
five exotic constrictor snakes are still allowed in Florida, all of them should
be. While I understand the argument, I
believe the rule can be used to your advantage.
An allowance of five other constrictor snake breeds gives owners and
experts a chance to demonstrate their responsibility and knowledge of large exotic
snakes, thus improving the reputation. A
stronger reputation could possibly lead to gaining special permits or owner’s
rights for the well-respected, while preventing novice and careless owners from
taking in these demanding animals as pets.
Again, I can-not reiterate enough, I
understand and respect your side of the argument. The arguments you and other experts have
presented are valid, and the anger that these people are feeling is
understandable. However, all I ask is to
consider dropping the fight against the snake ban in Florida. This will have an
effect that benefits the state of Florida, the residents that inhabit it, and
the reputations of the good willed, and passionate snake owners and breeders.
Sincerely,
|
Works Cited
"The Exotic Snake Ban." By Kim Segal. Trending U.S. CNN. Television.
Puckett, Catherine. "Severe Decline in Everglades Mammals
Linked to Pythons." USGS. U.S.
Geological Survey, 30 Jan. 2012. Web. 2 Nov. 2013.
St Augustine Review. N.p., 10 Apr. 2012. Web. 1 Nov. 2013.
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