Is there really a dilemma in owning primates, or is it another issue created by those well intentioned people who are determined to have laws passed to calm every quell they have? Federal Bill H.R. 1329 says to me that once again, a select few or attempting to control the majority. Once again, I feel it is my duty as a citizen of the United States, the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave; to tell these groups to shove it!

I am sincerely tired of pro this and pro that, or anti this and anti-that groups. Why is it that specific groups tend to become highly political organizations. They solicit funds and lobby politicians so that they can have it their way and screw anyone who disagrees with them.

If the groups presently pushing for the ‘Primate Bill’ to become law is so against private individuals owning primates, then they should recommend all of their members to move to the states with present legislation against the ownership of primates. The fact is, since I was very young, I have known people who owned primates as pets. Primates, unlike dogs and cats require a dedication that most parents refuse their own children. I have never known anyone who has chosen to own a primate as a pet to treat these pets as anything less than members of their own family. I feel that the only reason the humanitarians are pushing for the Primate Care Law is so that they be in control, they can exalt their ideals on the American public. I say: it is time to take this country back from powerful; lobbyist, show them once and for all that their money can no longer buy them laws, for the American People, as a whole, can vote out those whom these powerful lobbying groups have thus far purchased. Maybe then, these groups will take the millions they spend annually to buy the law and turn it into millions to be utilized by those who could really use it.

The following states have laws banning ownership of primates or offering strict policy on primate ownership:

SUMMARY OF U.S. STATE LAWS REGARDING PRIVATE POSSESSION OF NONHUMAN PRIMATES:

* 20 states have no state requirements for private possession of nonhuman primates, North Carolina legislation is being revised. (Nevada has changed legislation)

* 13 states require a permit for private possession of nonhuman primates.

* 9 states ban private sector possession of nonhuman primates.

* 5 states have partial bans [banning certain species].

* 2 states have partial bans [certain species]; permits required for other species.

STATES WITH NO REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATE POSSESSION OF NONHUMAN PRIMATES:

Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada (has new Legislation), North Carolina (new legislation is taking effect), North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin

STATES WHICH REQUIRE A PERMIT:

Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island and South Dakota.

STATES WHICH BAN PRIVATE POSSESSION OF NONHUMAN PRIMATES:

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont and Wyoming.

STATES WHICH HAVE PARTIAL BANS [BANS ON CERTAIN NONHUMAN PRIMATES:

Alaska, Arizona, Indiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

STATES WHICH BANS CERTAIN NONHUMAN PRIMATE SPECIES AND REQUIRE PERMITS FOR OTHERS:

Florida and Texas.

STATE WHICH REQUIRES GETTING BONDED TO POSSESS NONHUMAN PRIMATES:

Hawaii

STATES WHICH BAN PRIVATE POSSESSION OF NONHUMAN PRIMATES:

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont and Wyoming.

STATES WHICH HAVE PARTIAL BANS [BANS ON CERTAIN NONHUMAN PRIMATES]:

Alaska, Arizona, Indiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

STATES WHICH BANS CERTAIN NONHUMAN PRIMATE SPECIES AND REQUIRE PERMITS FOR OTHERS:

Florida and Texas.

STATE WHICH REQUIRES GETTING BONDED TO POSSESS NONHUMAN PRIMATES:

Hawaii

The bill is similar to the Captive Wildlife Safety Act, which passed Congress in 2003 without a single dissenting vote, and which bars interstate commerce in lions, tigers, and other big cats for the pet trade.

{EDITORIAL:}

It is extremely important to realize that should the Primate Protection Act pass, this group will have proven its supremacy and could possibly get out of control, further banning what will be allowable as pets, and who will be allowed to take their pets across state lines.

We need to stop this group NOW, before it is too late. Contact your representative, make it known that you disagree with this bill. Point out to each representative that the power they hold was enacted by your vote and the votes of friends, neighbors and family. Make it known that we can and will vote out all representatives who are bowing to high profile lobbying groups. Force your elected officials to listen to their constituents rather than the lobbyist. Most important is make sure you speak to everyone you know about voting, and why an incumbent may not be the best man [or woman] for the job.

Also, look at the shape of our country, realize how many of the rights we once enjoyed have either been eliminated or greatly restricted because we have, by being silent, allowed this to happen. DO NOT BE SILENT ANY LONGER!

One more note: make it known to your elected officials that it is about time they address issues of importance to the entire population of the United States rather than target groups. STAND UP AMERICA – WE CANNOT BE SILENT ANY LONGER!