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crazyfrog
Kermitologist
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Joined: 31 May 2003
Posts: 7610
Location: atlanta
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 Posted: 09/06/03 - 09:45 Post subject: please pause for this environmental announcement
im on the partners for amphibian and reptile conservancy (PARC) mail/discussion list and this jus cam in this am. this is a great way to make everyone aware of the enviroment and the 'purpose' of "all gods creatures"...
Thought I would share this story from a book I'm working on, as it relates to perceptions about reptiles and the environment in general:
"Milk snakes, like other reptiles or amphibians, should be conserved
and not overly collected or destroyed from any given area. These animals are part of our unique environment. Within society there is a great degree of “non-thought” applied to our natural surroundings. The environment is simply taken for granted or viewed as something to usefor gain or pleasure.
Many times, reptiles and amphibians are very low on the totem pole of
respect. These creatures are not understood for their aesthetic or
environmental value, sometimes being viewed as only slightly above the
insects and something to be eradicated or used for sport.
While on a visit to Missouri in 1997, I was exploring habitat in
central Grundy County and came face to face with the apathetic and distorted attitude displayed by many Americans toward reptiles and amphibians. As is much of Missouri, the area was heavily wooded, which made it difficult to discern obvious places to search for milk snakes. Being interested in documenting the occurrence of the snake in that area, I passed many exits from the highway before feeling impressed to turn down one particular dirt road, ending at a small house that was situated at the edge of the forest.
The owner was busily working on some kind of project in his garage. He
seemed open to having a visitor and I proceeded to ask about milk snake
sightings in the immediate surroundings. He affirmed that the snakes were there, having seen a few since moving into his home. As we talked and exchanged backgrounds, my interest in reptiles and why I had driven all the way from California to look for snakes in Missouri, the conversation headed in a philosophical direction.
During our exchange, this man made it abundantly clear as to what he
considered most important. That consisted of his firm belief in the
teachings of Jesus (he was an avowed Christian), his reverence for the bible and opinion that Jesus was the creator of all we could see. He even
believed that I had been directed to speak with him for a reason. Well, I
was sure of that. I was seeking all right, seeking milk snake data. As the
conversation droned on and on as the man tried to explain his feelings and beliefs to me, seemingly happy to have someone to preach to, I suddenly heard gunshots coming from the direction of his small pond. Asking what the noise was, he replied, “Oh, that’s my son. He’s probably just shooting frogs.” Just shooting frogs? Why would someone want to shoot frogs?
Until this point, I had been fairly meek, politely letting this man explain
his beliefs and only expressing my opinions in a passive tone. That ceased immediately. I looked at my new acquaintance and said, “Now, let me get this straight. You believe that Jesus is God and he created the world and everything in it, right?” He soberly replied in the affirmative. I then asked, “What makes you think it’s all right to shoot Jesus’ frogs? Do you think Jesus put those frogs there for you to kill? Those frogs have a
purpose, a job to do, they’re part of the environment. They eat bugs! They weren’t put here for people to simply kill needlessly. Do you think Jesus is happy about your son shooting his frogs?” He didn’t respond, he just looked at me as if that thought had never entered his mind. He looked baffled. I then excused myself, bade goodbye and climbed into my truck. As I was backing out of the driveway, the boy came walking up from the pond.
The last thing I heard was the man telling his son, “I don’t want you
shooting them frogs anymore.” Yes, I had been directed to him for a
reason, just not the one he supposed."
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Phar lap
Member
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Joined: 20 Jun 2003
Posts: 1006
Location: A flawed Utopia
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Posted: 09/07/03 - 01:06 Post subject:
Thank's heaps Froggy, I really enjoyed your post.
I've always taken an intrest in the flora and fauna, frogs and snakes on my running tracks and in my local area (sadly declining)
Just finished reading a really beaut biography on Percy Cerutty (coach)
A lot of people thought of old Perce as a bit of an old rat bag, but like him or loathe him, he had the greatest respect for nature and was always aware of what was going on around him. He devised a symbol for his running group. The snake became their totem.
Perce also wrote:-
" Being universally hated, it, of all creatures is in most need of consideration and understanding. Also, the serpent has this in common with all true seers, teachers, prophets and reformers: it is misunderstood, wrongly feared and misjudged. Fear and hate blind the unintelligent to the true nature of things and because of this the Serpent is judged as something to be destroyed. Yet despite all, it is known that infant children can often handle them with almost uncanny immunity.
When attacked by man it never winces nor cries out aloud even when brutally battered to death: it dies rather than cravenly cries out loud for mercy. It is untameable, unconquerable but can live in peace with man in his abode: It has never been found diseased, dirty, scabby or unclean: It follows unswervingly the instincts implanted within it. It is 100 per cent loyal to the Creative Principal in this. Can man claim as much"
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