That's what you're looking at below. Isn't it gorgeous? Well, we discussed the bills we were going to lobby about, the pros and cons and then started the action. First was an individual from Rep. Cox's office. Let me say clearly that it didn't go well...at all!!I, personally, have a major fear of confrontation but the person I was with definitely didn't. She called him "rude" and asked him "do you work for me or not?" It was a rather bad situation and I actually came out looking like the calm, cool, collected one. HA! I had always thought I was combative, but I'm not! Let me tell you, I've seen combative and it's not me!!!
Anyway, after that I went off to lobby appointments on my own and it was wonderful! I got to talk about a few very important legislative issues:
1- The famous AB 1634 which is also known as the "spay/neuter act".
2- The upcoming bill entitled "Great Apes in Entertainment." This bill makes it illegal to train or use apes in entertainment throughout the state (apes being gorillas, bonobos, chimps and organutangs. Did you know that there are only 4 trainers for these animals in all the U.S. and 3 live in Cali? We talked about the horribly gross training methods used for training monkeys and apes in this industry and then got to push the fact that this legislation really needs more backing.
3- The upcoming bill entitled "Dog Fighting Spectators Bill." This is a change in the prosection of individuals who knowingly partake in dog fighting. It would change the law to make this a felony.
Lastly, the direct to ballot issue which I am currently collection signatures for. I have petitions if anyone needs to sign one - let me know, I'll even drive to you, we need everyone's help!! This issue addresses "Farm Animals" and mandates that individual who use animals for farming use cages for chickens, pigs and veal that are no smaller than would allow the animal to stand up, sit down, turn around and stretch its limbs/wings. Pretty basic stuff you'd think...
I'm excited that I got to go out today and really stalk about my passion on these issues. I feel like I made a difference and I'm certainly planning to do more lobbying in the near future!!
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On a slightly different note, while at the Capitol today...I got asked on a date which I said yes to. This guy may be too good to be true. We had lunch and it was good, we chatted, talked, walked...the jazz. I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket but I certainly see potential with this one. Oh...and did I mention that he's a secret service agent!
