[CFrance]

[QUOTE=livefree;773968]Maybe I should have paid for lie detector tests and a sworn deposition before posting here about a hideous snake that WILL ruin many people's desire to go and try to enjoy themselves at Brownwood.

In typical fashion, the usual people here gang up and smear and shoot the messenger. I shouldn't be surprised after reading here for quite awhile.

I guess if somebody wants to bring their pet alligator, gila monster, bats, or pet skunk to the square that's okay too with the gang on here.

And yes, other people did see this snake and stupid owner, and nobody thought it was cute, only horrifying."

I read back through these posts, and I don't see where anyone ganged up on you at all. Most of them were supportive or giving ancillary information on the topic, or stating their opinion without being offensive.

As a matter of fact, the worst thing that was said came from your post: "I knew what kind of snake it was because I have seen people stupid enough to have one as a pet before."

[DougB]

Originally Posted by CFrance

I agree. The snake was probably brought there for the scare factor by a bunch of young people looking to rile up us older folks. Best thing to do is not react at all. Just carry on.

Those wild and wacky Wildwood young 'uns!

[Parker]

Reportedly, it wasn't just a garden variety harmless snake, it was a python. It was not contained. If it decided to leave it's owner's shoulders, it would have been a danger to the public. The police would not have been equipped to capture it. I think the OP had every right to question the safety of such a creature being at the square.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by BettyCrocked

I winced when I read your thread, knowing the welcoming committee would give you the usual once over. Don't let it bother you. If they acted this way in person, the population of TV would be significantly lower.

Huh?

What really gets us upset are people who like to take a jab about age, don't cha know?

I don't think I made a jab about age when I said what I said about the trophy wives.

Plus I have only seen one or two and I think they were the same age as the rest of us but probably had some good "work" done when they were in Miami.

I think people who are age prejudiced are well...................


Young.

[livefree]

Originally Posted by CFrance

I read back through these posts, and I don't see where anyone ganged up on you at all. Most of them were supportive or giving ancillary information on the topic, or stating their opinion without being offensive.

As a matter of fact, the worst thing that was said came from your post: "I knew what kind of snake it was because I have seen people stupid enough to have one as a pet before."

I stand by what I said. People are stupid to have a python as a pet:

"The snake attack in the rural community of Oxford, about 60 miles northwest of Orlando, was believed to be the state's first instance of a non-venomous constrictor killing a child. The criminal case, likely to be tried this year, revolves around reckless behavior of the child's caregivers, Assistant State Attorney Pete Magrino said.

"It was a tragic loss of a young life as a result of the criminal negligence and child abuse on the part of two adults. It's that simple," he said. "I don't take prosecuting parents lightly."

Shaianna's mother, Jaren Hare, 21, and Hare's boyfriend, Jason Darnell, 33, face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter or third-degree murder. They also are charged with child abuse and have pleaded not guilty.

The albino python, bought at a flea market about six years ago for $200, slithered through the doublewide trailer to the child's room after escaping from a mesh laundry bag with a baseball-sized hole in it.

Read more here: Snake that killed Florida child hadn't been fed in a month | National | McClatchy DC

"August 24, 2011|By Stephen Hudak, ORLANDO SENTINEL

BUSHNELL — A reptile-loving couple convicted of manslaughter for failing to protect a toddler from their pet python was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, but their lawyers believe jurors in the case were influenced by the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial.

"Circuit Judge William "Bud" Hallman, who imposed the sentence on the couple, said he mulled over defense arguments that the tragedy could have happened to anyone who keeps a big dog, a horse or other large animal.

"Horses eat grass, they eat oats — that's different from a wild animal that unfortunately, based on the testimony, eats small mammals," he said. "The child was a small mammal, which is on the menu for a wild animal, which a snake is."

The judge compared keeping the python to keeping an alligator in the house."

Killer python: Jaren Hare and Charles "Jason" Darnell are to be sentenced in killer python case - Orlando Sentinel

[rdhdleo]

Originally Posted by livefree

I stand by what I said. People are stupid to have a python as a pet:

"The snake attack in the rural community of Oxford, about 60 miles northwest of Orlando, was believed to be the state's first instance of a non-venomous constrictor killing a child. The criminal case, likely to be tried this year, revolves around reckless behavior of the child's caregivers, Assistant State Attorney Pete Magrino said.

"It was a tragic loss of a young life as a result of the criminal negligence and child abuse on the part of two adults. It's that simple," he said. "I don't take prosecuting parents lightly."

Shaianna's mother, Jaren Hare, 21, and Hare's boyfriend, Jason Darnell, 33, face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter or third-degree murder. They also are charged with child abuse and have pleaded not guilty.

The albino python, bought at a flea market about six years ago for $200, slithered through the doublewide trailer to the child's room after escaping from a mesh laundry bag with a baseball-sized hole in it.

Read more here: Snake that killed Florida child hadn't been fed in a month | National | McClatchy DC

"August 24, 2011|By Stephen Hudak, ORLANDO SENTINEL

BUSHNELL — A reptile-loving couple convicted of manslaughter for failing to protect a toddler from their pet python was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, but their lawyers believe jurors in the case were influenced by the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial.

"Circuit Judge William "Bud" Hallman, who imposed the sentence on the couple, said he mulled over defense arguments that the tragedy could have happened to anyone who keeps a big dog, a horse or other large animal.

"Horses eat grass, they eat oats — that's different from a wild animal that unfortunately, based on the testimony, eats small mammals," he said. "The child was a small mammal, which is on the menu for a wild animal, which a snake is."

The judge compared keeping the python to keeping an alligator in the house."

Killer python: Jaren Hare and Charles "Jason" Darnell are to be sentenced in killer python case - Orlando Sentinel

[redwitch]

The snake was hungry, plain and simple. The fault was with the parents both in how they kept the snake (a laundry basket, really????) and in not feeding a snake for a month. What happened to the child was tragic, preventable and totally inexcusable.

A snake laying on someone's shoulders is a snake well-taken care of. It is fed regularly. No one in their right mind would put a hungry snake near their neck. That's just insanity. A well-fed pet snake is content and really doesn't move around much. It's not on the hunt for food. It doesn't need to find protection.

As to you being picked on, I don't think so. As I said, the person bringing the snake to the square shouldn't have. Not because of how it would scare folks but because it just isn't good for the snake. The fact that you were scared was a very reasonable reaction -- most people are afraid of them -- and I'm sorry to hear you were frightened. What bothered me is the calling of police by the other woman, the how dare they response by some here.

[Jaggy]

We stopped in South Carolina at a gas station/ store on way back South. I was browsing the aisles for snacks for the car & a guy come up behind me with a snake around his neck.. I think everyone heard my yelp and they laughed and laughed.. Will never forget it, but it makes me think it is not an uncommon joke to play!! I ranted & Raved about it till we made the Florida State line, But now it seems funny.

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by duffysmom

Completely off topic once again.

We are talking about animals at squares. How is my last paragraph off topic.

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

But you could also consider that this thread is about bringing an animal (a snake in this instance) to a public square. If that's not OK then why do other animals get a pass? Yes the owner may look for attention but have you noticed how cute dogs in strollers tend to garner the same attention? What's the difference if they are both legal in the square? Is that keeping it on the subject?

Please explain.


Why doesn't anyone pick on the other dog posts? I wasn't the first and I wasn't the last. Huh? Why not mention others (two posts before mine) or the other dog mentions? Or the people that are now talking about how/if snakes are bad. Get off my case!!

Admin: Why do you allow this to happen. Neither one of my posts was far off topic. Yet posters are allowed to call me out individually without intervention. Pretty sad.

[zonerboy]

Young people (high school upper classmen, college aged kids, and so forth) are very prone to attention seeking behavior. They favor outrageous clothing, weird haircuts and colors, facial piercings, etc. They talk loud, laugh loud, and tend towards other forms of loud noises. Showing off is expected, and attempts to shock adults is commonplace. But for the most part they are harmless. I'm sure the snake was in more danger of being injured than any human person at the square. Get a grip, for goodness sake!

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by zonerboy

Get a grip, for goodness sake!

Ditto. It's one guy with one snake.

[billethkid]

this thread is skidding all over the place and no "tilt" signs yet???????

btk???

[JC and John]

Originally Posted by TexaninVA

I don't know if the snake "lunged" but I believe the OP when he says it bothered him. I hear other stories about Brownwood and then I read posts which say ... lighten up, no big deal, kids are harmless, you're just a complaining old codger etc. When we were at Brownwood for dinner maybe two weeks ago, we also saw a number of teenagers hanging out. it got my attention and then we observed one crazy kid who squealed his pickup truck tires and must have hit 50mph right in front of City Fire. He was lucky he didn't kill or injure someone in the numerous golf carts he passed by.

Here's what I do know. Brownwood, fairly or unfairly, is starting to develop a bit of a shaky reputation. The Developer, to protect his investment, will have to come up with a solution to fix it pretty soon or people will start to vote with their feet. Same with the Wildwood Police ... don't give me the technicalities of why they can't do anything etc, just fix it.

In the meantime, my wife and I have already decided ... we'll stick to Evans Prairie, Bonifay and LSL when it comes to evenings out.

I am terrified of snakes here or anywhere, even a picture! So to the OP I share your concern about a snake out and about at Brownwood. Yes, I know the cops can't do anything about it but I can. I can take my business elsewhere. With this thread and comments on other threads about Brownwood it sounds like it is becoming the "wild west." If I continue to hear of rowdy kids or pet snakes at Brownwood we will go elsewhere.

[Patty55]

Originally Posted by livefree

I stand by what I said. People are stupid to have a python as a pet:

"The snake attack in the rural community of Oxford, about 60 miles northwest of Orlando, was believed to be the state's first instance of a non-venomous constrictor killing a child. The criminal case, likely to be tried this year, revolves around reckless behavior of the child's caregivers, Assistant State Attorney Pete Magrino said.

"It was a tragic loss of a young life as a result of the criminal negligence and child abuse on the part of two adults. It's that simple," he said. "I don't take prosecuting parents lightly."

Shaianna's mother, Jaren Hare, 21, and Hare's boyfriend, Jason Darnell, 33, face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter or third-degree murder. They also are charged with child abuse and have pleaded not guilty.

The albino python, bought at a flea market about six years ago for $200, slithered through the doublewide trailer to the child's room after escaping from a mesh laundry bag with a baseball-sized hole in it.

Read more here: Snake that killed Florida child hadn't been fed in a month | National | McClatchy DC

"August 24, 2011|By Stephen Hudak, ORLANDO SENTINEL

BUSHNELL — A reptile-loving couple convicted of manslaughter for failing to protect a toddler from their pet python was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, but their lawyers believe jurors in the case were influenced by the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial.

"Circuit Judge William "Bud" Hallman, who imposed the sentence on the couple, said he mulled over defense arguments that the tragedy could have happened to anyone who keeps a big dog, a horse or other large animal.

"Horses eat grass, they eat oats — that's different from a wild animal that unfortunately, based on the testimony, eats small mammals," he said. "The child was a small mammal, which is on the menu for a wild animal, which a snake is."

The judge compared keeping the python to keeping an alligator in the house."

Killer python: Jaren Hare and Charles "Jason" Darnell are to be sentenced in killer python case - Orlando Sentinel

Is it just me or does the googly writing style of this post seem familiar? I feel that deja-vu all over again feeling.

[handieman]

The Developer seems to control everything else IN the squares, why not snakes for God's sake. Some people are deathly afraid of snakes and that's understandable. Folks come to squares to be entertained or just relax and should not be frightened by whatever. I see no reason why an officer or village watch person could not go up to the owner and ask nicely to please show off his pets elsewhere.
God forbid two of these peaceful pets escape and breed here in The Villages. We wont go into that frightful thought
John