If we got into domestic politics (for wherever people here live) then we would have to put our feet down. I interpret these debates as real debates, not ideology. I also think they are important to the future of our hobby, as the whole thing could easily get banned. I would consider that unjust and shortsighted, but there are groups arguing for it, and there are groups seeking, very sincerely, to stop all trade in pet animals.
They have a point, in a black and white world. My world is colourful, and I don't agree with them.
One of the many things I've learned about people since the online world was created is that there are a lot of darkweb minds that enjoy being cruel to other animals, from humans to fish and beyond, and that catering to cruelty is a serious shadow business.
I believe (and all beliefs are just opinions as we interpret what's real) that if we use this hobby to learn about nature, then we are more likely to defend nature. If we keep fish as ornaments and don't try to learn about them, then this is a nothing pastime. It's like stamp collecting used to be, or spoon collecting. We can make it dynamic, or we can get bored and do something else. It's an infinite hobby. You can't learn it to the point it isn't interesting unless you stay superficial. So I think it's potentially a good thing.
We should question it though. I like the way we can gather a group from many places in this world, from many points of view on economics, society, the supernatural versus the natural, development versus conservation, who should win the World Cup, etc, but we can meet on a love of what we get to see in our little fishtanks. If we met at some kind of fish family dinner we might all kill each other, but since we don't, we can discuss!
