Support Measures 98, 99 and 100

Measure 100

Restricts wildlife trafficking

YES

It’s not often that you get the chance to hurt terrorists and help elephants with the single stroke of a pen.

Poaching of endangered animals has long been a global problem, with a booming market for things such as elephant ivory, sea turtle shells and rhino horns. In recent years, it’s taken a more sinister turn, as the proceeds from wildlife trafficking funded terrorist groups in sub-Saharan Africa.

Some of those goods make their way into the United States, where ivory from poached elephants can be legally sold to unsuspecting — or fully complicit — buyers.

That’s why several other states with ports of entry have banned the trade of exotic animal parts within their borders.

This proposal has exemptions to ensure that no one will be arrested for selling family heirlooms, musical instruments and legitimate antiques (made while such products were still legal).

There is a growing international effort to provide armed protection for animals threatened by poaching. It may be difficult for Oregonians to join that dangerous effort, but they can help by squeezing the market for poached products.