In a message dated 4/7/00 5:05:28 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< The problem I fear the most from the advance of the AHB is not from the
bees
themselves but from something the US has in spades compared to Mexico and
South America- litigation. >>

>   Great point. Maybe if we could develop some strategies to deal with this
>now, the irrational hyper-reactive types could be stymied in some places.
>   How about this for a strategy: One way to influence government is to
wield
>the credibility and authority of even bigger government.

If beekeepers cannot deal with this themselves the involvement of government
will only make things worse. The first thing one must consider is that in
most states, even ones with billions of dollars in agriculture the "farmer"
is not going to have the dollars that influence politicians.

While many states have very good inspection programs (my home state of
Florida being one of the best) the press given to these "killer bees" will
most likely override their advice. A good example would be a case where a
neighbor filed a complaint with city hall about a hive I had that was
visible from the street. The city inspector came out and I explained that
the bees were gentle and that they had been inspected by the state. His
answer was that all seemed to be in order but if he received another
complaint he would write me up for a "nascence" and the bees would have to
go. Some adjustments to the fences have solved the problem at least for a
little while.

You can also be assured that your insurance is going to go up if they find
out you have bees on your property in a "killer bee" zone.