This reply is not only for Albert W. Needham but anyone of like mind.
Anyone who's heart didn't go out to Gary Ford truly does have a hard
heart and head to boot. Up until ten years ago I had 350 hives and the
problems that went with them too. Hives tipped over,driven over and
people with various types of guns that must have thought I was a nice guy
leaving them such a lineup of wonderful targets. Unfortunately there were
times when fire was involved. Another thing that we have to deal with
down here in Dade County,Florida is the mosquito control folks. Once
after the setup of a 40 hive yard they came merrily spraying thru the
following night,my loss was 100%.No,my hand wasn't out then nor is it now
and I'm not poking in any way at those in that posture and if they are it
is not in any way being negative on their part. Thru a process of plus
and minus experiences in life we should all, after aging a bit be able
to evaluate things and deal with them accordingly. If we can't take the
heat we need to get out of the kitchen. Albert,I really hate to tell you
this but we don't live in perfect times and it probably won't get any
better until we all get to heaven. And for the record if you're on the
elevator down it only gets worse. For that matter,"Hell is for Wimps"but
that's a whole different subject. Another thing worth consideration,bully
platforms are'nt worth being on this or any other list,lets try to be
positive and reflect the goodness I've seen in most(not all)Beekeepers
for over more than 40 years. Remember we are all either part of the
solution or part of the problem by how we respond or react,the "choice"is
ours. Whenever saying stuff like this its directed right back at myself.
Sorry if anyone's feelings have been hurt.
Take Care and GBY,John in Homestead,also at<[log in to unmask]>
--------- Begin forwarded message ----------
From: Albert W Needham <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Gary Ford Contributions
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 1997 21:52:34 EDT
Message-ID: <[log in to unmask]>
Many of you are not going to like what I have to say and I
really don't care what you think, but the more I think about
it, the stronger my feelings about what a >cheap mean
bunch< many of you are. A few over 700 List Members
at the time of this event!
I am recalling the story of Gary Ford and his $20,000 loss. A
young man trying to start out in commercial beekeeping who
had his hives destroyed by some idiots driving a four wheel
drive and who then tossed diesel fuel over what was left.
Let me just state some facts to justify my opinion!
Dave Green reported a little while back that the
cash contributions amounted to $235.00.(See Below).
I gave $5.00. I recently met a fellow beekeeper in my
travels who donated $50.00. I know of about four other
members of this List who gave $5.00.
So do your math! That totals 6 people who gave a total
of $75.00. Subtract that from $235.00 and you get $160.00.
Assuming that the balance of contributions were no more
than $5.00....that would mean $160 divided by $5.00 equals
32 other folks who contributed out of over 700 of you. A
cheap bunch in my opinion! I hope that I am never
drowning and some of you are standing on the shore. I
might just as well swallow sea water and get it over with
before I wasted my breath hollering for help from many
of you!
Even if each of you contributed $5.00 I wouldn't consider
some $3500 a money making scheme when you consider
Gary is out $20,000 !
Some of my $5.00 was spent by Gary's wife to send me a
personal note of thanks!
Think about it !!!! You are enjoying some WORLD CLASS
FREE ADVICE on this List and you can't even contribute
the equal of a couple of jars of honey to try and help out
a fellow beekeeper.... a young man with a family trying his
best to make it !
Do you get that I am damn Peed Off. YOU ARE CORRECT!
I hope that those of you who didn't contribute never experience
the disaster that hit Gary. So much for your feelings for your
fellow man or woman beekeeper!
One member of this List (who shall remain anonymous) thinks
that most of you are "Grumpy Old Men". He is being kind!
I have said my peace and I can take the heat if you have the guts
to throw it my way!
---------------- Qoute of Dave Green's Message
Below-----------------------------------
Gary and I want to thank each of you who helped to encourage Gary by
your
generous gifts. About 235 dollars was received and some bees and brood
were
also given, so he has gotten close to $400 in aid.
All your snail mail notes and copies of the e-mail comments were also
turned over to him. He will be in contact with many of you, as soon as
he
can, though some gave anonymously, so he cannot.
Gary was much encouraged by your evidence that there are a lot of
caring
people in the world yet. He is back in New York right now, preparing an
old
truck which he will bring to get the bees he still has. I am glad he's
not
going to try to truck bees in the old school bus. There is no way to get
adequate ventilation.
I looked at some of his nucs yesterday, and they are doing very well.
He
hopes to split again, and I think he'll be using the contributions for
queens. He should have enough brood to make some more hives up. Frankly,
I
am surprised (pleasantly) to see how well these nucs are drawing
foundation.
He could even have a little honey to harvest before he leaves South
Carolina.
I had delayed this note, in hopes that I would have some good news on
the
police investigation, but I have been unable to get any information, so
that
item will have to wait.
Thank you again, good folks!
Dave Green
-------------------------End Of Quoted
Message------------------------------------------------------
|
