For years, we have had hype and exaggeration on every side, and all that has
happened has been that various groups have raised funds on the back of the
problems facing bees and beekeepers, without using any of those funds to
actually look for scientific solutions.

 

Regardless of the level of well-meaning exaggeration, and regardless of the
level of cynicism that has built up among beekeepers, how can it be a bad
thing for the federal government to consider ways that a coordinated effort
at the federal level might help?

 

Please recall that the entire USDA ARS Bee Lab budget is about $11 million
or so, the current cost of a mere 7 Tomahawk cruise missiles, a single-use
weapon launched well over 2000 times since it was developed.   Another
comparison is that, right now, the USA is spending $10.17 million dollars
per HOUR on the war in Afghanistan.

The odds are good that the consideration will result in more funding for
more eyes on the problem, more money for equipment and consumables, and more
funding for the multi-year, multi-season studies that are almost impossible
for the University gang to get funded.

 

So, what's the downside of more science funding? 

 

And, if DHS realizes that biosecurity is just as important as "homeland
security", maybe they will stop funding the silly ad-hoc checkpoints in NYC
subway stations, and send those folks to inspect shipping containers for
creepy-crawlies, invasive species, and whatnot.

 

So, what's not to like about the fact that Obama cares for bees?

 

(Or maybe I should type that "Obamacare's for bees"?)

 

 

 


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