Dear Bee -L readers . From the sounds of things a few of you sure can be set off easily. Maybe I did not get a complete set of rules with my Bee-l subscriptions as I do not recall any rules and or regulations about what could and could not be discussed on the Bee-l. and it sounds like some of you feel like my freedom to ask legitimate questions should be denied. Many express concern that I am teasing the KIWI'S and my questions are sincere. I just happen to have a lot of UN answered questions about the New Zealand ( NZ) honeybees not based on any special knowledge of mine but after researching many aspects of this issue and being concerned about RATS in the wood pile. What kind of information highway if one has to tippy toe around when there are pressing issues that should be examined. Many think I am trying to win some bragging rights about whos best and I have no intentions of trying for that as I am and the Hawaii beekeeping is to small to try and compete. I just refuse to accept smoke and mirrors and I have been exposed to lots of slick and smooth sounding answers and I want to get real answers. I also see the possibility that the opinions vary widely between the "RESEARCHERS" from country to country. Maybe Hawaii honeybees are of no importance to the U S beekeepers and if Hawaii can stay mite free and if testing reveals that Hawaii honeybees are not infested with the same viruses that NZ bees have , then Hawaii honeybees could play a role in supplying U S origin mite and viruses free honeybee stocks for the U S beekeepers. It seems a shame that some are even resorting to name calling ( trolls it 's no biggie as I have been called worst) and making references to KILLING mailers with messages that express different ideas or ask questions that some would rather not hear asked. I say to you come up with something more creative then name calling and remember that it takes one to know one and that your post are also on record. I have had some encouraging words and as usual they come directly to me with request to keep on asking my questions and to not use their names. To those responders thank you as it does get troubling with all the aggressive assaults that I get from some. Much more is to be said and not in this posting. A wise man told me one time that "Behind all anger is guilt" it may not be true and it has passed the test several times since I first heard the saying and wonder what all the anger is about. All I care about is the future of the honeybee in the United States of America . I am too small in the big picture to be affected by this issue one way or the other and I refuse to sit back and not seek information. I hope none of you really Kill (filter ) me out and I don't think any of you would really be so closed minded. A fellow beekeeper. Walter Walter & Elisabeth Patton, 27-703 A Ka' ie'ie Rd., Papaikou HI.,96781 Ph./Fax. 808-964-5401 E-Mail hihoney@ilhawaii Beekeeper and Bed & Breakfast Owner in Hawaii http://www.alohamall.com/hamakua/hihoney.htm http://www.alohamall.com/hamakua/beeware.htm http://www.alohamall.com/hamakua/lamalani.htm