A seven step review of how the bee bought-the-farm:

Chemical company (CC) markets new insecticide (NI) as safe for bees. Prefers to call it a pesticide. Develops seven different formulations of NI.

Many beekeepers suspect NI is killing their bees.

CC and their supporters blame piss poor beekeeping for bee losses. Also blame varroa mites. CC sculptures idol in varroa’s likeness.

CC funds numerous studies proving NI is harmless to bees.

CC funds recent study that shows two of the lesser known formulations of NI are not toxic to bees. Now admit that other five formulations are “ as intrinsically toxic to bees as to the insect pests they target.” (https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(18)30230-6)

CC announces one of their top ten commandments is to “Avoid wasting time and money”. Supporters interpret this as proof that CC possesses lofty moral virtues and can be trusted not to kill bees.

CC continues to sell formulations of NI that are highly toxic to bees.

Thinking its hard not to bee sarcastic with a story like this,

Ted

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