I enjoyed Mr. Truesdell's comment on the controversy surrounding Ted
Turner's wealth and philanthropy.   Since there are no wealthy beekeepers
with access or control over large segments of the news media, the practice
of beekeeping is bound to be buffeted by forces that don't necessarily
broadcast the truth as we see it.
  To put the matter into context, remember the Catholic Church
excommunicated Mr. Galileo because his findings conflicted with church
doctrine.  Much more recent was the development of the "common sense" notion
that one should always view television with another light source in the same
room, a notion created in the media in an attempt to promote the sale of
light bulbs.
  Personally I would not get too worked up over Mr. Turner's rhetoric.  I
believe we need a good stock of talented entomologists in this country and
to nuture that group they can draw funds from all kinds of sources.
Beekeepers and farmers alike are not prone to be drawn into "fads" or
practices that can lead to the destruction of their livelihood.   Also, we
have the benefit of rather open news media and public debate that is still
sadly lacking in many areas of the world.
  Probably the largest issue before the public, one that dwarf's Mr.
Turner's contribution, is the problem of the Africanized Honey Bee.  It
would a good idea if the Honey Board, or another group with national stature
would seek to take center stage on this issue.  Right now if someone is
attacked by bees the media turn to whoever steps forward, and the
information presented is not always correct.  The same people who would be
inclined to make sure there is a light turned on in the room when they are
watching TV are going to be possibly alarmed if they see a honey bee on the
dandilions in their lawn.  Good news for ChemLawn, or Terminix, or others,
but not for us.
/Curtis Crowell