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