In reference to Donovan Bodishbaugh's query about Andy Nachbaur's comments, I think I can shed some light. I think the first problem we encounter is the fact that beekeeping is not taken seriously by much of anyone except beekeepers. I saw yet another pun-ridden piece on bees on the CBS Evening News last week that reinforced my conviction that journalists simply find it impossible to write an objective piece on bees or beekeeping, they love to load it up with puns. Does this imply disrespect? Secondly, our major commodity is something that Americans can clearly live without, or per capita consumption would be much higher that one pound per person. Look at the clout of the sugar producers, and relate it to sugar consumption (over 100 pounds per person per year). Is there a connection here? (Granted the sugar people have used Cuba and the rred threat very effectively to maintain their program). Thirdly, the AHPA and Honey Producers really push the pollination story to its limits (and I have helped in the popular press), but I don't know if this carries any credibility with the public. Once you get past stings and honey, it seems much of the public and politicians lose the train of thought. Beekeepers have been cast as bearers of botulism (and sudden infant death syndrome), welfare junkies living on honey loan programs, and now, accomplices to the pending invasion of killer bees. We just don't get no respect (sic), do we? Bill Lord Louisburg, NC -- William G Lord E-Mail : wglord@franklin Internet: [log in to unmask] Phone :