In a message dated 96-02-23 02:16:05 EST, [log in to unmask] (Sid Pullinger) writes: >A lot of harsh exchanges on the Bee List recently. No one likes to be >told,when all his bees have died, that it was his fault. However, the fact >remains that we have had the story of the mites relentless advance across >Europe in front of us for years. (Rest of good, common sense letter deleted to save repitition) Thanks Sid. I expect a list like this to be a free exchange, because beekeepers tend to be an opinionated bunch. Anyone who survives as a beekeeper in these tough times must be a "rugged individualist" (sometimes otherwise known as a hard-headed, SOB. ;<) But some of the discussion has stepped over the line of free exchange, and gone into personal attacks. Allen Dick, for example, has paid his dues, with a lot of services provided to beekeepers over the years. The attacks on him were certainly not deserved. (And Allen is not the only one who has been unfairly treated.) A suggestion to Allen, and others, who have insulting and abusive stuff thrown. Don't respond, if it's not worthy of response, because it will go on into more cycles of abuse, and waste a lot of group time. Don't feel obligated to defend yourself. Most of us know who has done his or her homework, and will forgive differences of opinion. Maybe the nuts will go away. [log in to unmask] Dave Green, PO Box 1200, Hemingway, SC 29554