There Is A Difference (even with bees)...

Hey Pards,

I got to thinking about my last post (about the honeybees dying off mysteriously) and wanted to post what I think is a big difference between the attitudes of "independent spirited" types like many in the American West, and those of others in this great country.

My post pointed out the problem and noted there was not an explanation as of yet. End of story. What I have noticed in a number of other stories I've read about the honeybee problem is the authors of those columns/stories think the government should hold hearings on the issue and throw money at the problem in order to solve it. That's a big departure from my way of looking at things.

As an independent sort of guy, I believe people can solve most of their own problems with the proper motivation. I also believe not everything is a "crisis" and not everyone is a "victim". After many years out here in Colorado, I've come to believe my thinking is pretty typical for someone who has that "independent spirit" of the West.

The kind of thinking that wants government to jump in, take over, and/or throw money at a problem to solve it is more of that "victim" mentality, in my opinion. I understand there will be exceptions when government can help out, like the ranchers in southeastern Colorado who had their cattle herds wiped out due to the huge snowstorms in December and January.

In the case of the honeybees, however, I think the beekeepers will figure out a way to keep their colonies going until the mystery can be solved through research that is currently taking place. Time will tell, however, since I don't have all the answers (I just like to think I do, sometimes).

Like I said, I was cogitating on the issue and thought I'd share some of my conclusions. If nothing else, this post was probably a good cure for insomnia.

Don't let your horse come home without ya!

Lincoln