Watching bees flit about the lavender and flowering thyme powers can give us a good lesson in cooperative sharing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen two bees go for exactly the same blossom because there are enough for everyone to share. They seem to have a very democratic society – at least while going through the flowers.
But there seem to be fewer bees this year than last. Much of the problem lies in the pesticides we have been using. Neonic pesticides such as Sulfoxaflor made by Dow Chemical, the people who brought us Agent Orange, and Confidor made by Bayer (yes, that Bayer- aspirin, Aleve, Alka-Seltzer) are killing bees and birds.
Bees and birds aren’t just to look at; they are pollinators. The European Union has banned such pesticides. The New Jersey Assembly Bill No. 2070 proposes certain restrictions on neonics. Corporate agriculture opposes these kinds of proposals so we need to tell our legislators that we are the voters not the corporations.
Prayer for the Day
Aware that much of what we do can harm the earth,
Let us not only glory in your world but care for it;
Cognizant that your creation depends on what we do,
Let us not use chemicals that destroy even the smallest creature.
Open our eyes to see the harm we cause without knowing it,
And enable us to consider the consequences of what we do.
In the name of him who cares for all your creatures,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Quotes for the Day
Did you know that honey bees came over with the Pilgrims? They are not recognized as citizens but corporations are!
June Stoyer, organic farmer
The bees are dying and humans are not far behind.
Steven Magee, Director of the MDM Observatory, Sells, Arizona
One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I meditate.
The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed, and I will declare your greatness.
They shall celebrate your abundant goodness and sing aloud of your righteousness.
Psalm 145: 4-7