butterfly rearing and release question

[Neil Jones]

In article <38CF6C11.3B6B at mindspring.com>
           cherubini at mindspring.com "Paul Cherubini" writes:

> Soowon Cho wrote:
> 
> > Does anyone know how many monarch butterflies were released on the
> > Independence day ceremony a couple of years ago, and how much did it
> > cost? 
> 
> None. Hans Schnauber, the organizer of the "National Butterfly Release"
> released 1000 Painted Ladies instead of 10,000 monarchs
> as originally planned. He bought these for about $1500.00 from Insect
> Lore in Shafter, California.
> 

I think newcomers should be made aware of certain points about Hans Schnauber.
There are several societies in the US devoted to the study of Lepidoptera
NABA, the Lepidopterists Society , the Xerces Society etc. 
Mr Schnauber however chose to form his own with the grandiose name
of "The International Federation of Butterfly Enthusiasts".
It it would also appear that he is the author of an "Internet Declaration
of Independence".
He has attracted much publicity. Alas, much of it focuses on his rather
unrealistic views and has shown the study of lepidoptera in an unfavourable
and ridiculous light.
The last time I encountered Mr Schnauber's postings on the net he was
promoting his "federation" to anarchist anti-authority groups who believe
in arming themselves against the state.
It appears he is currently engaged in a "cybersquatting" legal battle with the
US post office over the use of a domain name.
-- 
Neil Jones- Neil at nwjones.demon.co.uk http://www.nwjones.demon.co.uk/
"At some point I had to stand up and be counted. Who speaks for the
butterflies?" Andrew Lees - The quotation on his memorial at Crymlyn Bog
National Nature Reserve