USDA again

[Paul Cherubini]

Michael Gochfeld wrote:

> "like it or not there is an underlying logic which is not
> grasping at straws.  It is a formalized policy approach called the
> PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE.

But Michael, what if a government regulator like Dr. Wehling also
happens to harbor a negative personal philosophical view of releases 
similar to San Gorodenski's?  Recall Stan wrote:

"Were it to stop (i.e., the releases at weddings, funerals, etc.), there
would not be any significant negative impact on human society at all.
The only negative impact, which would actually be a good one, is that
owners and employees of companies involved in promoting this practice
would have get a 'real' job and make a 'real' contribution to society."

Is there evidence Dr. Wehling harbors a negative personal bias against
releases of Monarchs?  The post below reveals how Wayne Wehling 
viewed Monarch releases in 1997 prior to landing his USDA job in 
1999.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 11 Mar 1997 16:03:31 -0500
Reply-To: "Lepidoptera List (LEPS-L)" <LEPS-L at YALEVM.CIS.
Sender: Lepidoptera List (LEPS-L)" <LEPS-L at YALEVM.CIS.
From: Wayne F Wehling <wehling at PILOT.MSU.EDU>
Subject: Re: Go Bob Go
In-Reply-To:  <199703111915.LAA27935 at willapabay.org> from
"Thea L. Pyle" at Mar.11, 97 11:15:27 am
 
Regarding the release of reared monarchs (and insects in general), I
must agree with Bob Pyle.  Please don't further pollute butterfly
populations by releasing reared material.  Genetically speaking, it's a big
mistake.However, I disagree with Bob on one issue- I would not
recommend releasing tagged reared monarchs either.  All-in-all, releasing
reared specimens sounds good but it just isn't scientifically sound.
 
Wayne Wehling
Department of Entomology
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824

 
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