Malathion Spraying for the Pesky Medfly

How dare the state of California aerial spray my house and property without my express consent! That is a clear violation of my privacy. And please do not give me that hackneyed “for the common good” routine. Obviously, the state does not understand the meaning of either word--”common” or “good.” Let the fruit growers do their own spraying where it belongs--in their own orchards.

I have two well-established avocado trees in my yard that have borne fruit faithfully for many years, until this last fall. There has always been enough fruit for family, friends, neighbors and the school at which I taught. This year I had three avocados from the two trees. Avocado trees are dependent on flying insects for the pollination of their blossoms. In the past I have seen as many as six different flying insects crawling around over the blossoms. The next thing that we know the state will probably tell us that malathion spray selectively seeks out only the Medfly for eradication.

If I wanted to read fairy tales, I would consult Hans Christian Andersen.

GERD ABEGGLEN

Downey