arnold@hpfclr.UUCP (04/21/86)
Re: Palo Alto Yuppies (PAY), Future Palo Alto Yuppies (FuPAY), and Ex- Palo Alto Residents (ExPAR). Just a few comments. First, just because something is sold in the stores does not mean that it is safe for human use. For instance, saccharin, tobacco, and kerosene can all be harmful in varying degrees to human life especially if overused or abused. Malathion seems to be relatively safe, as insecticides go; I have even heard of medical studies where it was used on humans to eliminate lice. Nevertheless, one ought to be wary of the long term effects of exposure to any harsh chemical. Note, organic chemists are notorious for having somewhat shortened life spans even with government regulations restricting "known" carcinogens. Therefore, a few Malathion applications would probably not hurt anyone; however, I would be very wary of regular applications (for mosquitos and such) over a long period of time. Second, I resent those yuppie remarks you made. I was in school in the area at the time and hated finding gooey malathion bait on my bicycle and having helicopters come diving down out of the night. You don't have to be yuppie or rich to object to having insecticide dumped on your personal property or your person for all that matters not to mention the possible environmental effects. Finally, although I would generally agree that the malation was an unfortunate reality and possibly the most agreeable alternative at the time, I will never consider being sprayed by it pleasant. In addition, the right of those who find it similary unpleasant to speak out should in any case be respected irreguardless of your own personal viewpoint. It is unimaginable that one should sink so low as to stoop to namecalling and brash accusations, especially for a point so old and worn. In the meantime, keep yourself away from that mosquito spray if you wish to cautious; if not, that is your right and choice. Oh yes, are you CERTAIN that ALL of the objections were truly HYSTERICALLY IMAGINED; I find that hard to believe -- especially where environmental objections were raised. There are some sensative ecological zones in the bay area that man has not yet completely converted to asphalt and agriculture that could have been hurt somewhat by the spraying of a generic insecticide. Ex-Palo-Alto-ite