Letters to the Editor

Correction Re: Icelandic Sheep

Hello,

My husband and I raise Icelandic sheep, and when doing a Google search for something Icelandic-sheep-related, a link to the article, Icelandic Sheep: Triple Purpose Breed by Victoria Varga was listed.

I went to your website and read the article. One glaring statement is that Icelandic sheep 'rival' the current dairy breeds of sheep. The production records for these sheep do not 'rival' the Lacune or the Freisian. Some lines of Icelandic sheep have excellent milk production and the lambs frequently gain a pound a day for the first couple of months, but that does not equate to rivaling the long-time established dairy breeds of sheep. The general hardiness of the Icelandic sheep, and vigor of the lambs, is where they excel compared to the long time dairy breeds.

This year is the twentieth year that the Icelandic sheep has been in North America, and the general information distributed by the Icelandic Sheep Breeders of North America (http://www.isbona.com/icelandicsheep.html) has been updated to avoid potentially misleading statements regarding their dairy capabilities. There are a couple of breeders who are using the purebred Icelandic sheep in their commercial dairy operations, and more definitive information should be available in a couple of years. Information regarding the quantity of milk produced and length of lactation which should provide more reliable numbers for comparing to the current dairy breeds of sheep. One thing that has been noted thus far is the outstanding quantity of milk solids contained in the milk from Icelandic sheep, and thus, it is a superior product for making cheese.

Thank you,

Peggy Ann Nelson

bin Laden vs. Falwell

December 1, 2004

I enjoyed visiting your web site, and thank you for your efforts. Your response to J.D. entitled "peace is not patriotic" was exceptionally well put; however, I take exception to your comparison of Farwell and Robertson and al Queda. I am not a Christian, and find these men less than tolerant, but have never heard of them suggesting the use of terrorism as a political tool. They, and many well meaning Americans, think that the policy of democratizing the world is the duty of America. I disagree profoundly, but do not think that their misguided opinions define them as violent criminals.

I often find folks that I agree with on political issues condemning the opposition for intolerance, while they themselves have little tolerance for the opinions of others.

-Iver

Your point is well taken, Iver. If I may repeat the whole statement, it was, "Modern terrorism isn’t a fact of our lives because of our lifestyle, but because groups like al Queda have perverted the teachings of Islam in much the same way that Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson pervert the teachings of Christianity."

The intention was to suggest that all three men have fashioned their faith to fit a personal or ideological agenda. When I wrote that, I was remembering the comment Falwell made shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, "I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.'"

I don't think this was meant to incite terrorism, but it is an example of using terrorism as a political tool. 9/11 happened so everyone should blame the ACLU. It's hard to see what this has to do with democratization.

Hillbilly in a Concrete Canyon

I stumbled upon your site and found it interesting. I have one suggestion. I live close to a large city-Houston, Texas. I enjoy gardening and have raised rabbits for meat. However, there are some of us that enjoy aspects of homesteading, but will probably never go whole hog. Have you thought about articles that relate to those of us who are the "betweens"? I would like you read articles about veg. gardening, alternate shelter (as in cheap and homemade), and saving electricity-perhaps even going partly self generating. Thanks.

David

I've been encouraging our contributors who query to produce more articles on vegetable gardening, Dave.

We're also interested in articles about building affordable and appropriate homes, but not temporary ones.