[Michael Colby]

As usual, Carl, you put forward a very thoughtful response and I thank you for it. It was especially important to me to get the “behind the scenes” thinking on the strategies being considered. Most of us are not in the Rural Vermont loop of decision making and, thus, the media-filtered news we received about this was, of course, oversimplified (State tells RV to jump, RV says, “how high?”).

I hope you will continue to keep DAP folks informed about this critical issue — especially when any calls to action are issued.

[Michael Colby]

I have great faith in you and Will Allen, the only two folks I know who are on the current board. Will & I have been cuffed and arrested on many occasions together — usually war related. And we’ve collaborated on many other activists and writing endeavors (Fatal Harvest, for example). Thus, I hope your radicalism will prevail on an organization that has been limply liberal over the years and all-too willing to “cork it” when the “official” heat gets too hot for them.

But I still wish the “official” letter from the State would have been greeted with one, big “shove it” from Rural Vermont. And I know there were many folks out there asking them to not only do that but also turn the “illegal” event into a significant act of civil disobedience.

I look forward to Rural Vermont’s turn to radicalism. I’ll be the first to join when I see it.

[Michael Colby]

Sorry, but if Rural Vermont was really radical, they wouldn’t have canceled the workshop when the government said, “boo.” Nor would they have kept their mouths shut when Cabot Creamery used rBGH.

I wish Rural Vermont was radical. Then I’d probably join.

[Michael Colby]

It’s all sleigh rides for me this winter. And I miss the trees. They don’t talk.

[Michael Colby]

I’m 47 but my wife says I act like a 12-year old. Does that count?

[Michael Colby]

Right back atcha, Carl. I’m thankful daily for your hard work in keeping this site going. Bravo. And happy holidaze to everyone.

[Michael Colby]

The sleigh-driver position has been filled. Thanks for all the inquiries.

Let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow.

[Michael Colby]

The pay really depends on experience and reliability and, of course, includes tips. Call me if you’d like to talk specifics (802-272-3775).

Three of our four sleighs are one-horse sleighs and I’ll be driving the team sleigh. All our rides are private and each sleigh is booked on half-hour intervals.

The hours are 2-8 pm during the holiday week (December 24th-January 2nd).

We’re beginning the season tomorrow (Saturday, December 11th) so feel free to call me and arrange a visit.

[Michael Colby]

I run three-way lanterns (porch lights from the hardware store) and x-mas tree lights off deep cycle batteries and a small and cheap inverter. The batteries all come in at night and are attached to a trickle charger. The lanterns are attached to hollow metal rods that extend up about 2 feet from behind the driver’s seat.

I also keep a variety of headlamps that I wear or keep handy “just in case.” While working with Ted Russell a couple of years ago, we even attached a headlamp to his horse, Clayton, and it worked well. I wouldn’t recommend it for every horse but it was a good conversation starter.

I’ll try to post a photo or two later.

[Michael Colby]

The “theory” in GMO’s can, indeed, be seductive. But it cannot and should not be divorced from the reality of a much more complex and concrete concept known as “nature.”

Furthermore, those with good theories and good intentions often find themselves subservient to the most powerful force in a capitalist system: money. And, before you know it, the pursuit of pure profit — regardless of the complex realities — trumps all the “good theories,” regardless of the facts.

You know, like rBGH and so many of the other “theories” that turned to nightmares after flowing through the corporate sieve.

Count me out on GMOs.

[Michael Colby]

Paul Ruta worked with a blind horse for years. Let me know if you need his number.

[Michael Colby]

The culti-roller is now in my possession. And, yes, I paid for it.

Thanks for posting it here.

[Michael Colby]

Mine our 8 feet long and they work fine. I’ve got average sized drafts — in the 1800 pound range. 9 feet are recommended for “extra large” drafts.

[Michael Colby]

The lapse in service only made me realize further what a wonderful service this site is.

I’ll bet if you coordinated the lapse with a fundraiser you would have done very, very well….

Thanks again for being here.

[Michael Colby]

Nice work. But be careful with that front pole. It looks like it could do some “man damage.”

[Author]

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