would anyone here like to provide another anthrax scare?

I keep a small number of cattle. One of them is a yearling heifer who likes to have her chin and brisket scratched. Come visit me; I'll introduce you to Summer the cow, and after you've made good friends, you can write a letter without washing your hands first. A dusting of talcum, and voilà a genuine verifiable anthrax letter... which will pass the CDC and everything.

I don't recommend it just now. But this stuff is endemic throughout the world in populations of ruminants; if any congressman would like to get his name in the paper, all he need do is scan for letters from his rural constituents.

Tempest in a teapot.

Ashton, there are quite enough congresscritters up there who are from rural districts that if this isn't already known, it merely confirms my previous opinion(s) of the breed. Consider, e.g., my very own Landsritter er Congressman, the Hon. Charles Stenholm, D., ADM (N. Texas Branch). One rather suspects, OTOH, that the Lovely Kay (Granger, D., Lockheed) would be more or less ignorant. After all, a mere Texas city mayor need know little about cattle...

Writing either of those worthies a mere er letter is a waste of time. Must be accompanied with engraved portraits of our early Presidents to receive attention... Of course Darling Kay (Bailey Hutchison, R., Mobil) is far too distant from her roots to be aware of such technical details, and Phat Phil (R., whothehellcares) most likely couldn't be bothered.

And Ron Paul (R., 11th District, Texas) has already pointed it out. Pearls before swine (I look better in pearls than piglets)