Re: against everything?

Rich Molini (richmo@indy.net)
Tue, 10 Feb 1998 14:37:45 +0000

Hal,
The true "scientific urge" should be directed in efforts to understand
and coexist with natural systems rather than trying to circumvent or
destroy them. True science has always primarily been the investigation.
It is only within the last 100 years or so that it has been defiled to
pure profit. And during this same time we have also discovered that
there are consequences to human activities, yet the increasing distance
from natural systems and board room decisions precludes a holistic
approach. If 1% of the human and natural resources that agribusiness
expends in control technology was spent toward coexistent ends , all the
earths inhabitants would benefit not simply short term gains for CEOs
and shareholders.
Later,
Rich Molini
Indiana Chapter-OCIA
Atlanta, Indiana

Hal Hamilton wrote:
>
> I feel rather embarrassed by how many people seem to be
> against "genetic manipulation" on principle-what about Wes
> Jackson's plant breeding experiments in Kansas? And I'm
> similarly embarrassed by those who seem against government
> involvement in product regulation (Organic Standards)-are
> you also against building highways and enforcing speed
> limits? As a former dairy farmer, I think BST both stupid
> and probably dangerous. Of course the USDA screwed up the
> recommendations of the NOSB. Of course Monsanto etc. are
> primarily interested in profits, and of course they have
> considerable power to influence government. But our
> "movement" will doom itself to permanent marginality if we
> decide to 1) hold the line against history rather than 2)
> blaze new trails and pull history along. The scientific
> urge to discover new ways to increase yields, resist pests,
> etc. can be symbiotic with sustainable ag. Similarly,
> democratically accountable government is the only
> institution that could (theoretically) be powerful enough
> to restrain market forces for the public good.
>
> Hal Hamilton
> Center for Sustainable Systems
> 433 Chestnut St., Berea KY 40403
> Phone: (606) 986-5336
> Fax: (606) 986-1299
> Hhamilton@centerss.org
>
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