Bob, I have to admit to having only scanned that article and I missed
that point the first time around. Of course, you are correct. Native
American Maize has been, and still is, a very important crop, not only in
the Americas, but now all over the world. Hybrids of it have ben exported
to every corner of the earth. These so-called scientists need to go back
to grammar school for a repeat course.
>In my view, that should be the role of government. Trying to stop the
introduction of a technology that might be successful and, coincidentally,
bring in increased profits for the company introducing it, should only be
a concern of government if it can clearly be shown that the technology
threatens public health or welfare. That hasn't been shown for terminator
or the other biotech innovations promulgated by Monsanto, Novartis and the
others (including the bio-med GE companies).
Here I have to disagree with your analysis to a certain degree. Any new
product with a potential for harm, proven or not, should NOT be introduced
until it is proven SAFE. There are already a number of examples of GE
foods that have proven harmful in one way or another. Some to only very
small percentages of the overall world population. Others have been found
to be a hazard to almost anyone who consumes them. Other forms of GE
plants have been shown to have a tendency to cross with wild varieties and
begin to produce super weeds. This creates a harm to all farmers. All
farmers; not just to the organic or sustainable agriculture movement.
Therefore, ALL GE products should be extensively tested prior to their
release. And at the very least, all GE foods should be labeled so
consumers can make an informed choice.
--Dan in Sunny Puerto Rico--
dan.worley@mindless.com
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