a. the players are the same. They have taken on a shiny new name -
"life science" companies (what simply marvelous arrogance), and are
less stupid in their mode of attack (e.g. lateral, Averyesque
assaults rather than frontal desecration), but in every other
respect, they are one and the same.
b. the issues are the same. Public accountability, the rights of
individuals for sovereignty over their own homes, yards, and
foodstuffs, the objectivity of scientists - at universities and in
government adopting industry agendas as their own, and the
sheer lunacy of plowing ahead at full speed with dangerous
technologies when ecological implications are understood only
minimally.
c. and, the stakes are the same. Loss of ecological integrity, pest
creation and proliferation, adverse effects on human health, and
yet further concentration of power. Nearly 40 years after her
untimely death, have we learned nothing?
Yes, it is true that selling GE seed, or pesticides, or any of the
many many "things" that we know to be hazardous to health - is not
illegal. Fair enough. Should we blame the purveyors of these
products for selling them, and hold them up to a higher moral
standard than we uphold ourselves (remember, we are the ones who buy
this stuff). I think not. With the exception of concerted citizen
action, of which I see precious little occurring in either the US or
Canada, it is not productive to blame the companies.
If you want to "do" something about Johnny's or Monsanto, it might be
wise to remember that the government of the US is "of the people, by
the people, and for the people". Your government is acting on your
behalf in allowing - even promoting - GE products. If you don't like
it, then do something about it. Get organized and MAKE it illegal to
sell these tiny timebombs. Organize a boycott of companies with
objectionable practices (I believe that is still legal these days,
right?). Perhaps the next Rachel Carson is on this list - help her
(or him) out - a good share of her success arose from her
extraordinary ability to network with key people and obtain
information not otherwise accessible. But take action. Without a
concerted effort and clear citizen protest, the government/industry
connection will just plow ahead full steam - just as it did in
Carson's day. Ann
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