SC - Sampler of Messages

[Philip & Susan Troy]

There are several valid concerns over the development of GM food crops.
Whether you agree with the results of the caterpillar study, or regard them
as sensationalist, those who read history must be aware that Unintended
Consequences are invariably attendant on any technological advancement by
humankind.  The more dramatic the technological change, the more severe the
Unintended Consequence.

Therefore, it is fitting to view anything as dramatic as genetic
modification of widely-grown food crops with scientific skepticism.
History also indicates that the chances we will actually detect the
Unintended Consequences in advance, and do something about it, are pretty
small - but it's worth trying, anyway.

It is also disturbing to realize that the whole purpose of the current GM
development is to concentrate economic power into a few large corporations.
 Developing Roundup-resistant food crops so Monsanto can sell more Roundup
may not be in the best long-term interests of human society. (Although it
might be -as herbicides go, Roundup seems relatively low-impact.)
Similarly, there is genuine reason for concern over the development of the
"Terminator" gene, placing control of the entire crop into the hands of a
few large corporations.  Once again, history shows quite clearly that large
corporations do not act in the public interest.

In short, the reasons for concern are scientific, historic, and political.

Colin