Fear of the genetic modification of crops was expressed by Garrett Osborn (Open Forum, Aug. 26.) He does not state his exact fears. Let’s examine some of these fears.
Genetically modified crops have been called franken-foods. The suggestion is that consumption of these foods will create a monster.
Humans have eaten genetic material in foods for millions of years. Eating beef has not promoted the growth of tails nor has eating wheat caused us to grow roots. When genetic materials are eaten, the digestive process breaks them down and makes them into food.
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Genes are made up of four letters; A, G, C and T. A new combination of these letters is not worthy of fear. …
Mr. Osborn suggests that “industry
players” are “pushing” farmers to use GM crops. Some of Mr. Osborn’s fears seem to have a philosophical basis. …
The people that solve problems should be heroes. Monsanto seldom gets that status.
GM technology is out of the bag. It holds an optimism that was not available before. Science leads society.
For instance, medical technology has blurred the lines of life and death, throwing society into confusion as to how to deal with the new medical technologies.
Society has to change its common sense to accept new technologies. …
Clark Lysne,Wetaskiwin, Alta.
