Re: [pf] Risks, imposed or chosen

by Molly Williams

18 December 2000 14:42 UTC

David,

I don't think that's what tully's lifestyle habits tell us. I think they
say that she is aware of the risks (of smoking, GMOs, pesticides, etc.)
and chooses to accept the consequences along with the pleasures
(convenience, perks, etc.) of some risks, while she believes other risks
are not worth the consequences. Whether she makes her assessment based
on reason, emotion, intuition, experience, a flip of the coin, or some
of each isn't for you (or me) to judge. The key is that she makes an
informed choice and willingly accepts the consequences. 

Most people indulge in behaviours that are unhealthy, risky, even
dangerous. Driving, for instance. Yes, smoking is more risky than most
other behaviours we can choose, and yes, the consequences of it impinge
on everyone else (through healthcare), but I still choose to live in a
world where we are free to make bad (informed) choices. 

~ Molly


David A wrote:
> 
> tully wrote:
> > All or nothing, eh?  To me the enjoyment of smoking is worth
> > the risk.  I get no extra enjoyment (or other benefit that I value) >
> > from gm food and it is not worth the risk.
> 
> But it tells me you either choose to purposely ignore, or have little
> understanding of, the relative risks involved. (Which in this case must
> be orders of magnitude apart.) And that, therefore, your opposition to
> GM food is emotional or guided by some other factor, not a true
> reflection of health concerns. It makes it very difficult to take your
> opposition seriously.
> 
> David
>