Re: [pf] Risks, imposed or chosen

by Betsy Barnum

18 December 2000 14:50 UTC

David A wrote:

> tully wrote:
> > This reminds me of my father's argument that asked how could I
> > cite health reasons as why I would adopt all these "strange"
> > measures (like using only non-homogenized milk), and still refuse to >
> > give up cigarette smoking.
>
> Wait a minute. You're calling for GM labeling AND YOU SMOKE CIGARETTES
> (AND REFUSE TO GIVE IT UP)??????????
>
> Case closed.

This is the whole point of what this thread started out saying--the choice
to take a risk with one's life or health is entirely different from being
subjected to risk chosen for society as a whole by someone else. I don't
think it's wise to smoke, but if tully wants to take the risks, she knows
what they are and can calculate what it's worth to her. No one else, besides
her loved ones who will miss her when she dies of lung cancer or heart
disease, are affected by her decision to take the risk. Having GMOs, or
persistent organic pollutants, or other kinds of pollution being released
into the commons by the decisions of a few who benefit monetarily from
subjecting everyone to the risks, is what I strenuously object to. It's an
imposed risk.

Betsy