RE: [pf] Risks, imposed or chosen

by David A

18 December 2000 16:48 UTC

Betsy Barnum wrote:
> Genetic modification, especially the patenting of seed and the
> development of second-generation sterile seed and seed with genetic
> factors that switch on and off depending on whether the farmer applies
> that company's specific chemicals, will continue this process. Third
> World countries don't need our "help" to feed themselves. They need us
> to get the hell out of their countries, stop forcing them into export
> economies and let them use the wisdom of ages of subsistence agriculture
> to feed themselves.

This is exactly the problem with this debate -- it quickly degenerates 
to polemics. You're acting as if I said I'm in favor of all this, like  
I'm some kind of...conservative, fat capitalist, Rush Limbaugh 
Republican.

If the people in other countries don't want corporations meddling there, 
then they should tell them to get the hell out. If Americans don't want 
corporations force-feeding them GM foods at gunpoint, then they should 
avoid regular stores and buy organic or grow their own food. Take some 
personal responsibility and don't expect the rest of the world to dance 
to your tune. No one owes anybody anything. There are a lot of *real* 
problems we're quite sure are causing suffering that we should address 
before throwing money at imagined ones.

David