What do you think of genetically modified food/agriculture?

Question

US News Aug., Scientific American Sept. and Harper’s Magazine Oct issues have articles about genetically altered food. These articles explain the difference between making within species versus mating unlike things such as tomatoes and flounder fish to create tomatoes with antifreeze qualities. Also, globalization interferes with regulation which makes genocide easier. Creating products that produce their own pesticides that rats, cattle and bugs will not eat is mixed into human food and sold to us as a way to fix world starvation. It so seems that mass food with no nutritional value that induces heart disease, diabetes and cancer is assuring the need for medical intervention by promoting overweight malnourished people with no way of knowing if the addicting genes of such plants as cocaine and heroine are being blasted into these foods to increase desire for foods lacking in nutrition while inducing lethargy.

These articles raise the question of how can one be sure that Porky the pig is not laced with cocaine and Foghorn Leghorn’s DNA has not been altered with heroine to eliminate protein absorption while making us crave fried chicken?

From a professional point of view I have seen a change in body fat and immunity over the past twenty years. Evolution has not changed so quickly in the past, so one must wonder what we are doing (in the name of great fortunes that can be had) that is making many humans over weight and lazy or starving and paying for liposuction?

Blah, blah, blah answers imply laziness not wanting to fix or change status quo or having vested interest in genetically modified (GMO) products. Does anyone else feel more open communication and product labeling that products are GMO is needed to allow people all over the world to decide what they want to buy and be more informed?

Answer 1

I have the same concerns about GMOs, esp. in light of Monsanto's actions.

However, your question sounds more like a sermon.  That's not a good way to get people to listen to you.

Answer 2

You seem to have your mind made up, so why bother discussing the point?

Answer 3

I'm not going to be embroiled in an argument, and you  are asking what I think.Apart from what we know about Genetically modified food;we should be aware our foodstuffs have been messed around with for many years.We eat a whole range of Dehydrated, artificially flavored, instant food etc.Genetic modification whether it ultimately turns out to be good or bad;is here to stay because it can be achieved.In view of that fact, it is the right of the consumer to know this.In those third world countries where food is in constant need, I don't think they will be so fussy.However I do think a thorough watch and guidelines should be introduced. Otherwise we will do ourselves untold harm, as a planet.

Answer 4

GMO products mean a lot to farmers.  Just take a ride around the country and see all the weedless soybean fields and you will know why. There is no real evidence that GMO products have harmed anything and they have greatly reduced the amount of herbicides needed.  You asked your question in a derogatory manner meant to get a reaction, not an answer.  Anybody that has an opinion different from yours you cal a blah, blah ,blah question and imply laziness.  Don't expected to be greeted in this forum with open arms.

Answer 5

People that are afriad of genetically modified food are like that general in "Dr. Strangelove" that only drank rain water and grain alcohol because anything else would take over his mind.

Answer 6

Traveler, You sound like a fairly intelligent person  to speak so ignorantly about a subject.  The first answer was right, when a person is sold on the rumors and innuendos of activists groups like Greenpeace, there is no point in trying to make you listen to the facts.  And, by the way, we all have a vested interest in agriculture and farmers, as long as we continue to eat.

I do believe that products should be labeled so that people know what they are eating.  I also believe that people like yourself should be better informed so they could make decisions on what they eat.