Syringe in a corn ear symbolizing genetically modified organisms..pic

Syringe in a corn ear symbolizing genetically modified organisms. Genetically modified plants have been found in the wild in Japan after seeds spilled at a port despite an unofficial national ban on growing scientifically altered crops

OK, I do not really have a problem with GM crops or uses for them, however, I'm trying to figure out what use they have. We do not have a great shortage of food in the world, the only problem is delivery to places that need it the most. As far as I can tell, all this does is empower corporations to hold a literal monopoly on our food supply. This is kind of like the hormone RBGH for cows that increases milk production, as far as I can tell, it provided little to no benefit for us and at the same time, possibly increased many health risks. What is the cost-benefit analysis for either one of these techniques? Do we actually need to fix something that is not broke to begin with?

There have also been problems with them invading other farmers crops, and corporations sueing the unfortunate farmers for using their seed without paying royalties. The whole legal processes is entire mucked up for GMOs.

Then there is the fact that some people see the need for them to be tested more.

Monsanto planted a crop of genetically engineered corn, which was PATENTED. The wind caused it to cross-pollinate with a neighboring farmer's crop. Monsanto SUED him for theft of their patented product. The cost of defending himself ruined the farmer. Of course Monsanto has plenty of high-paid attorneys on staff.

An organism on the planet not genetically modified?

Sure, plenty. Man only manipulates the organisms he can profit from.

Man only manipulates the organisms he can profit from.


If we're really profiting by this then why the hell would we want to stop. Anyways all organisms manipulate their environment in an attempt to profit. Why would "man" be different?

and aiding the survival of your species. Also the profit may only go to the few, not the many, I mean, if GM crops actually alleviate some dire emergency in the world, I'm all for that, but instead we see products that are Roundup resistant(Monsanto developed GM crops), which is great if you sell Roundup(Monsanto made), but what is the benefit to the rest of us?

If I could profit by manufacturing my product and poisoning every body of fresh water on the planet, SHOULD I?

We're talking short-term, this-fiscal-year profit. That's the way US corporations and the stock markets measure profit. The 10-, 20-, 30-year implications are irrelevant.

Your relationship to the PROFIT motive sounds fairly republican.

but I serously think our copyright and patent laws are fucked up.

How the fuck do companies get to patent food?

I totally support using genetic engineering to better our food supply and help cure people of diseases. What I'm against is giving more control to corporations.

The government should not pass laws that benefit these corporations, laws that allow them to sue others because they are growing genetically engineered food without paying a liscense.

If the corporations cant figure out a way to get paid without suing people the way the RIAA sues people then they deserve to go out of business.

creating plants that do not produce seeds?
i see it as greed

If I were a farmer I would never buy into a scheme like that.

However more and more farms these days are corporate.

I don't have a problem with genetic food...the issue of corporate ownership of these "seedless" corn things DOES bother me...but that can be governed through fair trade rules...

I'm worried for the Third World...if only seedless corn is in the hands of corporate companies, they will monopolize corn production and throw independent producers out the window.

on iraqi farmers?

with genetically engineered crops such as having drought resistant crops in areas where there is drought and hunger. There are many other areas where I think some risk is outweighed by benefit. I realize not everyone shares my vision though.