As I ponder the possibility that Prop 37 might not pass now that the big 6 chemical companies have spent upwards $30Million to create fear amongst the voters, it is clear to me that we are too susceptible to what we see and hear in the mainstream media (TV, Radio, Print). It’s also clear that many Americans lack any semblance of ethics. I realize that’s a pretty bold statement but I’ll stand behind it all day long. I can provide a litany of examples on a daily basis where the ‘me first’ mentality blocks any reasonable approach to doing the right thing. It’s even worse when we have allowed a corporation to become an ‘entity’ that is provided similar rights to the individual. In the case of Monsanto, we have provided a vehicle in which, by law, is forced to act in the interests of it’s shareholders and their need for profits. These actions often fly in the face of reason due to those profit pressures. Since the company is inanimate, that means that decisions are being made by humans who’s first concern is taking care of their needs. What is most disturbing in all of these folks inability to see past their own concerns is the fact that many have children. How is it as a parent, that you would support anything that potentially puts your children or your children’s children at further risk? That is the question I want to ask the leadership at Monsanto, Dow, etc. Wouldn’t they want to know the long term concerns of their work on humans, especially children? Let’s completely understand the risk, if any, before we put these types of foods into our bodies. In addition, if I were in charge and felt that these foods were absolutely safe I would not hesitate to be part of a long term study in order to prove their safety. I wouldn’t feel right pushing a product that I couldn’t 100% stand behind. Let’s see that commitment from the leadership at Monsanto. Starting to make sense?? Frankly, without a public statement to this effect by Monsanto and the others that are against Prop 37, all of us should be skeptical of their stance. Let’s err on the side of caution by VOTING YES on PROP 37. At least be informed as to whether or not GM foods are part of the foods you’re eating. No one in the companies that have created these transgenic foods is willing to be part of any human trials so the ‘science’ that could make this proposition a non issue has never been accomplished. That by itself is enough for me to know that I have only one choice next Tuesday. YES on 37!
Tag: gm foods
Trying to understand what’s important about Prop 37
I’m voting YES on Prop 37. Am I biased working for a natural foods company? Probably yes, but not in the manner you might think. As anyone who knows me, I don’t just do something for the sake of doing something. Discerning fact from fiction in the genetically modified foods arena is difficult since research is truly limited, especially as it relates to human impacts. No, I’m biased because of my personal experiences with these foods and what has happened since I found ways to limit their intake in to my body. What is particularly relevant to me is that the improvements in my health appear to be directly related to the food choices I was making. The choice to change came at the recommendation of a friend, not because I had educated myself on these foods. Now, having spent quite a bit of time researching GM foods and finding evidence of that suggests that we should be concerned, it’s easier for me to ensure I eat right. Even more poignant, the chronic disease/condition I had been diagnosed with was not in evidence at my last checkup. No disease found!! This is a condition that I had for almost 20 years and does not have a cure, per the doctor. These positive results have not been for just me. My doctor has encouraged his other patients to take this approach and though he cannot divulge too much per patient/doctor privacy laws he has told me that he has seen benefits to others. It mirrors the same experience I’ve had with my own family. Simply put, there is too much personal evidence for me to buy into the industry’s stipulation that GM foods are completely safe. Your personal experience may or may not be the same. Just because you aren’t showing signs now of issues associated with GM foods doesn’t mean the damage isn’t being done. It also may be that these foods won’t harm a certain percentage of people too. That being said –
What is important about Prop 37? In a nutshell it’s information. It took me quite a while to understand how to find foods that have not been modified or don’t contain modified ingredients. It should be simple and the labeling provision of Prop 37 is the best solution at this time. Is it perfect? No, but it does the job of providing a means for the consumer to better understand their food choices. I’m grateful that California had a process in place to get a piece of legislation on to the ballot that represents what a majority of people want.
On November 6, we get a chance to make our voice heard. I hope you’ll join me in a resounding YES VOTE on 37. Regardless, I also hope you’ll make the choice to eat better foods and help your body take care of itself. That much I can stand behind, politics aside.
