> I have read about it but I don't think that you are aware of the dangers
> of genetically modified crops, let me just say that there are better
> alternatives than insecticides OR genetically altered crops.
Mr. Hoekstra, when you have a degree in genetics and ecology
then you will be able to comment on genetically modified plants. I
am 3 months away from both.
Geneticly engineered plants DO NOT pose a threat to:
1) small farmers, infact it will increase yields and decrease
expenditure. As for saturating the market? We are currently
approaching the limit set by us by out present technological
resourses. In contary, the human population in still expanding
exponetially.
2) ecosystems of any sort. Most of the engineered plants are bred
with "sterilty" genes (as Monsanto for more details) which limit the
reproductive potential of the plant in the 2st generation. While it will
produce lots of grain etc... the next generation will be 25% infertil
and 50% only barely. If the plant had to "escape" it could not
compete with the natural vegitation. Unlike the Australian Accacias
introduced here in SAfr. by the idiots log ago, which are now taking
over.
3) there is no proven threat to human health. Despite claims by
"Green" groups. Infact, milk is a greater health risk than geneticly
engineered soya beans. (Yes there is a Scientific article to back
up the milk claim, or at least it is in the process of being published).
I would also much rather run the risk of geneticly engineered food
than the eostrogen mimics used in insecticides which induce male
sterillity and female infertility.
Finally, if you are so concerned for the environment, why not go
and by a couple square meters of rain forrest some where. The
fact is that the next generation of medicines etc... will come from
the rain forrests etc... which are under a much greater threat than
farmers pasture lands to geneticly engineered crops.
In closing, when next you drink a glass of wine remember that it is
the product of centuries of genetic modification through
UNNATURAL selection.
Regards
Tyrone
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"Jesus is Lord! Creation's voice proclaims it!"
-David J. Mensell