10/20/08 Genetically Modified Crop Debate

The debate over genetically modified crops continues to rage, with a "you're either for us or against us" type demeanor. And while it is reasonable to express concern over what we are eating with GM foods, it is unreasonable and practically archaic to state that GM foods are morally and ethically wrong. We would do well to remember that crops conventionally bred to resist disease were introduced with chromosome fragments from a non domesticated relative; resulting in the introduction of hundreds of unknown genes. At least with GM foods we know what new genetic material is being introduced. Down through history the unknown and different has often been met with suspicion and rejection. "If man were meant to fly, he would have wings." "No one will ever install a telephone in their home." Face it, if mankind had always listened to the negative propaganda towards new technology, we would all still be shivering in the dark. Responsible scientific monitoring and stewardship of genetically modified crops will bring mankind to the realization that these crops can actually enhance our quality of life.