Most corporate scientists have not seriously considered the consequences
of possible GM mutations spreading between plant and animal species.
For one thing, it is too complex to consider the possible damage. For
another, they have interests to make money for their company regardless
of the future possible consequences.

The main problem I see with this technology is once it a problem is
found, it will be very difficult to stop and reverse.  The chances for
significant changes in ecosystems may occur at a much quicker pace than
we have already done over the last 400 years.

Another problem is that much of the GM solutions do not really help US
Agriculture for the long-term.  Farmers become even more reliant on a
few giant corporations for everything including what to grow, when and
how.  Do you want a company like Monsanto with nearly total control of
our nation's food supply?

GM technology will also not help "feed" the world. Farmers in third
world countries save seed, they don't have money to buy it.  US farmers
produce more food that can be profitably sold.

There are many applications of genetic modification that seem beneficial
in medicine and science. Corporate profit should not be the driving
force behind getting this technology to market.  It is hard to fool
mother nature and we have made many serious mistakes in the past trying
to tinker with ecosystems.

I favor a more conservative approach that respects the past research and
evidence. One which can pretty much guarantee that it will not be
disastrous for the earth.  We have gotten this far without very much DNA
manipulation. We have time to proceed carefully.

Hank Mishima
Fairview OR
------------------------------------------------

To contact your elected officials see www.vote-smart.org