Re: Terminator gene & GMF
Toni wrote:
>"thousands of years" is the key for what we inherited before man split the
>atom and the gene - now man is not waiting that length of time to see what
>the effects are .....
Precisely, no-one can predict this and to suggest that no possible
harm could arise is irresponsible to say the least. I'm neither pro
nor anti this technology, but I have deep-seated distrust of those who
are controlling it. I'm also a bit wary about those who continue to
cite instances of the continual exchange of 'alien' nuclear material
between non related species with virus as the prime vector. Such
'insertions' are either tolerated or are fatal, but in all cases are a
darned sight more 'natural' than the degree and extent of gene
splicing that is taking place now. I simply cannot accept such an
analogy.
In the past, multi nationals have encouraged a massive explosion of
all manner of pesticides into the environment with devastating results
and even now we are only just seeing tiny hints of the possible,
eventual outcome. I see no reason to believe that they have become
more responsible. How can we be sure that in 50 or 100 years time,
some unimagined, environmental catastrophe will not arise as a result
of GM crops cross pollinating with native species?
GM could be a wonderful and eventually life saving technology, but the
speed with which it is already being forced upon us leads me to think
that the only driving force is financial and that scant regard if any
is being paid to long term prospects.
Dave Poole
TORQUAY UK
http://www.ilsham.demon.co.uk/gardenviews.html
