Journalists shouldn't drink genetically modified Koolaid
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Last updated 6/12/2013 at 10:29am
I was greatly disturbed to read Tracy Warner’s column on Wenatchee World’s editorial page on June 5, 2013.
His editorial, regarding genetically modified crops, specifically wheat, comments on the recent discovery of genetically modified wheat on a farm in Oregon and the ensuing consternation that it has caused, both at home and abroad.
It is his opinion that Japan and Korea are “acting irrationally” in their response regarding the future importation of Pacific Northwest wheat. Further, he goes on to express disdain for proposed labeling of genetically modified foods/ingredients.
At the end of his editorial he states that the American Medical Association “says there is no scientific justification to require labeling of genetically modified foods.”
As a journalist, it is his responsibility to present all sides of a given issue, and he has failed miserably when it comes to this topic. It appears that he, along with the American Medical Association, most of Congress, and anyone of note in the USDA, FDA and EPA have ALL sold out to the propaganda put forth by Monsanto, the company that is responsible for genetically modifying not only many of our food plants, but also animals and fish as well. (Of course, Monsanto is not the only company involved in this activity – – just the biggest and the most powerful.)
He is also ignorant of the fact that Japan and Korea are certainly not the only other countries who are rejecting genetically modified foods/seeds. Indeed, the number of nations that are actively rejecting genetically modified organisms is growing apace.
In addition, there have been countless scientific studies done by NON-industry scientists, both here and abroad, that show the dangers of genetically modified organisms. (And, for the record, crop yields are not increasing — in fact, just the opposite is happening)
The Grand Coulee Star, as an important publication in wheat country, has a golden opportunity to be a voice of truth in this matter. The livelihood of much of your circulation base depends on a healthy wheat economy. When the largest local newspaper is ignorantly deceiving the public, someone needs to ‘call them out’ and stand up for the truth.
I see this as a golden opportunity for you to begin a series of feature articles in which you can present yourselves as true journalists.
In case you are not up to date on all things related to genetic engineering/genetic modification, I have included a list of a few book titles and websites that you might wish to peruse prior to embarking on such a series. These are just the tip of the iceberg, but all are highly readable, well researched, and well written resources.
Genetic Engineering Bibliography and websites
Seeds of Deception by Jeffrey Smith
Genetic Roulette by Jeffrey Smith
Seeds of Destruction by F. William Engdahl
*****The World According to Monsanto by Marie-Monique Robin (A MUST-READ preferably as a first choice)
The Unhealthy Truth by Robyn O'Brien
The Hundred Year Lie by Randall Fitzgerald
http://www.gmwatch.org/ (tons of information and a great e-mail newsletter – alert. This one collects information and cases worldwide. What is going on in India and Mexico is beyond belief.)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/harvest/etc/links.html
http://vimeo.com/37118120 you can download this
http://natureinstitute.org/nontarget/
http://www.badseed.info/resources/websites.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1TOss9Mslw
Connie E Nichols
Palisades, Wash.
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