Public opinion, or media driven hysteria. (GM and cloning)

Member Name: jacobjones

Product:	GM and cloning
Date:	09/01/01 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It's not all bad.

Disadvantages: It's not all good.

The problem that people have with the GM issue is a simple one. All that most of us know is what the papers tell us. So when articles that are primarily written by political editors are published we listen. Unfortunately these masters of the media specialise in selling papers, and not understanding science. Nothing is as black and white as they suggest. Genetic modification is such a broad term, saying you absolutely disagree, or agree completely, is like saying you love or hate all music. It's nonsensical, and can only be based on ignorance.

It's obvious that all companys, especially multinationals see this technology as a means of making large sums of money. But at the end of the day, making money is what all companys are interested in. The fact that GM has can be used to this end doesn't make it a bad thing.

There are many areas of research in which this technology is being used , encompassing all living organisms. Some of this work is very useful, and will offer us great benefits in the future. But as with everything there are people who will abuse the technology, or use it unwisely. What the papers forget to tell us is that there are many stringent safeguards that exist to stop any unsafe producst reaching the public domain. These safeguards take years to pass, with most products taking ten or more years of scrutiny to reach the market place.

Comparing the GM situation with that of BSE doesn't make sense. BSE was transferred in cattle feed, which doesn't have to meet anywhere near the guidelines that GM or other scientific products and methods must meet. I'd be more worried about what your mobile phones doing to you, than the GM products currently on the market.

With respect to the laws that currently exist for human cloning. These too are extremely strict, only allowing cloning of certain types of human cell, and in no way present the possibility of cloning a complete human. What this technology does
allow is much needed research into awful diseases such as cystic fibrosis, and parkinsons. It should also decrease the need for vivisection.

Finally there are many examples that may be cited in an argument for and agaist GM. But no such argument need to be raised. GM is neither all good or all bad. More important is which areas of GM are useful and safe, and which are not.

Ignore front page reports in the papers, delve a little deeper (page 21), and find both sides of any argument. Or look elswhere for your information.

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