I-522 (One piece of propaganda too many.)

     In 1992, the FDA declared that genetically modified food was about the same as food derived from non-GMO plants.  Genetically modified foods have been in the food supply since 1996.  
     Since then, bio-tech heavyweights like Monsanto and Dupont have fostered seed and crops that can endure Monsanto's Roundup and other weedkillers. From then to today, agriculture has seen over a 400 million pound increase in pesticide use.  In 1992, even FDA scientists questioned this government stance.  Such skepticism has grown world-wide since that time.
     The benefits of GMO organisms are touted to include feeding a rapidly increasing population, designing pest-resistant plants, assisting improved production of biopharmaceuticals, and promoting environmental cleanup.
     Unfortunately, the on-going problem with GMO foods is world-wide fears about the health consequences that result from consumption.  This is chiefly because the human body is not designed to consume Roundup and other pesticides.  
     When Roundup's chief ingredient, glyphosate, is applied to crops it becomes systemic throughout the plant.  If a person eats such crops, glyphosate becomes resident in the gut, where it destroys beneficial bacteria. 80% of the immune system resides in the gut. Research has linked glyphosate to endocrine disruption, DNA damage, developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity and cancer.
     I would like to conveniently know whether a food source uses genetically modified material.  Over 60 countries in the world utilize such labeling; Washington state should too. 
     Not much is accurate in this world, but developing a labeling system makes proven sense, and accuracy will improve over time.  
     In California, Proposition 37 was defeated 47% to 53%. Proposition supporters were outspent by opponents (Monsanto, Dupont, Dow, Pepsico, Coca Cola, Kraft and others) by 5 to 1.  Here in Washington state, the sides are similarly lined up.
     I think consumers have a right to know what they're buying and eating.  All the hype about how much more it will cost is just hype; in the long-run, fear about cost cannot outweigh the test of supply-and-demand.  
     The real problem is that once I-522 passes there are some products we just won't buy anymore. The profit margin for corporate chain products in which large corporations have invested large sums will be permanently altered. And some farmers will have to make different crop production choices.  And I say, so what! 
     I'm saying yes to I-522, and I don't care how many glossy brochures with doctor signatures Monsanto money sends me.