GMOs: The Facts
Everything you need to know about Measure 92
What are GMOs?
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are made when DNA genes from a species (such as bacteria, plants, or animals) are extracted and artificially forced into another unrelated organism to make it more desirable. This process usually takes place in a laboratory. They have not been proven safe, and for this reason I think they should be labeled.
Are They safe?
In more than 60 countries around the world, there are restrictions or bans on the production and sale of GMOs. In the U.S., the government has approved GMOs. This desicion is based solely on studies made by the same corporations that created GMOs and profit from their sale. Since we are not sure which products include GMOs (as they are not labeled), no studies have proven them unsafe.
What is the measure?
Measure 92 would require companies to label if their products contained GMOs. A similar measure has been approved in Vermont, and is effective July 1st, 2016. It is meant to help people make educated food choices and be aware of what they are eating.
What are the cons of Measure 92?
Some companies believe that Measure 92 would cause less people to buy GMO products. The grocery manufacturers association (GMA), in fact, spent 15.2 million dollars on lobbying to keep America ignorant, and GMOs unlabeled. Knowing what you are eating is powerful, liberating information, but the companies that produce GMOs wish to make more money. Labeling GMOs would be the first step towards a healthier lifestyle for the citizens of America, with educated food choices for all. This measure would help give important information to those without access to it.
What are the pros of Measure 92?
Measure 92 is the first step towards a more educated and healthy America for all. Monsanto (company that makes/sells GMO seeds ) has a history of producing highly dangerous chemical compounds including DDT, Agent Orange, saccharin, and recombinant bovine growth hormone, all of which are known to cause significant health issues. Monsanto claims that they are a safe brand dedicated to “American Agriculture”, but the long list of dangerous chemicals and bad track record in thir products suggest otherwise. Companies like Monsanto claim to be “natural agriculture” but labeling GMOs would force them to come clean on long told lies. Many of these chemicals are incredibly dangerous. DDT, for example, can cause breast cancer, male infertility, miscarriages, developmental delay, and damage to your liver and nervous system. Knowing whether or not your food contains GMOs is an important factor in deciding what you are going to eat: is the risk worth it or not?
why didn't it pass last time?
The vote didn't pass by a margin of .03%-about 800 votes. 4,600 votes were not counted, as the state claimed they had signiture issues. Yes on 92 Press Secretary Kevin Glenn says: "Those voters did everything right, completing, signing and returning their ballots on time. If their voices could be heard we believe it would result in victory for Measure 92,". This means that labeling GMOs would have won by a higher margin if everyone's vote would have been counted.
Citations!
"GMO Facts." The NonGMO Project RSS. Web. 08 Apr. 2016.
"GMA." GMA Blog RSS. Web. 08 Apr. 2016.
KGW.com Staff and Associated Press. "Yes on 92 Campaign Concedes GMO Labeling Race." KGW. 11 Dec. 2014. Web. 08 Apr. 2016.
"Timeline: Monsanto's Chemical Romance." Earthjustice. 2015. Web. 08 Apr. 2016.