General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Neil deGrasse Tyson Tells GMO Critics to "Chill Out" [View all]Scootaloo
(25,699 posts)Scientifically, there is no difference between altering genes through selective breeding, and altering them in a lab. All that stands to differentiate the two is the number of generations of the organism in question.
As soon as GMO labeling is mandated, you know what will happen? The food companies selling GMO will demand the label be put on EVERYTHING, for exactly this point. And they will win, because their claim will be backed by science.
Now if you were to go for transgenic modification labeling, that might actually work. But it also might not, because then a cherry with apricot genes is labeled the same as a catfish with cat genes - you're not going to know what went into what, and even if the exact genes are listed, you're no going to know what the fuck that label is telling you. You sure won't know what's possibly harmful and what's not.
If your concern is abuse of the science, yes, that's absolutely fair. The best way to deal with that, is to remove the "fast profit" impetus behind these abuses. Don't lobby for labeling. Lobby to end the private patenting of genes and organisms. Cut that out of the picture, and the rush to hammer eight or nine genes into one corn stalk just because will be cut out with it.