Tuesday, February 18, 2014

On GMOs and Libertarianism


The following is my two cents on an ongoing discussion that some Libertarians are having on the issue of GMOs and GMO labeling:
The issues here are getting way too confused and muddled.  GMOs (and by GMOs I am specifically referring to the practice of gene splicing and related practices that have not been possible until recently through current technology) as they pertain to Libertarianism need to be discussed in terms of personal freedom and liberty.  Coercion is the antithesis of freedom and liberty.  There may be scientific problems with GMOs and there may not, but before we even get there, we can observe that the companies that are in pursuit of, and the driving force behind, GMO technology are making their wares available at large through coercive means and alliances with an ever expanding federal government.  That is a matter of concern for Libertarians and does need to be discussed.  Adding to that, any solution to the coercion we observe should not be coercive.  We must creatively explore solutions that create freedom of choice. The government is not the only mechanism in a society to fight that society's giants.  We have the free market as a better mechanism.  Those who think there should be labeling ought not demand the government enforce it, that would not be very Libertarian; they should push for public awareness, and a grass roots demands for labeling by rewarding companies that label with patronage.
A side issue I have here is that science and truth have  existed before the concept of peer review and they will exist after.  I read two books several years ago that gave me pause: The Great Betrayal by Patrick Buchanan and Food Politics by Marion Nestle.  I am not saying they are perfect scientific proof to silence all people with differing views from mine but those two books were fodder for thought that has lead me to some doubt in the omnipotent peer review method.  Generally speaking, I am a fan of the peer review, however, as an individual with some intelligence, I am aware that peers are comprised of fallible people.  Those fallible people  are sometimes biased, bought, incorrect, careless...etc.
In the end, when I see monopolies comprised of big business married to the federal government, there should be an automatic red flag that we all see; Libertarians of all people should be the most suspicious.  There is a correlation to observe, that being, that where consolidated power coerces, the ecology (human health as well) suffers.  I am not prepared to "prove" that, I am not claiming causation.  I am merely asking you to remember history and watch this unfold.

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