Americans have always had a love-hate relationship with science. While some embrace science as the solution to many of our problems, others seem to fear it, afraid science will destroy our civilization, humanity or our lives. We're seeing the latter on display in California (where else?) with respect to genetically modified (GM) food.
The state grows more than 200 different crops, including large quantities of corn and wheat. And it is the second largest producer of livestock products, which consume some of the state's crops. Many of California's crops are genetically modified to reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides and are better able to tolerate droughts. That's good for the California economy, but the science raises concerns.
Some in California fear GM foods, even though there has been no scientific evidence indicating people or animals are harmed by the produce.
Nevertheless, critics have succeeded in getting Proposition 37 on the November ballot that, if approved, would require food manufacturers to "inform" consumers on the labels about any GM ingredients.
Those who have followed the many challenges arising from defining "organic" food will immediately understand how difficult it would be to craft a meaningful label. And do most people even care if their high-fat, high-salt, deep-fried chips come from corn with a slightly tweaked gene?
The people who are really pushing for these changes are the same ones who produce "organic" products. In other words, one competitor is trying to put the squeeze on another by creating doubts in the consumers' mind.
It's like someone saying that he hasn't been able to prove that his neighbor beats his dog, when there was never any evidence that the neighbor ever did. Just the mention raises questions.
Let's hope that more Californians love science than fear it. And we'll know in November.
September 27, 2012