In June 2013 the British Government announced that it
intends to convince the British public to accept Genetically Modified (GM)
crops. They, the British Government that is, have already decided on the
matter, and now, we, the public, have to accept these crops. I note immediately
here that there is not to be a public debate about the possible damage GM crops
may cause, in the longer term, to the natural world. No consideration is to be
given to presenting the public with alternative technologies. No, this approach to
public engagement in Science and Technology is strictly about getting the
public to accept what the experts want you to accept. Very sophisticated
indeed! And also, very much a characteristic of those suffering from what I
have already written about in earlier blogs – the Prometheus Syndrome.
Many years ago I had a very insightful encounter with an
agrichemical/biotech multinational. Here I learned firsthand the thinking that
predominates in such companies and why we as ordinary members of the public,
should peacefully resist these organisations. Words like hubris, arrogance,
contempt, ignorance, greed, disingenuous, and so forth, come to mind when I
recall the people that I had to deal with. Before this encounter, I had no
strong views about GM crops, the use of pesticides, and organic farming. This
is no longer the case, and whenever possible I now purchase organic produce,
and always question and look for information about the source of food, and who
is the producer.
So why is the British Government so biased? The answer is
straightforward. Large multinationals have been working behind the scenes,
using their vast wealth, to lobby the British Government to adopt policies that
support the introduction of GM crops in the UK . And the reasons for this is
clear – greed in the form of profits. What the Government is interested in
however is the economy, in other words, economic growth and jobs, and
ultimately this is what will predominate in all decisions that affect the
natural world, which will always come second to the matter of economy. This
mindset has to be changed.
I would also add here that it is not just the usual villains
at work here – the multinationals. There are also others quietly influencing
policy. Who are these people? It is scientists and the scientific establishment
(research institutions, universities, scientific bodies), who are attracted by
large research grants, patents, scientific publications, and the opportunities
to make a reputations. Let us be clear about this matter – this body of people
are not at all unbiased about the matter of GM crops, for they too have vested
interests.
Thus it could be said, that for the sake of vested interests,
greed, economic growth, and people’s egos, the British Government is willing to
put the future of the natural world at risk.
There is no doubt that we, as ordinary citizens, should
peacefully resist this onslaught against the natural word, and we have the
power to do this without much effort. We have a vote, so at the next general
election we should use it to vote the present parties of government out-of-office.
We have also a wallet (or a purse) so we should use our money wisely and start
buying organic produce. And we also have a choice about our lifestyle. We do
not have to be constantly buying things and building up our material
possessions, or always seeking to have the latest product and technological
consumer device. We could just say no and spend our money on improving the
natural world, helping to protect it and to ensure its survival. Many of us
have gardens, or there are patches of unused waste ground that could be
transformed into havens for wildlife. Use your time and money to develop these
– it will be far more rewarding than the momentary buzz that comes from buying
a new mobile phone!
Never believe, and never let anyone tell you, that you
cannot make a difference, that you cannot change the world. This is a lie, and
now is the time for ordinary people to start their peaceful resistance.
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