GMOs: The Science

When the subject of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) comes up, I can count on push-back from some (usually liberal activists) atheists and skeptics when I present the consensus of opinion from the experts working in the appropriate fields regarding GMOs.  It is a lesson on how ALL of us need to use the tools of skepticism on ALL our beliefs, as the easiest person to fool is ourselves.

 This link gives what I consider to be the full scientific picture on the subject:
   http://gmopundit.blogspot.com/p/450-published-safety-assessments.html

While most skeptics will accept that material from such people as Deepak Chopra, Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Oz, Andrew Weil, Joseph Mercola and Mike Adams are poor choices for independent scientific information, there is one organization that is generally considered reliable scientifically that is anti-GMOs: The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).  Following are some links that should enlighten you regarding this organization:

“The scientific consensus on GMO may not be quite as clear as on climate change, but it’s close, and it’s upsetting that the UCS is joining in with the anti-science crowd on the potential risks.”

http://scienceblogs.com/webeasties/2013/05/14/union-of-concerned-scientists-failing-on-farming/

While this website is on the conservative side of the political spectrum, the information regarding how the UCS operates, which any science-oriented person should be concerned about, is factual.

http://www.activistcash.com/organizations/145-union-of-concerned-scientists/

Another article showing the activity of members of the UCS that can best be regarded as deceptive.

http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2012/06/gmo-bt-pesticides-crops

If you are not anti-GMO, but are pro GMO labeling, you are being deceived.

http://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2015/10/16/anti-gmo-big-lie-labeling-really-right-know/

A final comment:  I believe there is legitimate concern over how the food industry is controlled mainly by only a few large corporations, such as Monsanto.  The above should not be interpreted as my approval of how such organizations operate.  Legal activism against the reality of corporate power in the area of food production (or any other area of the economy) is fine with me.  Just please don't mix poor science with political activism.  That said, consider these articles regarding Monsanto before you make any judgements not based on evidence:

http://www.realclearscience.com/articles/2013/05/15/monsanto_more_saint_than_sinner_106533.html

http://thesoapboxrantings.blogspot.com/2013/05/debunking-anti-monsantoanti-gmo-claims.html

http://www.monsanto.com/food-inc/Pages/monsanto-revolving-door.aspx

Finally, please consider the negative effect of poor understanding of scientific findings on humanity:

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/poverty-matters/2014/jul/21/gm-genetic-modification-crops-africa-eradicate-poverty