Why do people bash Monsanto?

Question

I'm taking an introductory level college biology course and we just got to biotechnology. My college professor says that Monsanto is a company like any other- it exists to make profits for the shareholders. The people who run Monsanto are held legally responsible for the actions they take and are monitored and have to clear many proof of safety hurdles to get a product commercialized. So, my questions are: Don't you think the benefits of agricultural biotechnology far outweigh any potential negative effects? If so, can you tell me both the pros and the cons of GMO food? Do you have any scientific supporting evidence to support these statements? My professor says that protestors cannot list both the pros and cons, and also cannot cite a scholarly reference that supports what the protestors list as arguments against biotech food. Another student as about the terminator gene- he said that Monsanto has a right to protect its investments; does Dell give someone a new computer yearly?

Answer 1

Oh dear - Monsanto and their supporters lack any sign of being good scientists!!!

It is they who refuse to see the negative or the false positives that monsanto gives out.

False positives - GM crops aregoing to save the starving in the third world by giving them disease free crops with heavier yields. - Where are these so called wonder crops being tested and marketed? In the US and Europe. hardly any in the third world at all.

In the face of good scientists pointing out the dangers of cross polination trials have been forced through and resulted in just that - cross pollination and rougue weeds!!

But despite protesters - the good scientists that are arguing for Monsanto to be more responsible and conduct their science properly are actually trying to stop Monsanto damaging the prospects of GM being accepted!

Have you not wondered why the other GM companies are not criticised and appear to be accepted around the world? It is a sad state of affairs when the researchers who tend to support Monsanto are usually found to have been financed or benefitted from their sponsorship etc.

It is Monsanto that is actually leading the world to believe that GM is dangerous and wrong because of their business practices and blinkered approach to the dangers. This is not so much about GM but greed.

There is a place for GM but it's acceptance by the public is being threatened by Monsantos corporate thrust for big bucks instead of good science. Ironically this is actually restricting their ability to do so!!!

So as you go through your course - please set out to be a good scientist and see all the pros and cons yourself - test ideas and theories and what ever you do never set out to prove something only to test it!

Good luck.

Answer 2

Most professional protesters are so radicalized that they will protest anything based on the smallest possibility of something to fear. Your professor is correct; there needs to be some evidence supporting their fears, or they might as well protest that a certain shoe style will destroy the earth.

Answer 3

I like whole natural organic foods but if people are told that this engineered food is just that, then why not.its food for Gods sake, not processed, processed foods is whats so bad.of its radiated i wouldn't eat it.