Journal 11/4 - 11/10

This week the class watched "Harvest of Fear", a nova special on GMO's and GMF's. I believe that the Green Liberation Front is at fault, that they could have initiated a sit-in at the University instead of blowing it up, that is the difference between non-violent resistance and terrorism. Sit-in's, or occupying a place, does not instill fear like setting fire to a building.

A few students were outraged by the portrayal of Africa needing the innovations of GMF's, oversimplifying the problems of a third world country as "not having enough food" and "too much poverty" instead of the true disaster of  the equal production, distribution, and transportation of the food supply. Although I agree the problem is oversimplified, Monsanto graciously agreed to sponsor the program without making an ounce of profit, only PR gain. Therefore, I believe that third world countries, or any country, should take advantage of the GMF's they're offered, simply because it could protect better against pests, and they have seeds provided. The farmers do not necessairily need to be educated to plant or harvest their crops any differently, so the GMF's could significantly increase a farmer's yield, and thus his wealth, and his countries wealth, without the implementation of western ideals, western occupation, or foreign aid. Simple seeds should be seen as what they are, a potential for natural growth, not pity, doubt, or oversimplification.



Yams
http://thechalkboardmag.com/superfood-spotlight-yams