Genetic engineering (GMO) is NOT an extension of conventional plant breeding.

[beam me up scottie]

57. I'm not even sure we disagree.

Thank you for taking the time to explain all that. I'm still reading through the info provided by other DUers, there's a lot to process.

I got dragged into this GD war because I criticized Dr. Oz for his quackery and was immediately called everything from a Republican to a troll. I never even mentioned GMOs and was accused of being a shill for Monsanto - I am not exaggerating, I was floored by the reception I received and responded in the usual way (you know me).

If anti-GMO folks want others to listen to their side they have to stop vilifying scientists on DU and use science to convince us. Advocates from both sides are rude and insulting at times and everybody talks past each other, but when it seems like most of the facts are coming from one side and the other has nothing but hyperbole and accusations of corporate shilling, I'm going to be swayed by the facts.

NRaleighLiberal did a good job explaining their concerns as a scientist in this post: http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=6559093 and Major Nikon responded in kind. More dialog like that would go a long way towards informing DUers and leading us to form opinions that will stand up to scrutiny. After the anti-vaxx movement gave us such a black eye we need that.

I do agree with you about corporations, my point was that NdT wasn't referring to them and despite what's been said about him on DU he's not in the pocket of Big Ag.

I think what Tyson was trying to get at is that identifying GMOs as something BAD without understanding the differences won't solve anything. He's an advocate for science education and is trying to turn a knee jerk reaction into a conversation. He's a great asset for the left and we're very lucky to have him.

Again, I respect your opinion and your "biases" have given me much to think about.

Thank you, my friend.

immoderate -