Jeffrey Smith from the Institute for Responsible Technology sent out this email today:
Dear Christine,
Perspectives on Prop 37 (Plus a New GMO-Free Zone in US)
First of all, let’s celebrate with San Juan County, Washington, for passing its GMO-Free County initiative. Growing GMOs in the San Juan Islands will shortly be illegal. Thanks to all the great volunteers (and the 60% of the voters) who made that possible. I had the great pleasure of doing a speaking tour on three of the islands in September; their campaign was truly an inspiration. Well done San Juan County!
Prop 37
California’s Prop 37 campaign was the latest (and greatest) expression of the rising anti-GMO tide in the US that has swelled over the last 2-3 years. Other expressions have included the popularity of the Non-GMO label in grocery stores, the huge number of activists working on GMO issues, the unprecedented GMO coverage in the media, and the 19 state legislatures that considered GMO labeling bills. These are all early signs of a coming tipping point of consumer rejection. What sets Prop 37 apart, however, was how profoundly it has accelerated anti-GMO sentiment in both quantity and quality.
Huge numbers of people became aware for the first time that they were eating GMOs—we have changed the whole conversation. And numerous actors, chefs, musicians, artists, filmmakers, politicians, comedians, and others chimed in support of our side for the very first time. Being against GMOs or pro-labeling has clearly become cool.
From the quality perspective, I was blown away by the enthusiasm, competence, and utter devotion of the California volunteers. What I witnessed in the more than 50 events I attended throughout the state over the last 90 days was totally unique in my experience. The depth and solidarity of commitment to this issue is profoundly established.
Although we narrowly lost on the vote, the campaign has propelled our movement forward onto a whole new platform. I am more confident and optimistic than ever that we will soon achieve the tipping point that we all desire.
Please forward this email to other Prop 37 supporters. Please subscribe to our newsletter, Spilling the Beans, as we can’t wait to share some of the plans that are taking shape.
Congratulations to all those involved. And remember, this was part of a rising tide that is still rising!
Safe Eating,
Jeffrey M. Smith
It's nice to see San Juan County, Washington, prohibit growing GMOs. I didn't know that a county could do that. But it sure is depressing that Monsanto et al prevailed in California because they have more money. I read earlier today that there is a lawsuit and maybe even criminal charges against the NO on 37 people for false advertisements.
Obama lied about GMO labeling in 2008 and I expect NOTHING from him, although he's probably less likely to veto GMO labeling legislation than Romney.
We've been giving away copies of Genetic Roulette and hopefully we'll create some awareness locally.
you know what would be REALLY cool? if this blog, entitled “high desert permaculture” ACTUALLY HAD SOMETHING ON HIGH DESERT PERMACULTURE instead of your endless ranting about GMO’s and political issues. THANKS FOR WASTING MY TIME. and for wasting a good blog name.
Allen, you don’t seem to understand that permaculture is short for permanent agriculture. GMO’s are the exact OPPOSITE. GMO seeds can NOT legally be saved. GMOs enslave the farmers and harm and kill both animals and people who consume GMOs.
With GMOs there is NO permaculture.
Our corn and other crops can be contaminated with GMOs from literally miles away. This is one of the biggest fights ever. We already lost so many plant varieties and animal species FOREVER and if Monsanto has its way, we’ll only plant its seeds and pay royalties while they pollute our crops.
Allen, you can certainly go back to lala land and ignore the harsh reality that we are part of a big and evil system. You won’t be missed here as you never contributed in any way to this site.
And of course I’ll be glad to send you a check for the time you wasted. How much do I owe you? Please post your name and address so I can promptly reimburse you.