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NO ENTHUSIASM FOR BIOTECH
After reading the “Bakers vs. wheat
farmers” letter [Allen Skogen, July 10], I felt I had to comment.
Biotechnology has its place, but not in genetically
modified foods. Recombinant bovine growth hormone was pushed on dairy
farmers by Monsanto circa 1993 and was only tested for 90 days on 30 rats
— never on humans. It was found that the hormone produces elevated
levels of insulin-like growth factor, which in turn fosters diabetes in
humans. It has also been linked to colon cancer and other cancers. In the
fall of 1996, reporters Steve Wilson and Jane Akre did a series for the Fox
affiliate in Tampa on rBGH. Fox execs received an ominous letter from
Monsanto lawyers, promising “dire consequences” if the series
aired. The reporters were subsequently offered money to leave the station,
refused, and were fired. Many countries have banned the use of rBGH —
not the United States.
Food from seeds containing herbicides and pesticides
ends up in humans. On Oct. 31, 2000, Robert Sterling reported that a leaked
Monsanto document credits the company’s response team for developing
“rapid responses to avoid overreaction to claims regarding . . . gene
transfer to honey bees,” referring to gene transfer from GM rapeseed
to bacteria and fungi in the gut of the honeybees, detected by Professor
Hans-Hinrich Kaatz from the Institut für Bienenkunde (Institute for
Bee Research) at the University of Jena. This story was suppressed in the
U.S.
Common sense, and some very well-known scientists,
tells me the bakers were absolutely right to refuse such products. In fact,
I would surmise the increase in cancer in the U.S. is directly related to
these altered seeds. I would also surmise that the vanishing honeybee
population and other beneficial insects is also directly related to these
altered seeds. I have seen one honeybee this summer, and no ladybugs!
However, the Japanese beetle population is thriving. This is not a good
omen for the survival of beneficial insects, on up the food chain (birds
and other insect-eating animals, and eventually humans).
I do not share Mr. Skogen’s enthusiasm for
biotechnology in agriculture. I would agree, however, that small farms and
their farmers need a fair return on their investment. Organic products are
finally becoming popular because the large commercial farms are producing
food that is genetically modified, hothouse grown, and/or contains
pesticides, herbicides, and less and less nutrition. Unfortunately, only
the reasonably well-off population is able to afford healthy food, due to
high prices. Nevertheless, the farmers producing organic crops, free of
chemicals, are reaping pretty good profits.
The above information is just the tip of the iceberg
for the failing health of Americans. High-fructose corn syrup or sugar is
in almost every processed product on grocery shelves: ketchup, yogurt,
peanut butter (sugar is the second ingredient in a well-known brand), and
on and on. Grocery stores have become virtual landmines of diseases.
Sharry Vickers
Chatham
WHEN JUSTICE IS IGNORED
In reference to the story about the Karyn Slover
case, I find that much too often in our hurry to get ahead in life we have
a tendency to ignore facts and replace them with self-interest to promote
our own agenda [see Dusty Rhodes, “Glimmer of hope,” July 17].
When overzealous prosecutors begin putting their political ambitions before
the responsibilities of their elected or appointed office, it is a sure bet
that Murphy’s Law, not the law, will take precedence.
Here in Illinois we have had scores of cases in which
an appropriate investigation of the evidence could have resulted in a
different outcome altogether. I do not know the Slovers, nor am I
advocating their innocence or guilt. Nevertheless, I do question the ethics
of those who not only ignore the facts but omit them as well.
The prosecutors are not totally at fault here. The
defense attorneys and judges should also share a portion of the blame for
neglecting their roles and duties to society and the system. If a
prosecutor discovers that he or she has evidence to exonerate a defendant,
he or she should be pleased and recognized and praised for stellar efforts
in seeking justice. Instead, so bent on racking up convictions for
political gain, all ethics and justice be damned.
Just think of the hundreds of people on all sides of
this issue: those who have lost their loved one and those wrongly accused.
The biggest tragedy, I can only imagine, would fall on those who have to
relive this terrible nightmare and wonder, “Who really did it, and
are they are still lurking around?” What was once closure instead
becomes ambiguity and anger.
Ronnie Booth
Springfield
CLOSE PAYDAY-LOAN LOOPHOLES
In the three years since meaningful payday-loan
reform was enacted in Springfield, loopholes in the law have been exposed
that must be fixed in the interest of both consumers and responsible
members of the payday-loan industry [see R.L. Nave, “The payday loan
trap,” April 10].
After the 2005 Payday Loan Reform Act, some lenders
moved away from certain short-term loans covered under the act in favor of
medium-term loans not covered by it. Market pressures forced others to
align their product offerings with those of competitors to remain in
business.
We are working this summer with legislative leaders
and consumer advocates to pass meaningful legislation to protect consumers
while keeping the industry viable in a regulated environment. As a driving
force in the passage of the 2005 Payday Loan Reform Act, members of the
Community Financial Services Association know we must stay committed to
keeping the product safe from predatory practices, but we must also come to
a middle ground that is fair to borrowers and lenders alike.
In tough economic times, many working families need
access to short-term cash to help bridge difficulties — let’s
be certain it is in a well-regulated and fair environment for all, with the
same playbook for everyone in the industry.
Mike Waters
Community Financial Services Association
Alexandria, Va.
TIME TO PLOW THE AIRPORT?
Numerous headlines lauded the arrival of a “new
carrier” to central Illinois airports over the last four or five
years, only to have a smaller follow-up headline, six to nine months later,
announcing the new carrier’s departure [because] it failed to attract
enough passengers.
Locally the city of Springfield subsidizes Abraham
Lincoln Capital Airport to the tune of $5 million annually. This subsidy,
along with whatever the state and federal governments kick in, needs to
end. Stop extending runways and making improvements, and follow industry
trends.
Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, Decatur, Champaign,
and the Quad Cities all have airports draining municipal, state, and
federal tax dollars for basically the same fliers or customers.
A few of the many possible solutions are: one
regional airport with transportation hubs in the others or all
transportation hubs with ground transportation to St. Louis, Chicago, or
Indianapolis. There are many possibilities that make much more economic
sense than the current system.
Set egos aside and respond to what the users, fliers,
and customers have been trying repeatedly to tell you: We do not want,
need, or use the service you provide at the current price.
Springfield’s previous airstrips or airports
are or have been cornfields, and with corn at $7 a bushel the current
airport may have a higher and better use.
Greg Kruger
Springfield
WHAT WE LEARNED FROM TONY SNOW
The tragic death of former White House press
secretary Tony Snow has many people wondering what they can do to prevent
colorectal cancer. A simple change in diet can help reduce the risk of this
and other deadly diseases.
According to the American Cancer Society, “A
diet high in fat, especially fat from animal sources, can increase the risk
of colorectal cancer.” The National Cancer Institute reports that
foods that are “high in fat and calories and low in fiber” can
cause colorectal cancer.
Meat and dairy products have absolutely no fiber but plenty of fat and
calories; plant-based foods, on the other hand, are low in saturated fat
and calories and packed with fiber and other essential nutrients. You can
beat colorectal cancer and other diseases by eating a wholesome, humane
vegan diet. See www.GoVeg.com for more information and a free vegetarian
starter kit.
Heather Moore
People for
the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Norfolk, Va.
This article appears in Jul 24-30, 2008.
