Friday, July 01, 2005

Norman Borlaug - greatest man in history?

As is obvious from a couple of the posts below I have not been taking things too seriously today. At least, that is, until I stumbled over the name of Dr. Norman Borlaug, agricultural scientist. I was somewhat familiar with his history, that of developing genetically engineered (GE) wheat in Mexico and winning the 1970 Nobel Prize for Peace. I did not know that the people of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico had named a street in his honor. I also was not aware of the fact that, as of 1970 - 35 years ago - he was credited by the Nobel Peace Prize committee with having saved over 1 billion lives in Mexico, China, India, Pakistan and Africa with his GE wheat and rice. That's one billion with a "B".

As of today, I am also made aware of the opposition to his work. Greenpeace, among others, seems to be willing to distort facts and outright lie to try to stop the distribution of GE crops to starving people all around the world. And not without some success. They have managed to convince some African countries that GE foods are in fact dangerous and to be feared and prohibited. Thusly, these environmental terrorists are contributing to genocide. Without the help of these genetically modified grains, fruits and vegetables, hundreds of thousands and probably millions of people have and will starve to death.

For some support to my above statements, go here and watch a 14 minute film that demonstrates what I am talking about. You'll see and hear Dr. Borlaug himself as well as many different members of his opposition. The film clip is from Penn and Teller's Bullshit! show which is aired on Showtime on Mondays at 10:00 PM. WARNING: Some graphic language. But I think that this is something that everyone should see. While you watch it, try to imagine not having eaten anything nor fed your children for a couple of days nor having much of any idea when you might next be able to eat or feed your children.

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