All Over Creation

I just finished our assigned reading on AOC for spring break. The reading was all about the potato party the Seeds of Resistence had planned. The potato party started out similar to a county fair and as an educational event; however, after the education was over the Seeds went and destroyed Will Quinn's NuLife potato field. While I am still undecided about the issue of GM foods, I know that the events at the potato party described in AOC do happen in real life. While I believe that all Americans have the right to stand up for what they believe in, I believe that groups who willfully damage private property also damage the point they are trying to make. After reading this selection, I was happy the Seeds were thrown in jail. I believe they would have an easier time winning people over if they fought biotechnology through the proper channels rather than destroying private property.

Reaction to Readings thus far:

I think it's interesting to compare the two books and how the authors use different methods to address the same topic. I find myself more drawn to the issue of GM foods when I'm reading All Over Creation, rather than Dinner at the New Gene Cafe, because even though it is a fictional story, I feel closer to the characters. Bill Lambrecht does an excellent job of presenting a journalistic view, while the reader still knows his opinion. However, I prefer the style and power of Ruth Ozeki's writing over the objectivity of Lambrecht's. I am almost excited to see what happens next in the book, the plot just keeps on getting thicker...


jen holand

Reaction to Video

After watching the youtube video posted on the website, I have become aware of a new perspective. I never really thought of the consciquences to farmers. I was especially interested in the organic farmer's crop problems. The non organic kinola taking root in his fields will have a large effect on his life because his life is those fields. I saw the concern and worry etched on his face and grew sympathetic as I watched more. I also thought the troubles with the other Canadian farmer were rediculous. I don't understand how someone can just patent a living thing. Also, how can one be held responsible for an accident made by someone else?

GMO Video

I just finished watching the video you posted in the Engl. 120 webpage, and I believe that the major issue raised by the video is how are farmers supposed to protect their land from GM seeds. The video gave two examples that showed that the GM seeds can be spread due to natural events like storms and wind. The second issue discussed by the video was the average farmers struggle against Monsanto. Even if a farmer somehow comes into posession of GM seeds by accident, he can be penalized for not knowing. I think this is wrong because seeds travel, and thats just the way things are, you can't hold one farmer accountable for another's failure to control his seeds.

Garrett

Safe Place to Think Out Loud

I've opened this blog to serve as a discussion board. Some people are shy in face-to-face environments like class but feel more comfortable online. Here's a place to enter class discussion. This morning I posted a YouTube video on our class website. Let's begin our online discussion by talking about that video. What do you think is a major issue in the video and what do you think about the issue as portrayed in the video. To add your post, click on New Post in the toolbar at the top of this page.