Vote YES On 92

I can’t stop thinking about how crucial Ballot Measure 92 is to us as i ndividuals, as well as our social, health and wellbeing. In our recent past, as a nation we faced a similar dilemma with another product, cigarettes.

When scientists and medical researchers discovered the link between tobacco and a large host of health problems, they covered it up for decades. Doctors were endorsing cigarettes on TV commercials and in print media.  These highly additive toxic products were available in vending machines accessible by children. Despite a colossal cover-up, there were whispers about cancer, emphysema and asthma. Small studies started to appear and grassroots led endeavors started to demand honesty regarding the risks associated with cigarettes.  The industry published its own research declaring unequivocally the safety of their products. Eventually we stood at a crossroads.  As a society we could accept the status quo or we could muster the will to save lives. Against incredible opposition and millions of dollars spent by the tobacco industry, political efforts managed to limit access to cigarettes using photo ID laws.  Education materials were printed and distributed widely in schools and health programs across the country. Local ballot measures created smoke free zones.

Still the tobacco industry, facing profit loss, fought back. In fear of an outright product ban, they agreed to “police” themselves. The surgeon general of the United States required a warning on every package. Lawsuits ensued when smokers realized they had been duped and were now facing chronic and even deadly consequences. In this way the government sought to balance individuals’ right to choose what to consume with consumers’ right to know the risks of what they were taking when they choose to use tobacco products.  Industry, while not happy with this blow to their public image yielded.  As is evidenced by the continued presence of smokers in the US, this approach has put the responsibility for personal health into the hands of individuals.

GMO Food is the tobacco of our time.  The industry says it’s harmless, and yet studies continue to come out saying otherwise.  What does the industry do? Attack the scientists and publish its own research. Grassroots efforts to limit GMO production are faced with millions of dollars of opposition. Now we in Oregon have the chance to do what worked with tobacco. We can label GMO products and let consumers decide for themselves what risks they are willing to take.

We look back on the campaigns against tobacco as wise public policy and it was a fight every step of the way.  GMO foods are even more insidious because while people can choose not to smoke, they must eat. In the coming decades, Americans will look back at this moment.  Will they be grateful for our pioneering efforts?  Or will we be a sicker nation wondering what went wrong.

Vote Yes on Ballot Measure 92!

Label GMO products

Let us decide for ourselves what risks we are willing to take.