GMO Debate: Watch ‘Joe vs. Joel’ for Free Until December 3rd!
No one is debating whether GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) are safe. At least, not here. You will have to go to some nasty troll comments under other blogs to read that. You can read mainstream propaganda I suppose, but you have better things to do. So let’s get to the heart of it: the debate was not over whether you will grow three heads if you eat GMO foods–but whether there should be federally mandated labeling. Or should we let the free markets have a crack at it? Hmmm, on this point I have been disjointed at best, possessing a split personality at worst. I really see saw both sides of the argument. I saw my own inconsistencies thrown back at me through this video and now, I must say I take sides in this debate. Staunchly so; in order to be fully integral in my other convictions I must pick sides.
If you do not know the debate of which I speak, you will. You can watch it for free below, until December 3rd. They have it available for free to inform you and half a dozen of your closest friends in lieu of game night, but you must schedule it soon. I do not know what the access to the debate will be after December 3rd.
Joe Mercola and Joel Salatin hash it out. Joe, the medical doctor and health guru, took the position for government-mandated GMO labeling while Joel, the model farmer and prolific author for the real food movement, stayed true to his Libertarian convictions to argue against government-mandated labeling. You will, let me say, be thoroughly entertained. Tempers fly at one point, and it almost seemed unclear who-was-arguing-what. One thing we can conclude: those who are against GMO are vehemently so, and probably have more in common than in differences. I do wish that Wilson and I had the opportunity to view it initially with friends–the conversation afterwards would be quite valuable to the internal gleaning from these opposing sides.
Here is my advice, advance ahead past some of the introductions early in this video. This took place at a live event that served as a fundraiser for Farm-To-Consumer Legal Defense Fund, and so the general hubbub of activity is present. However, when was the last fancy dinner you attended when the head chef was called out and given a standing-o ? These people appreciate good food! I only wish I had been there in person to indulge. If you watch it from end-to-end, you will hear from Vernon Hershberger, the Wisconsin Amish Farmer who was acquitted on 3 of the 4 criminal charges brought against him for providing food to his community. You will also hear from Pete Kennedy, the president of FTCLDF, who discusses the current state of food freedom in our nation. At the very end after the debate, Sally Fallon Morell gave closing remarks (and brought up a point about the debate that bothered me all the way through, too–nice to know I think like she does!). David Gumpert, author of “Raw Milk Revolution” and “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Food Rights”, thoroughly enjoys his role as moderator. You can catch him laughing if you watch closely when the debaters lose their cool. Be sure to download his recent podcast with Wilson for an in-depth look at food rights and GMO labeling.
If you can carve out a half hour or forty-five minutes this evening, you just might formulate a cohesive argument for or against government-mandated labeling. Have you watched the debate yet? Did it change your mind or confirm what you already believe? Tell us what you got out of it in the comments below!
Keep Learning,
Chaya
Proviso:
Nothing in this blog constitutes medical advice. You should consult your own physician before making any dietary changes. Statements in this blog may or may not be congruent with current USDA or FDA guidance.