Anti-GMO claims have no basis in fact

By reading Michael Crichton's new book, "State of Fear," we can familiarize ourselves with the methods utilized by non-government organizations to influence public opinion.

As illustrated in the book, the methodology, used by a particular environmental group, to influence the public is well demonstrated. In the book, global warming is supposedly causing the sea levels to rise, and by politicizing the science to prove this point, or cause, makes one think of similar real-life comparisons.

A prime example is illustrated by the often-used anti-GMO (genetically modified organisms) statement, "GMOs may pose potential long-term risks to the environment and humans." The claim has absolutely no scientific basis in fact. All GMO crops are approved by three U.S. government agencies, and most current crops have been in existence for more than 10 years.

The National Academy of Sciences has reviewed all available scientific research on genetically modified crops, and it has concluded there is no evidence these crops pose any danger to either human health or the environment. Available data shows that in 2003, 7 million farmers in 18 countries planted a total of 167.2 million acres of GMO crops, up 15 percent from 2002.

Benefits to the environment include less tillage, less use of residual herbicides, less amounts of toxic insecticides and reduced soil erosion. Yet to come are more nutritious crops, less plant allergens and even disease-resistant crops.

To not embrace this government-regulated scientific technology is to go back to the stone ages. The unfounded criticism being leveled at GMO crops may well deny us many more future benefits.

Why are we taxed on container deposits?

Life would be grand and I would be very happy to place all my beverage containers in the city's new blue bin, except the collection procedures are in dispute and my bin is already full. Additionally, I am being nickel-and-dimed by the state's container deposit program, which has no convenient return system, if one actually exists.

Meanwhile, merchants are collecting general excise tax on the deposits. Why are we taxed on container deposits? Was that intended when the law was written, or could it be that state officials are purposely turning a blind eye to this added revenue windfall?

Shifting the container deposit program to the counties is one step to cleaning up and coordinating recycling efforts. New legislation should also clarify that these deposits are exempt from GET.

A New Year's wish

If I could have a New Year wish come true,
I would wish for wonderful things to come to you.

I wish you all happiness in everything you do,
I hope not many worries or problems will come to you.

I wish you hope that can brighten the cloudiest day,
And strength to accept all that life sends your way.

May you rise each day with sunlight in your heart,
And may all your hopes and dreams never fall apart.

With my warmest thoughts, and memories of you,
I wish that all your joys and wishes will come true.

When these special wishes are delivered to your door,
There's no doubt they will be accompanied by many more.

Of all the New Year wishes delivered to you yearly,
There couldn't be another that's wished more warmly or sincerely.

Dogs treated better

If a dog would be lying on the sidewalk at a bus stop for days, eliminating waste product in the vicinity and leaving a residue of food packages and rotting food in the same area, without a doubt the police would call the Humane Society and the dog would be taken to a nice, clean, safe shelter, fed daily and treated for any ailments.

Well, the reality of this situation is, there is a live human being in this condition at the 'A'ala Park bus stop who has been there for weeks and totally ignored.

Forget the plaques, focus on potholes

$800 plaques to ensure the mayor's legacy on prestige or luxury projects paid for by the taxpayer?

The real legacy of the Harris' administration — which robbed Peter to pay Paul — are bone-jarring potholed roads that would shame any civilized country and empty city coffers.