World Ark Magazine - September/October 2008 - (Page 2)

Complete the puzzle. Complete Yourself. Letters Readers Respond GMOs While I am very impressed with the work Heifer does, I believe you are misguided in your continuing criticism of genetically modified crops and conventional (non-organic) cultivation methods. It is important to teach farmers how to be successful with the tools they have available, of course. Most farmers in developing countries may be too poor to access genetically modified seeds or chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which may in any event not be welladapted to the particular environments. But that doesn’t mean that synthetic crop inputs are bad per se. In fact, I believe that they are essential to optimal sustainable exploitation of our resources in the long run. It is just wrong to encourage the attitude among your supporters, many of whom have no real understanding of agriculture, that genetic modification and chemicals should be avoided. To escape tragedy on a global scale, we must use to our utmost ability our most valuable resource—our minds, and what they can envision and create. You need to find a way to take a more balanced and practical approach to what you advocate. That aside, I wish you well in your mission. Richard C. Siemer Teutopolis, Ill. Shame on you! Your May/June 2008 “For the Record” segment gave a totally misleading impression concerning the Vatican’s comments concerning genetic manipulation. The Vatican was referring to human embryo experimentation, not genetically modified crops. You infer that genetically modified soybeans, corn and other crops are on the Vatican’s list of modern seven deadly sins. False! Misleading! Rail all you want against human DNA experimentation. I and the Vatican will be right behind you. Rail all you want against transgenic manipulation, transferring animal genes into plants. I have no wish to have trout genes in my breakfast cereal either. But recognize the very real and bright line between those practices and applied plant genetics. Your ignorance (or deliberate blurring?) of the difference only delays the next Green Revolution. Do you want to help feed the world? Then stop misleading people about genetically modified crops. Morgan J. Sweeney Niles, Mich. Editor’s note: Father Jason Tyler, associate pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Siloam Springs, Ark., and an ethics scholar, explained that the new “social sins” were not an official Vatican declaration. The bishop’s comments against genetic manipulation referred to human embryo experimentation, not genetically modified crops. World Ark deeply regrets the error. HEIFER’S COMMUNITY I never expected to be writing you a letter. My Aunt Sandie has us give to charity in each other’s name at Christmas, and last year Heifer International was the charity she chose. Your magazine has come since then, but the May/June issue was the first I had read. I loved it. Your community-oriented approach to global issues, your firm will to keep the big picture in focus when you address the little picture, make this UC Berkeley grad just so very happy. I realize now that my contribution went toward not just that animal, but a wonderful variety of projects all aimed at reshaping the world in a direction that promises more hope, more life, more love. I’ll be frank, I’m not a very religious person, but I truly appreciate the work you are doing. Matt Fryer Oakland, Calif. In the May/June issue, there is a letter from John C. Graybeal of Hanover, Penn. He was so disturbed by the promotion of Bill Clinton’s book [Giving] and Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” video that he has decided to discontinue giving to Heifer International. I find it confusing that he finds his own political agenda (debunking the science of global warming) so important that he would quit giving money to an organization that does so much to help people improve their lives. Whatever his personal opinions of global warming are, I seriously doubt they are as urgent as the needs of people who can barely get by from day to day. I have passed my World Ark on to relatives and friends for years, and they are amazed at the work Heifer does and the educational value of the magazine. The articles teach us about the resourcefulness of people when they are given a chance. Your magazine puts us in touch with parts of our society that we have no other way of knowing. I am proud to donate to Heifer and be a part of such a great mission. Ann Currier Oxbow, Maine Volunteer. B e a part of a global movement empowering millions! Volunteer at one of Heifer International’s Learning Centers. Explore the issues of world hunger and poverty, while challenging visitors to examine their own habits and beliefs on the path to becoming more responsible global citizens. Learning Center volunteers: Lead Educational Programming Care for Livestock Tend the Gardens Provide Operations Support Whether you’re 18 or 80, you can become a member of Heifer’s volunteer community. Apply online at www.heifer.org/learningcenters or contact the Volunteer Office at lcvol@heifer.org or (501) 889-5124. www.heifer.org 2 September/October 2008 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/heifer/worldark_20080506/ http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/heifer/worldark_20080506/ http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/heifer/worldark_20080506/ http://www.heifer.org/learningcenters http://www.heifer.org http://www.heifer.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of World Ark Magazine - September/October 2008

World Ark Magazine - September/October 2008 Contents Letters For the Record The Good Life Asked and Answered Digging Up the Past Not a Drop to Drink Facing the Ogres of Progress Mixed Media Heifer Bulletin Heifer Spirit World Ark Market Calendar First Person

World Ark Magazine - September/October 2008

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