A few days ago, this topic came up at a meeting I was at – Cafe Hayek reminded me of it so it gives me a chance to comment:
If I am interested in buying GMO-free food (I’m not – I’ve eaten plenty but have friends who care deeply about it), shouldn’t there be a requirement telling people whether a food is or isn’t GMO-free?
No! Look, this issue of labeling GMO (genetically modified organisms) foods may be of great importance to you, or a few, especially those of the “natural food set”. If it is, great – but leave me alone as this is your issue, not mine – I could care absolutely less. For once, leave those of us who could care less out of it – do not run to Government to put even more regulations into the marketplace that will end up making my food more expensive. Why do you think that Government is the only entity that “solves” problems? Or is it simply that you are greedy – that it would be cheaper for you as an individual to have the rest of us pay for your pet peeve?
If you REALLY had the power of your convictions, first leave the elected officials and regulators alone. Then, solve the problem yourself – use capitalism to better yourself as well as other like minded people – open a store that excludes any providers of GMO foods. Market it, sell them, and build up a clientele. You then will either have gone bankrupt (from a lack of clientele) or have validated that your instincts were right that people did want to know (and you’ve become a millionaire along the way) and have accomplished your purpose.
Unless, of course, your purpose all along was to force people to participate because “it’s good for them, they SHOULD be told what’s better for them”. And prove to the rest of us that you’re nothing but a tiny tyrant.
