Responses listed alphabetically by FIRST NAME
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A: FROM STUDENT MEMBER ALEXIS K. IN GERMANY
One of the benefits of living in a representative Democracy is that
I (in the future, anyway) can elect representation to carry my views
forward. As I know it, after an election my views may or may not be
properly(?) effectively(?) fully(?) represented, but my vote/candidate is at
least in a position to try. I also recognize that no politician is in a
position to represent only me and only my needs, but theoretically at least,
my voice is heard in the mix. When I thought about being a member of a
biosafety committee and possessing the means to make weighty decisions on
behalf of many, I immediately thought of representative governing and
wondered why I haven't seen anything that tells me my views regarding the
ethics and risks of genetically modified foods has been solicited. All I
read about this subject are tales about what people have already done;
already set in motion; already risked. I don't understand why there doesn't
seem to be a system in place asking my opinion, in advance of taking action,
about genetically modifying consumables. Maybe it's there and I just don't
know of it ( Any mentors know of a system?). Anyway, my first task as a
member of a committee is to encourage the committee to set up a system that
is inclusive of public opinion.

As a representative, and presumably a science/genetic
modification/bioethically knowledgable representative, it would be my
responsibility to make sure I hear public voices and blend it with my
educational knowledge. Really then, the question for me is not what I would
decide, but how I would go about deciding it. I would be a poor leader if I
just listened to myself. Now if the question were different, and I got to be
dictator instead of committee member, I would insist that research could
prove out the long term effects of modifying things before releasing it on a
powerless community. Of course, if I were dictator, I would also claim the
bioethics book as my own since I really want to read it and wouldn't care
how that affected anyone else (the second part of that statement is false).

Aren't we all glad we don't live under a dictatorship and can write our
representatives and tell them our opinions about the use of genetically
modified foods (and anything else important like that- example new
pharmaceuticals) and know we have a chance of being heard? I still wish
there was an more specific, official channel, don't you?
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A: FROM STUDENT MEMBER CON P. IN NY
If I were included in a discussion of whether to allow genetically modified foods in my community, I would vote against it. Even though there are many positive effects of allowing GM foods, like pest resistance and disease and cold resistance, there are also many negative effects. No one will ever know when allergies may arise, and it is unknown of what its effect on humans will actually be. I think its wise to just find natural foods that one needs instead of "making it" genetically.
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A: FROM STUDENT MEMBER CORINNE C. IN CA
I would approve of genetically modified food in my
community, but I would test it out first. I'm fine
with genetically modified food because I think it'll
be healthier because it should provide us with more
nutrients. Also, I don't see a problem with getting
some kind of fruit without seeds to worry about!
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A: FROM STUDENT MEMBER FRANCISCA L. IN CA
I think genetically modified food is good for our economy. With more food grown that can feed people in other parts of the world who badly need it. If i was in the committe i would approve using this type of food to feed our growing population. Some people may think its not safe but we need GE food for our growing population we can't afford to have a shortage of food due to any reason.
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A: FROM STUDENT MEMBER JAE Y. IN CA
My answer is maybe for the safety of GM food.
It might be safe for people to eat them but on the other hand, it can also
be very dangerous.
It can be helpful somestimes to consume Genetically Modified food but
sometimes, it can bring bad effects to our body.
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A: FROM STUDENT MEMBER JENNIFER I. IN CA
I believe that genetically modified food should be approved in our community.
I'm sure that the geneticists that modify the food do so in a safe manner and
often, in a way that enhances the nutritional value (and flavor or
appearance) of food. There's nothing wrong with GM food.
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A: FROM MENTOR KRISTIN TAGHON IN IL
A friend of mine who is a bio engineer says most food we eat is
bio-engineered.
I do not really have a problem with it as long as we can keep the food that
I LIKE too!!
But, I don't know the dangers of the process. Unless there are chemicals
involved, I think it is a very safe process.
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A: FROM STUDENT MEMBER SYLVIA P. IN CA
I would say yes to GM food as long as there is a limit to it. Currently, there are not human health risks found and the population is expected to grow very rapidly in the next years. Also, as the human life span increases, more food will be necessary. In addition, more food will be able to be produced so that more people can access them. I believe that although it takes a lot of money to genetically engineer these foods, it will actually become more profitable as more people are able to get the food they need.