En: NOTMILK - Genetic Engineering and Veganism

November 23, 2007

apenas lembrando que a vegan society declara-se completamente contra transgenia, e diz que transgênico não é vegano: http://www.vegansociety.com/html/about_us/gmo_policy/ Opiniões? To formando (ou reformulando) a minha sobre OGM. Silascohensmilk1 <cohensmilk1 escreveu: Para: notmilk De: "cohensmilk1" <cohensmilk1Data: Fri, 23 Nov 2007 12:45:31 -0000Assunto: NOTMILK - Genetic Engineering and VeganismGenetic Engineering and Veganism Some vegans innocently use genetically engineered versions of animal proteins and hormones as food, vitamin supplements, or cosmetics because of

unscrupulous vendors. Friendly-sounding environmentally conscious entrepreneurs sometimes trick their customers into believing that their products are healthy, friendly, and vegan. Often times, bovine proteins, serums, extracts, skin, or bones are used in the processing of these sham-vegan products. The magic of genetic engineering is often accomplished by combining proteins from one living organism into another host species. Hence, the name "recombinant" became applied to a new biotechnology. The first and most controversial large-scale genetically engineered food resulted from the FDA approval of Monsanto's recombinant bovine growth hormone, otherwise known as rbGH or rbST (recombinant bovine somatotropin). In the case of rbGH/rbST, the naturally occurring bovine growth hormone was introduced inside of the body of an E. coli bacterium. This bacterium soon divided into two separate creatures,

and then four. Soon there were billions. Like herds of cattle, a new species was herded or cultured together to live inside of a giant cauldron. When it became time to extract the new genetically modified hormone, a percentage of the entire population was killed/harvested/sacrificed, so that the hormone could then be purified and injected into cows. Pharmaceutical companies call this growth process a "fermentation procedure." Vegans eat no living creatures. Of course, with each bite of broccoli or tofu, all humans eat bacteria. Without bacteria, life as we know it would not exist. True vegans do not support the consumption of any animal products. This includes eggs and honey. Bees work to produce honey, and many non-vegans would argue, "What's the big deal?" To a vegan, eating honey is a conscious act of taking a product intended to be used by bees. The key is that the product is taken without their

consent. Vegans practice a philosophy of harmlessness, or ahimsa. One can never pretend to know what a chimpanzee or rat is thinking while undergoing the pain and confinement of laboratory research. Nor can one understand the pig's experience during the act of slaughter. Few give thought to the painful death of a chicken sans anesthesia. The throat is sliced, the death is quick. The chicken is breaded and fried, and it is tasty. Do birds think? Do butterflies or moths feel pain? Do gnats cry when they die? Does a bacterium feel love or discomfort? The defining line for a vegan involves making a conscious decision to manipulate another species to part with its own life or skin to serve humans. Genetically engineered recombinant foods and medicines rely upon the creation of new species of life which are "tamed" to produce their bodies and body fluids for the benefit of man. Whether tiny creatures

suffer or not is a matter for eternal debate. The issue before us is whether or not any creature should be herded as a farm animal to dedicate their lives and deaths for humankind. I no longer swat moths or mosquitoes, recognizing their right to life. I do not walk on ants, if I can help it. My conclusion must be that all living creatures have a right to their own existence. To create a new species of life and alter a part of its structure to serve people is contrary to the natural laws of nature. Ignorance may be bliss to some individuals. Armed with facts, most true vegans would reject any finished product intentionally containing animal components, however small the percentage. Robert Cohen http://www.notmilk.com -------------------THE NOTMILK NEWSLETTER:SUBSCRIBE: send an empty Email

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