Initiative 522 is actually about the right of everyone to have information regarding genetically engineered foods available on labels of food, seed and seed products in our state. In comes down to choice. If one feels GMOs are fine then that is an individual’s choice. There’s no argument against freedom of choice. But if you vote against I-522 you are taking choice out of the equation for a lot of people because you are voting for keeping information concealed from the consumer.
This initiative is about disclosure by the food industry so it is interesting that our state’s Attorney General, Bob Ferguson, filed suit this month alleging that the Grocery Manufacturers Association violated the state’s campaign disclosure laws by shielding the identity of its contributors. GMA, a trade association based in Washington D.C., spent more than $7 million to express opposition to I-522 here in Washington.
The main opposition to I-522 is funded by corporations. So why do I have a hard time believing the corporations actually have my best interest in mind by fighting against this initiative with big money and then using scare tactics that it will cause food prices to go up? If passing I-522 will cause food prices to increase as corporations claim, I have to wonder if the consumer is also picking up the tab for all the money corporations pour into opposing state initiatives?
It took enough people to sign the petitions to get this initiative on the ballot in the first place so enough people want to be informed about the food they are buying to bring this to a vote. So I am in favor of putting this initiative back in the hands of individuals instead of big corporations from outside our state. I’m voting yes for I-522.
Donna Wylie
Monroe
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