> I think Sal's point of view is a good compromise -- at least until somebody
> actually does the research on grafting that Doug Hinds suggested.
I agree. But insist that the research should be done. Another comment. Sal
depends on his groves economically, while I depend on fruit dietically. Think
about that. The difference in our positions is perfectly logical. He loves
his seedling trees (and probably only keeps the good ones). I couldn't love a
grafted tree, but I could plant it's seed and relate to the offspring.
> In reference to the GE folks, Sal said: "they are injecting unlike
> genes into unlike life forms. This will never happen in nature".
>
> Actually, it does happen all the time in nature. In fact, this natural
> transfer is the whole basis for raising alarms about novel genetic factors
> escaping their intended (designed) host and getting into other species.
> Certain viruses have a nack for incorporating their genes -- and any
> incidental "baggage" genes from previous hosts --- into their hosts. This
> process is as natural as can be (though not always desirable), and the
> first person to discover a way to stop them from doing this natural thing
> will probably get a Nobel prize!
>
> BOB
I believe that fruit bearing plants embody an approach to life with emulating.
They're generous and universal, providing something that goes beyond there own
reproduction (a real advantage in terms of digestion) and their own welfare -
except if you believe that this a conscious choice, and that they presume man's
existence. (Birds etc. may eat a small seeded fruit and spread it
inadvertently, but they don't cultivate, care for fruit bearing plants and are
probably not conscious about what they're doing or where they defecate - i.e.
drop the seed). Anyone able to appreciate that concept, will understand that
posting this on sanet is an obligation I must fulfill. (For starters).
--
Douglas M. Hinds
Centro para el Desarrollo Comunitario y Rural A.C. (CeDeCoR)
(Center for Community and Rural Development) - (non profit)
Cd. Guzman, Jalisco 49000 MEXICO
e-mail: cedecor@ipnet.com.mx, dmhinds@acnet.net, dhinds@ucol.mx
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