Golden opportunity?

What is it about?

This is a letter in reply to an editorial in New Scientist issue 2878 (18 Aug 12, p3), which lambasted organisations like Greenpeace for failing to support genetically engineered 'golden rice'. An aspect of opposition to GM crops which is often overlooked is the mistrust of the multinational corporations who would ultimately control such developments, humanitarian or otherwise.

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Why is it important?

Randall Amster's opinion piece on 'anarchist science' (issue 2872; 7 July, p26) suggests, "...we might usefully seek to synthesise anarchism's ideals with scientific inquiry. Perhaps we can even conceive an 'anarchist science' that seeks progress towards cooperative and empathetic impulses, decentralised production of life's essentials, and restoration of the commons to promote collective wealth and environmental sustainability." While anarchist science may be a tall order, anarchist multinationalism is an oxymoron. We should always question a seemingly altruistic scheme in the greater context of profit and politics.