----- forwarded message ------ Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 15:41:38 -0800 From: radman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [radtimes] # 161 [radtimes] # 161 An informally produced compendium of vital irregularities. "We're living in rad times!" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How to assist RadTimes--> (See ** at end.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contents: --EU Vows to Crack Down on Modern Day 'Slave Trade' [clipped - Will] --CSIS targets biotech sabotage --Industry Stalks the US Corridors of Power [clipped - Will] --Dont be fooled: DCS1000 still a Carnivore at heart [clipped - Will] --ACLU Sues Over Games Protest Zones [clipped - Will] --Davos Hack: Good Sabotage =================================================================== [clipped - Will] =================================================================== CSIS targets biotech sabotage http://www.ottawacitizen.com/national/010212/5041764.html Spy agency braces for increase in protests against GM foods by Jim Bronskill The Ottawa Citizen Canada's spy agency predicts an increase in protests -- including acts of vandalism and sabotage -- by militant opponents of bioengineering and the genetic modification of crops. In a newly obtained report, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service cites attacks on an Ottawa corn plot and hundreds of British Columbia trees as examples of the growing anger over modified organisms in Canada. "Destruction of genetically engineered plants has become common in Europe and Great Britain, but the activity has only recently come to North America," the report says. A declassified version of the confidential intelligence report, completed last August, was obtained under the Access to Information Act. Portions of the document were withheld. The report is the latest evidence of the spy agency's interest in radical elements of the anti-globalization movement, which has seen opponents of genetic modification join activists who support animal rights and environmental issues. Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are plants or animals whose basic makeup has been altered by humans through manipulation of DNA sequences. Though scientists have long engaged in selective breeding of closely related species, genetic manipulation can help combine species that would ordinarily never become intertwined. For example, scorpion genes have been introduced into certain corn crops. Advocates argue that such techniques can improve crop quality and yield. Critics object to genetic engineering out of concern about possible ill effects on health and the environment. "Anti-GMO protests are likely to increase, and to become more prominent in association with anti-globalization demonstrations," says the CSIS report. There have been numerous peaceful protests about modified foods in recent months, though the spy agency identifies a trend toward violent action. "For the most part, activists associated with genetic engineering protests confine their actions to vandalism, including destruction of scientific research and facilities, use of graffiti and signage, and occasional harassment by correspondence," says the report. Early last August, a group called Democraseed attacked a plot at the federally run Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, chopping down and uprooting corn stalks. A communique released the following day claimed responsibility for the acts on behalf of a group comprising "farmers, artists, government workers, high-tech workers, researchers, teachers and social workers." Estimated damage was $50,000 and the project was set back one year. CSIS says Democraseed thought it was attacking truly genetically modified crops, but actually destroyed a test field used to develop corn that would be resistant to root worm. "The fact that Democraseed mistakenly attacked a regular corn plot obviously was not of concern to the group," CSIS says. Democraseed's news release said the group anticipated such an error, saying it would be the fault of the government for not "acting in an open, transparent and democratic way." The spy agency also points out the man charged with pushing a cream pie into Prime Minister Jean Chretien's face last summer in Charlottetown voiced his opposition to genetically modified foods, among other political concerns. In October 1999, a group called Reclaim the Genes said it destroyed 500 trees at a University of British Columbia research facility. Another group, Genetix Gobins, claimed credit for chopping down 3,000 trees at a forestry centre near Victoria. There have been many such incidents in Europe and, in the last couple of years, dozens of examples in the United States. The Earth Liberation Front claimed responsibility for a December 1999 fire that partially destroyed a Michigan State University agriculture building. Last June, the Anarchist Golfing Association wrecked experimental grass plots in Oregon, causing about $500,000 in damage.
