Press Release Libertarianz Party
Media Advisory: Commentary
For immediate release

GE Royal Commission: Science vs Mysticism.

"If anyone believes the Royal Comission into Genetic Engineering will generate sound and robust conclusions they probably subscribe to the mysticism of which this comittee is in thrall," says Libertarianz Spokesman Robert Winiefield.

Since Darwin sailed on the Beagle biological science has been in direct conflict with exactly the sort of mysticism the government has written into the Commission's terms of reference. To expect that such a debate will reach any sensible conclusion is stupid, naive, and a complete waste of taxpayers' money.

The debate will come down to a conflict between the art of observing reality and the art of making it up as you go along - between science, and mysticism; between those who look for hard concrete eveidence, and those who revise their views on Creation and the Treaty of Waitangi by plucking concepts out of the air.

It is a debate the scientists will lose because to attack such protagonists you must not attack their belief, but instead their method of acquiring and validating such beliefs - something that every scientific protagonist since Darwin has failed to do.

The net result will be that the commission will show itself unable to understand the concept of risk, and will find that too little is known about Genetic Engineering to 100% guarantee any safe application. Stiff regulations on its use will be recommended. By contrast, allowing people and companies to accept their own level of risk - and holding them responsible for their actions - will be ignored.

Concludes Winefield: "I look forward to the day when - if the world hasn't starved to death by then awaiting an organic horticultural revolution - people realise that the only way to safely use a tool isn't to ban it, it is to hold the user responsible for their actions."

ENDS

For further information please contact: Robert Winefield 025 278 0333 rwinefield@hort.cri.nz

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