QR Code? - No Thanks!

As you probably know, I'm nearly a fanatic when it comes to wanting companies to CLEARLY label whether or not their product contains genetically modified (genetically engineered) product.

The U.S. House and U.S. Senate did a "great" job of pushing through a bill that would mandate that the FEDERAL law is followed above a state's law when it comes to labeling.  It is currently on the President's desk, awaiting his signature.

In essence this is what the bill calls for: Each product will have a QR code on it's packaging.  Those who are lucky enough to carry a smartphone (and have decent enough cell coverage AND data minutes available), can scan that code to find the information they are looking for.  That is, AFTER they add the QR code scan app to their phone. It will look something like this:  (if you scan this, it'll bring you right back to this same blog post.)

Here's the thing.  I don't really want to legislate or control what companies put in their products.  But I don't want them to have the ability to pull the wool over my eyes.  I want to make informed decisions on the foods I buy.  For myself and my family, I choose to not use genetically modified foods whenever possible.

So here's my solution to the issue: If a product has a QR code and nothing more stating whether or not it contains GMO (genetically modified organisms) or GE (genetically engineered), I just won't buy it.  I'm hoping others decide the same.  If you're changing your label ANYWAY, to conform to the new law, add the simple text as well.  If not, bye-bye.  I'm not interested in wasting the time to find out about your product.

Embracing Love and Peace

I've mentioned this before. I don't watch the news. When the channel gets switched to the news in my house, I leave the room. I won't listen or watch the political channels and I won't get into discussions about any of it. That's not to say I don't know what's going on. I do. I just don't expose myself to the details. It gets in the way of my path in life, and that's to be positive and grateful, and to choose love and peace.
I will say that this week, it was difficult. Such violence in the headlines make my heart heavy. I was truly grieving for humankind. And I found it was hard to let it go.

I love these words by Martin Luther King:

"Returning violence with violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." 

A few years ago, I read something (and it bothers me that I cannot remember the author) about starting small (in your own backyard) if you want to change the world. That's what I'm doing. I'm choose to find and embrace the good in this world.  If you listen to the news, you'd be inclined to doubt whether you can find any good. There's plenty. Just don't count on the media to show you.

Go out and experience it yourself. Smile first. See what comes back at you. Assume that the driver who is taking that parking spot you were waiting for has just received some bad news. Just make the assumption there's good in everyone and I'm pretty sure you'll find it in most.  And you'll be kinder and gentler for it.

Love and Peace, my friends.  Love and Peace.