On Nov. 6, California, along with the rest of the country, will be voting for our president among other things.

The issue that concerns health conscious citizens like myself is Prop 37. If passed, this will require companies to label raw and processed foods with information if the food contains plants or animals that have been genetically altered in any way.

It is something that people do not understand.

“I really don’t know too much about it but it seems like a good idea,” said senior Heather House in an e-mail.

That is the general consensus among other students. Those I spoke with were either unclear on the details or knew nothing about the proposition at all.

I didn’t know anything about it until I walked into Whole Foods on Monday to get a fresh juice from the juice bar.

Outside the grocery store were people passing out information and talking to passers-by about this proposition. Even Whole Foods was promoting the passing of Prop 37.

I have always been against genetically modified foods, but it is difficult to explain the need to produce organically unless there is a personal connection.

I am a self-proclaimed foodie and am proud to say that I enjoy food. Even at a restaurant, I try to eat wisely and am especially against fast food.

Late-night munchies are the only acceptable excuse, though I do feel bad about it in the morning.

It wasn’t until my family gardened organically at home in Texas that I understood the difference.

I could taste the difference in the conventionally grown tomatoes and peppers and those picked from our garden. There is so much more flavor, richer color and softer skin.

While I realize that not everyone can afford to shop organically, it is necessary to have the knowledge to make an educated decision on the food that shoppers are consuming.

My family has been a long time supporter of companies like Horizon milk and Tillamook cheese that produce their products from cows that are not fed hormones.

Senior Ana Perez agrees that the proposition should pass.

“People need to know what they are putting in their bodies. If Prop 37 is passed then people will have the option to know what is healthy and what is not,” said Perez.

Additionally, under Prop 37, companies will no longer be able to advertise with the labeling “natural.”

This allows people to make a more informed choice because, let’s be honest, there is nothing “natural” about Cheetos, no matter how Frito-Lay may brand them.

Though I would love to see this pass, and I think it will, it is going to be expensive. I foresee many companies paying fines rather than accepting this ruling. It reminds me of the  Taco Bell case with the sub-par beef last year. They found it more profitable to pay fines than use the approved quality of meat. Like I said, I try to avoid fast food at all cost.

“I feel that Prop 37 is a good idea and should be passed,” said senior Natalie Fischer.

On another note, I am curious how many students are voters.

I am now a registered voter in West Hollywood and am exited to have a voice in California. I lost my Texas driver’s license and was forced to get a California license. While I hate my mug shot of a picture, I am glad at the ease of the registration process at the DMV. Thanks California for making something easy! Now let’s talk about that traffic problem.

Regardless of your stance on genetically modified foods, I urge all students to get familiar with the issues on the coming ballot. Help make a change.

For more information on the up and coming propositions, check out votersedge.org. To register to vote in California, visit sos.ca.gov.

Miles George
Staff Writer
Published On Oct. 3, 2012