[ambler0]

The issue is not necessarily with genetic modification itself, but the reasons for modification.

For example, if a plant is modified to be highly resistant to pesticides, then the concern would be that such plants are saturated with potentially harmful (to the person eating them and the environment) pesticides.

Another example would be plants that are modified to be incapable of reproduction (so that the manufacturer can sell them to farmers each season). In this case, the issue is social/economic rather than health/environmental.

I can't speak for the parent, but I can say that, for me personally, the position is not "GMOs are bad". But there are potential issues that should be taken seriously, and I'm skeptical of people who are so insistent about pushing ahead; they usually stand to make money.

To repeat, the issue is not modification itself. After all, we've been modifying genetics for thousands of years through traditional agricultural techniques. For me, the main issue is who is doing the modifying and why.