Editor:

Sen. Michael Bennet made the right choice last week. He decided to vote “no” on legislation that would prohibit all states from labeling genetically modified food. Thank you, Sen. Bennet for standing with thousands of Coloradans who want a right to know what they are buying and eating.

This legislation, coined the Denying Americans’ the Right-to-Know Act, or the DARK Act, is simply a bad deal. Vermont has already passed GMO labeling laws that are supposed to go into effect in July. Since when does our government have the right to take away rights of states that have passed laws by a wide majority?

Monsanto, Dow and the Grocery Manufacturing Association are bullying Congress into standing with their corporate funders instead of with the people. Polls have shown over and over again that 90 percent of Americans want GMOs to be labeled. Yet when companies like Monsanto and its friends spend millions upon millions to produce misleading ads, it is no wonder the public is confused. However, across the nation we are learning, and Vermont passed its legislation by a majority vote. Let’s let Vermont implement a law they want!

The Senate will be voting on this bill soon, and I am urging Sen. Bennet to continue to stand with organic farmers across the state and the folks who voted him into office and oppose the DARK Act and any variation that would not allow mandatory on-the-package GMO labeling. Sen. Bennet, please stand strong and stand with Coloradans and their basic, fundamental rights.

Sasha Trope

Denver