I don't know why I feel compelled... 
Before I start, this hobby started off as a scientific endeavor and latter became a means of preserving rare and threatended species. To a smaller degree we too help in this effort, but in large part, we are simply ametuers compelled to manipulate nature for our own pleasure. Don't make this out to be anything more than it is. For some, this is simply a retreat from the world, for others its a way of life, and for a few, its a passion to keep those few species we can control with us a little bit longer to try and understand a little bit more about our world. <-I wish I was one...
Now, as for this topic: The first genetically modified organism by humans was NOT the Glo-Fish. For animals it was the Wolf/coyote, for plants it was the "primitive" corn (I forget the name). With better technology, we can created more unique (or radical) changes in species in a shorter amount of time. Nothing more, but in the end it's the same thing that we are changing! Hair color, body shape, behaviors...just in the past we had to wait what many felt was a more "acceptable" or comfortable amount of time, which gives many the false sense of safety. Neither is more or less "safe" than the other.
Do I gauk at a 250lbs Mastif (its the world's largets dog FYI)? You bet! Do I gauk at a glo-in-the-dark fish? You bet! Heck I gauk at people that shave their poodles, pierce their nipples, build a house on the side of a muddy hill, or dye their hair pink...You bet!, but that's me. Other's do NOT find this behavior or change radical or uneasy at all. Its a matter of perspective.
I say it's a matter of perspective given this very important statement: If the alteration is not one that causes stress (whether it be pain or otherwise), or the potential to be used in a harmful way (i.e. creating a super disease) - then I am okay with it.
If this helps: This world will not be able to support the Humane "BIOLOAD" (to use one of our terms) in the not-so-distant future. What are our options? We can't simple change the water, but we can reduce our waste and bioload on the planet (i.e. recycling, reduction in CO2 emissions etc.) OR we can create a food product that reduces its impact...
Over 1/2 the world's population goes to bed starving, not hungry. We currently utilize bio-engineered foods to grow corn and rice in arid regions just to slow this suffering. Is this bad as well? Are you going to be the one to tell them this is unethical?
Bah, I digress as I knew I would, sorry. Simply put, you have a choice. If everyone felt the same and did not purchase these "products", these fish would not exist on the market - period. Oh and why you're at it, bring back your kid's pet dog and cat too...
Before I start, this hobby started off as a scientific endeavor and latter became a means of preserving rare and threatended species. To a smaller degree we too help in this effort, but in large part, we are simply ametuers compelled to manipulate nature for our own pleasure. Don't make this out to be anything more than it is. For some, this is simply a retreat from the world, for others its a way of life, and for a few, its a passion to keep those few species we can control with us a little bit longer to try and understand a little bit more about our world. <-I wish I was one...
Now, as for this topic: The first genetically modified organism by humans was NOT the Glo-Fish. For animals it was the Wolf/coyote, for plants it was the "primitive" corn (I forget the name). With better technology, we can created more unique (or radical) changes in species in a shorter amount of time. Nothing more, but in the end it's the same thing that we are changing! Hair color, body shape, behaviors...just in the past we had to wait what many felt was a more "acceptable" or comfortable amount of time, which gives many the false sense of safety. Neither is more or less "safe" than the other.
Do I gauk at a 250lbs Mastif (its the world's largets dog FYI)? You bet! Do I gauk at a glo-in-the-dark fish? You bet! Heck I gauk at people that shave their poodles, pierce their nipples, build a house on the side of a muddy hill, or dye their hair pink...You bet!, but that's me. Other's do NOT find this behavior or change radical or uneasy at all. Its a matter of perspective.
I say it's a matter of perspective given this very important statement: If the alteration is not one that causes stress (whether it be pain or otherwise), or the potential to be used in a harmful way (i.e. creating a super disease) - then I am okay with it.
If this helps: This world will not be able to support the Humane "BIOLOAD" (to use one of our terms) in the not-so-distant future. What are our options? We can't simple change the water, but we can reduce our waste and bioload on the planet (i.e. recycling, reduction in CO2 emissions etc.) OR we can create a food product that reduces its impact...
Over 1/2 the world's population goes to bed starving, not hungry. We currently utilize bio-engineered foods to grow corn and rice in arid regions just to slow this suffering. Is this bad as well? Are you going to be the one to tell them this is unethical?
Bah, I digress as I knew I would, sorry. Simply put, you have a choice. If everyone felt the same and did not purchase these "products", these fish would not exist on the market - period. Oh and why you're at it, bring back your kid's pet dog and cat too...
