Make no mistake here, folks. If Greenpeace has gotten itself involved in acitivities opposing genetically-altered foodstuffs, then those supporting genetic technologies now face some of the most determined and highly-trained activists on the planet. They send their people into the woods for a direct-action boot camp, and train them to develop a single-minded focus on the task at hand. They train their people in media advocacy as well. They also tend to hire very intelligent people, many of whom have graduate degrees. Anyone trained by Greenpeace is in demand to help train other activist groups.
I, frankly, think that they are wiping the floor with us at this point in the realm of public opinion. Having studied, trained and worked with some of these individuals, I would say that we are completely outclassed in trying to face them in any activist situation. In the realm of media advocacy, however, we do have a fighting chance, and I hope that people will take the time to find a media training at their university, in their corporation, or community. We have *got* to step out of our own circles and start getting our messages out the general public.
Kathryn Aegis