Colorado Right To Know, a grassroots organization supporting ballot initiative 1999-2000 #265 for the labeling of genetically engineered foods in Colorado, began its signature drive July 7 to gather 62,500 valid signatures needed by August 7, 2000. To achieve that number, about 90,000 signatures will be needed since some get thrown out by the Secretary of State. The petitions were approved by the Secretary of State only Friday, July 7. The petitioning time has been greatly used up by frivolous legal manoeuvers from special interests opposed to the labeling initiative. But the opponent’s arguments were all dismissed by the Colorado Supreme Court on July 3. If petitioning is successful this will be the only such initiative in the U.S. on the ballot for the November election!
“We believe that people have a right to know what they are eating and feeding their children” says Patrick West, chair of Colorado Right to Know. “Right now they don’t. A majority of Americans support labeling due to concerns over health and environmental risks as well as ethical and religious issues, but our government is not responding. So we introduced the initiative in Colorado.”
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“We don’t have much time, and we need help.” continues Mr. West. “We need people to collect signatures everywhere possible in Colorado.” All progress to date has been on a strictly volunteer basis and enough volunteers could achieve the goal. But Colorado Right To Know is also seeking contributions to pay petitioners to ensure success. Endorsements from organizations, political candidates and other well-known individuals are invited. For more information please visit http://www.corighttoknow.org
or send e-mail to: info@corighttoknow.org
or call Patrick West at 720-218-9925.
