Whenever some new invention is proposed, there is a negative reaction from the invention it is going to compete with. We have seen this happening over and over again. What didn't they say when they invented the mobile, the microwave, margarine, artificial sweeteners, etc.

I still remember when the biro was introduced, a rumour was spread that if you use a biro in the O and A level exams you fail.

We are also still witnessing a fight between different types of medicine –the pharmaceutical and the herbal.

At present there is also a war between genetically modified organisms (GMO) and organic farming. I am not going into this argument but I am going to suggest that when a new invention is proposed, an estimate is made of the reduced income of the competing industry. The new invention would have to pay compensation to the outgoing company, until the outgoing company would have diversified into something new. The workers of the old company should be reemployed by the progressive company or paid by the progressive company until a new job is found for them.

Like this progress would not be held back and the public would not be subjected to so many conflicting theories.

Josephine Catt-Ciancio

Kalkara