Right To Freedom: What If Big Biz Sues GMO Law?

OUR RIGHT TO FREEDOM: WHAT IF BIG BIZ SUES TO REPEAL VERMONT’S GMO LABELING LAW? (ISSUE 133) JUNE 17, 2014

By Diane Gold

Our right to freedom is the biggest opportunity we have in our lives: the right to create, collaborate, recreate, befriend, congregate, speak out, choose, share, cooperate and vote. The United States was founded on these principles. So, it goes to say that when we the people use our precious system of justice to pass a law, this law is the expression of our voice and is a mirror into our use of our right to freedom.

BIG BUSINESS VS. THE STATE OF VERMONT

What happens when big corporate dogs (Grocery Manufacturers Association, Snack Food Association, International Dairy Foods Association, National Association Of Manufacturers) go after a small innovative state that has voted to make labeling GMOs mandatory? Can the people be knocked down by lobbyists who will not go away because the companies who back them have deep pockets?

This is where the joining of our single voices, our fortitude, our vision and our commitment turns us into a swarm of warriors for any cause that can be heard and gain momentum. It is the way to combat even the most powerful organizations.

As is common knowledge, the corporate giants including Monsanto, BASF, Dow, Dupont and Bayer, are the largest producers of GMO seeds, Monsanto-trait seeds being used in 80-90% of farming worldwide. Most on this list are connected with each of the food associations lobbying to stop the already passed legislation for GMO labeling. We have to ask,

“If GMOs are so good for us or not bad for us, why is it so bad to have to label foods that contain them?”

Here’s what Attorney General William Sorrell said on June 12, 2014 when speaking to his lawmakers about a possible lawsuit,

“and it would be a heck of a fight, but we would zealously defend the law.”

By now, many of us have read The New York Times’ quote by Monsanto head Phil Angell about his company’s responsibility for testing the safety of GMOs,

“Monsanto should not have to vouchsafe the safety of biotech food. Our interest is in selling as much of it as possible. Assuring its safety is not our job.”

Of course, this doesn’t mean Angell wants unsafe food. It does mean his company is not going out of its way to investigate all the research against GMOs. Much testing has been done by other companies and universities, but, there is not yet a strong conclusion for GMOs to be outlawed. There have been studies pointing to the dangers of GMOs. There are also reports disproving danger.

Whichever research we believe, shouldn’t we, the people, have the right to a properly labeled food item by our government so that we can decide using our right to freedom? I, for one, am not interested in using GMOs when I have the chance to decline them.

ACTION STEPS AGAINST A GROUP OF CORPORATE GIANTS

Since the job of businesses is to increase revenue, it may not make sense to speak to the corporate giants, since their views remain to expand dollars and cents, with the possibility of health taking a back seat.

Since our job is to care for ourselves, our families and our communities by exercising our right to freedom and making good decisions, we must speak loudly about the things in which we believe. This would include our freedom to have our governments regulate labeling any food items with transparency,  no matter the relationship the government has with the food company.

ORGANIZING THE ACTION

1)   We know that working as a group gets more done than working alone. So join a group that represents your belief in this instance. I’m not being pushy, but one small action matters. Here’s a link to a petition if you’d like to help the existing State Of Vermont:
action.sumofus.org/a/monsanto-sues-vermonts/6/?sub=mtl

2)   Draw something. Have you noticed the main search engine and owner of Android’s logos/doodles ( the big G) have been animated and more creative on a daily basis? This kind of art is motivating, inspirational and makes me move. So, whichever side of this issue you believe in, what about making a drawing and sending online to, at least, one social network?

3)   Write or sing a song about our right to freedom including lyrics that say what you believe. This is a very old and effective way to get your message across.

4)   Commission an elementary school teacher to do a creative project on the subject of right to freedom and the right to know movement (knowing what’s in and on our food).

5)   Write a book or an article on the subject, and speak about it.

CONCLUSION

Whatever the method honoring the right to freedom with respect for the results of a vote,  majority or any other democratic process; it is important to be aware of the process and its effect on the public, big business and other future projects. Let’s congratulate Vermont for being the first state with a GMO labeling law that does not depend upon laws passed by other states. If we believe it is the right way, let’s mention it on social networks. If we disagree with the disclosure (I can’t see what sense it would make not to label the food we eat, but…),  we can do the research as to why so many people want to remove GMOs, starting with labeling them.

Strive to be proactive, rather than passively hanging on. Each small incremental movement helps the whole to thrive.

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Thanks.

DIANE GOLD, PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR

Diane Gold, Founder of Warriors of Weight, Turning Habits Into Health, is a mentor in tai chi, kung fu and meditation, a music, fitness and stress expert, dedicated mom, studying plant-based nutrition and habit change.

She believes in full disclosure when it comes to food. She says,

“For many years, I have experienced non-disclosure of the source of ingredients in foods. Does the ingredient come from a cow, a pig, a tree, a microbe? Although the labeling system in every nation in the world is inferior to what I would like, there has been a tiny change for the better in the 40 years of my research.

“The fact that GMOs are not labeled is only a result of the influence of the companies who manufacture them. This makes me sad but reminds me that I have to take responsibility to educate myself and the community about this situation. The fact that Vermont passed a GMO labeling law means there are others who agree with me.

“Let’s speak, write, draw, educate as many people as we can on whatever our belief is. Our action makes the difference, so let our voices be heard, whichever no matter which way we feel. Let’s exercise our right to freedom in a big way.

“Finally, let us all take good care of ourselves because we are so worth it!”