Now isn't that nice?
Could you Americans please slap some sense into your government already?

Monsanto IS the government.

Obama has installed Monsanto exec Michael Taylor as the FDA Food Safety Czar, Monsanto lobbyist Islam Siddiqui as the Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade, and Monsanto champion, Elena Kagan, to the supreme court.

Monsanto is vicious to any politician that stands in their way, while most Americans don't even have a cursory understanding of this issue. End result is that politicians are terrified of Monsanto and indifferent towards citizens.

It's easier said than done.

Also, the US helped out Europe when they went through their fascist phase. I welcome Europe to return the favor. Join together and denounce our broken, violent fucked up country.

The Monsanto company is a danger to the *health of to the food of the world. Monsanto has been lying to farmers for decades.

Those new to understanding the kind of company Monsanto is, check out this video: http://videosift.com/video/The-World-According-to-Monsanto-A-documentary

Promoting this video back to the front page; last published Sunday, January 2nd, 2011 3:17pm PST - promote requested by notarobot.

Adding video to channels (Health) - requested by notarobot.

First sentence on Monsanto's website: "If there were one word to explain what Monsanto is about, it would have to be farmers."

I'm with ya.
>> ^dystopianfuturetoday:

Also, the US helped out Europe when they went through their fascist phase. I welcome Europe to return the favor. Join together and denounce our broken, violent fucked up country.

>> ^dystopianfuturetoday:

Also, the US helped out Europe when they went through their fascist phase. I welcome Europe to return the favor. Join together and denounce our broken, violent fucked up country.

Well yes, but wouldn't it be nice to work out without a world war this time?

>> ^dystopianfuturetoday:

Monsanto IS the government.
Obama has installed Monsanto exec Michael Taylor as the FDA Food Safety Czar, Monsanto lobbyist Islam Siddiqui as the Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade, and Monsanto champion, Elena Kagan, to the supreme court.
Monsanto is vicious to any politician that stands in their way, while most Americans don't even have a cursory understanding of this issue. End result is that politicians are terrified of Monsanto and indifferent towards citizens.
It's easier said than done.


Oh holy shit, I didn't know about Taylor. Monsanto controlling our Food Safety. Dammit.

>> ^dystopianfuturetoday:

Also, the US helped out Europe when they went through their fascist phase. I welcome Europe to return the favor. Join together and denounce our broken, violent fucked up country.


Maybe I've meet the wrong people, but every time I try to have a conversation with the Americans I know I hit a brick wall.
"I don't get it why someone from the other side of the planet has to tell me what to do or what should I consider in my own country ...it pisses me off!" that was a close buddy of mine, he served AA in Afghanistan though.
I've got similar reactions from others as well.
Personally I think the level of national indoctrination is way too high to be helped from outside. I might be wrong, but that's what I see from here.

No. Sorry. The Monsanto company will not allow itself to be overthrown.

Besides, there's even more profit to be made from war than from Round Up.>> ^TheGenk:

>> ^dystopianfuturetoday:
Also, the US helped out Europe when they went through their fascist phase. I welcome Europe to return the favor. Join together and denounce our broken, violent fucked up country.

Well yes, but wouldn't it be nice to work out without a world war this time?

>> ^dystopianfuturetoday:

Monsanto IS the government.

Monsanto has infiltrated and subverted our government.

Saying it is the government just encourages the naive idiots who think the only cure for corporations bribing the police is to eliminate the police.

After all, if Monsanto is the government, then limiting government's power to police corporate activity must also weaken Monsanto...

Just a minor quibble, otherwise I'm in agreement: Monsanto = Abstergo.

^Absolutely, they are two separate entities.

http://assassinscreed.wikia.com/wiki/Abstergo_Industries

*promote again

Promoting this video back to the front page; last published Sunday, January 2nd, 2011 5:18pm PST - promote requested by persephone.

There is a documentary called "The World According to Monsanto" And shows how powerful / dangerous that are.


Watch here:::: The World According to Monsanto.

Monsanto may be evil, but I am not in the GMOs are principally wrong camp. I'm convinced genetically modified crops will be very important for our future nutrition needs and food security.

>> ^cybrbeast:

Monsanto may be evil, but I am not in the GMOs are principally wrong camp. I'm convinced genetically modified crops will be very important for our future nutrition needs and food security.


Sure, if they're modified to have a higher yield or are more disease resistant.

But, if they are modified so that crops have to be sprayed with Round-up, or so that their seeds will not produce (have to buy more seed every season) -- then they are inherently bad.

>> ^Boise_Lib:

Sure, if they're modified to have a higher yield or are more disease resistant.
But, if they are modified so that crops have to be sprayed with Round-up, or so that their seeds will not produce (have to buy more seed every season) -- then they are inherently bad.


But the problem is that the GMO's will eventually cross-breed with non-GMO variants, yielding mutant crops that do reproduce. Except these mutants will have other unintended traits and most likely devastating effects after several generations (of crops, not the people eating it). That is why he said "the problem will be around forever". It's relatively easy to recall a drug that the FDA deems unsafe, but nearly impossible to quarantine mixed seed.

Farmers Corporations might be saving money now with GMOs having higher yields and less bug problems, but America will certainly pay the price 10-fold for the cost of cancer treatment.

Kudos to France and other EU countries where the government regulatory boards are more effective.

(I'm not against the idea of GMO's, but I think they should go through the same testing and case studies that any drug has to go through, and that's about a 13 year process)

it's just so arrogant to think that "we" (scientists) are smarter than 4 billion years of evolution, and that we can make better plants. fuckballs. we know so little about this planet.
this seems to be a case of profit vs. common sense

>> ^criticalthud:

it's just so arrogant to think that "we" (scientists) are smarter than 4 billion years of evolution, and that we can make better plants. fuckballs. we know so little about this planet.
this seems to be a case of profit vs. common sense


I know what you mean...I think. Getting rid of polio, smallpox, and other such illnesses/diseases...damned stupid scientists. The world was a better place when children caught polio and died from it...right?

I know it's not directly linked to genetic manipulation of crops...but maybe these scientists aren't all "fuckballs", and some of the things they do, including certain genetic manipulations for food, help us more than then harm us.

After all...at the current population growth of the world, without genetic crops, even more of them would be starving to death...

I know...I know...people starving to death rules.

>> ^hPOD:

>> ^criticalthud:
it's just so arrogant to think that "we" (scientists) are smarter than 4 billion years of evolution, and that we can make better plants. fuckballs. we know so little about this planet.
this seems to be a case of profit vs. common sense

I know what you mean...I think. Getting rid of polio, smallpox, and other such illnesses/diseases...damned stupid scientists. The world was a better place when children caught polio and died from it...right?
I know it's not directly linked to genetic manipulation of crops...but maybe these scientists aren't all "fuckballs", and some of the things they do, including certain genetic manipulations for food, help us more than then harm us.
After all...at the current population growth of the world, without genetic crops, even more of them would be starving to death...
I know...I know...people starving to death rules.


it's not that scientists are stupid (and fuckballs is just a term for "things are fucked", not directed at scientists or anyone in general), and quite clearly they've accomplished some amazing things, and the science behind gmo's is impressive as well. it's just that we're not as smart as we think we are, especially when we start messing around with genetics, and doing so with a profit motive in mind. We are barely getting to know this planet, meanwhile we're wiping out species of plant and animal life left and right.

As for starvation, the population growth of this planet is due to an industrial revolution fueled by oil, which is of limited quantity. Both rapid population expansion and fossil fuel consumption create a variety of negative consequences for the biosphere. You could accurately consider the human race to be an infestation of the planet. Yes GMO's can help feed such rapid population, but is this the correct course of action when you consider the biosphere as a whole? And are we really at that point where we think we are smarter than 4 billion years of evolution? We are upsetting the balance, and this will come back to bite us in the ass.

and i will add that scientists, while doing some amazing things, also routinely kill people.
pcb's, bovine growth hormone, nuclear radiation, nuclear bombs, bio-warfare, missile technology, ddt, malathion, agent orange, you name it, scientists, in the name of profit, have compiled a laundry list of chemicals, compounds, and weapons that accidentally or purposely kill people.
Western medicine, in their wisdom, also routinely kill people. it's called "iatrogenic death" - or, death by doctor. One of the most common ways to die.
Monsanto exists to make a profit... period.

and if monsanto is going after france for not buying their seeds, what do you think they are doing here in the US, especially considering that monsanto basically owns the FDA, which just had their enforcement powers expanded. Now who do you think the FDA will wield those powers against? monsanto - or small farms that won't play ball?

Haha. Way to go statist idiots.

>> ^criticalthud:

it's just so arrogant to think that "we" (scientists) are smarter than 4 billion years of evolution...

Wouldn't it be equally arrogant to think we could alter wolves for domestication?

Training an animal is a tad bit different than genetic mutation. (And, we're trained animals as well.)
But on the subject of genetic mutation, it is interesting to look at epigenitics - how genes are inherited, separate from dna. In other words, with GMO's, studies indicate that there is a risk of mutating cells in our own body by eating this shit, and if we are carriers of mutated genetics, we will likely pass those mutations to our offspring. Epigenetics is one very possible reason why cancer rates continue to climb. Really, from an epigenetics viewpoint, with GMO's we are running the risk of destroying the entire human race.

@criticalthud you bring up some valid points, but the evidence behind all of this is still in it's fledgling state and will not be accessible for as long as a couple generations if not more. While I agree that there might be some downfalls to genetic manipulation, a lot of what the application of science comes down to is "if it works well during a study, speed up the process so that the proper effect can be used earlier."

These high-yield crops could be considered a god-send to farmers requiring less expenses and offering more profit.

What I hate about Monsanto and other companies like it are their business strategies and the way they maintain their profit margin.

Ya, Ok so bitch at the US for telling other countries what to do but then turn around and tell the US what they need to do. Define Irony.
You will always hit a brick wall when you try to tell others what they should be doing or thinking. I do find it rather offensive that people still think their opinion is worth much more then mine just because I'm from the U.S.
Yes, maybe there is something wrong with the U.S. but I honestly do not think its anymore broken than any other country. Ours just tend to be pointed out much more simply for being who we are.
Not long ago I had to go through Europe for some contract work. Almost everywhere I went if they found out I was from the U.S. I had to hear their Opinion on what the U.S. should be doing. Weather or not I wanted to hear it or not and they got extremely angry if I offered any type of difference of opinion. Hell at one point I actually got up in the middle of a restaurant told the waiter to please shut the hell up and get my check because frankly I was damn tired of it. I'm pretty sure I was more then likely labeled with the stereotype of the rude crass American and at that time I could of cared less.

As for genetically Engineered crops I currently have no opinion on it one way or another. Its not in my sphere of interest at this time.


Sorry quoting system here does not seem to agree with my computer. Still working out why posts garbage more often then not.... Edited and reedited.

^You barge in to defend the honor of the US, fully admitting you know nothing and care nothing about the specifics of the topic. It's this kind of entitled, self-important, blindly uncritical nationalism that probably causes people to dismiss you. That's my best guess as a fellow American.

>> ^skinnydaddy1:

Ya, Ok so bitch at the US for telling other countries what to do but then turn around and tell the US what they need to do. Define Irony.
You will always hit a brick wall when you try to tell others what they should be doing or thinking. I do find it rather offensive that people still think their opinion is worth much more then mine just because I'm from the U.S.
Yes, maybe there is something wrong with the U.S. but I honestly do not think its anymore broken than any other country. Ours just tend to be pointed out much more simply for being who we are.
Not long ago I had to go through Europe for some contract work. Almost everywhere I went if they found out I was from the U.S. I had to hear their Opinion on what the U.S. should be doing. Weather or not I wanted to hear it or not and they got extremely angry if I offered any type of difference of opinion. Hell at one point I actually got up in the middle of a restaurant told the waiter to please shut the hell up and get my check because frankly I was damn tired of it. I'm pretty sure I was more then likely labeled with the stereotype of the rude crass American and at that time I could of cared less.
As for genetically Engineered crops I currently have no opinion on it one way or another. Its not in my sphere of interest at this time.

Sorry quoting system here does not seem to agree with my computer. Still working out why posts garbage more often then not.... Edited and reedited.


>> ^dystopianfuturetoday:

^You barge in to defend the honor of the US, fully admitting you know nothing and care nothing about the specifics of the topic. It's this kind of entitled, self-important, blindly uncritical nationalism that probably causes people to dismiss you. That's my best guess as a fellow American.


I agree with daddy. Criticism is simple when looking in from the outside. I bitch about my government just like you guys. But why is it the only acceptable emotion we as Americans can show online shame? I agree our government makes many bad if not terrible decisions or oversights... but we do a lot and have the distinct honor of being the limelight. So when reading people standing on soap boxes making criticisms of the US almost willy-nilly like they know best and it's all just so simple I (and I believe other Americans like me) get a little defensive and a little upset.

Please understand - I'm not saying anyone is actually making unwarranted criticism. It's all about wording, tone, and acceptance of other people's points of view.

@Tymbrwulf

Yes, but as you say, genetic mutation takes years to study...possibly generations. The profit margins are greatly increased as you say by speeding GMO's to market. This is a problem, obviously. And when you look at epigentics (and I urge everyone to consider it), a genetic mutation problem can snowball by generation.

When we talk about genetic mutation, we are talking about death, not simple side-effects. This requires long-term study. We don't really have a choice.

Most "farms"today are corporate subsidiaries. And from reports, smaller organic farms are being hit hard by those who don't bow to government/fda/corporate pressure to use their GMO seeds and pesticides. Raids on these farms and small organic grocery outlets are reported to be increasing in rate and severity. And the FDA just had their enforcement powers increased. We're talking about enforcement teams in full armor with submachine guns taking down a grocery store because they dared to sell raw milk. The "organic" movement is seen as a real threat to corporate profit margins.

I'm not a scientist, (my sister is the biochemist), but I almost died twice as a child because of exposure to "harmless" pesticides. Perhaps this affects my objectivity, or perhaps I am rightfully concerned and skeptical, given my personal history and the safety history of Monsanto and similar multinationals. But I am aware of ever increasing cancer rates, and declining fertility rates, and the common world-wide problem of corporate greed defeating notions of safety and common sense.