An American multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation headquartered in Creve Coeur,
Effects on the Innocent:
Missouri. Monsanto is a leading producer of genetically engineered (GE) seed. It is also the manufacturer of herbicide glyphosate, more commonly known as “Roundup“. But that’s not the only Monsanto brand you’re familiar with, chances are you have their products in your refrigerator, cabinets, and your garage. Funny that you can be a major consumer of a company you may have never heard of. If you have heard about them, you probably didn't hear the truth. Monsanto has gone to great lengths to improve their public persona and distance themselves from a past full of controversy. As a chemical company, they had contaminated the land and air with some of the most poisonous man-made substances ever conceived. Have you ever heard of DDT? No? What about PCBs, recombinant bovine? Well, how about Agent Orange? Yes, THAT Agent Orange.
During the Vietnam War, from 1962-1971, the United States military sprayed millions of gallons of material containing chemical herbicides and defoliants mixed with jet fuel in Vietnam,
eastern Laos and parts of Cambodia, as part of "Operation Ranch Hand"
The program's main goal was to defoliate rural land, destroying foliage that could serve as cover for guerrillas. The U.S. began to target food crops in October 1962, primarily using Agent Blue. Rural-to-urban migration rates dramatically increased in Vietnam. Peasants fled to U.S-dominated cities to escape famine.
The urban population increased rapidly, going from just 2.8 million people in 1958, to 8 million by 1971. The rapid urbanization created an unstable environment, and many of the unwilling immigrants were forced to live in slums. Records show that at least 6,542 spraying missions took place over the course of Operation Ranch Hand.
Effects on the Innocent:
The Vietnamese Red Cross has reported as many as 3 million Vietnamese people have been affected by Agent Orange, including at least 150,000 children born with devastating birth defects.
Cleft palate, hernias, mental disabilities, and extra toes and fingers are just some of the effects of Agent Orange. Women had higher rates of miscarriage and stillbirths and high levels of dioxin were found in their breast milk. High levels of dioxin were also found in the blood of U.S. soldiers who had served in Vietnam. During the 1970s, some veterans returning from Vietnam began to report skin rashes, psychological symptoms, cancer, and birth defects in their children, as well as other health problems.
Other Symptoms:- Ischemic Heart Disease
- AL Amyloidosis
- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
- Chloracne
- Acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy
- Respiratory cancers;
- Ischemic heart disease;
- Parkinson's disease;
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma;
- Chronic b-cell leukemia;
- Multiple myeloma;
- Hodgkin's disease;
- Prostate cancer;
- Graves' disease.
Now the company claims to be a Sustainable agriculture company. Going so far as to boast the following-
"If there was one word to
explain what Monsanto is about, it would have to be farmers. It is our
purpose to help them meet the needs of a growing population."
The company has a reputation for being extremely aggressive when it comes to filing suits, They're also promoting the use of genetically modified seeds, and bovine growth hormones. We are in a time when most Americans are disconnected from where their food is produced. It is important that accurate information is available to consumers not only about what is or is not in their food but also about Who is producing it. Are these the people you want to support with your hard earned money? Is this the company that deserves your patronage? It is up to you, the consumer to decide whether or not a company like Monsanto survives. You won't get anywhere chasing the tail of the snake, you must go right for the head. By this I mean that you must attack this company, not with words or opinions, (They don't care what you have to say) but with that thing they love most- money. Small farms are going out of business to be replaced by large scale agriculture. Are you adding to the problem?
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