Eat Real Food!

Have you ever felt so strongly about something that you were compelled to speak out? As a maverick with an occasional feisty streak, I’ve grown accustomed to taking a stand for what I believe in. Still, I never thought I’d end up marching in the streets in protest. Until now that is. That’s me in the photo along with my husband Mark (I’m the fierce looking one) at the recent March Against Monsanto.

It’s likely that you’ve heard something about the GMO controversy. Monsanto, in addition to creating these genetically modified organisms, boasts a list of accomplishments that includes DDT, PCB’s, bovine growth hormone, saccharin, aspartame, Agent Orange and glyphosate, all of which have been linked to cancer and a variety of other health problems. It’s no wonder that their recent experiment is causing such concern. In fact there was an open letter from 800 esteemed scientists to all governments calling for “the immediate suspension of all environmental releases of GM crops and products, both commercially and in open field trials, for at least 5 years.” It was first written over a decade ago and periodically updated since that time, but to no avail.

So, on May 25th, a worldwide grass-roots march took place in over 400 cities and 52 countries. It was estimated that two million people from all walks of life and age groups participated, united by their desire to regain control of the safety of our food supply. We stood peacefully together for something we believe in very deeply and it was a beautiful thing.

If I’d been in charge of naming the event, I would have called it “The March for Food Labeling,” or “The March for Transparency and Food Sustainability,” or something similar. Energetically speaking, “what you resist persists” and there’s something about joining together for the common good that just feels more in alignment to me.

Recently, studies have emerged showing that genetically modified foods can lead to some serious health problems, like cancerous tumors, infertility and even birth defects. Sadly, the Food and Drug Administration, who is in charge of food safety in the United States, doesn’t seem to acknowledge the facts or care very much about the harm that is being caused. It’s no surprise though, since this agency is run by former Monsanto executives who have played favorites with their former employers for quite some time, despite the wishes of 90% of the American population. These foods not only remain on the market unlabeled, but these friends of Monsanto continue to rubber stamp trials of new crops in open fields where their pollen can drift and wreak havoc on the environment. And, because no long-term studies are required, there is great concern about the potential for irreversible damage caused by this experiment.

Just last week it was revealed that some genetically engineered wheat, which was never approved for human consumption, was found growing in a field in Oregon. This has resulted in quite a stir with the farmers and consumers alike, especially since field trials were discontinued in 2004. Japan and South Korea have already suspended wheat imports from the US as a result, which is expected to significantly reduce the farmer’s ability to sell their wheat.

To add insult to injury, our representatives in Congress, along with our president, recently passed what has come to be known as the “Monsanto Protection Act,” which includes banning the courts from halting the sale of GM seeds. Previously, if it was demonstrated that there was a potential risk, our courts could intervene. But this legislation, written anonymously and passed and signed in the dark of night despite a huge outcry from the citizenry, prohibits such appropriate checks and balances. Essentially it has given Monsanto a free pass to continue to pollute the environment and pedal its creations unchecked. We have subsequently learned that the legislation was actually penned by Monsanto and slipped into an unrelated appropriations bill with the help of Senator Roy Blunt.

Is it any wonder why the people are rising up? Organic and small farmers are paying a huge price while Monsanto and friends continue to line their pockets with cash. The world’s bee population is suffering too; the colony collapse has been traced to glyphosate (a/k/a Monsanto’s Roundup). This is really important because the bees are responsible for pollination and if they continue to die off, the world’s food supply will be in great jeopardy.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. And if you’re on my mailing list, there’s a pretty good chance I’m preaching to the choir.

By now, you’re probably wondering “well, what can I safely eat, and what exactly should I avoid?” I’m here to support you in making the best decisions possible for yourself and your family. In the coming weeks, I will be offering new programs you may be interested in taking advantage of, so keep an eye on your in-box or connect with me on Facebook at ConsciouslyRaw.