By Dean L. Jones, CPM

Oh my gosh (OMG), genetically modified organism (GMO) may rule!  GMOs are as serious as the creation and use of the atomic bomb.   Mega corporation Monsanto, responsible for chemical pesticides, Agent Orange and Aspartame has literally taken the world’s eating freedom away.  Monsanto’s mission is to own the world’s food supply through genetically-altered and patented seeds.  GMOs are when a plant or animal has been bio-engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals.

It is truly an apocalyptic agricultural condition by altering the makeup of plants.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first genetically engineered consumer product back in 1982, and since then an industrial race to conquer plant life through Government Patents has been the sole objective of a number of corporations.  The kicker is that he who controls the food supply controls the people.  It is no different than water supply where one can literally make or break a community simply by adjusting the flow of water.

The nutrients that are absent in GMO products is the story that is yet to be determined if the modified plants will sustain human life as we know it.  What is worst is that the alternatives are becoming smaller and smaller as farmers are being regulated to grow GMO seeds or pay the price of huge court costs fighting Monsanto.  One example of how large this issue is can be witnessed in the country of France that has a moratorium on the cultivation of Monsanto’s genetically-modified corn within its borders in order to ensure the integrity of the nation’s agricultural system.  Likewise, Switzerland, Japan, New Zealand, Germany, Austria and Ireland are staunchly opposed to genetically modified crops and no such seeds are planted in these countries.

In view of that, the locally grown food issue that is center stage in Los Angeles today is extremely essential.  Being able to grow and eat your own fruits and vegetables is becoming a possibility.  The Los Angeles Council is approving the right to grow produce on the public parkways. (The land sandwiched between streets and sidewalks.) I commend John Parker, a south Los Angeles resident, who personally pushed to make this happen.  Being able to grow your herbs and plants in front of your house is something that demonstrates greater freedom of civil rights.

The key now is to store and plant natural seeds vs. GMOs, which in a lot of cases it may be too late.  Even so, growing fruits and vegetables at home is economical and healthy, especially for those choosing to steer clear of processed food.  A free life includes no dictation of what and how one should eat.  In the same way freedom would be battered if a person must adhere to corporate guidelines of quantity and quality of one’s individual sleep patterns.

www.SugarAlert.com
Dean Jones, Ethics Advocate, Southland Partnership Corporation (a public benefit organization), contributes his view on health attributes derived from foods & beverages.