Millions Against Monsanto Campaign- Wrote my Congressman, Wrote Back!
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hoodat
Garden Addicted
People seem to be getting the message. More and more foods in the stores are being labeled as "No corn syrup". Unspoken is the fact that it is not the corn syrup per se most are objecting to. It's the fact that it came from GMO corn. They wouldn't be making those changes if cutomers were not demanding them.
Monsanto will use everything in their arsenal to counter the trend, including the politicians they have in their pocket.
Monsanto will use everything in their arsenal to counter the trend, including the politicians they have in their pocket.
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vfem
Garden Addicted
I must admit I have swoon over the Pepsi Throw Back! I've been buying one when I got to the gas station. 
It tastes soooooo good. Its made with natural sugar and no corn syrup. Yummmmmmmm 
It tastes soooooo good. Its made with natural sugar and no corn syrup. Yummmmmmmm
hoodat
Garden Addicted
For several years people here in San Diego have been hunting out the Pepsi and Coke made in Mexico because it is made with cane sugar. The reason corn syrup is used in the US is that government subsidies make it cheaper than sugar.
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vfem
Garden Addicted
I wrote to my congress man about my concerns about the bill, here is the generic response on the subject:
"Quote:
Dear Mrs. Fogl:
Thank you for writing me to express your concern about the use of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) crops in our food supply. It was good to hear from you, and I appreciate your taking the time to share your views with me.
As you may know, our country is the largest producer of plants and foodstuffs using biotechnology. With it, farmers grow stronger, healthier, and higher yielding crops crops that can resist disease, drought, and pests. However, I understand that some Americans, like yourself, worry about the safety of genetically modified products and seek the labeling of such products.
Our examination of this issue must be based on sound scientific principles and study. Technologies such as genetic engineering in plant science have been demonstrated and practiced for hundreds of years through plant breeding. The relatively recent use of GMO technologies which add or remove genetic material to accelerate the process is substantially similar to long-tested breeding processes. As a farmer, former member of the House Agriculture Committee, and a father and grandfather, I share your desire to have the healthiest foods available for the American table, but I also have faith in the products grown and produced by the American farmer. You can be sure that I will keep your thoughts in mind should I have the opportunity to vote on legislation regarding GMOs in the 111th Congress.
I am working with my colleagues in Congress and the Administration to respond to the challenges that face our nation. Together, we will build a stronger economy, find common sense solutions to our energy needs, make sure every child gets a quality education, and expand access to health care for all Americans. It is an honor to represent you in Congress, and I welcome your continued input.
Sincerely,
Bob Etheridge
Member of Congress"
"Quote:
Dear Mrs. Fogl:
Thank you for writing me to express your concern about the use of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) crops in our food supply. It was good to hear from you, and I appreciate your taking the time to share your views with me.
As you may know, our country is the largest producer of plants and foodstuffs using biotechnology. With it, farmers grow stronger, healthier, and higher yielding crops crops that can resist disease, drought, and pests. However, I understand that some Americans, like yourself, worry about the safety of genetically modified products and seek the labeling of such products.
Our examination of this issue must be based on sound scientific principles and study. Technologies such as genetic engineering in plant science have been demonstrated and practiced for hundreds of years through plant breeding. The relatively recent use of GMO technologies which add or remove genetic material to accelerate the process is substantially similar to long-tested breeding processes. As a farmer, former member of the House Agriculture Committee, and a father and grandfather, I share your desire to have the healthiest foods available for the American table, but I also have faith in the products grown and produced by the American farmer. You can be sure that I will keep your thoughts in mind should I have the opportunity to vote on legislation regarding GMOs in the 111th Congress.
I am working with my colleagues in Congress and the Administration to respond to the challenges that face our nation. Together, we will build a stronger economy, find common sense solutions to our energy needs, make sure every child gets a quality education, and expand access to health care for all Americans. It is an honor to represent you in Congress, and I welcome your continued input.
Sincerely,
Bob Etheridge
Member of Congress"
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vfem
Garden Addicted
I decided to write back:
"Dear Congressman Sir,
I am very disappointed in your response as I don't see things your way, and you can't expect me to change my views from a short generic response like that. I do not believe there is anything natural or ok with GMO plants. I believe these high levels of resistance to bugs are unnatural and they won't allow resistance forever. Things adapt to the situation, they grow MORE resistance, they, in nature, mutate. I believe these high yields of product are hurting the farmer because you are saying, its ok that as a 'superpower' of food in the world, we should produce more so people pay less. Now farmers are working and spending more to grow more each year, to break even. These are not rich well paid people, obviously you left agriculture to do something better for the communities... but I don't think that is happening. You left the community behind.
With no diversity in food, without actually paying for quality, Monsanto, McDonald's, Burger King, coca-cola, Walmart and all these great companies will continue to grow unobstructed by laws and codes. Though the potential for growth is great in the country, it is becoming limited in whom is allowed to grow. The American people are growing by leaps and "Pounds" though. Cheap food and genetically modified crops are not the solution. It just makes MORE for LESS. Cheap food is making for expensive healthcare. Now it appears, the only winners are the 1% who are lining their pockets with profits from others' suffering.
With that said, all I ask if you are kind enough to label products for those of us who care. Because I care, because my friends and family care... I took the time to write you.
I would appreciate it, if you had any 'scientific proof' as you stated would sway your decision that you would send me copy. I kinda like to know someone who wants my vote is taking the time to share what he 'knows' with the people, and not what he 'thinks'. I know what I think, and I am YET to find another but opinions from everywhere and not one lick of 'proof' in writing.
Still Concerned,
Mrs. Shannon Fogl"
"Dear Congressman Sir,
I am very disappointed in your response as I don't see things your way, and you can't expect me to change my views from a short generic response like that. I do not believe there is anything natural or ok with GMO plants. I believe these high levels of resistance to bugs are unnatural and they won't allow resistance forever. Things adapt to the situation, they grow MORE resistance, they, in nature, mutate. I believe these high yields of product are hurting the farmer because you are saying, its ok that as a 'superpower' of food in the world, we should produce more so people pay less. Now farmers are working and spending more to grow more each year, to break even. These are not rich well paid people, obviously you left agriculture to do something better for the communities... but I don't think that is happening. You left the community behind.
With no diversity in food, without actually paying for quality, Monsanto, McDonald's, Burger King, coca-cola, Walmart and all these great companies will continue to grow unobstructed by laws and codes. Though the potential for growth is great in the country, it is becoming limited in whom is allowed to grow. The American people are growing by leaps and "Pounds" though. Cheap food and genetically modified crops are not the solution. It just makes MORE for LESS. Cheap food is making for expensive healthcare. Now it appears, the only winners are the 1% who are lining their pockets with profits from others' suffering.
With that said, all I ask if you are kind enough to label products for those of us who care. Because I care, because my friends and family care... I took the time to write you.
I would appreciate it, if you had any 'scientific proof' as you stated would sway your decision that you would send me copy. I kinda like to know someone who wants my vote is taking the time to share what he 'knows' with the people, and not what he 'thinks'. I know what I think, and I am YET to find another but opinions from everywhere and not one lick of 'proof' in writing.
Still Concerned,
Mrs. Shannon Fogl"
wifezilla
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journey11
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Great point and a well written letter altogether!
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vfem
Garden Addicted
I mean really, I rather pay more for better healthier foods then try to pay for more healthcare. If I'm eating and living better, I am less likely to need the healthcare and co-pays wouldn't be a bother. it just makes sense, but its not profitable enough for an industry to be whats best for the people, and I hate that attitude.
Maybe its time to take down and reassemble government so it becomes something else? Treat it like a grocery store with return policies.... you know, have a year to rip someone out of office and trade them in!
it just makes sense, but its not profitable enough for an industry to be whats best for the people, and I hate that attitude.Maybe its time to take down and reassemble government so it becomes something else? Treat it like a grocery store with return policies.... you know, have a year to rip someone out of office and trade them in!
ducks4you
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I am in LOCK STEP with ALL opinions above. Shannon, You wrote your rep a great letter. I took his letter apart, and here are MY responses:
No, Genetic Modification in the lab is different that breeding. Bad genes produced through bad breeding practices (like dog and horse inbreeding) turn out comprimised animals. Left on their own, they are not healthy enough to pass on their genes. Misguided breeders at the least, want to pass on desirable, but natural characteristics. As WE know, in our study of heirloom seeds, it is the strongest breeds that can be counted on to pass on resistances to insects, bacteria, and viruses. One great example is the rose. I had given up on growing roses, until I found out that many of the seasonal garden centers attached to super-grocery stores and to hardware stores sell badly bred, destined-to-die flowers, probably to satisfy "planned obsolesence." GMO fish are the next to enter the food supply--read:
http://nextbigfuture.com/2008/09/fish-farming-feeding-future-world.html
Funny, how on one hand the USDA is trying to bully American's livestock ownership with the threat of disease outbreak, (NAIS), while embracing potential illness through GMO vegetables. Good crops are eaten on by insects. They show us that the food is wholesome and healthy. You should know not to ever drink from a pool of water that doesn't have living things in it, because it's poisoned.
What are you going to say if/when you lose reelection because the people who vote you out didn't want this?
vfem said:
No, Genetic Modification in the lab is different that breeding. Bad genes produced through bad breeding practices (like dog and horse inbreeding) turn out comprimised animals. Left on their own, they are not healthy enough to pass on their genes. Misguided breeders at the least, want to pass on desirable, but natural characteristics. As WE know, in our study of heirloom seeds, it is the strongest breeds that can be counted on to pass on resistances to insects, bacteria, and viruses. One great example is the rose. I had given up on growing roses, until I found out that many of the seasonal garden centers attached to super-grocery stores and to hardware stores sell badly bred, destined-to-die flowers, probably to satisfy "planned obsolesence." GMO fish are the next to enter the food supply--read:
http://nextbigfuture.com/2008/09/fish-farming-feeding-future-world.html
Funny, how on one hand the USDA is trying to bully American's livestock ownership with the threat of disease outbreak, (NAIS), while embracing potential illness through GMO vegetables. Good crops are eaten on by insects. They show us that the food is wholesome and healthy. You should know not to ever drink from a pool of water that doesn't have living things in it, because it's poisoned.
Did you leave farming, which doesn't make you wealthy because Congressmen go to Washington to get rich?
Only a fool doesn't support the 2010 American farmer. I don't see any farms around ME building additions on the homes from their surplus.
WHEN has the 111th Congress listened to Americans?
Don't make more laws to put on the huge pile of current laws so that you can restrict my rights and pursuit of happiness, thank you very much.
We're in a Depression, and this Congress has made it worse--both parties, ALL incumbants.
We have way more oil than our country needs, and lots of laws that are preventing us from drilling for it, including, but not limited to the working wells that were shut down in Montana this year for political reasons.
As certified teacher, I KNOW that the state's are responsible for their own child education, and throwing money at poor administrators, poor superintendants, poor statewide heads of education and the NEA hasn't solved this politic-speak solution in my entire 52 years on the planet. What is that definition of insanity...?
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, compaign speeches.
What are you going to say if/when you lose reelection because the people who vote you out didn't want this?
