Monsanto Foolproofs Plan
Deep within House Resolution 933, a billed passed and signed by both Congress and President Barack Obama in March, lies the authorization for Monsanto Corp. to have authority over the U.S. judicial system.
Officially named the Farmer Assurance Provision, it has since been labeled by activists as the “Monsanto Protection Act.” Rightly so, considering it gives Monsanto Corp., the world’s largest producer of genetically modified crops and seeds and the authority to override any federal court decision to restrict the sale and planting of genetically modified crops — regardless of health concerns.
Many anti-GMO advocates say that there needs to be more research. Though some research has already linked genetically modified foods to infertility. With the passing of this provision, even if researchers discover dangerous effects attached to GMO’s, they will be unable to do anything to stop if from reaching the publics dinner tables.
At first, the provision was slipped in anonymously, but soon after its passing, one Republican stepped forward to claim credit. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) actually wrote the provision with help from Monsanto before inserting it into HR 933. Blunt has been a friend to the Monsanto Corp., whose headquarters is in Blunt’s state, for many years. According to OpenSecrets, since 2008 Blunt has received over $90,000 dollars in contributions from Monsanto. Blunt’s wife, Abigail, serves as the head of U.S. government affairs for the processed food giant Kraft. Kraft and Monsanto have worked together in in the past to strike down any anti-GMO bill. For example in 2012 California’s Prop 37, which required labeling of GMO foods, both Kraft and Monsanto donated around $10 million dollars to defeat the bill.
Though lasting only six months, this provision could be an eye-opening example of truly how much power both Monsanto and other major corporations have over our Congress.
–By Cory Hooker
Dreams Do Come True
The theme of the event, “Dreams Do Come True,” will become a reality for the more than 18,000 clients served each year at Harbor Interfaith Services.
The agency raised about $175,000 was raised at a March 16 gala produced by the South Bay Auxiliary of HIS and held at the Hyatt Regency in Long Beach.
The funds will go to support on-going programs at Harbor Interfaith Services’ facility based in San Pedro. These programs include an emergency family shelter, transitional housing, after-school care, child day care and a food pantry.
With the success of the gala, more than $675,000 has been raised since 2007 through the efforts of the auxiliary to benefit Harbor Interfaith Services.