Being Vegan – The Monsanto Monster

By Paul Graham

Contributing Writer

Is Monsanto the most vilified corporation in the world today? Possibly. At least if they are not, they should be. All over this country and all over this world battles are being waged against this corporate giant who wants to impose its will upon this world and its food supply with little regard for the short and long-term health of consumers. They are in the pockets of many other corporations and many in government. They deal from a position of power, greed and control. In many ways they seem to operate above the law.

They are being opposed on many, many levels. A number of countries have banned Monsanto’s Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s). Some countries have burned GMO crops. The nation of India if preparing to file suit against Monsanto to stop their move into their country. At the end of January, a suit began in Manhattan’s Federal Courts with 83 plaintiffs representing over 300,000 organic farmers, seed growers, and organic seed businesses bringing a historic suit against Monsanto. Oral arguments have been heard and on March 31 the judge will determine whether or not the suit will go further. Yet everyday throughout the vast social media networks and the rest of the internet, publications, and certain media outlets. the voices of the people are being heard. And the opposition against Monsanto is mounting.

Should Monsanto be concerned? I think that they should. You can look no farther than history to know that eventually, all great (if only in their own minds) empires eventually will fall. One way or another. Daily, the outrage against the monster that is Monsanto… is growing. Information is being dispensed daily and is arousing the ire of students, soccer moms, workers, business owners, farmers, retirees, artists, etc….basically at least 99% of the people who find it impossible to believe how things can be introduced into our food system without any real testing and knowing the short and long term effects they will bring. How can we risk our health and the health of our children and their children? We can’t. Not only are there very real health risks but the actions of this company is affecting the livelihood of millions of people…and not in a positive way.

People will continue to research, write, and inform the populace through various means. And people are listening. They are signing petitions. They are protesting. They are finding out what foods are being affected and making a choice with their pocketbooks. This is a message that these companies understand. We need to find out who the biggest stockholders are of these companies and bring our influence to them. Shine the light upon them. We need to boycott Monsanto and all of its affiliate companies. We need to speak out against the government agencies that allow things companies like Monsanto to have their way. The politicians who support companies like Monsanto and do their bidding need to hear the voice of the people and help to bring reform or be simply voted out of office. At least they will have a sympathetic company or two that might get them officially on the payroll if they need a job.

Coretta Scott King said that the battle for freedom must be fought and won in every generation.  We are now in a battle for for our freedom in regards to our food supply, our health, and the right to know what is in our food.  Everyone needs to engage in this fight in one way or another.  We can see great change happen but it is going to take a concerted and valiant effort by the people of this country and others around the world to see it come about.  Battles will be waged in the courts, online, the media, and in the marketplace.  The greed and cavalier attitude of this company and others is awakening people to action.  Yes, it is a great challenge.  Yet if you know the great story of David vs. the giant Goliath…you are aware of how that story does end.

Paul Graham

Paul Graham was born and raised in Northern California and has lived in Las Vegas since 2004.  He is a top wedding officiate, a green Realtor and writer.  He has a daily vegan food blog www.eatingveganinvegas.tumblr.com which is 365 days and 365 vegan meals in Las Vegas.  He can also be reached at eatingveganlv@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/EatingVeganinVegas.