There is a recent movie out called “The People v. The State of Illusion,” in which the central theme is that most of us live in a state of illusion, captive of our perceptions and thoughts, and this state of illusion can create a living hell for us.
Not only do people live in a state of illusion, but companies do also. And one of the biggest perpetrators of living in this state of illusion is Monsanto.
Monsanto is an agricultural giant which has gone to great lengths to keep themselves as the number one name in American agriculture.
Their mission statement, as they state on their website is:
Monsanto is an agricultural company. We apply innovation and technology to help farmers around the world produce more while conserving more. We help farmers grow yield sustainably so they can be successful, produce healthier foods, better animal feeds and more fiber, while also reducing agriculture’s impact on our environment.
And also on their website, they have a pledge:
- Integrity
- Integrity is the foundation for all that we do. Integrity includes honesty, decency, consistency, and courage. Building on those values, we are committed to:
- Dialogue
- We will listen carefully to diverse points of view and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We will broaden our understanding of issues in order to better address the needs and concerns of society and each other.
- Transparency
- We will ensure that information is available, accessible, and understandable.
- Sharing
- We will share knowledge and technology to advance scientific understanding, to improve agriculture and the environment, to improve crops, and to help farmers in developing countries.
- Benefits
- We will use sound and innovative science and thoughtful and effective stewardship to deliver high-quality products that are beneficial to our customers and to the environment.
- Respect
- We will respect the religious, cultural, and ethical concerns of people throughout the world. The safety of our employees, the communities where we operate, our customers, consumers, and the environment will be our highest priority.
- Act as Owners
to Achieve Results - We will create clarity of direction, roles, and accountability; build strong relationships with our customers and external partners; make wise decisions; steward our company resources; and take responsibility for achieving agreed-upon results.
- Create a Great
Place to Work - We will ensure diversity of people and thought; foster innovation, creativity and learning; practice inclusive teamwork; and reward and recognize our people.
- Obviously, Monsanto is living in a state of illusion, because what they claim vs. who they are is two separate and distinct things. They are not a company with integrity, transparency, or respect, nor do they produce healthier foods or reduce agriculture’s impact on the environment.
- When you live in a state of illusion, you become so adept at lying to yourself that you believe it as the truth.
Welcome to the illusory world of Monsanto.
Between 1997 and 2010, Monsanto’s legal team has tried to file nearly 150 lawsuits against independent farmers, often for allegations that their patented GMO-seeds had somehow managed to be carried onto unlicensed farms. Often those farms have been unable to fight against Monsanto’s mega-lawyers and have been forced to fold in response. The Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association tried taking Monsanto to court earlier this year to keep them from following similar suits, but a Federal District Court judge in Manhattan shut down their plea. The group has since filed an appeal.
Now, Monsanto is looking to sue the entire state of Vermont. Lawmakers in Vermont are looking to regulate food labels so customers can know which products are made from genetically modified crops, but Monsanto says they will sue if the state follows through.
If the bill in question, H-722 (the “VT Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act”) passes the state Senate and House, manufacturers will be required to label products that are created either partially or in full from a genetically modified organism, or GMO. Such man-made crops have become a trademark of the billion-dollar Monsanto corporation.
Monsanto is going mad over the proposal, however, which would also make them unable to label their productions as “natural,” “naturally made,” “naturally grown” or “all natural,” if, in fact, they are not. For Monsanto, it would seem that moving products and making money is much more of a worthwhile venture than telling its customers what exactly they are consuming.
With Vermont legislators now standing in the way of what could mean even more money for Monsanto, the company says they will sue the state if H-722 is approved. Now in fear of a lawsuit in the future, lawmakers in Vermont have put a hold on any future voting regarding the bill. If history is any indication, Monsanto is more than likely to have their way and win yet another battle.
The good news is that the country of Hungary has decided not to live in an illusory state, as Hungary is a nation where genetically modified (GM) seeds are banned. In a similar stance against GM ingredients, Peru has also passed a 10 year ban on GM foods.
And Hungary recently showed Monsanto they mean business when they took a bold stand against Monsanto and genetic modification by destroying 1000 acres of maize found to have been grown with genetically modified seeds. Unlike many European Union countries, Hungary is a nation where genetically modified (GM) seeds are banned. In a similar stance against GM ingredients, Peru has also passed a 10 year ban on GM foods.
Congratulations to Hungary for standing up to Monsanto and deciding they were not willing to live like Monsanto, in a state of illusion.
May we all live with such clarity, free and clear of a state of illusion. All it takes is boldness of action.