COMMENTS: 47
Desperate Food Industry Tries to Tar Michael Pollan and Organic Produce
August 24, 2009 |
LIKE THIS ARTICLE ?
Join our mailing list:
Sign up to stay up to date on the latest Personal Health headlines via email.
Advertisement
What do you get when you cross a grassroots movement with a food industry fearful of losing its influence? Bogus studies, campaigns of misinformation and opinion pieces filled with myth and vitriol.
You may have noticed an uptick this year in news reporting that organic food isn’t really better for you, opinion pieces by conventional farmers saying that they are tired of being demonized by “agri-intellectuals”, and guilt-inducing ads by Monsanto in highbrow publications like the New Yorker touting the company’s ability to feed the world through technology.
Though all of this could be disturbing to those of us committed to sustainable agriculture and food that is fair to eaters, animals, workers and farmers, I’m choosing to see this as a good sign. I think it means we might be winning.
The turning point was when First Lady Michelle Obama planted an organic garden on the White House lawn only to receive a letter from The American CropLife Association telling her that they hoped she recognized the value of conventional agriculture in American life. The letter can be read here. Then, there were false allegations that the garden was contaminated with lead. In the face of all this, the first lady stuck with her commitment to keeping the garden organic.
Why is this happening now? For many years, organic food was a marginal market and the big players were content to let it either exist on the sidelines or hedge their bets and buy into it themselves.
But due to the excellent work by many writers and activists like Michael Pollan, Eric Schlosser, Marion Nestle, Robert Kenner and others too numerous to mention, more of us are starting to pay attention to where our food comes from and how it is produced. This market is now a force for change. And individuals and companies that benefit from the status quo don’t want change.
Let’s take a closer look at the people and ideology behind some of the more recent high profile examples of the attacks against sustainable food.
The aforementioned study by London’s School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine on the nutrient values of organic foods looked at various studies on the subject and compiled them to reach its conclusions. No new study was conducted. The meta review ignored some recent studies on nutrients, including one focused on antioxidants.
LIKED THIS ARTICLE? JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
Stay up to date with the latest Personal Health headlines via email
Stay up to date with the latest Personal Health headlines via email
COMMENTS ( 47 )
READ COMMENTS
LOGIN OR
REGISTER TO POST A COMMENT
Comments are closed-
institutions in the UK are not to be trusted--the UK is a weak monarchy which grants undeserved
Posted by: Suzon on Aug 25, 2009 3:56 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: Suzon on Aug 25, 2009 3:56 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
privileges to associations of powerful men.
The institution in question was probably incorporated by royal charter and that charter probably includes a royal command for government ministers and judges to give special treatment, wrongdoing notwithstanding.
Royally chartered City livery companies represent every vested interest under the sun, farmers included (agribusiness to you). (There is even a Worshipful Company of International Bankers.)
Most royal charters either explicitly or implicitly state that "non-recital" (concealment) and "mis-recital" (deception) are to be overlooked.
Over and over again, "independent" public inquiries into wrongdoing have intentionally limited remits and, though a few embarrassing facts are admitted, the conclusion is that no one in authority is culpable.
Take anything coming out of the UK with a sack of salt. Crime at the top is rampant.
The institution in question was probably incorporated by royal charter and that charter probably includes a royal command for government ministers and judges to give special treatment, wrongdoing notwithstanding.
Royally chartered City livery companies represent every vested interest under the sun, farmers included (agribusiness to you). (There is even a Worshipful Company of International Bankers.)
Most royal charters either explicitly or implicitly state that "non-recital" (concealment) and "mis-recital" (deception) are to be overlooked.
Over and over again, "independent" public inquiries into wrongdoing have intentionally limited remits and, though a few embarrassing facts are admitted, the conclusion is that no one in authority is culpable.
Take anything coming out of the UK with a sack of salt. Crime at the top is rampant.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» I assumed as much when I first saw Reagan and Thatcher hand in hand like lovebirds
Posted by: Paul_C
Comments are closed-
Big corporations were always used to keeping the competition off.
Posted by: CarlaWaters on Aug 25, 2009 4:01 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: CarlaWaters on Aug 25, 2009 4:01 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Desperate that they'll collapse once their profits slow down, they resort again to crushing the competition much like a school bully afraid to compete. Peak oil should put a damper to the current unsustainable methods out there.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
Time to Change the Subsidies! Farm Subsidies for
Posted by: rjgwood on Aug 25, 2009 4:42 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: rjgwood on Aug 25, 2009 4:42 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Organic conversion, family farm preservation, and urban & sustainable farming movements. It is important for our government to support farming, but this support needs to be directed at sustainable efforts that encourages reduction of environmentally harmful pesticide use & of corporate farms techniques that are bad for people and animals, such as the wide spread use of antibiotics and growth hormones.
Farming organically, in sustainable earth-friendly terms needs to be supported by our government rather than its current practice of handing out billions to large, corporate, mega-polluters.
Contact your congressional representative & ask them to sponsor legislation that targets these subsidies and demands that earth-friendly practices be the new standard for receiving money & tax write-offs.
The benefits would be huge: Sustainable farming practices, urban farming movements, reduction in pesticide usage, support of local family farms, and help for current farmers to convert to green methods!
Farming organically, in sustainable earth-friendly terms needs to be supported by our government rather than its current practice of handing out billions to large, corporate, mega-polluters.
Contact your congressional representative & ask them to sponsor legislation that targets these subsidies and demands that earth-friendly practices be the new standard for receiving money & tax write-offs.
The benefits would be huge: Sustainable farming practices, urban farming movements, reduction in pesticide usage, support of local family farms, and help for current farmers to convert to green methods!
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
Looks Beyond
Posted by: juli on Aug 25, 2009 4:49 AM
Current rating: 4 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: juli on Aug 25, 2009 4:49 AM
Current rating: 4 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Food is energy. Energy comes in the form of thought/intent. We treat our food without any thought today. I remember when we were thankful for the food that we were given or able to obtain. We ate each bite with a thankful heart and endeared it to our systems nutrition. Mother's food always tasted better, why, because of the good intention and thoughts of love that was incorporated in every stir, every added ingredient, and the joy of serving nutrition to her loved ones. This energy intention goes to feed the body more nutritiously than packaged, chemically filled, fake tastes, and toxic colored foods.
Note in the movie "Cold Mountain" how the reclusive woman in the mountain, killed one of her goats . . . she stroked its head in love with comfort and thanksgiving until the goat 'gave up its life' for the woman.
We don't know what this kind of appreciation is today. I was a small child when WWII was started and we had to grow our own food, we kept chickens, Mom stood in line for butter, flour, milk, etc. We really valued our food and we didn't use pesticides at all. Dad always planted enough for the bugs too.
Organic farmers care not to use Monsantos $$$ pesticides/chemicals/herbicides/toxins/poisons/GMOs.
Feed the world slogan is "glean the riches" from the people really. High priced Monsanto seeds are bankrupting farmers in India. It is banned in other countries. It's all about Money and Control. Control the Food and you Control the People. That's proven in third world areas but not by a corporation.
Note in the movie "Cold Mountain" how the reclusive woman in the mountain, killed one of her goats . . . she stroked its head in love with comfort and thanksgiving until the goat 'gave up its life' for the woman.
We don't know what this kind of appreciation is today. I was a small child when WWII was started and we had to grow our own food, we kept chickens, Mom stood in line for butter, flour, milk, etc. We really valued our food and we didn't use pesticides at all. Dad always planted enough for the bugs too.
Organic farmers care not to use Monsantos $$$ pesticides/chemicals/herbicides/toxins/poisons/GMOs.
Feed the world slogan is "glean the riches" from the people really. High priced Monsanto seeds are bankrupting farmers in India. It is banned in other countries. It's all about Money and Control. Control the Food and you Control the People. That's proven in third world areas but not by a corporation.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» RE: Looks Beyond
Posted by: dcande01
» sorry, all actions are not morally the same--letting dogs tear a fox apart for sport
Posted by: Suzon
» RE: sorry, all actions are not morally the same--letting dogs tear a fox apart for sport
Posted by: dcande01
» then you need to read more
Posted by: Drclaw
» RE: then you need to read more
Posted by: dcande01
» another intolerant vegetarian
Posted by: Drclaw
» RE: another intolerant vegetarian
Posted by: dcande01
» RE: another intolerant vegetarian
Posted by: Drclaw
» addendum
Posted by: Drclaw
» RE: addendum
Posted by: dcande01
» RE: addendum
Posted by: dcande01
Comments are closed-
Britney Spears brand apples!
Posted by: ABetterFuture on Aug 25, 2009 5:32 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: ABetterFuture on Aug 25, 2009 5:32 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
What do you get when you cross a grassroots movement with a food industry fearful of losing its influence?
Because labels make it um-um good.
Because labels make it um-um good.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» who kidnapped ABF..
Posted by: Drclaw
Comments are closed-
Organic means No DEADLY TOXIC CHEMICALS, INSECTICIDES
Posted by: mtcloud on Aug 25, 2009 5:53 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: mtcloud on Aug 25, 2009 5:53 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
As you know, we were made to eat wholesome foods not made to eat DEADLY TOXIC CHEMICALS. Here is a list of the carcinogenic additives that are found in many foods and beverages not organic. These are not listed on the labels. The Corporate FDA does not want you to know about them. This should be in the government scams, since the FDA works for the Corporate Government.And the CANCER RISK, since these chemicals are known carcinogenic, which means they can produce cancers to grown in your body. Foods can be grown and processed practically and economically without these contamination by pesticides and other carcinogens. ORGANIC FOODS grown without these carcinogenic chemicals. THE CHOICE IS YOURS eat organic or eat the foods that are not organic. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ You can also look up these chemicals online. 1. Acephale
2. Azinphos-methyl
3. benomyl
4. Benzene hexachloride ( BHC)
5.Capafol
6. Captan
7. Chlordane
8. Chlorobezilate
9. Chlorothalonil
10. Ethlenethiourea (ETU
11. Dacthal ( DCPA)
12. DDT, DDC, DDD
13. Dicofol/Kelthane
14.Dimethoate
15. Endrin
16. Folpet
17. Heptachlor
18. Hexachlorobenzene (HBC)
19.Lead
20. Lindane, 21. Linuron, 22, Mancozeb/Manch ( ethylen bisdithiocaramate) 23. Nonachlor, 24. Octachlor, 25. o-Phynylphenol and Na salt. 26. Parathion. 27. Pentachlorophenol ( "Penta') 28. Permethrin, 29. Polychlorinated biphenyls ( PCBs), 30. Propargite, 31. Radiation ( Chernobyl-related) 32. Toxaphene and there are 5 more... SO this is what the FDA the Corporate GOVERNMENT allows to be in your foods and bevrages and they have NEVER TOLD YOU THE TRUTH and here they want to stop CANCERS but they really do not.
2. Azinphos-methyl
3. benomyl
4. Benzene hexachloride ( BHC)
5.Capafol
6. Captan
7. Chlordane
8. Chlorobezilate
9. Chlorothalonil
10. Ethlenethiourea (ETU
11. Dacthal ( DCPA)
12. DDT, DDC, DDD
13. Dicofol/Kelthane
14.Dimethoate
15. Endrin
16. Folpet
17. Heptachlor
18. Hexachlorobenzene (HBC)
19.Lead
20. Lindane, 21. Linuron, 22, Mancozeb/Manch ( ethylen bisdithiocaramate) 23. Nonachlor, 24. Octachlor, 25. o-Phynylphenol and Na salt. 26. Parathion. 27. Pentachlorophenol ( "Penta') 28. Permethrin, 29. Polychlorinated biphenyls ( PCBs), 30. Propargite, 31. Radiation ( Chernobyl-related) 32. Toxaphene and there are 5 more... SO this is what the FDA the Corporate GOVERNMENT allows to be in your foods and bevrages and they have NEVER TOLD YOU THE TRUTH and here they want to stop CANCERS but they really do not.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» pesticides come from other sources too
Posted by: Drclaw
Comments are closed-
The real debate.....
Posted by: Spiritgirl on Aug 25, 2009 5:54 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: Spiritgirl on Aug 25, 2009 5:54 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Let us look at the real issues, on the one hand we have "agri-business" where our "food" is mass produced using (what we now know) unsustainable genetically modified,hormone injected, soil robbing petro culture. One in which we may have "more food" but not variety within the species (there are more apples than Granny Smith, Golden delicious, & Figi), nor taste (think tomatoes in winter) but lots of calories. Now organic farming may take a bit more in back-breaking sweat, but you do know that what you're getting is local, helps the "family farm", and if they rotate seasonally you might just discover new recipes for winter squash, it's also healthier.
Whether people want to recognize it or not, you are what you eat, and as with as much as 30% of Americans obese, is there not a correlation with the "mass produced" food that really isn't helping people live healthier, and the slow food that many are starting to consume. Now here comes "agri-business" doing what they do best, ostracizing those that are exposing the shoddy practices, and cruel and unsustainable ways our food is produced! And while we're at it, can we stop those agricultural subsidies to these "gentleman farmers", and BIG BUSINESS?
Don't get me wrong, I do believe in capitalism, I believe that farmers markets have a place alongside the "SUPERMARKET", but much like the health-care non debate, why is it only "a choice" when BIG BUSINESS is the only "choice" available?
Whether people want to recognize it or not, you are what you eat, and as with as much as 30% of Americans obese, is there not a correlation with the "mass produced" food that really isn't helping people live healthier, and the slow food that many are starting to consume. Now here comes "agri-business" doing what they do best, ostracizing those that are exposing the shoddy practices, and cruel and unsustainable ways our food is produced! And while we're at it, can we stop those agricultural subsidies to these "gentleman farmers", and BIG BUSINESS?
Don't get me wrong, I do believe in capitalism, I believe that farmers markets have a place alongside the "SUPERMARKET", but much like the health-care non debate, why is it only "a choice" when BIG BUSINESS is the only "choice" available?
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» You have touched on an interesting point...
Posted by: djnoll
Comments are closed-
Monsanto's green revolution
Posted by: Drclaw on Aug 25, 2009 6:11 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: Drclaw on Aug 25, 2009 6:11 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
has ruined agriculture in the horn of africa and india by substituting non-native and chemically intensive farming practices for more traditional ones. Farmers often now cannot buy the seeds they need (this is a nice way that these companies get customers for life), can't afford the fertilizer or the water infrastructure, and these countries have shifted from growing crops used by their own population to producing stuff for export. Thousands go hungry as a result, and their economy is totally dependent on the western market.It has brought neither prosperity nor food.
I'm all for technology improving the lives and practices of others, but it has to be coupled with locally and culturally adaptive crops. It currently is not. Screw Monsanto.
Don't get me started on fishing practices-they work similarly and are just as bad. Nile perch has ruined the ecology of lake victoria, and consequently has driven thousands of local fisherman and farmers in 3 countries into poverty so that a few can make lots of cash selling fish for export. Watch Darwin's Dilemma for a good glimpse of how these systems work. Its economic slavery, pure and simple.
I'm all for technology improving the lives and practices of others, but it has to be coupled with locally and culturally adaptive crops. It currently is not. Screw Monsanto.
Don't get me started on fishing practices-they work similarly and are just as bad. Nile perch has ruined the ecology of lake victoria, and consequently has driven thousands of local fisherman and farmers in 3 countries into poverty so that a few can make lots of cash selling fish for export. Watch Darwin's Dilemma for a good glimpse of how these systems work. Its economic slavery, pure and simple.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» Monsanto is proving tough to get rid of but some of us St Louis residents still won't give up.
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
» tough row of corn to hoe
Posted by: Drclaw
» RE: tough row of corn to hoe
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
» RE: tough row of corn to hoe/Urban Farms
Posted by: MyLeftFoot
» RE: tough row of corn to hoe/Urban Farms
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
Comments are closed-
A wide range of whole foods eaten in moderation
Posted by: drosera on Aug 25, 2009 6:25 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: drosera on Aug 25, 2009 6:25 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Eat many different kinds of things, not just wheat, soybeans, corn and the animals that have been fed on them. Whole foods: processed as little as possible: whole potatoes, vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheese... Consume them in quantities sufficient to nourish the body, thereby maintaining a healthy body size. These rules are not difficult to follow and they sidestep the issues of "organic" vs. "not organic," "GM" vs. traditional.
I might add one other criterion: Buy local whenever possible. By buying local you insure that the benefits of good farming practices are circulated throughout the community. Decisions about food should be made based upon the consumer's tastes and self-interest, not upon abstract policy considerations. Eat free and be happy!
I might add one other criterion: Buy local whenever possible. By buying local you insure that the benefits of good farming practices are circulated throughout the community. Decisions about food should be made based upon the consumer's tastes and self-interest, not upon abstract policy considerations. Eat free and be happy!
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» Not true!
Posted by: frantaylor
» Would you settle for "more likely"
Posted by: wolfgangmo75
» Go ahead and look for organic corn
Posted by: frantaylor
Comments are closed-
a return to organic farming
Posted by: vasumurti on Aug 25, 2009 7:12 AM
Current rating: 4 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: vasumurti on Aug 25, 2009 7:12 AM
Current rating: 4 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'd like to see a return to organic farming. In 1989, concern over the use of the pesticide Alar on apples caused many Americans to consider organic produce. We produce pesticides at a rate some 13,000 times faster than we did in the 1950s. Our environment is being flooded by pesticide compounds.
Poisons used to kill insects accumulate on crops, in the soil and in greater concentration in the tissues of living creatures higher on the food chain. The EPA's Pesticide Monitoring Journal reports that "Foods of animal origin (are) the major source of pesticide residues in the diet."
In his Pulitzer Prize nominated book, How to Survive in America the Poisoned, pesticide authority Lewis Regenstein writes: "Meat contains approximately 14 times more pesticides than do plant foods...Thus, by eating foods of animal origin, one ingests greatly concentrated amounts of hazardous chemicals."
A 1976 study by the EPA found the breast milk of mothers who consume animal products to be 50 to 100 times more contaminated by pesticide residues than the milk of vegetarian or vegan mothers.
Organic farming and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are getting more attention today. These utilize natural insect controls, such as predatory insects, weather, crop rotation, pest-resistant varieties, soil tillage, and other environmentally safe practices.
A 1979 Department of Agriculture task force of scientists and economists came to "...positive conclusions on the importance of organic farming and its potential contributions to agriculture and society." Until the end of the Second World War, American farmers produced bountiful harvests without relying on pesticides. There is no reason why America cannot do so again.
Poisons used to kill insects accumulate on crops, in the soil and in greater concentration in the tissues of living creatures higher on the food chain. The EPA's Pesticide Monitoring Journal reports that "Foods of animal origin (are) the major source of pesticide residues in the diet."
In his Pulitzer Prize nominated book, How to Survive in America the Poisoned, pesticide authority Lewis Regenstein writes: "Meat contains approximately 14 times more pesticides than do plant foods...Thus, by eating foods of animal origin, one ingests greatly concentrated amounts of hazardous chemicals."
A 1976 study by the EPA found the breast milk of mothers who consume animal products to be 50 to 100 times more contaminated by pesticide residues than the milk of vegetarian or vegan mothers.
Organic farming and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are getting more attention today. These utilize natural insect controls, such as predatory insects, weather, crop rotation, pest-resistant varieties, soil tillage, and other environmentally safe practices.
A 1979 Department of Agriculture task force of scientists and economists came to "...positive conclusions on the importance of organic farming and its potential contributions to agriculture and society." Until the end of the Second World War, American farmers produced bountiful harvests without relying on pesticides. There is no reason why America cannot do so again.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» pesticide treadmill
Posted by: Drclaw
Comments are closed-
Sorry, the article is poor
Posted by: mcharles on Aug 25, 2009 8:05 AM
Current rating: 1 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: mcharles on Aug 25, 2009 8:05 AM
Current rating: 1 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm open to all the evidence in this debate, and this article did a poor job of persuading me that organic is definitively better.
- complaining that a study took into account many studies instead of being simply one additional study among many is a strength of the study, not a weakness.
- the media coverage of the study has nothing to do with the veracity or usefulness of the study.
- questioning a university's study because that same university put out an unrelated study is an ineffectual argument.
- linking the FSA to the study to discredit it is weak as well.
Then there's a lot of emotional appeals that preach to the crowd.
Finally, there's this line:
"As global warming accelerates and fuel costs rise, we need to figure out how to produce food differently."
Sorry, but in the event of climate change, large scale corporate farming might end up being what initially feeds the world, as organic farms struggle to produce with weather changes, increases in insects and evolving diseases.
As far as fuel prices, I have a much better chance of finding non-organic locally grown produce right now than I do of finding locally grown organic produce - it's all shipped in from California. If not for 20th century farming practices, not much other than corn would grow well enough to be a supply crop where I live.
It would be nice if locally grown organic produce could feed the world, but I've seen an estimate that all-organic farming would only feed 4 billion people, leaving 3 billion people out of luck.
- complaining that a study took into account many studies instead of being simply one additional study among many is a strength of the study, not a weakness.
- the media coverage of the study has nothing to do with the veracity or usefulness of the study.
- questioning a university's study because that same university put out an unrelated study is an ineffectual argument.
- linking the FSA to the study to discredit it is weak as well.
Then there's a lot of emotional appeals that preach to the crowd.
Finally, there's this line:
"As global warming accelerates and fuel costs rise, we need to figure out how to produce food differently."
Sorry, but in the event of climate change, large scale corporate farming might end up being what initially feeds the world, as organic farms struggle to produce with weather changes, increases in insects and evolving diseases.
As far as fuel prices, I have a much better chance of finding non-organic locally grown produce right now than I do of finding locally grown organic produce - it's all shipped in from California. If not for 20th century farming practices, not much other than corn would grow well enough to be a supply crop where I live.
It would be nice if locally grown organic produce could feed the world, but I've seen an estimate that all-organic farming would only feed 4 billion people, leaving 3 billion people out of luck.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» Which says that world population is already unsustainable
Posted by: Paul_C
» RE: Which says that world population is already unsustainable
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
» other points to consider
Posted by: Drclaw
» Another point to think about
Posted by: wolfgangmo75
Comments are closed-
Healthcare
Posted by: maxsmart on Aug 25, 2009 11:06 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: maxsmart on Aug 25, 2009 11:06 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
You can't really address healthcare adequately without looking at environmentat factors like pollution, carcinogens, and food quality not to mention housing and jobs.
Plus our complex society is asking for trouble by allowing free enterprise to run wild introducing a multiplicity of factors without careful consideration of impacts. The Romans tested water for a year I'm told in areas to see how it affected people's health then allowed it into the lead pipes taking it into the cities.
What we call working for our health turns out to be demonizing the tobacco addicts with taxes for what the government subsidized for years to tobacco farmers and sugar growers as well. A legal addictive substance that now gets you fired or not hired for!!! Why, probably just to save the insurance companies, government, and tobacco companies from treating and raise some tax money for non-smokers kids education?? Meanwhile there is everyone's car pollution and all the plastics and genetically modified food and the feedlots galore.
Plus our complex society is asking for trouble by allowing free enterprise to run wild introducing a multiplicity of factors without careful consideration of impacts. The Romans tested water for a year I'm told in areas to see how it affected people's health then allowed it into the lead pipes taking it into the cities.
What we call working for our health turns out to be demonizing the tobacco addicts with taxes for what the government subsidized for years to tobacco farmers and sugar growers as well. A legal addictive substance that now gets you fired or not hired for!!! Why, probably just to save the insurance companies, government, and tobacco companies from treating and raise some tax money for non-smokers kids education?? Meanwhile there is everyone's car pollution and all the plastics and genetically modified food and the feedlots galore.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
Eating organic is a mental illness
Posted by: pomes on Aug 25, 2009 11:46 AM
Current rating: 4 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: pomes on Aug 25, 2009 11:46 AM
Current rating: 4 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The most ridiculous article I've seen on this issue comes from the UK Guardian, in a nation where eating organic is being classified as a mental illness called "orthorexia nervosa."
Pure Food Obsession is Latest Eating Disorder
Pure Food Obsession is Latest Eating Disorder
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
By the way, in case anyone missed this, here's a small guide to organic farming buisness.
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield on Aug 25, 2009 2:46 PM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield on Aug 25, 2009 2:46 PM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
http://www.alternet.org/environment/142132
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
food
Posted by: tazdelaney on Aug 25, 2009 4:50 PM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: tazdelaney on Aug 25, 2009 4:50 PM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
like i say, organic is what y grandparents just called FOOD. i'm 55 and even in my childhood in the mtns of virginia, it was mostly 'real food.' it smelled different cooking and on the plate; it tasted different, too. y wife and i have gone as organic as we can afford in the past 10 years and we haven't even kept pepto-bismol in the house for years as we never need it any more. (in fact the only legal drug you'd find here is advil and we're better for it.)
we've watched w/little surprise as the government, working for the corporatists as always, has allowed the watering down of what the 'organic' sticker stands for. how about a dual sticker system in which there's true organic and semi-organic?
while the new yorker is perhaps the most important magazine in america these days (hersh, etc.), it is sad when i see an ad for monsanto or boeing therein. monsanto, one of the woeld's most evil corporations... and that's really saying something.
i was recently talking with a grocer i've known here in NYC for years who is right around the corner from the huge whole fods store. he told me that he's really noticing what amounts to a paradigm shift in just the past year or so in that people are now highly attuned and thoughtful about what they eat as well as the politics of food. he told me that he's getting more sales of organics since the recent news about the CEO of WF, mackay or whatever. an old lady had recently said to him that she refuses to buy frankenfood and refuses to buy from rightwingers if she can help it. these are good signs...
we've watched w/little surprise as the government, working for the corporatists as always, has allowed the watering down of what the 'organic' sticker stands for. how about a dual sticker system in which there's true organic and semi-organic?
while the new yorker is perhaps the most important magazine in america these days (hersh, etc.), it is sad when i see an ad for monsanto or boeing therein. monsanto, one of the woeld's most evil corporations... and that's really saying something.
i was recently talking with a grocer i've known here in NYC for years who is right around the corner from the huge whole fods store. he told me that he's really noticing what amounts to a paradigm shift in just the past year or so in that people are now highly attuned and thoughtful about what they eat as well as the politics of food. he told me that he's getting more sales of organics since the recent news about the CEO of WF, mackay or whatever. an old lady had recently said to him that she refuses to buy frankenfood and refuses to buy from rightwingers if she can help it. these are good signs...
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
whole Foods
Posted by: liberal avenger on Aug 26, 2009 9:50 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: liberal avenger on Aug 26, 2009 9:50 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The organic food company, Whole Foods, is run by a bad guy. He is against obama's health care plan and wrote a blistering attack on it in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.
We must boycott them.
We must boycott them.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
DVD TO MP4 MAC
Posted by: boay on Aug 27, 2009 1:11 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: boay on Aug 27, 2009 1:11 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
DVD to MP4 Mac
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
discusiion to it
Posted by: lee123 on Aug 27, 2009 1:41 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: lee123 on Aug 27, 2009 1:41 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Cheap Jordan,Cheap Jordan shoes,Retro Jordan,Air Yeezy Shoes,Supra shoes,Kanye West ShoesJordan shoes,New Jordans,Air Yeezy,Air Force Ones,Nike Dunks,Retro Jordan, Cheap Jordan Shoes,Nike Dunk High,True Religion Jeans,New Air Force OnesAir Yeezy Shoe,Supra Shoes,Retro Jordan,Creative Recreation,Nike DunksNike Air YeezyTrue Religion,Air Jordan Shoes,Air Shox,Air Max,Dunk Shoes.Air Jordan,Cheap Jordans,Jordan Shoes,Cheap Air Jordans,Air Jordan Shoes
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
.
Posted by: jtpatrick108 on Aug 27, 2009 5:36 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: jtpatrick108 on Aug 27, 2009 5:36 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
1 of the sweetest means to remove the obesity problem in America would be to give people miracle berry so that disgusting healthy food will taste great. Since obesity is such a big problem, this could save money when it comes to health care. Ok I'm just kidding!
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Alternet Comments:
» I assumed as much when I first saw Reagan and Thatcher hand in hand like lovebirds
Posted by: Paul_C
» RE: Looks Beyond
Posted by: dcande01
» sorry, all actions are not morally the same--letting dogs tear a fox apart for sport
Posted by: Suzon
» RE: sorry, all actions are not morally the same--letting dogs tear a fox apart for sport
Posted by: dcande01
» then you need to read more
Posted by: Drclaw
» RE: then you need to read more
Posted by: dcande01
» another intolerant vegetarian
Posted by: Drclaw
» RE: another intolerant vegetarian
Posted by: dcande01
» RE: another intolerant vegetarian
Posted by: Drclaw
» addendum
Posted by: Drclaw
» RE: addendum
Posted by: dcande01
» RE: addendum
Posted by: dcande01
» who kidnapped ABF..
Posted by: Drclaw
» pesticides come from other sources too
Posted by: Drclaw
» You have touched on an interesting point...
Posted by: djnoll
» Monsanto is proving tough to get rid of but some of us St Louis residents still won't give up.
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
» tough row of corn to hoe
Posted by: Drclaw
» RE: tough row of corn to hoe
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
» RE: tough row of corn to hoe/Urban Farms
Posted by: MyLeftFoot
» RE: tough row of corn to hoe/Urban Farms
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
» Not true!
Posted by: frantaylor
» Would you settle for "more likely"
Posted by: wolfgangmo75
» Go ahead and look for organic corn
Posted by: frantaylor
» pesticide treadmill
Posted by: Drclaw
» Which says that world population is already unsustainable
Posted by: Paul_C
» RE: Which says that world population is already unsustainable
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
» other points to consider
Posted by: Drclaw
» Another point to think about
Posted by: wolfgangmo75
Comments are closed-
institutions in the UK are not to be trusted--the UK is a weak monarchy which grants undeserved
Posted by: Suzon on Aug 25, 2009 3:56 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: Suzon on Aug 25, 2009 3:56 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
privileges to associations of powerful men.
The institution in question was probably incorporated by royal charter and that charter probably includes a royal command for government ministers and judges to give special treatment, wrongdoing notwithstanding.
Royally chartered City livery companies represent every vested interest under the sun, farmers included (agribusiness to you). (There is even a Worshipful Company of International Bankers.)
Most royal charters either explicitly or implicitly state that "non-recital" (concealment) and "mis-recital" (deception) are to be overlooked.
Over and over again, "independent" public inquiries into wrongdoing have intentionally limited remits and, though a few embarrassing facts are admitted, the conclusion is that no one in authority is culpable.
Take anything coming out of the UK with a sack of salt. Crime at the top is rampant.
The institution in question was probably incorporated by royal charter and that charter probably includes a royal command for government ministers and judges to give special treatment, wrongdoing notwithstanding.
Royally chartered City livery companies represent every vested interest under the sun, farmers included (agribusiness to you). (There is even a Worshipful Company of International Bankers.)
Most royal charters either explicitly or implicitly state that "non-recital" (concealment) and "mis-recital" (deception) are to be overlooked.
Over and over again, "independent" public inquiries into wrongdoing have intentionally limited remits and, though a few embarrassing facts are admitted, the conclusion is that no one in authority is culpable.
Take anything coming out of the UK with a sack of salt. Crime at the top is rampant.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» I assumed as much when I first saw Reagan and Thatcher hand in hand like lovebirds
Posted by: Paul_C
Comments are closed-
Big corporations were always used to keeping the competition off.
Posted by: CarlaWaters on Aug 25, 2009 4:01 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: CarlaWaters on Aug 25, 2009 4:01 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Desperate that they'll collapse once their profits slow down, they resort again to crushing the competition much like a school bully afraid to compete. Peak oil should put a damper to the current unsustainable methods out there.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
Time to Change the Subsidies! Farm Subsidies for
Posted by: rjgwood on Aug 25, 2009 4:42 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: rjgwood on Aug 25, 2009 4:42 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Organic conversion, family farm preservation, and urban & sustainable farming movements. It is important for our government to support farming, but this support needs to be directed at sustainable efforts that encourages reduction of environmentally harmful pesticide use & of corporate farms techniques that are bad for people and animals, such as the wide spread use of antibiotics and growth hormones.
Farming organically, in sustainable earth-friendly terms needs to be supported by our government rather than its current practice of handing out billions to large, corporate, mega-polluters.
Contact your congressional representative & ask them to sponsor legislation that targets these subsidies and demands that earth-friendly practices be the new standard for receiving money & tax write-offs.
The benefits would be huge: Sustainable farming practices, urban farming movements, reduction in pesticide usage, support of local family farms, and help for current farmers to convert to green methods!
Farming organically, in sustainable earth-friendly terms needs to be supported by our government rather than its current practice of handing out billions to large, corporate, mega-polluters.
Contact your congressional representative & ask them to sponsor legislation that targets these subsidies and demands that earth-friendly practices be the new standard for receiving money & tax write-offs.
The benefits would be huge: Sustainable farming practices, urban farming movements, reduction in pesticide usage, support of local family farms, and help for current farmers to convert to green methods!
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
Looks Beyond
Posted by: juli on Aug 25, 2009 4:49 AM
Current rating: 4 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: juli on Aug 25, 2009 4:49 AM
Current rating: 4 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Food is energy. Energy comes in the form of thought/intent. We treat our food without any thought today. I remember when we were thankful for the food that we were given or able to obtain. We ate each bite with a thankful heart and endeared it to our systems nutrition. Mother's food always tasted better, why, because of the good intention and thoughts of love that was incorporated in every stir, every added ingredient, and the joy of serving nutrition to her loved ones. This energy intention goes to feed the body more nutritiously than packaged, chemically filled, fake tastes, and toxic colored foods.
Note in the movie "Cold Mountain" how the reclusive woman in the mountain, killed one of her goats . . . she stroked its head in love with comfort and thanksgiving until the goat 'gave up its life' for the woman.
We don't know what this kind of appreciation is today. I was a small child when WWII was started and we had to grow our own food, we kept chickens, Mom stood in line for butter, flour, milk, etc. We really valued our food and we didn't use pesticides at all. Dad always planted enough for the bugs too.
Organic farmers care not to use Monsantos $$$ pesticides/chemicals/herbicides/toxins/poisons/GMOs.
Feed the world slogan is "glean the riches" from the people really. High priced Monsanto seeds are bankrupting farmers in India. It is banned in other countries. It's all about Money and Control. Control the Food and you Control the People. That's proven in third world areas but not by a corporation.
Note in the movie "Cold Mountain" how the reclusive woman in the mountain, killed one of her goats . . . she stroked its head in love with comfort and thanksgiving until the goat 'gave up its life' for the woman.
We don't know what this kind of appreciation is today. I was a small child when WWII was started and we had to grow our own food, we kept chickens, Mom stood in line for butter, flour, milk, etc. We really valued our food and we didn't use pesticides at all. Dad always planted enough for the bugs too.
Organic farmers care not to use Monsantos $$$ pesticides/chemicals/herbicides/toxins/poisons/GMOs.
Feed the world slogan is "glean the riches" from the people really. High priced Monsanto seeds are bankrupting farmers in India. It is banned in other countries. It's all about Money and Control. Control the Food and you Control the People. That's proven in third world areas but not by a corporation.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» RE: Looks Beyond
Posted by: dcande01
» sorry, all actions are not morally the same--letting dogs tear a fox apart for sport
Posted by: Suzon
» RE: sorry, all actions are not morally the same--letting dogs tear a fox apart for sport
Posted by: dcande01
» then you need to read more
Posted by: Drclaw
» RE: then you need to read more
Posted by: dcande01
» another intolerant vegetarian
Posted by: Drclaw
» RE: another intolerant vegetarian
Posted by: dcande01
» RE: another intolerant vegetarian
Posted by: Drclaw
» addendum
Posted by: Drclaw
» RE: addendum
Posted by: dcande01
» RE: addendum
Posted by: dcande01
Comments are closed-
Britney Spears brand apples!
Posted by: ABetterFuture on Aug 25, 2009 5:32 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: ABetterFuture on Aug 25, 2009 5:32 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
What do you get when you cross a grassroots movement with a food industry fearful of losing its influence?
Because labels make it um-um good.
Because labels make it um-um good.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» who kidnapped ABF..
Posted by: Drclaw
Comments are closed-
Organic means No DEADLY TOXIC CHEMICALS, INSECTICIDES
Posted by: mtcloud on Aug 25, 2009 5:53 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: mtcloud on Aug 25, 2009 5:53 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
As you know, we were made to eat wholesome foods not made to eat DEADLY TOXIC CHEMICALS. Here is a list of the carcinogenic additives that are found in many foods and beverages not organic. These are not listed on the labels. The Corporate FDA does not want you to know about them. This should be in the government scams, since the FDA works for the Corporate Government.And the CANCER RISK, since these chemicals are known carcinogenic, which means they can produce cancers to grown in your body. Foods can be grown and processed practically and economically without these contamination by pesticides and other carcinogens. ORGANIC FOODS grown without these carcinogenic chemicals. THE CHOICE IS YOURS eat organic or eat the foods that are not organic. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ You can also look up these chemicals online. 1. Acephale
2. Azinphos-methyl
3. benomyl
4. Benzene hexachloride ( BHC)
5.Capafol
6. Captan
7. Chlordane
8. Chlorobezilate
9. Chlorothalonil
10. Ethlenethiourea (ETU
11. Dacthal ( DCPA)
12. DDT, DDC, DDD
13. Dicofol/Kelthane
14.Dimethoate
15. Endrin
16. Folpet
17. Heptachlor
18. Hexachlorobenzene (HBC)
19.Lead
20. Lindane, 21. Linuron, 22, Mancozeb/Manch ( ethylen bisdithiocaramate) 23. Nonachlor, 24. Octachlor, 25. o-Phynylphenol and Na salt. 26. Parathion. 27. Pentachlorophenol ( "Penta') 28. Permethrin, 29. Polychlorinated biphenyls ( PCBs), 30. Propargite, 31. Radiation ( Chernobyl-related) 32. Toxaphene and there are 5 more... SO this is what the FDA the Corporate GOVERNMENT allows to be in your foods and bevrages and they have NEVER TOLD YOU THE TRUTH and here they want to stop CANCERS but they really do not.
2. Azinphos-methyl
3. benomyl
4. Benzene hexachloride ( BHC)
5.Capafol
6. Captan
7. Chlordane
8. Chlorobezilate
9. Chlorothalonil
10. Ethlenethiourea (ETU
11. Dacthal ( DCPA)
12. DDT, DDC, DDD
13. Dicofol/Kelthane
14.Dimethoate
15. Endrin
16. Folpet
17. Heptachlor
18. Hexachlorobenzene (HBC)
19.Lead
20. Lindane, 21. Linuron, 22, Mancozeb/Manch ( ethylen bisdithiocaramate) 23. Nonachlor, 24. Octachlor, 25. o-Phynylphenol and Na salt. 26. Parathion. 27. Pentachlorophenol ( "Penta') 28. Permethrin, 29. Polychlorinated biphenyls ( PCBs), 30. Propargite, 31. Radiation ( Chernobyl-related) 32. Toxaphene and there are 5 more... SO this is what the FDA the Corporate GOVERNMENT allows to be in your foods and bevrages and they have NEVER TOLD YOU THE TRUTH and here they want to stop CANCERS but they really do not.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» pesticides come from other sources too
Posted by: Drclaw
Comments are closed-
The real debate.....
Posted by: Spiritgirl on Aug 25, 2009 5:54 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: Spiritgirl on Aug 25, 2009 5:54 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Let us look at the real issues, on the one hand we have "agri-business" where our "food" is mass produced using (what we now know) unsustainable genetically modified,hormone injected, soil robbing petro culture. One in which we may have "more food" but not variety within the species (there are more apples than Granny Smith, Golden delicious, & Figi), nor taste (think tomatoes in winter) but lots of calories. Now organic farming may take a bit more in back-breaking sweat, but you do know that what you're getting is local, helps the "family farm", and if they rotate seasonally you might just discover new recipes for winter squash, it's also healthier.
Whether people want to recognize it or not, you are what you eat, and as with as much as 30% of Americans obese, is there not a correlation with the "mass produced" food that really isn't helping people live healthier, and the slow food that many are starting to consume. Now here comes "agri-business" doing what they do best, ostracizing those that are exposing the shoddy practices, and cruel and unsustainable ways our food is produced! And while we're at it, can we stop those agricultural subsidies to these "gentleman farmers", and BIG BUSINESS?
Don't get me wrong, I do believe in capitalism, I believe that farmers markets have a place alongside the "SUPERMARKET", but much like the health-care non debate, why is it only "a choice" when BIG BUSINESS is the only "choice" available?
Whether people want to recognize it or not, you are what you eat, and as with as much as 30% of Americans obese, is there not a correlation with the "mass produced" food that really isn't helping people live healthier, and the slow food that many are starting to consume. Now here comes "agri-business" doing what they do best, ostracizing those that are exposing the shoddy practices, and cruel and unsustainable ways our food is produced! And while we're at it, can we stop those agricultural subsidies to these "gentleman farmers", and BIG BUSINESS?
Don't get me wrong, I do believe in capitalism, I believe that farmers markets have a place alongside the "SUPERMARKET", but much like the health-care non debate, why is it only "a choice" when BIG BUSINESS is the only "choice" available?
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» You have touched on an interesting point...
Posted by: djnoll
Comments are closed-
Monsanto's green revolution
Posted by: Drclaw on Aug 25, 2009 6:11 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: Drclaw on Aug 25, 2009 6:11 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
has ruined agriculture in the horn of africa and india by substituting non-native and chemically intensive farming practices for more traditional ones. Farmers often now cannot buy the seeds they need (this is a nice way that these companies get customers for life), can't afford the fertilizer or the water infrastructure, and these countries have shifted from growing crops used by their own population to producing stuff for export. Thousands go hungry as a result, and their economy is totally dependent on the western market.It has brought neither prosperity nor food.
I'm all for technology improving the lives and practices of others, but it has to be coupled with locally and culturally adaptive crops. It currently is not. Screw Monsanto.
Don't get me started on fishing practices-they work similarly and are just as bad. Nile perch has ruined the ecology of lake victoria, and consequently has driven thousands of local fisherman and farmers in 3 countries into poverty so that a few can make lots of cash selling fish for export. Watch Darwin's Dilemma for a good glimpse of how these systems work. Its economic slavery, pure and simple.
I'm all for technology improving the lives and practices of others, but it has to be coupled with locally and culturally adaptive crops. It currently is not. Screw Monsanto.
Don't get me started on fishing practices-they work similarly and are just as bad. Nile perch has ruined the ecology of lake victoria, and consequently has driven thousands of local fisherman and farmers in 3 countries into poverty so that a few can make lots of cash selling fish for export. Watch Darwin's Dilemma for a good glimpse of how these systems work. Its economic slavery, pure and simple.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» Monsanto is proving tough to get rid of but some of us St Louis residents still won't give up.
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
» tough row of corn to hoe
Posted by: Drclaw
» RE: tough row of corn to hoe
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
» RE: tough row of corn to hoe/Urban Farms
Posted by: MyLeftFoot
» RE: tough row of corn to hoe/Urban Farms
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
Comments are closed-
A wide range of whole foods eaten in moderation
Posted by: drosera on Aug 25, 2009 6:25 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: drosera on Aug 25, 2009 6:25 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Eat many different kinds of things, not just wheat, soybeans, corn and the animals that have been fed on them. Whole foods: processed as little as possible: whole potatoes, vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheese... Consume them in quantities sufficient to nourish the body, thereby maintaining a healthy body size. These rules are not difficult to follow and they sidestep the issues of "organic" vs. "not organic," "GM" vs. traditional.
I might add one other criterion: Buy local whenever possible. By buying local you insure that the benefits of good farming practices are circulated throughout the community. Decisions about food should be made based upon the consumer's tastes and self-interest, not upon abstract policy considerations. Eat free and be happy!
I might add one other criterion: Buy local whenever possible. By buying local you insure that the benefits of good farming practices are circulated throughout the community. Decisions about food should be made based upon the consumer's tastes and self-interest, not upon abstract policy considerations. Eat free and be happy!
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» Not true!
Posted by: frantaylor
» Would you settle for "more likely"
Posted by: wolfgangmo75
» Go ahead and look for organic corn
Posted by: frantaylor
Comments are closed-
a return to organic farming
Posted by: vasumurti on Aug 25, 2009 7:12 AM
Current rating: 4 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: vasumurti on Aug 25, 2009 7:12 AM
Current rating: 4 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'd like to see a return to organic farming. In 1989, concern over the use of the pesticide Alar on apples caused many Americans to consider organic produce. We produce pesticides at a rate some 13,000 times faster than we did in the 1950s. Our environment is being flooded by pesticide compounds.
Poisons used to kill insects accumulate on crops, in the soil and in greater concentration in the tissues of living creatures higher on the food chain. The EPA's Pesticide Monitoring Journal reports that "Foods of animal origin (are) the major source of pesticide residues in the diet."
In his Pulitzer Prize nominated book, How to Survive in America the Poisoned, pesticide authority Lewis Regenstein writes: "Meat contains approximately 14 times more pesticides than do plant foods...Thus, by eating foods of animal origin, one ingests greatly concentrated amounts of hazardous chemicals."
A 1976 study by the EPA found the breast milk of mothers who consume animal products to be 50 to 100 times more contaminated by pesticide residues than the milk of vegetarian or vegan mothers.
Organic farming and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are getting more attention today. These utilize natural insect controls, such as predatory insects, weather, crop rotation, pest-resistant varieties, soil tillage, and other environmentally safe practices.
A 1979 Department of Agriculture task force of scientists and economists came to "...positive conclusions on the importance of organic farming and its potential contributions to agriculture and society." Until the end of the Second World War, American farmers produced bountiful harvests without relying on pesticides. There is no reason why America cannot do so again.
Poisons used to kill insects accumulate on crops, in the soil and in greater concentration in the tissues of living creatures higher on the food chain. The EPA's Pesticide Monitoring Journal reports that "Foods of animal origin (are) the major source of pesticide residues in the diet."
In his Pulitzer Prize nominated book, How to Survive in America the Poisoned, pesticide authority Lewis Regenstein writes: "Meat contains approximately 14 times more pesticides than do plant foods...Thus, by eating foods of animal origin, one ingests greatly concentrated amounts of hazardous chemicals."
A 1976 study by the EPA found the breast milk of mothers who consume animal products to be 50 to 100 times more contaminated by pesticide residues than the milk of vegetarian or vegan mothers.
Organic farming and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are getting more attention today. These utilize natural insect controls, such as predatory insects, weather, crop rotation, pest-resistant varieties, soil tillage, and other environmentally safe practices.
A 1979 Department of Agriculture task force of scientists and economists came to "...positive conclusions on the importance of organic farming and its potential contributions to agriculture and society." Until the end of the Second World War, American farmers produced bountiful harvests without relying on pesticides. There is no reason why America cannot do so again.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» pesticide treadmill
Posted by: Drclaw
Comments are closed-
Sorry, the article is poor
Posted by: mcharles on Aug 25, 2009 8:05 AM
Current rating: 1 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: mcharles on Aug 25, 2009 8:05 AM
Current rating: 1 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm open to all the evidence in this debate, and this article did a poor job of persuading me that organic is definitively better.
- complaining that a study took into account many studies instead of being simply one additional study among many is a strength of the study, not a weakness.
- the media coverage of the study has nothing to do with the veracity or usefulness of the study.
- questioning a university's study because that same university put out an unrelated study is an ineffectual argument.
- linking the FSA to the study to discredit it is weak as well.
Then there's a lot of emotional appeals that preach to the crowd.
Finally, there's this line:
"As global warming accelerates and fuel costs rise, we need to figure out how to produce food differently."
Sorry, but in the event of climate change, large scale corporate farming might end up being what initially feeds the world, as organic farms struggle to produce with weather changes, increases in insects and evolving diseases.
As far as fuel prices, I have a much better chance of finding non-organic locally grown produce right now than I do of finding locally grown organic produce - it's all shipped in from California. If not for 20th century farming practices, not much other than corn would grow well enough to be a supply crop where I live.
It would be nice if locally grown organic produce could feed the world, but I've seen an estimate that all-organic farming would only feed 4 billion people, leaving 3 billion people out of luck.
- complaining that a study took into account many studies instead of being simply one additional study among many is a strength of the study, not a weakness.
- the media coverage of the study has nothing to do with the veracity or usefulness of the study.
- questioning a university's study because that same university put out an unrelated study is an ineffectual argument.
- linking the FSA to the study to discredit it is weak as well.
Then there's a lot of emotional appeals that preach to the crowd.
Finally, there's this line:
"As global warming accelerates and fuel costs rise, we need to figure out how to produce food differently."
Sorry, but in the event of climate change, large scale corporate farming might end up being what initially feeds the world, as organic farms struggle to produce with weather changes, increases in insects and evolving diseases.
As far as fuel prices, I have a much better chance of finding non-organic locally grown produce right now than I do of finding locally grown organic produce - it's all shipped in from California. If not for 20th century farming practices, not much other than corn would grow well enough to be a supply crop where I live.
It would be nice if locally grown organic produce could feed the world, but I've seen an estimate that all-organic farming would only feed 4 billion people, leaving 3 billion people out of luck.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» Which says that world population is already unsustainable
Posted by: Paul_C
» RE: Which says that world population is already unsustainable
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
» other points to consider
Posted by: Drclaw
» Another point to think about
Posted by: wolfgangmo75
Comments are closed-
Healthcare
Posted by: maxsmart on Aug 25, 2009 11:06 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: maxsmart on Aug 25, 2009 11:06 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
You can't really address healthcare adequately without looking at environmentat factors like pollution, carcinogens, and food quality not to mention housing and jobs.
Plus our complex society is asking for trouble by allowing free enterprise to run wild introducing a multiplicity of factors without careful consideration of impacts. The Romans tested water for a year I'm told in areas to see how it affected people's health then allowed it into the lead pipes taking it into the cities.
What we call working for our health turns out to be demonizing the tobacco addicts with taxes for what the government subsidized for years to tobacco farmers and sugar growers as well. A legal addictive substance that now gets you fired or not hired for!!! Why, probably just to save the insurance companies, government, and tobacco companies from treating and raise some tax money for non-smokers kids education?? Meanwhile there is everyone's car pollution and all the plastics and genetically modified food and the feedlots galore.
Plus our complex society is asking for trouble by allowing free enterprise to run wild introducing a multiplicity of factors without careful consideration of impacts. The Romans tested water for a year I'm told in areas to see how it affected people's health then allowed it into the lead pipes taking it into the cities.
What we call working for our health turns out to be demonizing the tobacco addicts with taxes for what the government subsidized for years to tobacco farmers and sugar growers as well. A legal addictive substance that now gets you fired or not hired for!!! Why, probably just to save the insurance companies, government, and tobacco companies from treating and raise some tax money for non-smokers kids education?? Meanwhile there is everyone's car pollution and all the plastics and genetically modified food and the feedlots galore.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
Eating organic is a mental illness
Posted by: pomes on Aug 25, 2009 11:46 AM
Current rating: 4 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: pomes on Aug 25, 2009 11:46 AM
Current rating: 4 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The most ridiculous article I've seen on this issue comes from the UK Guardian, in a nation where eating organic is being classified as a mental illness called "orthorexia nervosa."
Pure Food Obsession is Latest Eating Disorder
Pure Food Obsession is Latest Eating Disorder
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
By the way, in case anyone missed this, here's a small guide to organic farming buisness.
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield on Aug 25, 2009 2:46 PM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield on Aug 25, 2009 2:46 PM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
http://www.alternet.org/environment/142132
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
food
Posted by: tazdelaney on Aug 25, 2009 4:50 PM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: tazdelaney on Aug 25, 2009 4:50 PM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
like i say, organic is what y grandparents just called FOOD. i'm 55 and even in my childhood in the mtns of virginia, it was mostly 'real food.' it smelled different cooking and on the plate; it tasted different, too. y wife and i have gone as organic as we can afford in the past 10 years and we haven't even kept pepto-bismol in the house for years as we never need it any more. (in fact the only legal drug you'd find here is advil and we're better for it.)
we've watched w/little surprise as the government, working for the corporatists as always, has allowed the watering down of what the 'organic' sticker stands for. how about a dual sticker system in which there's true organic and semi-organic?
while the new yorker is perhaps the most important magazine in america these days (hersh, etc.), it is sad when i see an ad for monsanto or boeing therein. monsanto, one of the woeld's most evil corporations... and that's really saying something.
i was recently talking with a grocer i've known here in NYC for years who is right around the corner from the huge whole fods store. he told me that he's really noticing what amounts to a paradigm shift in just the past year or so in that people are now highly attuned and thoughtful about what they eat as well as the politics of food. he told me that he's getting more sales of organics since the recent news about the CEO of WF, mackay or whatever. an old lady had recently said to him that she refuses to buy frankenfood and refuses to buy from rightwingers if she can help it. these are good signs...
we've watched w/little surprise as the government, working for the corporatists as always, has allowed the watering down of what the 'organic' sticker stands for. how about a dual sticker system in which there's true organic and semi-organic?
while the new yorker is perhaps the most important magazine in america these days (hersh, etc.), it is sad when i see an ad for monsanto or boeing therein. monsanto, one of the woeld's most evil corporations... and that's really saying something.
i was recently talking with a grocer i've known here in NYC for years who is right around the corner from the huge whole fods store. he told me that he's really noticing what amounts to a paradigm shift in just the past year or so in that people are now highly attuned and thoughtful about what they eat as well as the politics of food. he told me that he's getting more sales of organics since the recent news about the CEO of WF, mackay or whatever. an old lady had recently said to him that she refuses to buy frankenfood and refuses to buy from rightwingers if she can help it. these are good signs...
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
whole Foods
Posted by: liberal avenger on Aug 26, 2009 9:50 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: liberal avenger on Aug 26, 2009 9:50 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The organic food company, Whole Foods, is run by a bad guy. He is against obama's health care plan and wrote a blistering attack on it in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.
We must boycott them.
We must boycott them.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
DVD TO MP4 MAC
Posted by: boay on Aug 27, 2009 1:11 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: boay on Aug 27, 2009 1:11 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
DVD to MP4 Mac
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
discusiion to it
Posted by: lee123 on Aug 27, 2009 1:41 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: lee123 on Aug 27, 2009 1:41 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Cheap Jordan,Cheap Jordan shoes,Retro Jordan,Air Yeezy Shoes,Supra shoes,Kanye West ShoesJordan shoes,New Jordans,Air Yeezy,Air Force Ones,Nike Dunks,Retro Jordan, Cheap Jordan Shoes,Nike Dunk High,True Religion Jeans,New Air Force OnesAir Yeezy Shoe,Supra Shoes,Retro Jordan,Creative Recreation,Nike DunksNike Air YeezyTrue Religion,Air Jordan Shoes,Air Shox,Air Max,Dunk Shoes.Air Jordan,Cheap Jordans,Jordan Shoes,Cheap Air Jordans,Air Jordan Shoes
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
.
Posted by: jtpatrick108 on Aug 27, 2009 5:36 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: jtpatrick108 on Aug 27, 2009 5:36 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
1 of the sweetest means to remove the obesity problem in America would be to give people miracle berry so that disgusting healthy food will taste great. Since obesity is such a big problem, this could save money when it comes to health care. Ok I'm just kidding!
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
PROGRESSIVE WIRE
Stop the Execution of an Innocent Man!
DNA testing could free Hank Skinner before Feb. 24 execution date.
Could Your Cell Phone End Up Killing You?
The Overuse of Antibiotics in Livestock Feed Is Killing Us
One of the Most Common Chemicals Used in Modern Life Is Now Being Seen as a Health Threat
