Monsanto, the bio-bully

Recently I was surprised to learn that legislation was passed by the U.S Congress to protect the private company Monsanto.  My first reaction was "WTF, why is the American government protecting a private company??"  While I was cussing into my computer, my son wandered in and responded that it's nothing new, Monsanto has had special privileges for years.

For some background, the Wikipedia article linked above states, among other things --

Monsanto is notable for its involvement in high profile lawsuits, as both plaintiff and defendant. It has been involved in a number of class action suits, where fines and damages have run into the hundreds of millions of dollars, usually over health issues related to its products. Monsanto has also made frequent use of the courts to defend its patents, particularly in the area of agricultural biotechnology, as have other companies in the field, such as Dupont Pioneer and Syngenta.

Read the full article for more information on how Monsanto operates.  

As for the Monsanto Protection Act, it has certainly generated a lot of controversy.  In this Huffington Post article, titled "Is Outrage Over the Monsanto Protection Act a Turning Point for the Food Movement?," Michele Simon reports

In March, when I first wrote about how the biotech rider -- called the Monsanto Protection Act by its vocal opponents -- undercut the constitutional concept of separation of powers, it seemed hardly anyone (other than the usual advocacy groups) was paying attention. But then a lot of people got mad, really mad.

Within a few short weeks the issue exploded in the mainstream media, with the surest sign the issue had hit the big time being (what else?) coverage by The Daily Show (hilariously titled, "You Stuck What Where?"). Another indication was outrage even from a Tea Party blogger.

What's most angrifying is how it was passed.  Here's an excerpt from Snopes' analysis of this 'urban legend' [quotes mine]:

Because this act has caused such an outrage, it's a bit tough to separate truth from the emotion.  Here's one more article, found at Politifact, that seems a bit more objective.  Politifact rates the statement

The law "requires the USDA to approve the harvest and sale of crops from genetically modified seed even if a court has ruled against the crop as being dangerous to public safety or the environment."

as half-true.

During my admittedly limited research, I came to the surprising realization that Monsanto is unpopular all over the world. There is a "Monsanto movement" afoot called Occupy Monsanto.  If you scroll down the page, you'll see where March Against Monsanto protests are/have been scheduled.  The Washington Post features a slideshow of Monsanto protests around the world (May 30, 2013).  The March Against Monsanto was held on May 25th; here's a flyer from The Watchers.

While a lot of pork-barrel legislation is passed in the same manner as the Monsanto Act, in my view the passage of this particular piece opens the door for other companies to similarly take control.  If they haven't already.  It appears that once again the lobbyists rule.

-- Marge