In June of 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt signed into law the “Food and Drug Act.” Thus the “Food and Drug Administration” came into existence to protect American consumers from dangers produced in our agricultural community, and within the fledgling pharmaceutical industry. It became the front line in a battle against unhealthy methods used to grow our crops, and the production of prescription drugs which produced dangerous side effects. That was in 1906; this is 2016. 110 years later, the FDA can no longer be trusted. Let’s begin with our food.
For many of you this will be a repeat, but many Americans continue to remain uninformed regarding GMO’s. Genetically Modified Organisms are chemicals which are used to produce seeds. The claim by the companies who manufacture GMO’s, the largest being Monsanto, is that they produce a greater yield, thereby increasing food production around the world. Now for the truth.
Monsanto’s most profitable, and therefore most widely used product, is ‘Roundup.’ Roundup was effective; killing weeds that grow among crops, without harming the food supply. Several years ago, nature placed a ‘monkey wrench’ into Monsanto’s profits; the weeds became resistant to Roundup. The scientists at Monsanto found a solution; you guessed it; GMO’s.
A stronger version of Roundup would kill the crops as well as the weeds. Manufacturing seeds with GMO’s killed the weeds, but had no effect on the crops.
Problem: Scientists in 60 nations around the world, including the European Union, Australia, and Japan, tested GMO’s and discovered probable long term health issues for consumers. GMO’s are now either banned or restricted in all of these nations; the simplest method was allowing consumers to know if the food they were purchasing was manufactured with the chemicals. A simple “Manufactured with GMO Material,” or “No GMO’s” assist consumers in their decision-making.
The FDA tested GMO’s as well. They gave the project to; take another guess; that’s right, Monsanto. The FDA issued a report that they were safe, and that all of the other nation’s scientists were mistaken.
When Vermont passed its own bill to force food producers to clearly label their products regarding manufacture with or without GMO’s, believing that consumers have a ‘right to know,’ Congress listened to the lobbyists paid for by Monsanto and others. They devised their own “labeling system” which forbade Vermont’s legislation from taking effect. Here’s the problem
The “label” is unreadable. Bar codes and symbols have replaced the simplicity of the one produced in Vermont. The FDA and Congress are ‘in the pockets’ of food manufacturers and food suppliers. The FDA has just approved the manufacture of seeds to produce fruit in cooperate orchards.
Now let’s take a look at the pharmaceutical industry.
Americans pay the highest prices in the world for their prescriptions. In many cases, a pill which costs one dollar to produce is sold for $20, $30, $40, or even more to consumers. That’s criminal by my standards, but that’s not the worst of the situation.
Before a drug can be sold to the American people, it must be proven to FDA officials that it not only provides relief from illness or pain, it must be safe. Conditions such as side-effects, and the reaction to extended use are considered. Are they?
Each year, drugs approved by the FDA have resulted in serious side effects, including death. Lawsuits involving millions of dollars ensue. But big pharma is not concerned. Thanks to the FDA, they have already profited billions of dollars from sales, and settling for a few million is of no concern. The attorneys are happy; more lawsuits, result in more money for them.
If you listen to the ads for prescription drugs, wait for the end. By law, they must reveal possible side effects. Are you willing to ingest something which could cause you to have pain, harm your eyesight, your death? Even something such as leg cramps, nausea, or vomiting is unacceptable.
This is your FDA; an organization which was intended to protect the American people, but is now simply another corrupt extension of our federal government.
One final note; if you believe that your doctor is aware of the dangers of what he or she is prescribing, here are the facts. Medical doctors spend one year learning about pharmaceuticals. Unless they decide to take additional training, everything they know about your prescriptions comes from salespersons for the industry who are frequently attractive, young women.
If you believe that you have a right to know what is in your food, or the dangers of drugs you take legally, write your congressman, and please repost this; thank you.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Follow me on twitter; @jamesturnagenov
The Truth With No Restrictions 