91.
Food Fascism
When It Is A Crime To Produce Your Own Food
Waging A War Against Humanity - Using Seeds In Place Of Bullets
Corporations like Monsanto are seeking total global domination (and corporate ownership) over the entire food supply. This concept is called “food fascism,” and it would allow corporations and governments to determine who eats and who starves.
Genetically modified organisms have nothing to do with higher yields or disease resistance. They’re a trojan horse designed to turn farmers (and the rest of us) into 21st century serfs.
They intend not only to steal our wealth, but also our ability to feed ourselves without total dependence on their “products.” This is all part of the food fascism assault that’s already underway in our world.
Genetically modified organisms have nothing to do with higher yields or disease resistance. They’re a trojan horse designed to turn farmers (and the rest of us) into 21st century serfs.
They intend not only to steal our wealth, but also our ability to feed ourselves without total dependence on their “products.” This is all part of the food fascism assault that’s already underway in our world.
Food Fascism In The Land Of The Free
Eric Blair, Activist Post, September 21, 2010
The food industry is no longer a free market. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it’s becoming the most glaring example of corporate-government fascism in the world.
Actual monopolies fully control the basic building blocks of the food that makes up the majority of our diet -- and no one seems to care. Simply put, those who control the corn, wheat, and soybeans control all food, since all livestock and all processed foods are dependent on those food resources.
These monopolies place their cronies in government regulatory agencies like the FDA and USDA to weed out their competition through excessive regulation. Currently proposed legislation are textbook examples of their methods.
Actual monopolies fully control the basic building blocks of the food that makes up the majority of our diet -- and no one seems to care. Simply put, those who control the corn, wheat, and soybeans control all food, since all livestock and all processed foods are dependent on those food resources.
These monopolies place their cronies in government regulatory agencies like the FDA and USDA to weed out their competition through excessive regulation. Currently proposed legislation are textbook examples of their methods.
There once was a time when free markets existed for food. Back when local food ruled the day, if a farmer sold milk that was bad, he would not get return customers unless he adjusted his practices to make a healthier product. This free market was self-regulating. In other words, in a truly free market we shouldn’t need the FDA. However, as mentioned before, we are light years from a free market.
Subsidies rain down on big agribusinesses that grow what the government tells them to grow. Industry leaders like Cargill, Monsanto, and Tyson essentially turn farmers into indentured sharecroppers. The food engineers at General Mills and others weave corn, wheat, and soybeans into chemical concoctions that end up in brightly colored packages -- some even come with free Chinese-made toys. The finished product develops from a Genetically Modified base, using multiple poisons to glue it together, demonstrating that the monopolies and their regulatory lapdogs care not for our health.
Subsidies rain down on big agribusinesses that grow what the government tells them to grow. Industry leaders like Cargill, Monsanto, and Tyson essentially turn farmers into indentured sharecroppers. The food engineers at General Mills and others weave corn, wheat, and soybeans into chemical concoctions that end up in brightly colored packages -- some even come with free Chinese-made toys. The finished product develops from a Genetically Modified base, using multiple poisons to glue it together, demonstrating that the monopolies and their regulatory lapdogs care not for our health.
But what about voting with our pocketbooks, isn’t that a free market? Surely that is what we have been taught. Yet, all 16 flavors of Cheerios -- which give the appearance of free choice -- are all made by General Mills from a genetically modified corn base. This illusion of choice hides the monopolistic nature of food.
Enter Senate bill S. 510 Food Safety Modernization Act, already passed in the House as HR 2749. Some have demonized the bill as ultimate food fascism where the FDA will micromanage even small farms and co-ops to the point where it will become illegal to grow, share, trade or sell homegrown food. While others see it as a measured way to control the health and quality of factory farms. One thing is for sure, S.510 gives more power to the corrupt FDA to regulate our food.
Enter Senate bill S. 510 Food Safety Modernization Act, already passed in the House as HR 2749. Some have demonized the bill as ultimate food fascism where the FDA will micromanage even small farms and co-ops to the point where it will become illegal to grow, share, trade or sell homegrown food. While others see it as a measured way to control the health and quality of factory farms. One thing is for sure, S.510 gives more power to the corrupt FDA to regulate our food.
This bill does nothing to change the actual practices of factory farming and the way the food for animals is grown and delivered. It does give the FDA draconian powers to force inspections to be paid for by the farmers themselves. This can be an effective tool for the big multinational agri-corporations to further squeeze out their competition and gain near complete control of food resources in America. Furthermore, S.510 essentially hands much of the FDA’s duties over to the liberty-smashing Department of Homeland Security -- which is mentioned 41 times in the bill.
All 273 pages of the bill contain legal jargon that can be difficult to decode, but one of the easiest ways to determine if it is good for average Americans is to view who is supporting the bill, versus who opposes the bill. Monsanto and other agri-monopolies support the bill with full force. Indeed, some speculate that they even wrote the bill themselves.
All 273 pages of the bill contain legal jargon that can be difficult to decode, but one of the easiest ways to determine if it is good for average Americans is to view who is supporting the bill, versus who opposes the bill. Monsanto and other agri-monopolies support the bill with full force. Indeed, some speculate that they even wrote the bill themselves.
Sadly, this bill is gaining momentum because of the recent food recalls. One way or another, our corrupt politicians and their corporate overlords will see to it that there is more regulation over our food. If this bill passes, we can expect more consolidation in agriculture and more police-state raids of private health-food cooperatives.
Worse yet, this bill may just be the primer for the even more egregious bill HR.759 Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act, which fully restricts local food producers and natural health remedies.
Food freedom starts at home with the individual choices that we make. However, exposing the corrupt regulatory system and educating the powers that be about healthier ways to produce food is also vital to maintaining our food freedom. It’s time we tell the corporate government to back off our food.
Worse yet, this bill may just be the primer for the even more egregious bill HR.759 Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act, which fully restricts local food producers and natural health remedies.
Food freedom starts at home with the individual choices that we make. However, exposing the corrupt regulatory system and educating the powers that be about healthier ways to produce food is also vital to maintaining our food freedom. It’s time we tell the corporate government to back off our food.
Senate Bill S510 Makes It Illegal To Grow, Share, Trade Or Sell Homegrown Food
S 510, the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010, may be the most dangerous bill in the history of the US.
Dr. Shiv Chopra, “If accepted [S 510] would preclude the public’s right to grow, own, trade, transport, share, feed and eat each and every food that nature makes. It will become the most offensive authority against the cultivation, trade and consumption of food and agricultural products of one’s choice. It will be unconstitutional and contrary to natural law or, if you like, the will of God.”
It is similar to what India faced with imposition of the salt tax during British rule, only S 510 extends control over all food in the US, violating the fundamental human right to food.
Monsanto says it has no interest in the bill and would not benefit from it, but Monsanto’s Michael Taylor who gave us rBGH and unregulated genetically modified (GM) organisms, appears to have designed it and is waiting as an appointed Food Czar to the FDA to administer the agency it would create — without judicial review — if it passes. S510 would give Monsanto unlimited power over all US seed, food supplements, food and farming.
Dr. Shiv Chopra, “If accepted [S 510] would preclude the public’s right to grow, own, trade, transport, share, feed and eat each and every food that nature makes. It will become the most offensive authority against the cultivation, trade and consumption of food and agricultural products of one’s choice. It will be unconstitutional and contrary to natural law or, if you like, the will of God.”
It is similar to what India faced with imposition of the salt tax during British rule, only S 510 extends control over all food in the US, violating the fundamental human right to food.
Monsanto says it has no interest in the bill and would not benefit from it, but Monsanto’s Michael Taylor who gave us rBGH and unregulated genetically modified (GM) organisms, appears to have designed it and is waiting as an appointed Food Czar to the FDA to administer the agency it would create — without judicial review — if it passes. S510 would give Monsanto unlimited power over all US seed, food supplements, food and farming.
Couple Fined For Having Garden: Florida To Impose $500 A Day Fine For Growing Vegetables
By Jessica Rodriguez, Christian Post, January 9, 2013
Jason and Jennifer Helvenston, from Florida, have been warned they could face a fine of up to $500 a day if they have not removed their vegetable garden by Thursday. It has been found that they are violating a local Orlando City Code that says people are prohibited from using their front gardens to grow vegetables.
However, the Helvenstons are refusing to back down and have started a protest against the restrictions, saying it violates their right to grow their own food, according to Click Orlando.
The couple have launched the “Plant a Seed, Change the Law” initiative, which is a formal protest against the local gardening restrictions they have been found to be breaking.
The Helvenstons were told back in November by Florida officials that they were violating the rules. However, news of the couple’s plight spread quickly and the city was flooded with letters and emails protesting, demanding that they be allowed to grow vegetables in their front garden if they wished.
That wave of protests moved city officials to postpone any move against the Helvenstons temporarily. However, it now appears they are moving on the violations again and have given the couple until Thursday to remove their vegetable garden.
Jason Helvenston has said, “The greatest freedom you can give someone is the freedom to know they will not go hungry. Our Patriot Garden pays for all of its costs in healthy food and lifestyle while having the lowest possible carbon footprint. It supplies valuable food while being attractive. I really do not understand why there is even a discussion. They will take our house before they take our Patriot Garden.”
Ari Bargil, an attorney for the Institute of Justice, has confirmed that the couple can be fined up to $500 a day from Thursday if the garden is not dug up and destroyed. He has offered his assistance to the couple, saying: “We are seriously interested in taking a look at this. We’re focused on helping the Helvenstons get the word out, encouraging the city to reach a sensible compromise here.”
However, the Helvenstons are refusing to back down and have started a protest against the restrictions, saying it violates their right to grow their own food, according to Click Orlando.
The couple have launched the “Plant a Seed, Change the Law” initiative, which is a formal protest against the local gardening restrictions they have been found to be breaking.
The Helvenstons were told back in November by Florida officials that they were violating the rules. However, news of the couple’s plight spread quickly and the city was flooded with letters and emails protesting, demanding that they be allowed to grow vegetables in their front garden if they wished.
That wave of protests moved city officials to postpone any move against the Helvenstons temporarily. However, it now appears they are moving on the violations again and have given the couple until Thursday to remove their vegetable garden.
Jason Helvenston has said, “The greatest freedom you can give someone is the freedom to know they will not go hungry. Our Patriot Garden pays for all of its costs in healthy food and lifestyle while having the lowest possible carbon footprint. It supplies valuable food while being attractive. I really do not understand why there is even a discussion. They will take our house before they take our Patriot Garden.”
Ari Bargil, an attorney for the Institute of Justice, has confirmed that the couple can be fined up to $500 a day from Thursday if the garden is not dug up and destroyed. He has offered his assistance to the couple, saying: “We are seriously interested in taking a look at this. We’re focused on helping the Helvenstons get the word out, encouraging the city to reach a sensible compromise here.”
Government Threatens Jail Time For Growing Produce In Front-Yard Garden
Elizabeth Renter, Infowars.com, Sept 3, 2012
It seems like every month a few more stories hit the social media grapevines, where home owners are being punished for growing food. Some of these front-yard gardeners have created landscapes that rival those created by high-paid landscaping companies. The difference—all of this greenery is edible.
When we can’t trust what we find at the grocery store, and farmer’s markets are limited and not always within driving distance, growing our own food doesn’t just make sense, it makes perfect sense.
And once you’ve begun growing your own, you will likely begin to wonder why Americans ever moved away from self-sustaining gardens.
It may sound crazy that a city government would spend (waste) resources to target gardeners, but it actually happens more often than you would think.
As reported by Dr. Mercola:
In 2011, Julie Bass of Oak Park, Michigan was charged with a misdemeanor and threatened with jail time for planting a vegetable garden in her front yard.
In British Columbia, Dirk Becker was threatened with six months in jail for converting an acre of his 2.5-acre lot into an organic farm. What’s even more unsettling about the charges in this case is that the lot was literally stripped bare down to a gravel pit before this. The owner spent over a decade healing the land and converting it into a self-contained ecosystem that is now home to thriving vegetable crops, fruit trees, bees, butterflies, birds, frogs, dragonflies and more. But because the area is zoned a “residential” lot, the local government is calling on him to “cease all agricultural activity” or pay the consequences.
Earlier this year, city inspectors bulldozed more than 100 types of plants, including garlic chives, strawberry and apple mint, being grown by Denise Morrison in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The inspectors said her plants were too tall, but city code allows for plants over 12 inches if they’re meant for human consumption, which hers were. Morrison is now suing the city for violating her civil rights.
Steve Miller was fined $5,200 for growing vegetables in his Clarkston, Georgia backyard, which he not only consumed but also sold at farmers markets and shared with friends.
When we can’t trust what we find at the grocery store, and farmer’s markets are limited and not always within driving distance, growing our own food doesn’t just make sense, it makes perfect sense.
And once you’ve begun growing your own, you will likely begin to wonder why Americans ever moved away from self-sustaining gardens.
It may sound crazy that a city government would spend (waste) resources to target gardeners, but it actually happens more often than you would think.
As reported by Dr. Mercola:
In 2011, Julie Bass of Oak Park, Michigan was charged with a misdemeanor and threatened with jail time for planting a vegetable garden in her front yard.
In British Columbia, Dirk Becker was threatened with six months in jail for converting an acre of his 2.5-acre lot into an organic farm. What’s even more unsettling about the charges in this case is that the lot was literally stripped bare down to a gravel pit before this. The owner spent over a decade healing the land and converting it into a self-contained ecosystem that is now home to thriving vegetable crops, fruit trees, bees, butterflies, birds, frogs, dragonflies and more. But because the area is zoned a “residential” lot, the local government is calling on him to “cease all agricultural activity” or pay the consequences.
Earlier this year, city inspectors bulldozed more than 100 types of plants, including garlic chives, strawberry and apple mint, being grown by Denise Morrison in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The inspectors said her plants were too tall, but city code allows for plants over 12 inches if they’re meant for human consumption, which hers were. Morrison is now suing the city for violating her civil rights.
Steve Miller was fined $5,200 for growing vegetables in his Clarkston, Georgia backyard, which he not only consumed but also sold at farmers markets and shared with friends.
Illegal Gardens In The News
Global wars continue, food and water shortages are eminent and climate change threatens land and growing ability everywhere. Faced with these challenges, city and suburban dwellers across the country are digging into the dirt to reconnect with their food, helping their homes and cities become more
food self-sufficient in the process.
The “defiant” gardens profiled in the articles listed here are sparking a national debate, challenging our perception of subversive plots and recasting the image of the modern victory garden.
- Orlando, Fla. Illegal Front Yard Vegetable Garden Dispute Heard by Orlando Planning Board, By Bob Ewing. Mother Earth News, Jan. 18, 2013.
- Orlando. Fla. Continuing Fight for the Right to Grow Food: Orlando’s War on Gardens, By Kale Roberts. Mother Earth News, Nov. 29, 2012.
- Orlando, Fla. Homeowners Cited for Illegal Gardening: Orlando Couple Fight forthe Right to Grow Food, By David Yener Goodman. Mother Earth News, Nov. 15, 2012.
- New South Wales, Australia. Bondi Woman’s ‘Illegal’ Community Garden Gets Locals’ Support, By Shane McDonald. Wentworth Courier, Nov. 14, 2012.
- Orlando, Fla. College Park Man Fights to Keep Vegetable Garden in Front Yard, By Kristin Giannas. WKMG Local 6 News, Nov. 7, 2012.
- Drummondville, Quebec.Illegal Front Yard Garden: Canadian Couple’s Kitchen Garden Targeted by Authorities, Huffington Post, Jul. 19, 2012.
food self-sufficient in the process.
The “defiant” gardens profiled in the articles listed here are sparking a national debate, challenging our perception of subversive plots and recasting the image of the modern victory garden.
- Orlando, Fla. Illegal Front Yard Vegetable Garden Dispute Heard by Orlando Planning Board, By Bob Ewing. Mother Earth News, Jan. 18, 2013.
- Orlando. Fla. Continuing Fight for the Right to Grow Food: Orlando’s War on Gardens, By Kale Roberts. Mother Earth News, Nov. 29, 2012.
- Orlando, Fla. Homeowners Cited for Illegal Gardening: Orlando Couple Fight forthe Right to Grow Food, By David Yener Goodman. Mother Earth News, Nov. 15, 2012.
- New South Wales, Australia. Bondi Woman’s ‘Illegal’ Community Garden Gets Locals’ Support, By Shane McDonald. Wentworth Courier, Nov. 14, 2012.
- Orlando, Fla. College Park Man Fights to Keep Vegetable Garden in Front Yard, By Kristin Giannas. WKMG Local 6 News, Nov. 7, 2012.
- Drummondville, Quebec.Illegal Front Yard Garden: Canadian Couple’s Kitchen Garden Targeted by Authorities, Huffington Post, Jul. 19, 2012.
- Ferguson, Mo. City Officials in Ferguson Attempt to Bulldoze Citizens’ Rights, Gardens, By Dave Roland. Freedom Center of Missouri, Jul. 3, 2012.
- Tulsa, Okla. Woman Sues City of Tulsa for Cutting Down Her Edible Garden, By Lori Fullbright. News on 6, Jun. 15, 2012.
- Newton, Mass. Newton Officials Call Tomato Display Illegal, By Deirdre Fernandes. The Boston Globe, May 22, 2012.
- Los Angeles, Calif. An Illegal Curbside Garden Flourishes in L.A., By Nate Berg. The Atlantic Cities, Apr. 10, 2012
- Oak Park, Mich. Oak Park Drops Charges Against Homeowner Julie Bass, but Hits Her with Two Other Misdemeanor Crime Charges, By Mike Adams. NaturalNews.com, Jul. 15, 2011.
- See related blog at OakParkHatesVeggies.Wordpress.com
- Washington Heights, N.Y. Rogue Farm Ripped Up Because Gardener Broke Rules, Says Parks Dept., By Carla Zanoni. DNAinfo, Jun. 22, 2011
- Chatham Township, N.J. Young Organic Farmer Fighting Rebuke of Chatham Twp. Law, By Aaron Morrison. Cornicopia Institute, Jun. 3, 2011.
- Los Angeles, Calif. Is a Balcony Garden Against the Fire Code? By Mike Lieberman. Urban Organic Gardener, May 26, 2011.
- Boulder, Co. Home Garden Laws: Weeding in the Nude and Other No-Nos, By Jennifer Kongs. Mother Earth News, Aug. 18, 2010.
- Clarkston, Ga. ‘Cabbagegate’: Man Fined $5k for Home Garden, By Dave Their. Huffington Post, Sep. 15, 2010
- Tulsa, Okla. Woman Sues City of Tulsa for Cutting Down Her Edible Garden, By Lori Fullbright. News on 6, Jun. 15, 2012.
- Newton, Mass. Newton Officials Call Tomato Display Illegal, By Deirdre Fernandes. The Boston Globe, May 22, 2012.
- Los Angeles, Calif. An Illegal Curbside Garden Flourishes in L.A., By Nate Berg. The Atlantic Cities, Apr. 10, 2012
- Oak Park, Mich. Oak Park Drops Charges Against Homeowner Julie Bass, but Hits Her with Two Other Misdemeanor Crime Charges, By Mike Adams. NaturalNews.com, Jul. 15, 2011.
- See related blog at OakParkHatesVeggies.Wordpress.com
- Washington Heights, N.Y. Rogue Farm Ripped Up Because Gardener Broke Rules, Says Parks Dept., By Carla Zanoni. DNAinfo, Jun. 22, 2011
- Chatham Township, N.J. Young Organic Farmer Fighting Rebuke of Chatham Twp. Law, By Aaron Morrison. Cornicopia Institute, Jun. 3, 2011.
- Los Angeles, Calif. Is a Balcony Garden Against the Fire Code? By Mike Lieberman. Urban Organic Gardener, May 26, 2011.
- Boulder, Co. Home Garden Laws: Weeding in the Nude and Other No-Nos, By Jennifer Kongs. Mother Earth News, Aug. 18, 2010.
- Clarkston, Ga. ‘Cabbagegate’: Man Fined $5k for Home Garden, By Dave Their. Huffington Post, Sep. 15, 2010
