On Saturday, October 12, an estimated 3.5 million people are expected to gather in protest against multinational, biotech giant Monsanto. The worldwide event, scheduled in over 600 cities, aims to spread information about the controversial company. This is the second March Against Monsanto event in 2013; on May 25, a 400-city global protest took place with an estimated two million participants. Higher numbers expected for this second 2013 march lead to claims that public concern about the company is growing.
Monsanto is known for its widespread proliferation of genetically modified plant cells, or GMOs, as well as products like Glyphosate—the chemical agent of their top-selling weed killer, Roundup. They also formulate GMOs that contain built-in pesticides and that are resistant to their herbicidal products. Activists voice concern that the company denies the negative environmental impact of its products in addition to its refusal to identify, by label, genetically-modified products. They, along with other biotech companies, invested over $45 million in a recent “anti-labeling” campaign, claiming that labeling their products would cause consumer prices to rise.
The powerful company’s reluctance to disclose information about the hazards of their products is demonstrated by the millions of dollars spent lobbying the US government for protection. Earlier this year, President Obama signed into law the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act. A section of the bill has been referred to by many as the Monsanto Protection Act because it contains a provision that prevents courts from being able to stop the production and sale of GMOs, even if such products are proven harmful. It’s no secret that there is a revolving door between Monsanto, the FDA and the EPA, as numerous individuals who’ve held authoritative positions at Monsanto have also held positions with those government agencies. The concern is that we’re witnessing the consolidation of corporate and state power, which is why people need to be concerned. This issue goes beyond politics and the worn-out rhetoric of conservative and liberal ideologies. The real issue is one of human dignity and respect.
These are a few of the reasons why activists around the world are uniting in protest. Host Danny Cobb, along with Toledo city council-hopeful Sean Nestor, will speak at the Maumee event. “This is a peaceful awareness protest rally. People should make and bring their own signs. Artists, dancers, and entertainers of all kinds are welcome,” says Cobb. Musical performances from Earl Cookie and The Vintage Mojo are also set to take place.
Saturday, October 12, at 1pm, in the parking lot across from the Maumee Indoor Theatre at 601 Conant Street. march-against-monsanto.com