Monsanto and the GMOs: Is this the new Soylent Green?

India protest against Monsanto

Carol Forsloff — Years ago Charlton Heston starred in a movie that opened the door to concerns about environment and genetically engineered food products. As a conservative,  Heston might not have supported climate change ideas and environmental issues, but the film itself tells us that fooling around with Mother Nature might mean a health devastation for ourselves and future generations. A recent documentary spells this out in more detail.

The film "Genetic Roulette: The Gamble for Our Lives" takes on Monsanto, the giant producer of GMO's, genetically modified products. What the film does is provide an overview of the consequences of some of this genetic engineering, from the diseases and disabilities as the human concerns and the ongoing problems related to the future of the world and its children.

What are those problems? The film tells us that autism, diabetes and cancer are among a great number of ailments that have been increasing at a rapid rate. Many of these health concerns, the film maintains, result from populations consuming products that are harmful to human health. Some of these products come not directly but indirectly from animals who eat the grains and become sick themselves. These avenues become direct and indirect ways of the toxicity reaching a wider and wider population of people, including infants and very young children.

What evidence is used to support the opposition against Monsanto? Medical experts point out how animals have been sickened after being fed GMO-laden foods. They relate the experience of farmers throughout the world. And the film also speaks of the intimidation and political underpinnings of what is reported to be insidious and vengeful attacks on these medical experts who take responsibility for warning the public about the risks from GMOs.

Years of longitudinal research and case histories of individuals and groups point to the risks of herbicides and an increase in illnesses and diseases that not only impact today's populations but future generations as well, as the lingering byproducts remain in the system and then are transferred to infants through breastfeeding and other means. In addition, infant formulas and food have been found to contain GMO products as well. The theory is that these products have led to an increase in attention deficit disorder, autism and a host of other problems, including allergies. Research has documented many of these problems.

Many countries in the world now require proper labeling of foods and restriction of those that are genetically modified, as people have demonstrated far and wide about the impact on their health and their concern for their own health and that of their children. The United States continues not to take action because of the lobby groups representing Monsanto support politicians and according to some scientists have found ways to intimidate scientists, farmers and protestors.

So what does the film suggest people do? One recommendation is to become informed and to inform others of the risks of the Monsanto GMO reach and to pass along the information about the risks of product use to friends and family. Secondly, the film recommends a Non-GMO Shopping List that provides a documentation of those companies and producers that are GMO free.

For those interested in learning more from the film itself,  it is recommended that readers review the entire film, provided at this website: http://geneticroulettemovie.com/.