GMO Labeling... California is in the Lead!

No major bash on California, but they rarely take the lead on anything with which I agree; however, I think they are on the right track with their attempt to get GMO (genetically modified foods) labeled. As the California Right to Know website states: More than 40 countries with over 40% of the world’s population already label genetically engineered foods, including the entire European Union. Even China labels genetically engineered foods. What do they know that we don't?

In reality, I don't think it is something that they know, because almost everyone desires to be informed about the food they are eating. The truth is that in the U.S., we have a political system that is too greatly influenced by Big Ag... that is, the large, multi-million/billion agricultural corporations. Passing this would likely set the stage for nationwide labeling laws. Then we could finally make informed decisions.

I'm pretty sure I have never said this, but, Go California!

To read more about GMO's, read my previous article on the topic:

GMO's. The good, the bad, and the scary.

Judge Rules "No Fundamental Right to Produce and Consume Food"

Food Freedom at Risk under

Wisconsin Judge Patrick J. Fiedler

The following are accurate quotes from Wisconsin Judge Patrick J. Fiedler:

“no, Plaintiffs do not have a fundamental right to own and use a dairy cow or a dairy herd;”


“no, Plaintiffs do not have a fundamental right to consume the milk from their own cow;”


“no, Plaintiffs do not have a fundamental right to produce and consume the foods of their choice…”

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Now, some may say that this is being taken out of context.  The main issue being discussed was one of being able to consume raw milk... that is unpasteurized milk.  To be honest, I can see both sides of the argument when it comes to raw milk.  There appears to be some real health benefits, and there appears to be some real health risks.  My personal opinion is that, at a minimum, if a person wants to consume milk from their own cow, they they certainly should be able to do so.  But I am getting beside the point.

Regardless of your own ideas on consuming raw milk, the comments from this judge surpass the issues of raw milk.  In reality, they surpass even common sense.  We don't have the right to even produce our own food?  I can't think of how any of the most oppressive governments in history did not even allow their most impoverished citizens to grow a small garden.  Heck, even many prisoners of war were allowed to do this.

Here, we have a judge in a large agricultural state making statements like this.  If I didn't actually see the Dane County Circuit Court papers (you can read them here if you wish), then I wouldn't have believed it myself.

I try to steer clear of political topics here on TCP, but I need to share this.  I highly recommend you share this story as well.  People need to read about the asinine actions of this judge.  If you live under his jurisdiction, then you need to vote him out the first chance you get.

Here are some links to articles all reporting on this ridiculous ruling:

http://www.thecompletepatient.com/journal/2011/9/15/wi-judge-to-zinniker-ftcldf-no-fundamental-right-to-own-a-co.html

http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/222456/20110930/wi-judge-declares-that-individuals-have-no-fundamental-right-to-own-cows-drink-raw-milk-au-ibtimes-c.htm

http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/constitution/9199-wis-judge-no-qfundamental-right-to-produce-and-consume-foodsq

http://www.piercecountyherald.com/event/article/id/39759/group/Opinion/

http://nation.foxnews.com/weird-news/2011/10/05/judge-dairy-farmers-can-t-drink-milk-their-cows

http://www.examiner.com/finance-examiner-in-national/judge-wisconsin-rules-citizens-do-not-have-rights-on-what-they-grow-or-eat


A big thank you to TCP blog reader Jessie M. for sending me news of this story.