GMO's & Concern of Ananda Margiis

Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2012 20:21:10
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: GMO's & Concern of Ananda Margiis
From:

Baba

== GMO'S & CONCERN OF ANANDA MARGIIS ==

Namaskar,
One of the most dangerous and disturbing elements in today’s food chain is the presence of GMO’s, or genetically modified organisms.

"Not only can genes be transferred from one plant to another, but genes from non-plant organisms also can be used. The best known example of this is the use of Bt genes in corn and other crops. Bt, or Bacillus thuringiensis, is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces crystal proteins that are lethal to insect larvae. Bt crystal protein genes have been transferred into corn, enabling the corn to produce its own pesticides against insects such as the European corn borer." (Dept of Plant and Soil Sciences, OSU)

Why are companies so interested in using genes in this way? Because by this process, they can make those crops resistant to herbicides and pesticides – and hence easily increase profits.

HOW THIS AFFECTS ANANDA MARGIIS

What does the presence of GMO’s in food mean for Ananda Margiis? It means that certain foods we consider to be “sentient” may in fact be tamasik.

Here are more concerns in bulleted format:

* This GMO approach is still quite new and has not been well-researched nor critically tested. There remains many unknowns along with the possibility of public health issues.

* Vegetarian foods made from transferring the genes of one plant to a separate plant's gene pool should be avoided because those products may be a health hazard (carcinogenic etc) for the short and long term, and they may be tamasik.

* Foods and GMO crops made from a plant gene pool that contains threads from an animal gene pool(s) are outrightly tamasik, plus they may have other health hazards.

* For meat-eating communities all this may not be concern; for Ananda Margiis, this is a huge issue: If vegetable or grain crops have been formed from animal genes. So every margii should know about this.

THIS IS AN ALL-PERVASIVE ISSUE

Irrespective of which part of the globe you live, you must be critically aware about this hot issue. If the food you buy does not specifically say “Non-GMO”, or if you are not 100% sure about the origin of your grain and vegetable seeds, then it is possible that your food has been genetically affected. This is especially true with name-brand, “natural”, company food products. One of the below articles offers critical information about this.

BABA’S GUIDELINE:

SCIENCE AND CIVILISATION

Here is a clear-cut warning from Baba.

Baba says, “Where scientific progress supersedes civilization, there civilization meets its Waterloo.” (A Few Problems Solved Part 6, Civilization, Science and Spiritual Progress)

Today, with the use of GMO’s, we see the terrible misuse of science in our fruit, vegetable and grain food supply. Genetically modified crops are spreading around the globe in order to heighten corporate profits. Big food companies are eager to keep this fact hidden. They want to use science at the cost of human health and our overall well-being. We should all be aware and help force companies and the agro-business industry to openly state if they use GMO’s or not.

Now please see the below three articles about GMO’s.

Namaskar,
Shiva Kumar

Note 1: WHAT IS GMO?

AGRICULTURAL CROPS THAT HAVE A RISK OF BEING GMO
(From the Non-GMO Project website; link below)

For consumers, it can be difficult to stay up-to-date on food ingredients that are at-risk of being genetically modified, as the list of at-risk agricultural ingredients is frequently changing. As part of the Non-GMO Project’s commitment to informed consumer choice, we work diligently to maintain an accurate list of risk ingredients.

Agricultural products are segmented into two groups: (1) those that are high-risk of being GMO because they are currently in commercial production, and (2) those that have a monitored risk because suspected or known incidents of contamination have occurred and/or the crops have genetically modified relatives in commercial production with which cross-pollination (and consequently contamination) is possible. For more information on the Non-GMO Project’s testing and verification of risk ingredients and processed foods, please see the Non-GMO Project Standard.

High-Risk Crops (in commercial production; ingredients derived from these must be tested every time prior to use in Non-GMO Project Verified products (as of December 2011):

    Alfalfa (first planting 2011)
    Canola (approx. 90% of U.S. crop)
    Corn (approx. 88% of U.S. crop in 2011)
    Cotton (approx. 90% of U.S. crop in 2011)
    Papaya (most of Hawaiian crop; approximately 988 acres)
    Soy (approx. 94% of U.S. crop in 2011)
    Sugar Beets (approx. 95% of U.S. crop in 2010)
    Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash (approx. 25,000 acres)

ALSO high-risk: animal products (milk, meat, eggs, honey, etc.) because of contamination in feed.

Monitored Crops (those for which suspected or known incidents of contamination have occurred, and those crops which have genetically modified relatives in commercial production with which cross-pollination is possible; we test regularly to assess risk, and move to “High-Risk” category for ongoing testing if we see contamination):

    Beta vulgaris (e.g., chard, table beets)
    Brassica napa (e.g., rutabaga, Siberian kale)
    Brassica rapa (e.g., bok choy, mizuna, Chinese cabbage, turnip, rapini, tatsoi)
    Curcubita (acorn squash, delicata squash, patty pan)
    Flax
    Rice

Common Ingredients Derived from GMO Risk Crops
Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ethanol, Flavorings (“natural” and “artificial”), High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrins, Molasses, Monosodium Glutamate, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Xanthan Gum, Vitamins, Yeast Products.

You may also be wondering about…

    Tomatoes: In 1994, genetically modified Flavr Savr tomatoes became the first commercially produced GMOs. They were brought out of production just a few years later, in 1997, due to problems with flavor and ability to hold up in shipping. There are no genetically engineered tomatoes in commercial production, and tomatoes are considered “low-risk” by the Non-GMO Project Standard.
    Potatoes: Genetically modified NewLeaf potatoes were introduced by Monsanto in 1996. Due to consumer rejection  several fast-food chains and chip makers, the product was never successful and was discontinued in the spring of 2001. There are no genetically engineered potatoes in commercial production, and potatoes are considered “low-risk” by the Non-GMO Project Standard.
    Wheat: There is not currently, nor has there ever been, any genetically engineered wheat on the market. Of all “low-risk” crops, this is the one most commonly (and incorrectly) assumed to be GMO. It is a key commodity crop, and the biotech industry is pushing hard to bring GMO varieties to market. The Non-GMO Project closely watches all development on this front.
    Salmon: A company called AquaBounty is currently petitioning the FDA to approve its genetically engineered variety of salmon, which has met with fierce consumer resistance. Find out more here.
    Pigs: A genetically engineered variety of pig, called Enviropig was developed by scientists at the University of Guelph, with research starting in 1995 and government approval sought beginning in 2009. In 2012 the University announced an end to the Enviropig program, and the pigs themselves were euthanized in June 2012.

http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/what-is-gmo/


Note 2: PUTTING ANIMAL GENES IN PLANT FOODS

The enhancement of desired traits has traditionally been undertaken through breeding, but conventional plant breeding methods can be very time consuming and are often not very accurate. Genetic engineering, on the other hand, can create plants with the exact desired trait very rapidly and with great accuracy. For example, plant geneticists can isolate a gene responsible for drought tolerance and insert that gene into a different plant. The new genetically-modified plant will gain drought tolerance as well. Not only can genes be transferred from one plant to another, but genes from non-plant organisms also can be used. The best known example of this is the use of Bt genes in corn and other crops. Bt, or Bacillus thuringiensis, is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces crystal proteins that are lethal to insect larvae. Bt crystal protein genes have been transferred into corn, enabling the corn to produce its own pesticides against insects such as the European corn borer.

http://www.canola.okstate.edu/gmofacts

Note 3: HEALTH FOOD COMPANIES AND PROP #37

Boycott These Natural and Organic Food Companies

Published on August 24, 2012 by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND   

Right now, a debate is happening in California concerning Prop. 37, an initiative to be on the ballot in November 2012. Prop. 37 is an effort to mandate that foods containing genetically engineered ingredients are labeled as such. This is already required in Europe and, quite frankly, should be a no-brainer. The citizens of California, and, really, the entire country, should have the right to know exactly what they’re purchasing and subsequently putting into their bodies. You, personally, should have that right. Knowing what your food contains should not be a mystery.


There Should Be No Debate

Preliminary polls suggest that California voters agree, an overwhelming 70%+ are in favor of GE labeling. Who isn’t in favor? You guessed it, certain, unsavory, food industry corporations.

It probably goes without saying that if a company is producing “food” that essentially was derived from a lab experiment and is void of nutrition, they probably would prefer the sedated masses just continue to unknowingly and quietly consume their toxic wares. It’s not morally right, but is justified by the effect a warning label may have to the bottom line. Unfortunately, many large corporations will never be accused of doing what’s best for their customers.

Mainstream food industry corporations are fighting this initiative tooth and nail, well over $20 million has already been contributed by the food industry to defeat Prop. 37. That proverbial barrel of slime known as Monsanto is the largest contributor, over $4 million. It’s disappointing but it’s honestly not very surprising. What you might be surprised to learn though is that several brands whose images are “trusted,” “natural,” and “organic” are also trying to squash Prop. 37.


Disappointing Impostors

Who hasn’t seen the feel-good commercials from Kashi or seen their literally, and metaphorically, crunchy cereal product in the supermarket? They claim it’s great quality and their marketing and advertising looks very responsible, surely it must be, right? Wrong. Kashi cereals contain GMOs and the company is owned by Kellogg, who contributed $612,000 to defeat Prop. 37. Kellogg also owns the brands Gardenburger, Bear Naked and Morning Star.

Have you ever eaten a Larabar or bought from Cascadian Farms Organic? Unfortunately, what leaves a putrid taste in my mouth is the fact that their parent company, General Mills, contributed $520,000 to defeat Prop 37.

They aren’t the only ones to blame. Smuckers, which owns Santa Cruz Organic and R.W. Knudsen, kicked in $387,000.

Dean Foods, owners of Silk Soymilk and Horizon Organics, coughed up $253,000 to squash Prop. 37.

Pepsico which owns IZZE and Naked brands donated $1,716,300 to stop Prop. 37.

Coca Cola, who owns Odwalla and Honest Tea brands donated $1,164,400 to kill Prop. 37.

It is difficult for smaller, honest collectives, and certainly for the honest individual, to compete with a war chest like that. Just as the politician who spends the most during an election will often get elected, corporations that pump a pile of money into defeating measures like Prop. 37 are also able to purchase the outcome they prefer. Right now, GE labeling proponents have only raised about $3 million. Admittedly, this is quite small in comparison. Well, guess what, the fight isn’t over.


YOU Can Take Action

It’s time to fight back and tell these corporate clowns that we’ve had enough, that YOU have had enough, and we’re not going to sit back while nutritional labels are manipulated and corporate conglomerates view American citizens as walking cash registers. You need to speak up and join the fight, nobody is going to do it for you. Let these companies know you don’t appreciate what they’re doing. Let them know you’re officially boycotting their wares until they stop the dishonest behavior. We teach five year olds it’s wrong to lie; that foundation should not evaporate simply because someone grows up to become a corporate fat cat who explains away their bad behavior with flow charts and investment reports.

“Hiding the truth about our food is pervasive, unethical, and only done for money,” says Michael Potter, CEO of Eden Foods, an organic food manufacturer that financially contributed to support Proposition 37. I could not agree more. If you’re with us, get on board. Please make your voice heard and tell the corporate players opposing your right to know what’s in your food that if they want your business, they can’t sell-out organic values.

You can sign the petition here:
http://www.cornucopia.org/prop37-petition/

You can donate money to the cause here:
http://organicconsumersfund.org/donate/

Thank independent organic business that have put their money where their mouth is. Ask large organic brands and companies that are missing in action to pony up. Talk is cheap.

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/help-us-boycott-natural-and-organic-food-companies/

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Tumi a'ndha're esecho, alora enecho va'n..."    P.S. 2669

Purport:

Baba, You have taken advent in the darkness. Because of Your arrival, the darkness has vanished and now a flood of effulgence has illumined this entire world. Nobody knew, understood, or imagined that this was going to happen - that You are going to take advent and make everything positive.  

In their dark state of body, mind, and heart, human beings were sleeping in that cimmerian darkness. You have graciously showered the divine effulgence on everyone's face, and awakened them from their deep sleep - their slumber of attachment. By Your grace, from the state of negativity, they became positive.  

Baba, You have come with Your sweet, attractive, and charming appearance. You have vibrated everyone's mind and heart with Your divine grace. Baba, You Yourself have come, shown the path, and given the permanent solution of all the problems - physical, psychic, and spiritual.

Baba, You have graced all with Your divine advent...