Is the Monstanto “Corporatocracy” running our country?

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I learned a new word today, “Corporatocracy”. Broken down it means, a government run by corporations. Not a surprise, is it… our politicians have long been bought and paid for by wealthy companies. Politicians need money; companies have money… so politicians do what the corporations ask. It’s just a little favor, after all.

But now it’s sunk to a new level.

The “Right to Farm” act, which would create an amendment to the State of Missouri’s Constitution, seems like a great idea, on the surface.

“That agriculture which provides food, energy, health benefits, and security is the foundation and stabilizing force of Missouri’s economy. To protect this vital sector of Missouri’s economy, the right of farmers and ranchers to engage in farming and ranching practices shall be forever guaranteed in this state, subject to duly authorized powers, if any, conferred by Article VI of the Missouri Constitution.”

What’s odd is that no one ever disputed the right for farmers to farm or ranchers to ranch. Contrary to what some people may think, no one is taking away farmer’s rights. The idea behind the Act is to prevent “unnecessary litigation” against farmers and ranchers because of their practices. Basically, they are protected against consumer lawsuits should it turn out that what they do affects the environment or a neighbor’s health in a negative way. (Think about it like this… if in a few years your child gets cancer, and it turns out that the farm next door was spraying toxins, you can’t do anything against them. They are protected.)

Here is where it gets a little slippery. This Act is not designed to protect the Missouri family farmer. You see, the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution grants “corporate persons” ie. companies, the same rights as individuals. What does this means in plain English? Big companies have the same rights as individuals. Smithfield Foods has the same rights as the guy with 40 acres.

Now look closer, the wording on the ballot says “citizen of Missouri”, but nowhere in the Act does it say that those farmers and ranchers should be citizens of the State of Missouri. Foreign companies could own food producing land in Missouri, and be completely protected by the State of Missouri.

It boils down to this. The Right to Farm Act was written with the help of Monsanto to further their product and protect themselves from future litigation. Imagine… giant corporations can plant GMO seeds, use pesticides, and never have to face the music should it turn out that the pesticides are hurting the environment, or their GMO foods are affecting our health.

Don’t let the Monstanto “Corporatocracy” run our country. Take back our rights to real food and a clean environment!