Thursday, May 12, 2011

Factory farms the only way to ‘feed the world’? Not so, argues Science paper

The mainstream press, including NPR, has propelled the notion that the only way to feed the world in the future is through genetically-modified patent-protected seeds and the pesticide-intensive industrial agriculture model, despite the fact that there are a number of major studies from scientists around the world demonstrating that sustainable agriculture is a more sound, productive and safe choice. A new study, published in Science and carried out by a research team at Washington State University, urges a fundamental rethinking of the industrial agriculture system and the Farm Bill to promote more organic and low-input ag techniques, in ringing contrast to the conventional clamor celebrating biotech that is constantly promoted in the media. There's no doubt that we're losing the PR battle for a safe and sustainable food production system, and the only way that can possibly change is if millions of Americans took more interest in what they are putting into their bodies and the uncertainties that untested GM foods hold for human health into the future.
http://www.grist.org/sustainable-farming/2011-05-11-factory-farms-only-way-to-feed-the-world-no-says-science-paper

Don’t Let Go of the Anger

As many folks who were in large part responsible for the financial meltdown in 2008 continue to rake in profits while much of the country suffers high unemployment and foreclosure, this piece urges Americans to get involved and show some passion in the fight to reform Wall Street, and maybe even put a few culprits in jail.
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/11/dont-let-go-of-the-anger/?ref=opinion

WikiLeaks: US opens grand jury hearing

An immensely important Grand Jury has convened to determine whether WikiLeaks and Julian Assange will be charged with violating the Espionage Act and other possible laws. Such charges against Daniel Ellsberg failed in 1971, but the US was a much different country forty years ago with a Supreme Court committed to the defense of civil liberties. The Obama Administration is currently investigating five leak cases in a crackdown against whistleblowers. 
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/may/11/us-opens-wikileaks-grand-jury-hearing

Was the Killing of Osama bin Laden Legal?

This is a fascinating breakdown of the laws and treaties that govern wartime killing as applied to the recent operation that resulted in Osama bin Laden's death. It's a detailed and well-reasoned analysis, and an extremely informative read.
http://www.alternet.org/news/150911/was_the_killing_of_osama_bin_laden_legal/?page=1

THIS IS WHY PEOPLE HATE WASHINGTON

The outrageous revolving door of industry and government strikes again! We have a very serious problem with industry influence in government policy and former regulators working for the very companies they were responsible for policing on behalf of the public. And, as always, it's the people who lose...
http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/this_is_why_people_hate_washington_20110511/?utm