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99th_Monkey

(19,326 posts)
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 05:25 PM Apr 2013

White House Arrests Anti-GMO Activist for Delivering Petitions to Label GMOs

This is downright embarrassing.
What little is left of the Left, is being actively
muzzled and criminalized by the Obama White House.


Another broken promise

_____*_____*_____*_____*_____*_____*_____*_____*_____*_____*_____*_____*_____*_____*_____*_____*___

Who knew that Alexis Badden Mayer of the Organic Consumers Association would be arrested outside the White House when she attempted to deliver a DVD Petition with over 200,000 names asking Michelle Obama to ask her husband to fulfill a campaign promise to label GMO food products?

There is no more basic American right, than to petition the government, to speak up and have your voice heard as a citizen by your elected representatives – but not if you don’t have the money to buy access to officials who have become more responsive to the interest groups that finance their elections then the people who elected them. And so it was with the petition that called for the truthful labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). People want to know what they are eating and want food labeling to indicate if the food has been genetically modified.

Video is included at this link: http://www.occupymonsanto360.org/2013/03/02/white-house-arrests-gmo-petitioner/

68 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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White House Arrests Anti-GMO Activist for Delivering Petitions to Label GMOs (Original Post) 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 OP
WTF doubled! ananda Apr 2013 #1
What GreenRanger Apr 2013 #2
Maybe that one guy will be along to ... 99Forever Apr 2013 #3
That "one guy" really makes DU suck a lot IMO. No need to discuss anything when there's one guy... L0oniX Apr 2013 #45
kick limpyhobbler Apr 2013 #4
Glad it's on YouTube -- let's help it go viral. That usually helps gateley Apr 2013 #53
Plutocracies don't have civilian representation; they have lobbyists Rex Apr 2013 #5
I remember when "special interest groups" used to include environmentalists, 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #7
Yep Bloomberg's private 'army' of LEOs are proof of that statement. Rex Apr 2013 #9
I'm sorry, but I've got to point out that this IS actual capitalism..... socialist_n_TN Apr 2013 #16
Most of the world uses some form of Capitalism. Rex Apr 2013 #20
The system in the USSR was a warped version of Marx.... socialist_n_TN Apr 2013 #21
In a free market system I can see that happening. Rex Apr 2013 #22
+1 Newest Reality Apr 2013 #56
That's my president. UnrepentantLiberal Apr 2013 #6
This is hilarious. randome Apr 2013 #8
Since when is petitioning the gov't a "publicity stunt"? 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #10
Michelle Obama is not part of the government. randome Apr 2013 #11
I'm hazarding a guess that a wealthy campaign donor would have gotten a much warmer welcome 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #12
I hear you. randome Apr 2013 #15
You may be right 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #17
Let us know because I'll sure as hell sign it! randome Apr 2013 #18
Well it didn't seem strange when we all signed a petition on John Conyers' website sabrina 1 Apr 2013 #50
We could definitely use some more 'shit disturbers' instead of the safe choices we keep getting. randome Apr 2013 #63
"I'm hazarding a guess that a wealthy campaign donor would have gotten a much warmer welcome" George II Apr 2013 #30
Petitioning is one thing, expecting to saunter into the White House is another. George II Apr 2013 #29
Stop lying. It's very unbecoming. 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #31
There is such a thing as procedure and protocol. George II Apr 2013 #39
Yea ...it's called lobbying and forming a Koch like pac. n/t L0oniX Apr 2013 #48
Monsanto CEOs have no problem 'sauntering' into the WH. You're right though in a way, sabrina 1 Apr 2013 #52
Precisely! These people are upset because.... George II Apr 2013 #25
Are you deliberately and consciously lying? 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #32
Did she have an appointment? Did anyone INSIDE the White House know she would be there? George II Apr 2013 #38
All you need to do is read the text and watch the video 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #40
"Completely ignored"? Don't you think they have a schedule and other things going on? George II Apr 2013 #44
Please see 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #68
Yeah, it is hilarious! You're RIGHT, as always, imagine people thinking they sabrina 1 Apr 2013 #34
Yea stupid them ...they should do what all the lobbyists do or form a Koch like pac. n/t L0oniX Apr 2013 #46
If you wanted GMO Labeling, bvar22 Apr 2013 #13
Good one. +10 ~nt 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #23
That guys sounds great, anyone know when he's running for office? truebrit71 Apr 2013 #62
"What little is left of the Left, is being actively muzzled and criminalized ..." Scuba Apr 2013 #14
Now that he is reelected, Obama doesn't need the left anymore, MadHound Apr 2013 #19
I think you got that right, pun intended. ~nt 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #26
Nope. He made that clear from 2009 - 2011. He was back to pretending he did during 2012. MotherPetrie Apr 2013 #28
He threw us under the bus a long time ago IMO. n/t L0oniX Apr 2013 #47
Fuck. This. Shit. nt BrotherIvan Apr 2013 #24
What were they really arrested for? RudynJack Apr 2013 #27
Yeah!! Just ask "The Authorities" what's "really" going on. 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #33
What were they arrested for? RudynJack Apr 2013 #36
Cited for "not giving up" on what they went to Washington DC to do 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #41
No, we don't know it. RudynJack Apr 2013 #49
OK. I'll just speak for myself then 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #60
You still didn't answer the question. What was she arrested for? phleshdef Apr 2013 #65
What part of "agree to disagree" did you not understand? 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #66
Oh I understand. I just don't give a fuck. phleshdef Apr 2013 #67
Really. Did they try to get thru the WH gate? elleng Apr 2013 #51
Don't ask me. RudynJack Apr 2013 #57
Likely there's no other way an arrest would have occurred. elleng Apr 2013 #59
getting arrested is part of civil disobedience arely staircase Apr 2013 #35
Yes. "Getting arrested is part of civil disobedience", but ONLY when 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #42
This message was self-deleted by its author 99th_Monkey Apr 2013 #43
He's a Democrat so it's OK. Le Taz Hot Apr 2013 #37
Even Russia banned the GMO crops. darkangel218 Apr 2013 #54
Delivering petitions to the door of the White House is prohibited. Comrade_McKenzie Apr 2013 #55
Really? would you have pointed this our during the Bush regime? N/t alp227 Apr 2013 #61
"People want to know what they are eating and want food labeling" ChisolmTrailDem Apr 2013 #58
I'd bet my left ass cheek she wasn't complying with some sort of Secret Service request. phleshdef Apr 2013 #64

99Forever

(14,524 posts)
3. Maybe that one guy will be along to ...
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 05:34 PM
Apr 2013

... explain just how important it is that our White House not be bothered with trivial things like petitions from the little people, when we have Big Profits for Monsano on the line. You know the guy. Started some thread earlier today about just how wonderful GMOs are for us. Got all riled up when I asked him a couple of simple questions about it.

Ever wonder when the Soylent Green production will start?

 

L0oniX

(31,493 posts)
45. That "one guy" really makes DU suck a lot IMO. No need to discuss anything when there's one guy...
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 11:22 PM
Apr 2013

who knows it all ...all the time. BTW it isn't just one guy ...its a shill gang.

 

Rex

(65,616 posts)
5. Plutocracies don't have civilian representation; they have lobbyists
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 05:36 PM
Apr 2013

and special interest groups that represent a corporation and get heard by the government through invite only.

 

99th_Monkey

(19,326 posts)
7. I remember when "special interest groups" used to include environmentalists,
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 05:51 PM
Apr 2013

peace activists, etc. but it seems now all interest groups on the Left have been pushed off the public stage, to the sidewalks & streets to be pepper-sprayed, bludgeoned, jailed or worse by corporate-owned police state thugs.

 

Rex

(65,616 posts)
9. Yep Bloomberg's private 'army' of LEOs are proof of that statement.
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 06:05 PM
Apr 2013

If you protest Wall Street you are labeled a terrorist or someone that 'Hates America'.

If you steal billions and indirectly end up bankrupting 100's of 1000's of the working class, you are told your company is 'too big to fail' (in a supposed capitalist society) and then given all the monetary aid from government you need to help maintain your position.

As many have said, this cycle cannot last forever. Without actual capitalism, the system that preys on it's own workforce will become one that has no workforce, domestically. The off shoring, the outsourcing, the tax credits, corporate welfare and tax havens make it so the system can last longer...but it will eventually crash...like it did in 2008.

Sadly, in a competitive environment you let companies fail so that new more innovate ones can come along at take its place. NOT SO in America, we gave up capitalism for plutocracy and will pay a supreme price for it one day. Maybe not ME or YOU, but your children or their children will.




socialist_n_TN

(11,481 posts)
16. I'm sorry, but I've got to point out that this IS actual capitalism.....
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 06:40 PM
Apr 2013

what's going on now. Or at least the end game of capitalism. Capitalism has ALWAYS preyed on it's own workforce. It's in the system and it's all there in Marx.

 

Rex

(65,616 posts)
20. Most of the world uses some form of Capitalism.
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 06:51 PM
Apr 2013

It is only the end result without any kind of rules in place. Like any form of economic system without limits and regulations, of course it is going to fail. Marx might be right, but that does not mean every country that uses capitalism has to destroy the middle class and create a cheap labor pool.

It is how you use any system that makes it effective or ineffective, just look at how well communism worked out for the Soviets.

A healthy capitalist nation does not have to become a plutocracy. Sorry, but it is not a requirement.

socialist_n_TN

(11,481 posts)
21. The system in the USSR was a warped version of Marx....
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 07:11 PM
Apr 2013

based on a bureaucracy that was (became) all-powerful. There were other Marxist roads not taken.

And every other country that uses capitalism is moving in the same direction that we are. It's called neoliberalism and it IS a pure form of capitalism. Some are further along than us (Greece, Spain, etc.), some are not quite as far along (the Nordic countries), and some are equivalent (UK), but this IS THE DIRECTION THAT THEY ARE ALL TRENDING.

And yes, EVENTUALLY a "healthy" capitalist nation WILL become a plutocracy. That's what the system is set up to do, funnel money to the top. That's the definition of plutocracy. Add a bought government into the mix and it also becomes fascism.

 

Rex

(65,616 posts)
22. In a free market system I can see that happening.
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 07:24 PM
Apr 2013

But with laws in place, it doesn't have to be that way. Yes, greed will probably win in the end...it seems to no matter what form of system a country uses. Greed just about wins hands down every time.

 

randome

(34,845 posts)
8. This is hilarious.
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 05:53 PM
Apr 2013

Delivering a petition to the First Lady, a non-elected official? And trying to take a banner through the White House front gate?

Methinks you protest too much!

I am all for protests and for having GMOs labelled but this was a publicity stunt.

 

99th_Monkey

(19,326 posts)
10. Since when is petitioning the gov't a "publicity stunt"?
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 06:10 PM
Apr 2013

The banner was a last ditch attempt -- only after being ignored repeatedly for a week
by the White House, to deliver their petition, on behalf of 200,000 US citizens, who
simply want Obama to DO what he PROMISED to do on campaign trail re: GMOs.

Did these details in the story escape your notice? Some of it is in the video. Maybe you
didn't watch that?

 

randome

(34,845 posts)
11. Michelle Obama is not part of the government.
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 06:12 PM
Apr 2013

Ignored for a week? Do you have any idea how many people and organizations try to contact the White House each and every hour of every day?

Me neither.

And what's wrong with the White House petition web site that is guaranteed to get a response?

 

99th_Monkey

(19,326 posts)
12. I'm hazarding a guess that a wealthy campaign donor would have gotten a much warmer welcome
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 06:31 PM
Apr 2013

and I'll bet it wouldn't have taken Monsanto over a week to simply be able to officially deliver
a document. They said they'd be happy to just be able to hand the petitions to a WH gofer,
to "anyone" from the WH. They weren't asking for a personal audience with the First Lady.
I think the idea is that she could appeal to Obama's conscience or something like that.

As for the WH petition website, that's actually a good question; but I suspect the answer is
that it's already been done, and completely ignored; since Obama has installed Monsanto
executives to be in control of the FDA.

 

randome

(34,845 posts)
15. I hear you.
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 06:39 PM
Apr 2013

But showing up at the White House and asking for someone to accept a 'package' seems a little naive. I don't know why what's-her-name didn't return their messages. You'd think they'd be more cognizant of bad P.R. But maybe she gets a hundred messages a day, I don't know.

Corporate officials have an advantage in using their money to find the right channels to use so, sure, this group is at a disadvantage.

But using the web site would have a guaranteed, public face on the issue. And unless someone is sitting in the background throwing out signers, I think they'd get more traction out of that than a data disk full of names.

Really, who use data disks anymore?

 

99th_Monkey

(19,326 posts)
17. You may be right
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 06:46 PM
Apr 2013

about the WH website.

Maybe I'll peruse said site when I've got 1/2 hour to kill, to see if that issue is
on the radar there.

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
50. Well it didn't seem strange when we all signed a petition on John Conyers' website
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 11:43 PM
Apr 2013

of which I was one of the first members btw, during the Bush years. Conyers went to the WH as promised, to deliver the petition. They refused to accept it. The Left was in an uproar over the WH refusing to accept a petition from the people.

Maybe if the President would appoint a few Environmentalists rather than Monsanto CEOs, (I'm sure none of them would have had to wait a week if they had some concerns to discuss since they have representation in our government now) the people wouldn't have to wait outside to be heard.

 

randome

(34,845 posts)
63. We could definitely use some more 'shit disturbers' instead of the safe choices we keep getting.
Thu Apr 4, 2013, 12:22 PM
Apr 2013

George II

(67,782 posts)
30. "I'm hazarding a guess that a wealthy campaign donor would have gotten a much warmer welcome"
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 11:05 PM
Apr 2013

Correct, it's a hazardous guess............based on questionable "knowledge" and intelligence.

 

99th_Monkey

(19,326 posts)
31. Stop lying. It's very unbecoming.
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 12:58 AM
Apr 2013

They had no such "expectation" to just "saunter" into the WH.. On the
contrary, they simply had a document i.e. 200,000 signed petitions for the
government to require GMO labeling, that they wanted to officially hand
over to the WH, ANYONE at the WH.. but the WH had been stiffing them
for over a week. Also, they even said that on the video, that the WH could
send out an intern out to the gate to receive it, for delivery to Michelle.


Why they were addressing the petition to Michelle, is unclear to me, probably
because Obama had already stiffed them, but I can't prove that.

You should check the source material more closely, before making snarky
assumptions and rude accusations.

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
52. Monsanto CEOs have no problem 'sauntering' into the WH. You're right though in a way,
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 11:48 PM
Apr 2013

Environmentalists should not expect to just saunter into the WH, they should expect to be invited, especially by a Democratic President for whom they voted, based on promises made.

As I said, Monsanto CEOs are invited to the WH. Does anyone know if any environmentalists have ever been invited?

George II

(67,782 posts)
25. Precisely! These people are upset because....
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 08:01 PM
Apr 2013

....they're not allowed to saunter into the White House to see Michell Obama?

Figures it's yet another publicity stunt by "Occupy_______" (<-------put your issue here!)

If they're really "Occupy Monsanto", why weren't they at the Monsanto headquarters?

Was there free pizza and a disc jockey outside the White House too?

 

99th_Monkey

(19,326 posts)
32. Are you deliberately and consciously lying?
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 01:02 AM
Apr 2013

or are you delusional, and actually believe what you are saying?

I honestly can't tell.

NO ONE EXPECTED TO "SAUNTER INTO THE WHITE HOUSE"!!

THAT IS A BALD-FACED LIE.

George II

(67,782 posts)
38. Did she have an appointment? Did anyone INSIDE the White House know she would be there?
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 09:57 AM
Apr 2013

My guess is that the answer to both questions is no.

So, where have I "lied"???

That's a tactic that republicans use - if they don't agree with what one says they call it a "lie".

 

99th_Monkey

(19,326 posts)
40. All you need to do is read the text and watch the video
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 04:37 PM
Apr 2013

that's how we find out wtf we are talking about <-- which I assume you must know.

The petition gathering organization HAD been calling the WH for over a week to arrange
to deliver the petitions, and were completely ignored, after being told to talk with the
scheduling person or PR person or some such, who never would return calls. Clearly,
they were being ignored, but not completely, not by the capital police; but rather were
criminalized for trying, for not just giving up.

If you had actually availed yourself of the information in the link, you would have known
this.

George II

(67,782 posts)
44. "Completely ignored"? Don't you think they have a schedule and other things going on?
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 11:16 PM
Apr 2013

or maybe it should be..........."QUICK, drop everything, there are some "OccupySomething" crackpots out there, let's make them happy!!"

Remember............this is a country of more than THREE HUNDRED MILLION people, not the select few. Isn't that what the driving principle of Democrats is all about?

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
34. Yeah, it is hilarious! You're RIGHT, as always, imagine people thinking they
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 01:25 AM
Apr 2013

were living in a Democracy where the 'little people' get to speak their minds and politicians and their spouses are part of the common people also.

Hilarious, someone needs to tell those uppity peasants they are in the US of A where Corporations RULE not some Democracy somewhere!

bvar22

(39,909 posts)
13. If you wanted GMO Labeling,
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 06:34 PM
Apr 2013

....you should have voted for THIS guy!



What ever happened to THAT guy?
He would have made a great President.



You will know them by their WORKS,
not by their promises.
[font size=5 color=green]Solidarity99![/font][font size=2 color=green]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/center]
 

Scuba

(53,475 posts)
14. "What little is left of the Left, is being actively muzzled and criminalized ..."
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 06:37 PM
Apr 2013

Welcome to America, 2013.

 

MadHound

(34,179 posts)
19. Now that he is reelected, Obama doesn't need the left anymore,
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 06:49 PM
Apr 2013

Thus, he feels no compunction to listen to our voices.

 

MotherPetrie

(3,145 posts)
28. Nope. He made that clear from 2009 - 2011. He was back to pretending he did during 2012.
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 09:22 PM
Apr 2013

It worked. He got the votes he needed from us. Now he's back to screwing us again.

RudynJack

(1,044 posts)
27. What were they really arrested for?
Tue Apr 2, 2013, 09:12 PM
Apr 2013

"delivering petitions" is not a crime.

It amazes me that a) people write headlines like this and b) others just buy it hook, line and sinker. I will bet all that I have that they were not arrested for delivering petitions.

 

99th_Monkey

(19,326 posts)
33. Yeah!! Just ask "The Authorities" what's "really" going on.
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 01:11 AM
Apr 2013

and blindly trust whatever they say because, because authorities ALWAYS
TELL THE TRUTH, because the authorities would never think of misleading the
public. Besides, it's our DUTY to trust and obey our corporate elite Overlords,
and their bought and paid for Congress, WH and M$M.

Nothing thing to see here. Just some miscreant malcontents stirring up a
needless ruckus. carry on. move along now.

 

99th_Monkey

(19,326 posts)
41. Cited for "not giving up" on what they went to Washington DC to do
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 04:42 PM
Apr 2013

deliver the freaking petitions to ANYONE, even a WH intern would have sufficed.

Technically, of course, they wrote down something else on the citation, like "blocking
driveway" or some such, but that's not the real reason, and we both know it.

RudynJack

(1,044 posts)
49. No, we don't know it.
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 11:35 PM
Apr 2013

I've seen too many breathless reports like this, and they're ALWAYS wrong.

I guess you don't know why they were arrested. Neither do I. But I guarantee it wasn't for delivering petitions.

 

99th_Monkey

(19,326 posts)
60. OK. I'll just speak for myself then
Thu Apr 4, 2013, 01:58 AM
Apr 2013

because I DO know it.

I think this is where we "agree to disagree" and move on.

have a nice life.

 

phleshdef

(11,936 posts)
65. You still didn't answer the question. What was she arrested for?
Thu Apr 4, 2013, 12:36 PM
Apr 2013

I think the real answer is probably uncomfortable for you because it upsets your entire basis for your little piss fit.

arely staircase

(12,482 posts)
35. getting arrested is part of civil disobedience
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 01:32 AM
Apr 2013

did this woman not know this?

and the first lady has all the constitutional authority of an landers.

 

99th_Monkey

(19,326 posts)
42. Yes. "Getting arrested is part of civil disobedience", but ONLY when
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 04:48 PM
Apr 2013

.... the authorities refuse to listen or meet with someone, because they
don't want to face-up to having their pro-corporate policies exposed and
questioned;which is apparently what happened here.

Response to arely staircase (Reply #35)

 

darkangel218

(13,985 posts)
54. Even Russia banned the GMO crops.
Thu Apr 4, 2013, 12:00 AM
Apr 2013

Why do we have to be below Russia? Why is our peoples health not important? Wtf?

 

Comrade_McKenzie

(2,526 posts)
55. Delivering petitions to the door of the White House is prohibited.
Thu Apr 4, 2013, 12:00 AM
Apr 2013

And the guards accept nothing. It's the rules.

Get the fuck over it.

 

ChisolmTrailDem

(9,463 posts)
58. "People want to know what they are eating and want food labeling"
Thu Apr 4, 2013, 12:09 AM
Apr 2013

And Big Ag knows that with those labels on their products people won't want it, so it's not happening since The Company owns our government.

 

phleshdef

(11,936 posts)
64. I'd bet my left ass cheek she wasn't complying with some sort of Secret Service request.
Thu Apr 4, 2013, 12:34 PM
Apr 2013

Or she was breaking some other security based rule.

I support her cause. But I also support the RIGHT of the Secret Service to arrest someone that isn't complying with White House security protocol. It doesn't matter how righteous the cause is, the fact of the matter is... Lincoln, JFK, Reagan, etc. PERIOD. You wanna protest? You wanna get a petition through to the White House? There are effective avenues provided for doing so that include following the rules and not getting arrested.

Stop acting like a fucking child about it.

There are rules in place to protect the security of the White House, the President and the first family. And those rules should continue to exist. And they should apply to everyone objectively.

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