Latin America
Related: About this forumMonsanto’s Chemical War in Colombia
Weekend Edition May 29-31, 2015
Glyphosate, Cancer and the Drug War
Monsantos Chemical War in Colombia
by W.T. WHITNEY, Jr.
Monsanto Corporations glyphosate, sold as Roundup, is the worlds most widely used herbicide. For the globalized capitalist economy its a tool for wealth accumulation and, secondarily, for subjugating rural populations. In Colombia glyphosate is a weapon of war. For 20 years the U.S. and Colombian governments have used glyphosate in their so-called drug war to eradicate coca crops. Glyphosate now returns to the news. The occasion is ripe for a look at the herbicides outsized role in the world economy and its dire effects everywhere.
Acting on President Juan Manuel Santos recommendation, Colombias National Drug Council on May 14 banned aerial spraying of glyphosate. The ruling has implications for beleaguered rural life in Colombia due to far-reaching effects of the chemical. They are due mainly to the aerial spray method of delivering glyphosate, which is unique to Colombia. The decision also bears on peace negotiations in Havana between FARC rebels and the Colombian government because the drug war serves as cover for war against the FARC, at least according to the governments political opposition.
The governments action was in response to a March 20, 2015 statement from the World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer. The claim there was that glyphosate is probably carcinogenic to humans, that it causes DNA and chromosomal damage in human cells (and there is) convincing evidence that[it also can cause cancer in laboratory animals. Even so, days before the governments announcement, U.S. Ambassador in Colombia Kevin Whitaker publically called for continuation of the fumigation program.
Glyphosate gained worldwide usage and Monsanto not the chemicals sole manufacturer became its leading purveyor due in each instance to the chemicals biological function. It kills all growing plants within reach, with one exception, which is: a crop grown from seeds genetically altered to resist glyphosates noxious effects. That crop thrives; everything else, particularly weeds, dies. And Monsanto conveniently sells both the seeds and the herbicide.
More:
http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/05/29/monsantos-chemical-war-in-colombia/
Environment & Energy:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/112786205
gwheezie
(3,580 posts)I don't reply often to your threads but I pass them along. 3 of my friends who had little interest on this topic have become more aware because of your links.
Judi Lynn
(160,621 posts)It's very kind of you to share the information.
When real information does get out, despite corporate "news" sources' attempts to keep it buried, it's something to celebrate.