Chattanooga will join the more than 400 cities participating in the March Against Monsanto on Saturday, Oct. 12. Fifty-two countries are sites for marches worldwide, as people rally to protest genetically modified foods. According to Patricia Bazemore, lead organizer of the Chattanooga march, elected representatives are not listening on this issue.
“Over 90 percent of Americans want genetically modified foods labeled,” she said. “Yet, over 70 percent of our processed foods contain GMOs, and none are labeled. Sixty-four countries require GMO labeling—but the U.S. does not. Our political system that deems Monsanto's money as ‘speech’ has allowed their voice to be louder than ours. Monsanto spends millions on funding candidates that will put Monsanto's profits over the people they represent. Monsanto spend millions on defeating state initiatives to label GMOs. Their executives use their money and influence to gain positions in the FDA and other agencies that are supposed to regulate them. It's time we join together and demand an end to corporate rule by companies like Monsanto. It's time that our government carry out the will of the people, not their biggest campaign contributors.”
Marchers will meet at Miller Park at 1:30 for sign-making, a group singing action lead by Chattanooga Organized for Action’s Justice Choir, and a presentation and skit by Move to Amend of Chattanooga. The group will march to Renaissance Park, where breakout sessions will be coordinated by Occupy Chattanooga, along with live music by Jonathan Kane.
At 4 p.m. Fair Share is sponsoring a potluck, documentary, “Edible Cities: Growing the Revolution” and discussion of the Grow Hope youth farm project at 1800 Roanoke Ave.
For more information, contact Bazemore at (423) 320-3880, visit facebook.com/chattanoogansagainstmonsanto or the international march, facebook.com/marchagainstmonsanto.
—Staff