The Illinois Department of Public Health recently invited a local farmer of raw milk to a meeting to discuss proposed restrictions on the fledgling industry. Apparently, concerns have been raised by The Center for Disease Control and The Food and Drug Administration, the latter of which is run by - wait for it - Michael R. Taylor, the former Vice President of Monsanto, the largest farming monopoly in the world. Monsanto's business model depends on two things: patents and lobbyists. The Agribiz titan genetically engineers insect-repelling, herbicide-resistant plants, then guarantees their distribution by padding the pockets of your representative, who votes for legislation that either curbs the company's competition or mandates the use of their product. In addition to genetically-engineered plants that synthesize crystalline insecticidal proteins, Monsanto is responsible for the creation of DDT, PCB, Agent Orange and recombinant bovine growth hormone.
Recombinant bovine growth hormone is injected into cows by large milking companies to increase milk production by 11 to 16 percent and is responsible for mastitis (infection of the udder) in the animal, and an increased risk of cancer in the consumer. Mastitis is treated by widespread use of antibiotics and is suspected of contributing to the recent preponderance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
When the farmer met with The Illinois Department of Public Health, I'm told that a form replete with blocks of 6 point font and a signature line was waiting for her. The IDPH was hoping they could lubricate the halls of bureaucracy with a legal document stating her explicit consent. Naturally, she declined and contacted her lawyer instead. Then she called up other farmers of raw milk in the state, the largest of which is owned by my Aunt and Uncle . . . and by "large," I mean anywhere from 20 to 30 naturally-born, free-range, grass-fed Jersey Cows that are milked by hand and cared for by their two loving owners and the owners' five children.
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