Everyone - The messages we've sent and phone calls we've made to Pennsylvania's governor Ed Rendell have had a significant effect in putting a temporary hold on Pennsylvania's proposed ban on all types of rBGH-free labeling. There are serious negotiations going on now and we should have some major news before Christmas. THANK YOU for taking action - it's having an effect!
Ohio also has a committee looking at this issue and may consider a labeling ban like Pennsylvania's. Their committee is more balanced than PA's (it has at least three people opposed to rBGH) but get this: There is only one person out of 20 on the committee listed as a consumer, even though labeling is primarily a consumer issue. This "consumer" was, until recently, a Monsanto field representative in Ohio that sold rBGH. Moreover, nearly all the dairy farmers on the committee use rBGH, even though a large majority of farmers throughout the nation don't use it.
The antidote to the poison of undue corporate influence is massive public response - PLEASE send a message to Ohio's governor, Ted Strickland, to let him know that the nation is watching them too. And please act soon, since Ohio is moving very quickly and may make a decision by the end of this year. THANK YOU!
And please do this again: FORWARD THIS TO ANYONE YOU KNOW AND ASK THEM TO ALSO SEND A MESSAGE. Our rights as consumers and citizens are being threatened again - we must stand up to Monsanto and their bedfellows.
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The contact information is:
To send an e-mail, go to the governor's website: http://governor2.ohio.gov/.
Then click on "Contact us" on the right hand side and you can send your e-mail. To telephone the governor's office call: 614-466-3555
To mail a letter, use this address:
Governor Ted Strickland
Governor's Office
Riffe Center, 30th Floor
77 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215-6108
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Suggested messages - please feel free to put any of these in any of your own words:
Option 1 - If you only have a minute, these are the two most critical points to make:
*Consumers have the right to know what's in their food - and what ISN'T in their food
*Dairies have the right to give consumers this information through labels.
When writing or calling, please note your name and address. This is a nationwide issue.
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Option 2 - If you have a little more time, include:
*Consumers have the right to know what's in their food - and what ISN'T in their food
*Dairies have the right to give consumers this information through labels.
Other important points you can add:
*There are significant differences between rBGH and rBGH-free milk. Scientists in the U.S., Canada and the European Union have all questioned the safety of rBGH, especially in increasing the risks of cancer and antibiotic resistance in humans. Codex Alimentarius, the United Nations main food safety body, TWICE decided it could not endorse the safety of rBGH for human health.
*There is no doubt that rBGH increases disease rates in dairy cows - even the FDA acknowledges this and the health risks are listed right on the rBGH package insert. In addition to having concerns about human health, Canada and the European Union have banned the use of rBGH officially on animal welfare grounds. Virtually every animal protection agency in the country, including the Humane Society of the U.S. and Animal Protection Institute, opposes it.
*Health Care Without Harm, an international coalition of over 440 organizations in 52 countries promoting safe and healthy practices in hospitals, has stated its official opposition to rBGH based on human and animal health risks.
*We're not confused about these labels and we're not stupid - we know exactly what they mean. A ban isn't about protecting consumers, it's about protecting Monsanto's profits.
*The more consumers learn about rBGH, the more they want rBGH-free products. Our right to make an informed buying decision is being threatened by a ban on these labels.
*Tell your story straight from the heart - as a mother, father, doctor, nurse, scientist, farmer, dairy processor, retailer, teacher, student, etc.
Please note your name and address
It's time to stand up and be counted - PLEASE ACT NOW AND TELL OTHERS! Thank you!
Rick North, Project Director - Campaign For Safe Food
Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility
503-968-1520
hrnorth@hevanet.com
Action Alert - Stop Monsanto's Attempt to Force Bovine Growth Hormone on Consumers in Ohio
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By Rick North
Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility, December 14, 2007
Straight to the Source
