Monsanto: Don't Tread On Me

DON'T TREAD ON ME is exactly what everybody on this planet should be saying to Monsanto.  The rattlesnake is an important symbol in American history. It was originally used by Benjamin Franklin as a symbol of American Unity and later became a symbol of American Independence.  The rattlesnake exemplified American virtues: individually its rattles produce no sound, but united they can be heard by all; and while it does not attack unless provoked, it is deadly to step upon one.  Monsanto is a huge and powerful multinational company that has brought us GMO’s, Neonicotinoid’s, Glyphosate also known as Round Up, Agent Orange, PCB’s, saccharin, DDT, Bovine Growth Hormone and many other infamous products.  The argument against Monsanto as of late, however, has been mostly confined to GMO seeds and whether they are healthy for consumers or not.  This horribly misses the point. It is true that there is no science as of yet that shows that a plain genetically modified seed crop is unhealthy for humans to eat.  But Monsanto GMO seeds are anything but plain.  They are modified with the Neonicotinoid Bacillus thuringiensis (BT)  and are Round Up resistant.  BT has been implicated in the decline of Monarch Butterflies and in the demise of wild bee populations.  Round Up resistant means that Monsanto seeds can be sprayed with Round Up and not be affected which is basically Monsanto advocating for Glyphosate laden crops while lining their pockets.  Glyphosate is a known carcinogen to humans.

The world needs to stand united and rattle the cage of Monsanto and all elected officials who advocate for them.   

Artist: Rob Whitehair

Digital mixed media: Pencil on Procreate, Photoshop, Acrylic