Wednesday Words of Wisdom- “Who Can You Trust?”

 

As I get older, it seems I trust fewer and fewer people including friends, family, and companies. Unfortunately, it seems as if someone is always being deceitful in some way. Fortunately, I do have some family and friends who I can trust as well as a few companies. However, there are only a few! It is sad and unfortunate. It seems as though everyone is out for himself or herself and is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure they are happy. Even if it means being manipulative or telling white lies or even just omitting information. My husband and I try to be honest with everyone including our children. It is often tempting to say things such as our dentist says in order to make children feel comfortable or not be scared (which I told my children is a lie). As he is filling a cavity, he will say that he is giving them happy juice and they have to close their eyes so it will not squirt them in the eye. They know they are getting a shot since I told them. I talked with the dentist about lying to them, but he did not see the harm. I feel differently. It is the same when companies make up stories and try to persuade you to purchase their items or “be on their team.” I feel it is important to be honest and just in all we do with everyone whom we encounter. These are my personal convictions. At the same time, it is not wise to tell all you know and participate in gossip, etc. I believe you know what I mean by being honest, or at least I hope you understand!

Recently, Monsanto has come up with a manipulative scheme. I also feel the USDA is doing it as well. HOW? you ask? Monsanto has recently come out with advertising trying to portray them as some company who LOVES families and small farmers. When I saw the advertisement on the internet, 'I thought, “Wow! This company seems like a neat company. Until the end it said, “Monsanto!” Then I said, “HOGWASH!” The USDA and President Obama have recently come out with “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass Campaign.” I say, “HOGWASH!” Of course, I adamantly support local farmers, however, I am also suspicious and cautious of this new scheme of Monsanto and the USDA. Monsanto wants nothing but power, and I feel they are willing to do what it takes to get the power they want! I feel the current government in the US is the same way. I am cautious about supporting the new USDA campaign because I fear it is another step in setting up a Communist society in our wonderful REPUBLIC of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I could go on forever about how I feel, but seriously think about it. Why would Monsanto suddenly want organic farmers and local farmers on their side when they have for so long tried to shut them down? Same goes for the USDA. Just last year, we were confronted by members of the TDA about our beef business and were threatened to be shut down! They did not even specifically tell us what we were doing wrong nor did they try to point us in the right direction and coach us to thrive! We are not the only local farmers to whom they have done these things! As I said, I could go on forever, but I encourage you to do your own research and form your own opinions.

So, who can we trust when it comes to companies out there? Great question! I am still trying to decide for myself. Did you realize Cascadian Farms and Muir Glen are owned by General Mills who is owned by DuPont who is partnered with Monsanto? Look it up! I often post coupons for those companies, but in the back of my mind, I really wonder if I can actually trust them? Did you realize Monsanto purchased Seminis, Inc which was a leader in Vegetable and Fruit Seed production? Many of my favorite seed and garden companies are now owned by Monsanto and their GMO attitude! These companies include, Johnny’s Seeds (who once could guarantee certified non-GMO seeds, I no longer trust this claim!), Garden’s Alive, Park Seed, Burpee, Spring Hill Nursery, Stokes, and many more! The companies I listed above also have Organic Seeds, but can you really trust them? I am not so sure! The Council for Responsible Genetics has a list of GM-free seed companies and their addresses. Some of my favorites are still on the SAFE list such as Seeds of Change. Johnny’s Seeds is also on the list, but I say purchase at your own risk. I am no longer a customer of theirs!

Where can you get safe seeds? The best thing to do is to purchase heirloom varieties of seeds and save the seeds yourself from year to year, or get Heirloom varieties to plant from friends or family members. Bonny Plant which are sold at Wal-mart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, TN Farmer’s CO-OP, etc. are safe plants to my knowledge (please correct me if I am wrong). They have many different varieties of heirloom seeds. Bulk Herb Store currently has a sale going for their Heirloom seed package use code APRMPG for the month of April to get the 44 Heirloom Seed Packs for only $69.95 instead of $99.95. If you cannot grow your own food, try to purchase from local farmers.

As I said before, it is difficult to know who to trust. I am still purchasing General Mills products from time to time such as Muir Glen, Cascadian Farms, and Lara Bars, but I more than likely will not in the near future. We are really trying to raise the majority of our own food. We succeeded last year. Unfortunately, our new location is not very growing a garden friendly. Anyway, you should do your own research and not take my word for it either. Pray about what you should do and trust in God to lead you to whom you can trust!