“… the rise of the predator-free movement has intersected neatly with the bold new frontier of gene drive technology.” NZ Herald
This NZ Herald article,Ā as is common with mainstream media material, likely flew under the radar on 4th December. Judging by the disbelief from the public at our recent posts on this topic, it clearly didn’t get noticed. The article is basically an expanded version of the last one on topic here, and straight from the horse’s mouth so to speak. It is coaxing you into the up sides of GE. GE Free NZ however has now issued a warning about gene drive tech, that post is coming tomorrow. Read our previous posts on topic over the past week (in archives for December 2017, left column of News page, or search GMO in categories also to the left). Particularly also, search theĀ GE Free NZĀ site for further info on the GE topic. GE is being sold to the NZ public as good for our health and environment among other things while the down sides are quickly dismissed, swept under the carpet or downplayed by media. As GE Free NZ points out, these GM animals end up euthanised with all kinds of health problems. We need to proceed (if at all) with extreme caution. Why ever does man think he can improve on nature?
EnvirowatchRangitikei
From the NZ Herald
“Overseas researchers interested in pest control or eradication are all looking at New Zealand,” says Forest & Bird chief executive Kevin Hague.
‘When Kiwi rat killing expert Doctor James Russell was told his research was being sized up for United States military funding, he wasn’t surprised.
“The US military – they have very long fingers. Even through the universities in New Zealand, they have a representative that comes around and just asks, ‘hey, what are you guys up to’.
“And obviously we’re in the business of eradicating entire populations of animals from an island and so they have cocked their ear towards me once or twice.
“You don’t have to be a genius to see that there’s potential military application in that.”
In this instance, Russell’s work was being measured for suitability against a US$100 million research pot made available by the United States’ Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa)
Also being evaluated were remote islands around New Zealand, sized up for live trials of genetically modified rodents.
The interest in Russell and New Zealand emerged during an investigation into the activities of a multi-national science advocacy and gene drive research body called Gbird.
It has a US$6.5m slice of that Darpa money and has been considering how to spend that in New Zealand.
READ MORE
What is gene drive technology and what does it mean for New Zealand?
The detail was revealed in a database of emails and documents charting Gbird’s growing focus on New Zealand – and the involvement of a taxpayer-owned Crown Research Institute which told the consortium it would make gene drive research a focus of “NZ Inc”.
It shows how the rise of the predator-free movement has intersected neatly with the bold new frontier of gene drive technology.
Gene drive research is the latest, greatest frontier in science as scientists grapple with the implications of genetic manipulation to remove inherited characteristics from subsequent generations. For example, wiping out one gender from a population of rats means no more rats.’
The database of more than 2000 documents released by North Carolina State University (NCSU) reveal Gbird’s interest in New Zealand as a possible test site and its efforts to get alongside those leading our fight against predators.
āThe documents show careful efforts by Gbird – Genetic Biocontrol of Invasive Rodents – to shape its image and manage possible fallout associated with the US$6.5m pool of Darpa cash.
Among the documents is the report of the meeting with Russell’s meeting in mid-2017 with Gbird’s co-ordinator Royden Saah.
After the meeting, Saah reported to Gbird members: “Co-ordinating with James Russell. Appears no NZ islands meet the strict criteria used within Darpa grant.
“We are now considering small NZ islands that don’t have rodents present that could be used as trial sites, with mice sourced from remote NZ islands larger than our 300ha cut-off that may be future targets themselves.”
First it’s important to understand where New Zealand sits in the world of pest eradication.
Our national goal of wiping out possums, rats and stoats roughly sits with the research focus of leading thinkers on gene drive technology.
That’s because it’s not just about being able to create new technology but what you do with it. And in a world of potential – agricultural or medical benefits – conservation has become a core area of interest to gene drive researchers.
Gene drive technology appeared to offer definite answers to those seeking to eradicate predators. It also offered a permissive, public-friendly area in which to explore new technology.
A critical aspect of new technology is the willingness of society to allow new frontiers to be explored.
… and marine life! The whales particularly!
View original post 167 more words
Racism, see how the simple driving experience pans out for some folks. Happens here in NZ also case you think we’re exempt.
Just like NZ. Thanks to neo-liberal economics. That was supposed to benefit all and only benefits the upper echelon. Neo-lib on steroids thanks to Key & friends. This is becoming the lot of the disenfranchised. Homelessness.
This article is from 2016 but nothing has changed in terms of the general silence…
From wakingtimes.com
The most important ecological crisis of the world has ever seen has been underway since March 11th, 2011, yet there is nary a mention of it in the corporate media, and no political body in the world is championing its resolution.
The media, politicians and the world at large seem to be engaging in extreme denial regarding Fukushima.Ā A survey of mainstream media coverage of the fallout of this event reveals the trend of covering this story as a human interest affair, not as the immediate threat it truly is.
The effects on nature are already being seen, yet even among the environmentalist factions of media, there is strong denial of the damage already done and of what is to come as the crisis approaches its sixth year. SomeĀ 300 tons of radioactive water are dumped into the Pacific Ocean each day, and signs are showing thatĀ this catastrophe is gravely affecting sea-life and wildlife in and around the Pacific.
TheĀ FDA maintains that there is no Ā evidence of contamination by Fukushima borne radionuclidesĀ in the American food supply, yet this opinion is contested by some independent researchers. A report by theĀ Fairewinds Energy EducationĀ says that cancer is on the rise in areas around the failed power plant, and that millions will die in coming years as a result.
ā[T]he second report received from Japan proves that the incidence of thyroid cancer is approximately 230 times higher than normal in Fukushima Prefectureā¦ So whatās the bottom line? The cancers already occurring in Japan are just the tip of the iceberg. Iām sorry to say that the worst is yet to come.ā [Source]
http://www.wakingtimes.com/2016/10/24/fukushima-untouchable-eco-apocalypse-no-one-talking/
ByĀ Carol Sawyer
PAUL THOMAS, FORMER DoC FIELD CENTRE MANAGER, REEFTON, IS APPALLED BY PRESENT-DAY DoC STAFF BEHAVIOUR
These two photos are of DoC-employed security ‘guards’ (thugs?) at the aerial 1080 operation near Whitianga, Coromandel Peninsula, October 2017.
On the first photo, Paul Thomas comments :
“As a former manager of DoC I’m just appalled at the behaviour of staff. I find this behaviour abhorrent! It has NO fit in conservation!! Nor has 1080!! Conservation is about connecting people to manage what is precious to all of us! There is NO connection here, only failure!!”:
Of the second photo (header image) he says “The disconcerting and ugly face of DoC – a disgrace !!”
I have posted these comments up again with his permission. Intrigued, I asked Paul for his background. He says :
“I was Field Centre Manager in Reefton 1990 to 1998. Managing predominantly Victoria Conservation Park (NZ Largest) and part Lewis Pass National reserve! Before that I was a conservation officer based on Kawau Island – Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park. Before that a conservation officer at Waipoua Forest Sanctuary! My career started as a reserved ranger at Trounson Kauri Park 1987, just before DoC came along! Post 1998 I did some project management work for DoC in historic resource management ! Which I continue now in community based built heritage projects, I do the projects as a volunteer. I do though have a continued interest in the natural environment. I’m a Lincoln Parks and Recreation Management graduate.”
Thank you, Paul, for speaking out.
What reason could there be to deny a family to see their own medical records? Not rocket science is it? We are frequently seeing now this denial with regard to OIA requests. What are they hiding? See the other articles on this topic (use the search box or categories).
FromĀ newstalkzb.co.nz
One of the Waikato family struck down with a serious mystery illness is battling with the district health board to see his own medical records.
Shibu Kochummen – along with Subi Babu and Alekutty Daniel – have been released from hospital, but doctors are in the dark as to what caused their month long unconscious episode.
Doctors are back in the dark about what caused their weeks-long paralysis, after testing ruled out botulism and boar meat as the cause, which was earlier suspected.
Family spokesman Joji Varghese said they are still suffering from full body aches and chronic fatigue, but are recovering at home with family from India.
Varghese said the health board hasn’t made it easy for Mr Kochummen to see his own files.
“Once we started to see this hesitation to give this out, it was so many hoops to jump through, we started wondering what is happening. Are people really hiding something, what’s happening here.”
READ MORE
1080 GREEN WASH
By Carol Sawyer
Citing a Southland Times letter to the Editor
“Originally it [1080] was developed as an insecticide by Monsanto. But its lack of selectivity of what it kills meant it was too dangerous.”
“Declaring war on behalf of nature is not possible. Nature works in unpredictable ways and will adjust to intrusions indifferent to attempts to either save or destroy it. As DOC’s 1080 War for the Birds enters its seventh decade, the rodent emerges as its clear benefactor. This confirmed by each new seed mast.
Emotive claims of the annual loss of 25 million birds and the tens of millions of tonnes of devastated vegetation defy the laws of ecosystem equilibrium. The more likely villain may be its own tool of choice, 1080. Originally it was developed as an insecticide by Monsanto. But its lack of selectivity of what it kills meant it was too dangerous. It deprives the forest of its avian food source. Starving its victims, resulting in the often noted silent forest. It also prevents the essential breakdown in forest litter, a critical factor for a healthy forest ecology. Despite the millions of squandered dollars these phenomena have never been studied by its toxic proponents. Nor has there been a reasonable explanation of why the forest seed mast has now assumed “biblical” proportions.
Indications are these seed blooms are the result of the disruption created by the insect and flora/fauna relationship. With no insects to impede growth, the seeds bloom with increased frequency and intensity. Another example of human intervention in natural systems that has gone tragically wrong.
David L Langer
Gore”
The Southland Times, Letters to the Editor, August 24, 2016
Header Photo – Jim Hilton
Dead birds found over a few acres, after 270,000 hectare aerial 1080 poison drop, Kahurangi National Park, 2014.
This was the first year of DoCās “Battle for our Birds” drops.
RELATED:
The one thing we can never get enough of is love. And the one thing we never give enough is love. ā Henry Miller who was born on this day inĀ 1891.
And NZ has the dubious honour of coming third in that parade of shame. Thanks to neo-liberal economics designed to separate you from your wealth beneath a large swathe of smoke and mirrors.
On Christmas Day, it is traditional to remember those who are less fortunate and to resolve to make the world better for them, not just to offer charity.
It is important to recognize the growing inequality in America and the return of extreme poverty and to understand why this is happening.
The New Deal enacted programs that reduced poverty and enabled many to rise into the middle class.
But something changed. Many things changed. Over several decades, the social safety net built to strengthen our nation and spread hope and opportunity has been shredded by the rich and powerful.
āSince the 1970s, the safety net has been diminished considerably. Labor regulations protecting workers have been rolled back, and funding for education and public programs has declined. The poor have been the hardestā¦
View original post 387 more words
The term ‘conspiracy theory’ was coined to deter you from the truth.
2017 will be remembered as the year where conspiracy theorists were vindicated as the mainstream media narrative completely collapsed.
To show just how vindicated we are, below is a list of the top 10 conspiracy theories that were proven to be true in 2017.
Thefreethoughtproject.com reports:
1. Hollywood and the political elite have been exposed for their rampant and horrifying sex abuse against men, women, and children alike
Just last year, as good people tried to point out that although Pizzagate may not have taken place in some restaurant in DC, the idea of sex abuse among the elite was no laughing matter. However, anyone who mentioned sex abuse among the elite was scoffed at and ridiculed by those in the mainstream.
This ridicule was in spite of the fact that the former speaker of the house admitted to raping multiple little boys and was sentenced to prison last yearā¦
View original post 1,351 more words
Did they ever stop one would have to wonder? I attended the last pre-Christmas council meeting, the controversial one where they tried unsuccessfully to unseat the elected mayor, and former Councilor Anne Hunt told us her emails are being both intercepted and shared with third parties. On the strength of that she uses the recipients’ private email addresses. Such is the ongoing privacy debacle (or lack thereof) that’s happening planet wide. If you were inclined to the conspiratorial you’d call it Big Brother. But then ‘conspiracy theory’ was invented by those who want to deflect you from the real issue, they actually are spying on your every move online. It’s all recorded… to protect you from ‘terrorists’ of course. I was recently cited the latest amendments to the banking fraternity’s fine print saying I’d have to send my photo ID (you know that drivers license cum photo ID that you must carry with you, if you drive ie all the time). I had to send it because of the latest terrorist modifications to the fine print. Perhaps they fear they are going to blow up the banks? Or the ATMs? Anyway, the Council being the topic here, we now know it’s official that spying, I mean watching out for Council staff’s safety, means your communications will be perused by somebody there and it is going to be an ongoing practice for now. Ā EnvirowatchHorowhenua
From the NZ Herald
Controversial email screening looks set to be restarted by Horowhenua District Council despite ongoing investigations into the practice.
A Finance and Risk committee recommended adopting a new version of the policy, altered to exclude elected councillors from having their emails vetted, but otherwise very similar to the previous policy, according to report-writer and HDC Corporate Services group manager Mark Lester.
The previous policy, where the council’s chief executive had emails from people on a “blacklist” redirected to himself personally, landed the council in hot water after it was picked up by an audit and labelled as an “extreme risk” that could breach privacy laws and damage the council’s reputation.
The council commissioned a peer review of the original audit, which then claimed no conclusion could be drawn over the practice due to a lack of working papers from the auditor.
Later statements from the council slammed the auditor as having not done his job properly.
A public outcry resulted in complaints to the Ombudsman and Privacy Commissioner’s office, who are investigating.
Mayor Michael Feyen, who had his emails vetted for up to three years, said he abstained from voting on adopting the new policy because he believed the council should wait for the results of the investigations.
Professor Emeritus Don Huber, formerly of Purdue University states that there areĀ three facts that everyone needs to understand about GE or GMOs:
Don Huber who spoke with me at the PlanetFM studios two months ago, here in Auckland opens with the statement that NZ farmland is still basically free of GE and GMOās and relatively unpolluted with its attendant spray – glyphosate, however he states we need to make sure GMOās donāt breach our borders, and that we need to keep NZ – GE Free and to make every effort to scale back our use of glyphosate – urgently.
READ MORE & LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW (60mins)
For further info see also our GMO and Glyphosate pages at the main menu.
From Carol Sawyer
The security guard who was witnessed assaulting Graeme Sturgeon is the director of a security firm that was registered 8 weeks after the incident.
Graeme Sturgeon, as most readers will know by now, was assaulted in the public carpark of the Liquor King Building, Whitianga, on the night of 17 October, 2017 – hauled from his car by a ” security guard’, his clothing torn and his nose bloodied. This was witnessed by others and I have earlier produced a couple of those witness statements.
A small group of people had come across a 1080 poison-loading operation – no signage, nothing to say there was no vehicle access, residential housing and food outlets on either side, and seemingly a clandestine operation. DoC employees were loading 20 tonnes of 1080 poison, in the dark, from a storage area at the rear of the building in preparation for an aerial 1080 poison drop the next day.
In a remarkable turnaround the NZ Police have charged the assaulted person, Graeme Sturgeon, with assault !
The case came before the court in Thames on November 30th, 2017. The police produced the “summary of facts’ below, in time for that hearing. Graeme Sturgeon pleaded Not Guilty. The case comes up again in Thames on 16 January, 2018.
The person who attacked Graeme, and who is now being declared by Police to be the one attacked, is ‘security guard’ Richard Steven Perry Lane, who is supposedly a director of a security firm, VIP SECURITY CONSULTANTS LTD.
Hold on a minute !!! I have just been told this firm was only registered on the 12th December 2017. (‘VIP SECURITY CONSULTANTS LIMITED was incorporated under the Companies Act 1993 on 12 December, 2017’) – WHAT IS GOING ON HERE ?!!!
Could it be that DoC employed people to act as security guards who were NOT security guards? They didn’t have ID by all accounts. At the drop zone the next day they wore sunglasses and beanies and no ID. They didn’t give their names when asked, at any time. Their vehicle the next day, on a public road, had no mileage sticker, no registration sticker, and no number plate.
**********************************************
Here is the Police Summary of ‘Facts’, and below that again is Graeme Sturgeon’s statement :
NZ Police
SUMMARY OF FACTS
POLICE v GRAEME WILLIAM STURGEON
DOB 24/07/1948 (69)
Charge Common Assault(Crimes Act)manually
Crimes Act 1961 Section 196
1 Year imprisonment
ClRCUMSTANCES
On Tuesday the 17th October 2017 the Defendant, Graeme William STURGEON, was part of a 1080 protest group at the Department of Conservation offices situated on Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga.
At about 7:40pm he then drove his Toyota vehicle towards trucks that were being used to transport 1080 at the rear of the premises.
He was then signalled to stop by a security guard, the victim in this matter, Richard Steven Perry LANE, but he continued past him and parked beside the front truck.
The victim then approached the driver’s door of the vehicle and opened it, concerned as to the risk the occupant posed.
The Defendant then kicked the driver’s door open fully and kicked out at the victim, striking him in the stomach.
The Defendant then punched the victim to his jaw, before being restrained by the victim at arm’s length.
The Defendant then attempted to punch the victim in the head area a further three times, before he was calmed down by people present.
INJURIES TO VICTIM
As a result of the assault, the victim received soreness to his jaw area.
DEFENDANT COMMENTS
When spoken to by Police, the Defendant denied the facts as outlined and stated that he was the one assaulted.
The Defendant is 69 years old, is currently an accommodation provider, and has previously appeared before the court.
Sergeant MORRISON
AMD990
************************************************
STATEMENT BY GRAEME STURGEON RE UNPROVOKED ASSAULTS BY DoC SECURITY IN PUBLIC CARPARK, WHITIANGA CBD, 17 OCT. 2017
“Statement made after the events of Tuesday 17 th October behind Liquor King in Whitianga :
.
I was camped with four other people on a property up Kaimarama Road awaiting an 1080 Airdrop that was due to go into the area the following morning.
About eight oāclock we receive a message to say there was a strong smell of 1080 in the housing estate behind Liquor King and DOC was loading trucks with 1080 there in the middle of town.
We were anxious to get photos of such a crazy action
so I drove into Whitianga. The directions given were a bit hazy so upon spotting Liquor King I drove up the road alongside Liquor King and around the back of the building. As I turned the right angle corner at the back of the building I came upon 5 or six trucks that I had not seen until that moment.
I stopped and was in the process of taking off my seat belt when my door flew open and I was grabbed by the scruff of the neck and dragged from my vehicle. So much happened in the next few seconds that I am a bit hazy about, after receiving a brutal fist in the face. I remember a womanās raised voice and seeing a
Security Guard standing there in front of me saying āWell he is bigger than meā
As my nose was bleeding I staggered back to my vehicle to get some tissues to be told that I was not getting into my vehicle as it was staying where it was until the police arrived. I was happy enough with that. I then became aware that both the inside and outside locking system of the driverās door was broken and the door hinges appeared bent as the door would not close very well. I could not lock the door.
While we waited I was told that Diana Halstead and Dr Pond had also been assaulted as DoC Security Staff entered their vehicles and attempted to take their keys from them. The trucks reversed out from behind the building and set off up to the Kaimarama Road. The Police arrived after about an hour and went inside the building to, I presume, interview DOC Staff. It was only at that time that I realised that the building contained DOC Offices.
The Constable finally emerged and began to question us and take photos including the broken door on my vehicle and my shirt and jacket that had just about been torn from my back. He was pleasant and did a very thorough job I thought. It was agreed that we would go to Coromandel Police Station and make a detailed statement to Morrisey as soon as possible.”
Photos (via Carol Sawyer)
Ā
However you do or don’t celebrate this season, here’s a beautiful reminder of the origin of Christmas. Anyway I found it on Facebook and see the man has Youtube videos as well. I liked this one in preference to those as it’s so impromptu and so beautifully sung and played…from the heart.
Thank you to all who’ve kept up with my site this year, who have commented and shared links, who’ve contacted me, encouraged me and also shared their stories. All so appreciated. Some of those stories I hope to be able to share next year. Stay safe these holidays and love one another. There is little enough caring in the world. As I was reminded today, appreciate your loved ones, they may not be here tomorrow. And appreciate what you have, there are many tonight who won’t eat, who have nowhere to sleep and nobody to care for them. We can each make the world a better place. As the saying goes, one person at a time….
By the way the header image there is of the beautiful Eastern Bay of Plenty in NZ where I had the pleasure & privilege of living for five years. A truly stunning and beautiful place and so hard to leave. Taken from Ohope looking across the bay.
NgÄ mihi o te Kirihimete ki a koutou
~Pam ~
This little lad is doing what we all should be …Ā then there wouldn’t be a need left in the world … trust a child to lead the way … didn’t need a committee or 10 meetings to set this up like big people would … just ran home & made a list … priceless!!Ā Ā Ā Ā have a watch …
āAn aerialĀ 1080 drop in theĀ KÄpitiĀ Coast foothills of the Tararua Ranges is planned forĀ next February after being postponed inĀ spring this year.
āPoor weather prevented the possum control operation overĀ 10,900 hectares of bush and forest between Akatarawa Road in ReikorangiĀ and theĀ ÅtakiĀ RiverĀ prior to the Christmas-New Year period, when the area is popular with recreational users.ā
Full article on the Stuff website
The media release from Ospri for theĀ Ministry for Primary Industries follows:
āThat balanced biodiversity is still a dream on the mainland, but in the first months of 2018, it will come significantly closer after a TB-free aerial 1080 possum control operation knocks down possums and rats across a large chunk of TB vector risk area ā 11,000 hectares of bush and forest along the foothills of the Tararua Ranges, between the Akatarawa Road in the south and the Otaki River in the north. The project area is just north of the settlementā¦
View original post 311 more words
Published on Dec 15, 2017
From healthmdcblogspot
The detergent youāre using may contain hidden cancer-causing chemicals. These include Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)/sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), 1,4-dioxane, NPE (nonylphenol ethoxylate, and Phosphates. Many laundry detergent labels state āFree of dyes and perfumesā ā which doesnāt mean itās a natural product and free of carcinogens. Womenās Voices for the Earth, a national environmental group had commissioned independent tests on popular cleaning products.
The tests revealed that many of the products had chemicals linked to reproductive and endocrine disruption, and cancer. What makes it shocking is the fact that these chemicals are absent from product Ā labels. According to the Organic Consumers Associationās 1,4-Dioxane Facts Sheet, the cumulative effects of 1,4-dioxane exposure, even at very low levels (a few parts per billion) resulted in laboratory animals developing cancer.
READ MORE
https://healthmdc.blogspot.com/2017/12/this-popular-laundry-detergent-damages.html
via Ā https://healthxxsite.wordpress.com/2017/12/19/this-popular-laundry-detergent-damages-the-lungs-heart-kidneys-and-liver-do-you-use-it-3/
I’ve heard a few nay sayers on the authenticity of this claim which set me to reading more of the links and particularly the synbiowatch site. It does indeed appear that discussions are ongoing with this. I was not aware that the gene drive proposal was all over the media during this year 2017 & prior (been a busy year). Have a search & you will see, preferably a non google search, you will find more. There’s indeed been a media drive to capture public ‘consent’ sugar coated with all the pluses. I will add some of those links but really it deserves another whole post. Then I see on some of their conference papers, ads etc. (synbiowatch) Ā the familiar names Monsanto, DuPont, Rockefeller Bill & Melinda Gates and more. Those names alone are cause for caution. The emphasis on the drive seems more on animals at this point although the trials for insects have (?) been in Hawaii & are proposed (?) for Africa. I’m sure I saw reference to release of GM insects in Christchurch this year but cannot find a link anywhere. Could be wrong on that, unfortunately I didn’t keep the link. Overall anyway, it is tied in very much with NZ’s predator free 2050 plan basically. So that’s government & will Jacinda oppose it? I doubt it personally as she is globalist isn’t she? Even if she did personally oppose it I doubt she would be able to reverse this tide. Interesting timing wasn’t it? Right on the year of election & we know who was steering the ship prior to that. I’ve ceased to be amazed now at the arrogance of these people to imagine they can improve on the ecosystem. As if it has not survived perfectly well for thousands of years without the help of GM. Seems to me the biggest pestilent threat to the survival of the ecosystem is them. Humankind. The original polluters of the planet.
EnvirowatchRangitikei
The files reveal how far along the two leading gene drive teams (Target Malaria for the UK and GBIRD, based in North Carolina) have proceeded towards building gene drive organisms and are preparing for open field trials, including steps to select test sites in Australia, New Zealand, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Mali and Ghana, and to create government and community acceptance of the use of gene drives in key testing sites. SOURCE
But don’t worry, they are also preparing a PR package aimed to “create government and community acceptance”. The main funder of gene drive technology is the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). With virtually unlimited funding imagine what the folks at DARPA can come up with. For the betterment of humanity, as Bill Gates would like us to believe, or for America’s military/corporate complex with global dominance as the real goal?
Also see:Ā https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/are-pesticides-to-blame-for-the-massive-bee-die-off
https://www.march-against-monsanto.com/epa-finally-admits-what-has-been-killing-bees-for-decades/
Don
Gates Foundation paid $1.6 million to influence UN on gene drives
Over 1,200 emails released under open records requests reveal that the US military is now the top funder and influencer behind a controversial genetic extinction technology known as āgene drivesā ā pumping $100 million into the field. The trove of emails, obtained via open records requests, also shed light on a $1.6 million dollar UN gene drive lobbying operation paid for by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
āEmerging Ag,ā a private PR firm funded by the Gates Foundation, is working behind the scenes to stack key UN advisory processes with gene drive-friendly scientists, and has recruited ostensibly independent academics and public officials into a private collaboration to counteract proposed regulations and to resist calls by scientists and conservationists for an international moratorium. Some of those recruited entered into the UN discussions without divulging their conflicts of interest or the role that paid political consultants played in shaping their inputs.
The files, dubbed āThe Gene Drive Files,ā additionally cast a spotlight on the central role of the shadowy US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as the key funder now accelerating gene drive development. For example, DARPA is now revealed as the major financial backer of efforts to develop gene drive mammals (mice) that are led by a US environmental NGO, although DARPA has no biodiversity conservation mission, raising questions about the defence agencyās intent. These revelations come on the heels of a public warning issued by a leading gene drive researcher Dr Kevin Esvelt that current gene drives are too powerful to be used in conservation.
āGene drives are a powerful and dangerous new technology and potential biological weapons that could have disastrous impacts on peace, food security and the environment, especially if misused,ā said Jim Thomas of ETC Group. āThe fact that gene drive development is now being primarily funded and structured by the US military raises alarming questions about this entire field.ā
āGene drives could have profound global impacts, and these emails reveal a secretive attempt to game the system by gene drive proponents aiming to minimize essential regulations and oversight,ā said Dana Perls of Friends of the Earth US. āWe need more transparency about who is influencing critical decisions about the future of global ecosystems, peopleās livelihoods, or our food system.ā
āIn response to this news that the integrity of technical processes under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) may have been compromised, civil society groups will urgently raise the need for better disclosure of interests within a framework for addressing conflict of interest at the CBD,ā said Lim Li Ching of Third World Network.
āMosquitoes containing gene drives are being proposed for malaria control in Africa. While claiming potential health benefits, any application of such powerful technologies should be subject to the highest standards of transparency and disclosure. Sadly, this doesnāt appear to be the case. Releasing risky GM organisms into the environments of these African countries is outrageous and deeply worrying,ā said Mariam Mayet, Executive Director of The African Centre for Biodiversity.
Information revealed in the Gene Drive files includes:
ā The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is reported to have given approximately $100 million for gene drive research, $35 million more than previously reported. If confirmed, DARPA appears to be the largest single funder of gene drive research on the planet.
ā Emerging Ag, a privately-held public relations firm, received over $1.6 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to work on gene drive topics and to focus on exerting influence on the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the key body for gene drive governance. Following calls in 2016 for a global moratorium on the use of gene drive technology, the CBD sought input from scientists and experts in an online forum. According to the Gene Drive Files, Emerging Ag recruited and coordinated over 65 experts, including a Gates Foundation senior official, a DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Project Agency) official, and government and university scientists, in an undercover attempt to flood the official UN process with their coordinated inputs.
ā The attempt to covertly influence the UN process online centrally involved three members of an associated UN expert committee (The Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Synthetic Biology). Two of them are from institutions that together received over $100 million in U.S. military and other funds expressly to develop and test gene drive systems. One served as āstakeholder engagement leadā for a Gene Drive development project. The Expert committee meets this week in Montreal Canada.
ā The secretive JASON group of military advisors have undertaken two classified studies on genome editing and gene drives at the request of the US government. The gene drive study, which included input by a Monsanto executive, focuses on hostile use of gene drives and use of gene drives in agriculture.
ā DARPA is revealed to be funding a high profile UK team of researchers targeting African communities with gene drive mosquitos. This funding was not previously made public.
ā The files reveal how far along the two leading gene drive teams (Target Malaria for the UK and GBIRD, based in North Carolina) have proceeded towards building gene drive organisms and are preparing for open field trials, including steps to select test sites in Australia, New Zealand, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Mali and Ghana, and to create government and community acceptance of the use of gene drives in key testing sites.
ABOUT THE RECORDS
The Gene Drive Files can be accessed at:Ā http://genedrivefiles.synbiowatch.org
The Gene Drive Files consist of records recently released in response to U.S. and Canadian open records requests. The bulk of the files are from North Carolina State University, and were released on 27 October 2017 under a request by Edward Hammond/Third World Network. The files also include records from Texas A&M University, also requested by Edward Hammond/Third World Network and released on 21 August 2017 (Request TAMU R001428). Additional records from an Access to Information request filed in Canada by ETC Group are also included at the same site.
Please take note of the information provided (readme file) on proper citation of the records.
Source: ETC Group
RELATED
http://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1005830&type=printable
http://genedrivefiles.synbiowatch.org/2017/12/01/us-military-gene-drive-development/
MEDIA ON GENE DRIVE
What Is Stopping the Use of Genetically Modified Insects for Disease Control?
Behind New Zealandās wild plan to purge all pests
First Gene Drive in Mammals Could Aid Vast New Zealand Eradication Plan
Warning Against Gene-Drive Hype Provided by AgResearch Gene Experiment
Search this topic for yourself, there are many more links. Little opposition published there by mainstream except GE Free NZ.
NZ GOVERNMENT’S STANCE ON GE
https://www.parliament.nz/resource/mi-nz/00PLEcoRP02031/9b9daa9d3d61f962d81d99629eb02357fb73ba0f
The Government has officially declared Kapiti and Horowhenua is now in the grips of a drought, along with other parts of the lower north island.
Minister for Agriculture and Rural Communities Damien OāConnor today announced the fast-growing drought in parts of the lower North Island would be classified as a medium-scale adverse event. The areas declared are:
Region: Taranaki
ā¢ New Plymouth
ā¢ Stratford
ā¢ South Taranaki
Region: Manawatu-Whanganui
ā¢ Rangitikei
ā¢ Whanganui
ā¢ Manawatu
ā¢ Palmerston North
ā¢ Horowhenua
Region: Wellington
ā¢ Kapiti Coast
ā¢ Upper Hutt
ā¢ Lower Hutt
ā¢ Porirua
ā¢ Wellington
(NIWA pic)
Can you give us a breakdown of modern slavery? What are the main types of slavery today and the general demographics of people being enslaved?
Matt: The latest figure is 45.8 million people in modern slavery. About 66%, or about 30 million of them are in Asia. About 75% of them are in forced laborāand this includes fishing, manufacturing, people who are kind of forced into sweatshops and agriculture sites, domestic helpers that are abused. 25% of the remainders are in forced prostitution, that includes mostly women and girls. For the most part the profits generated from modern slavery are estimated to be 150 billion U.S. dollars a year. The amount of money that is used to fight this is about 350 million U.S. dollars, or 0.23 % of the profits of the 150 billion. The number of people who are helped globally aā¦
View original post 1,873 more words
From neonettle.com
Cantilena is just the latest in a long-line on anti-Big Pharma doctors and holisticĀ healers to have died recently with the medical professionĀ experiencing a major purge. Ā Neonettle
A prominent anti-vaccine doctor has been killed after the plane he was traveling in mysteriously lost control and crashed in Indiana. 63-year-old Maryland medical professor Dr. Louis Cantilena died along with his daughter and a friend in a small plane crash in southeastern Indiana.Dr. Cantilena was a professor at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda and was well known for his outspoken views on Big Pharma.According to his students, he used to refer to mandatory vaccinesĀ as a “Big PharmaĀ money-making scheme” during lectures. Cantilena is just the latest in a long-line on anti-Big Pharma doctors and holisticĀ healers to have died recently with the medical professionĀ experiencing a major purge.
Read more at:Ā http://www.neonnettle.com/news/3433-prominent-anti-vaccine-doctor-killed-in-plane-crash-with-his-daughter
Ā©Ā Neon Nettle
RELATED
https://www.healthnutnews.com/recap-on-my-unintended-series-the-holistic-doctor-deaths/
Photo: Video Screen capture, NBC Washington
You must be logged in to post a comment.