MTSU Sidelines Sept. 18, 2013 Editorially
Life of a Pilot
Independent
S T N E T N CO
3 NEWS 6 Features 8 COVER STORY 10SPORTS 12 A&E 16OPINIONS
S S RAM ROG S DRUG P C T I S TE DEM ACA RSITY E V UNI
Mi
Les
OT
E
LIF
IL A P OF
CER
SOC : e OY E L T A K
EWS EVI OR R ACT UM F B X L O A N OR T O WSB BRE STUDEN U MTS
ty bet d an end ma bl a b O er k c cro
Emily West >> Editor-in-chief
Amanda Gambill >> Managing editor
Stacy Busch >> Online Editor
Chris Bishop >> Online Director
Mamie Nash >> News Editor
Sinclaire Sparkman >> Assistant News Editor Daniel Jansouzian >> Assistant News Editor Bailey Robbins >> Features Editor
Maranda Faris >> Assistant Features Editor
Claire Osburn >> A&E Editor
Noel Heath >> Assistant A&E Editor
Lauren Mandrell >> Assistant A&E Editor Sam Brown >> Sports Editor
Connor Grott >> Assistant Sports Editor Quint Qualls >> Opinions Editor Christine Craft >> Designer
Matt Masters >> Online Photo Editor Kyle Bates >> Print Photo Editor
2 SIDELINES | Sept. 18, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
les
ab ser
Leon Alligood >> Adviser
NEWS The program offers many benefits, such camping trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains and southeast Missouri for field study, summer field courses and summer geography mapping camps.
SMALL DEPARTMENTS PROVIDE JOB OPPORTUNITIES The university offers several lesser-known programs to help students achieve their academic, social and professional goals. From rocks to working with people, students have the opportunity to immerse in these small programs. Geology Geology is a major that can boast job availability in the field. “The numbers of majors in this department have increased due to job market,” said Warner Cribb, department chair of geosciences. “A lot of the older geoscientists are getting ready to retire.”
Majors serious about geology can also join Sigma Gamma Epsilon, a national earth science honors society.
benefit from leadership studies in many ways. “It’s a way for students to better understand leadership, to understand what makes for an effective leader and to understand themselves as a leader,” Raffo said.
Social work majors can graduate and immediately be licensed social workers in Tennessee because this program is accredited by The Council on Social Work Education.
The major focuses on the welfare of individuals who may The 3020 Practicum, an online have personal, family or cominterdisciplinary class, is open munity problems. to all student leaders. The university has the only “You can make a difference chapter in the Tennessee Board “It’s a chance for students to in someone’s life. It’s very of Regents. Members contribearn credit for leadership roles satisfying to know that you’re ute volunteer hours by visiting on campus or in the communi- helping others,” said Rebecca schools to discuss the benefits ty. It is a hands-on experience, Smith, department chair of of geology. and then they apply that expe- social work. rience through the relational Leadership Studies leadership model,” Raffo said. After completing their bachelor’s, students can study for Students can minor in the Several leadership resources their master’s at the university. award-winning program of exist on campus, including the leadership studies. Center for Student Involve“It’s been projected that you’re ment and Leadership, a week- going to need a master’s in The minor won the 2009 Lead- long summer program focusing social work, even in the beginership Educators Association on leadership and a variety of ning jobs, so more students Program Award, an honor that guest speakers. want to go ahead and get the annually recognizes an outmaster’s now,” Smith said. standing leadership program. Social Work Social work organizations are “Leadership is interdisciplinAccording to the U.S. Bureau available on campus, including ary. We don’t just see leaderof Labor Statistics, the need for The Forum, Phi Alpha Honor ship in business,” said Deana social workers will increase by Society and National AssociaRaffo, assistant professor of 25 percent in upcoming years. tion of Black Social Workers. management. “The profession is growing, // Xavier Smith In addition to boasting reand we hope that the program Contributing writer // sume credentials and graduate can grow right along with school applications, student can that,” Smith said. SIDELINES | Sept. 18, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 3
NEWS
University tests drugs to cure lung cancer
The Tennessee Center for Botanical Medicine Research at the university successfully completed the first in a series of tests designed to produce a drug to fight lung cancer. Researchers completed the tests in China and showed that one of the center’s anti-cancer compounds outperformed a leading cancer drug. If the tests continue successfully, the next step will be initiating human drug trials. Biology professor Eliot Altman has led the botanical research center since its creation. He runs the center with assistance from a combination of students, faculty and staff. Lung and breast cancer are center’s focuses because both affect the most people, and lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer for men and women. “If we’re going to make a splash, we want to do so where we can help the most people,” Altman said. Cancer is not ease that the address. They ing on viable HSV1 and HSV2
4 SIDELINES | Sept. 18, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
the only disteam wants to are also worktreatments for (cold sores and
herpes, respectively), as well as immunomodulators, which are used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. The TCBMR was created June 2011, the same time that MTSU formed an exclusive collaboration agreement with the Guanxi (pronounced “Gwan-chi”) Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants in Nanning, China. The alliance between MTSU and China creates a unique combination of talent and resources, allowing the university to work more efficiently than it could alone. The partnership allows researchers to continue searching for compounds that could have effects on multiple diseases, cancer, viral, fungal and bacterial infections and autoimmune disorders. The purpose of screening the extracts of each plant or herb is to discover treatment of various diseases.
Purified compounds are then isolated from the promising extracts and retested. The idea of using plants found in traditional Chinese medicine to produce Western pharmaceuticals is nothing new. In 1967, Monroe Wall and Mansukh Wani, operating in association with the National Cancer Institute and the Research Triangle Institute, discovered that the bark of the Pacific Yew tree was useful in treating lung, head, neck, ovarian and breast cancer. The drug was named Taxol and trademarked for sale in the United States. Now, the center works to identify extracts likely to have an effect on different diseases using a special process developed at the university with China supplying the plants and extracts needed. While the implications of producing an effective new
NEWS
drug for patients and society are huge, there are also financial considerations. For instance, in the 1980s, the University of Minnesota developed Ziagen, a drug used to fight HIV, and has made more than $600 million in royalties to date. The efforts of the TCBMR could potentially do the same for MTSU because of the developed partnership with China. “It took time and patience to develop these relationships we have over the years,” said Sidney McPhee, university president. “In the West, it’s a matter of who you know, negotiating and the golf course, but in the East and Asia, it’s about relationship. They have to feel good about you. Once it’s established, a lot happens.” //By Jeremy Stansell Jeremy Stanstill // writer// Contributing writer Contributing Emily West, editor in chief, contributed to this report.
SIDELINES | Sept. 18, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 5
FEATURES
Who crafts the tale A triumphant story of life, pain and hope, Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables” has defeated time. The story shares the tale of Jean Valjean, the iconic convict who struggles for his redemption and freedom against his adversary and metaphor of law, the officer Javert.
LES
At the time of its 1867 release, the French public saw the novel as a massive triumph. Skip ahead 150 years later, and the success of Hugo’s epic has barely wavered. Not many would expect a story about lower class 18th century France to capture the imagination of today’s audiences. Yet, here it stands, remaining in its own time, but visiting ours. Due to its colossal size – more than 1,000 pages – the book is not nearly popular as the film and theater versions. Among the most famous adaptions is the long-running, highly acclaimed Broadway musical. It is known for being an emotionally powerful experience, and noted for its signature songs such as “I’ve Dreamed a Dream” and the rousing “One Day More.” Among the millions of fans is drama professor Kristi Shamburger, director of the highly anticipated production of “Les Miz,” set to premiere Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Tucker Theatre. “I don’t think you can see this show and not be moved because it’s so powerful,” Shamburger said. “Even if you didn’t understand every lyric, the music, in and of itself, is so powerful that you’re going to be moved.” Crafting a musical like “Les Miz”
6 SIDELINES | Sept. 18, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
requires daunting amounts of work and collaboration. Running at nearly three hours, the play features many different sets, battle scenes and uninterrupted singing. Consequently, four hour daily practices have become a necessity. Through all of the challenges, Shamburger loves directing a show that she has loved for so long. “It is what it is — it’s a beautiful story,” Shamburger said. “When I saw ‘The Lion King’ in New York, I felt I had been a part of something incredible. And I think that’s what people feel when they see ‘Les Miz.’ They feel they’ve been a part of something incredible.” “Les Mis” tells a somber story. It weaves together impoverished tales full of destitute people striving and, at times, repeatedly failing to reach better places in their lives. But humor, beauty and inspiration is in it, too — triumph over pain and over death. “Out of the ashes there is beauty,” Shamburger eloquently noted. “Out of the ashes there is life. Beauty and life.” //Blake Jennings Staff Writer// SHOWTIMES Thursday, Sept. 19: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22: 3 p.m. TICKET INFORMATION For tickets, it is recommended to purchase them online. The Box Office is open twohours before the show, running the risk of tickets selling out. Students get in free with student ID.
FEATURES
She dreamed a dream Every actor aspires to perform a lead role. For Caitlin Wade, sophomore English major and aspiring actress, the reality is here. “I’ve always felt complete when I’m on stage,” Wade said, tucking a strand of auburn hair behind her ear. Her copper eyes glistened when she spoke of her lead role as Eponine.
MIS
Wade is one of two girls playing Eponine, the character who has long suffered from an unrequited love, throughout the production. Wade will perform two days out of four. Wade has fallen in love with both her character and the cast. She thinks she plays one of the most relatable characters in the play. Much like Wade, Eponine is a character who wishes to be noticed, but also hides her feelings. “She never shows people how she really feels except when she’s alone. I like to be like that,” Wade said. Last spring when Wade learned the theater and music departments were combining its talents to produce the famous musical, she prepared.
“I’ve always wanted a main role,” Wade said. The actress aimed high, but she maintained “realistic expectations.” While she auditioned for the role of Fantine and Eponine with the song, “I Dreamed a Dream,” Wade said that she didn’t feel adequate for the roles in comparison to her competition. Wade loves the show because of its timeless issues: freedom from tyranny, love and war. She feels the characters’ struggles are relatable and inspiring to a modern audience. Rehearsals have consumed the lives of the large cast. Summer practices ran seven hours a day. The fall semester has reduced the time to four hours, four days a week. As opening night approaches, Wade has also been rehearsing in her downtime. “My roommate can’t take it,” she said. “ She tells me I make her cry. If I can bring people to tears, it means I’m doing my job right.” Meranda Louthan & Morgan Massengill // Contributing writers Photos by Matt Masters // Photo Editor
SIDELINES | Sept. 18, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 7
COVER STORY
FREEDOM THROUGH FLIGHT MEANS NO FEAR keep flying
The air is crisp with hints of autumn. The sky is a blue field of white cotton, and the sunrays are bright, yellow hands painting each cloud with a serene glow. It is a day the night should never swallow. It is a day Adam Chapman considers a perfect day to fly. “This is the best time of year to fly,” he said, soaring 3,000 feet over Murfreesboro. “It’s a lot of fun.” A junior aerospace student with a professional pilot concentration, Chapman might as well have wings of his own. Since the age of six, the pursuit of flight has completed an important part of his destiny. “It’s kind of in my bloodline to do this,” he said with certainty. “It’s just one of those things — every little kid wanted to grow up to be a fireman — I wanted to grow up to be a pilot.” Yet, parting clouds with the nose of a plane did not come first after 8 SIDELINES | Sept. 18, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
graduating from Dickson High School.
For six years, he was an axillary engineer in the Navy. Stationed in San Diego, Calif., Chapman took three tours in the Gulf of Aden, which is located in the Arabian Sea. His experience in the military taught him valuable lessons he later applied in college. “It really takes a lot of attention and focus,” he said, referring to his major. “And, there’s not really a lot of room for screwing around, so I would say [joining the military] was in my best interest.” Aerospace is a four-year degree, but students are certified through the program. The private pilot is the lowest rating, having to maintain a certain reference to the ground and from clouds. Chapman recently achieved his instrument rating, which allows him to fly through clouds with less visibility. He aspires to have his
COVER STORY commercial rating before the spring, which would allow him to eventually fly large air carriers, such as Southwest and American Airlines. “If it’s something you really want to do, you’re going to strive through the days where you’re like, ‘I hate this,’” he said reassuringly. “Cause, overall, you know it’s what you want to do.”
Passion fuels his flight Chapman holds a key attached to a large rounded portion of a plane engine. It makes a rattling sound as he walks across the paved field of runways and parked planes. This is where he spends most of his time. As he unlocks the door to a hanger, a light switches on revealing several flight simulators. This is where he learned to fly. If he is not flying or at school, he is working at the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport dispatching and checking that everyone’s training is going with finesse. “The passion has kind of grown since I’ve gotten older,” Chapman said with a grin. “It’s still growing. I want to fly more and more each day it seems like.”
Just a pretty simple guy
said while discussing his favorite hobbies. “That’s one of those things I’d really love to do.” Ironically, he considers himself a simple guy, but his wide range of hobbies suggests otherwise. Chapman climbs mountains, hooks fish, pitches tents and hikes trails. He may prefer simplicity, but his knack for adventure is rather extravagant. Fortunately, flying aids his daring nature. “I really enjoy flying small planes because you’re more connected with the environment,” he said. “It’s not like a big airbus like a Southwest flight. You’re more susceptible. You feel everything. You’re more in control.”
“My own flying has just begun” The sun dips below the horizon, generating layers of blues, yellows and pinks. The clouds have all gone now, and Chapman slightly pushes the control wheel forward, allowing the plane to draw near land.
If flying metal machinery through clouds licked with sunlight wasn’t enough, Chapman has physically soared through them, too.
A red light blinks on the tail of the plane, illuminating Chapman’s face. These nights will never get old to him. It was something he was born to do.
“I wish I could skydive more,” he
“I would love to be able to go out
to the airport and go sit in my own hanger,” he said, discussing his aspirations. “Just like you’re washing your car in your driveway. Take [your plane] out for a flight. Just go on your own time.” The runway is slowly becoming visible, as he turns the aircraft around one last time. He converses with the other pilots through his headset. It’s time to go home and grab a beer he said. He mistakenly refers to Friday as Saturday, but for a levelheaded guy like Chapman, every night in an early autumn sky is a Saturday. Mistakes are inevitable, even for him, but fear won’t deter him from moving forward. “You’ve got to keep a cool head about yourself. Stay in control,” he said. “It all comes down to just you and the plane. So, it’s just, all you gotta do — keep flying.”
Bailey Robbins >> Features Editor Photos by Bailey Robbins.
KEEP FLYING KEEP FLYING KEEP FLYING
SIDELINES | Sept. 18, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 9
SPORTS
Another way to roll
Transfer scores solace on the field
10 SIDELINES | Sept. 18, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
“
SPORTS
It’s a much more physical and fast game here – really fast paced.
“
Traveling all the way from New Zealand, Kate Loye came to the university last year to find a new home on the soccer field. “It was a big step for me because I’m a homey person,” Loye said. “I came over to try and learn something new and get a feel for the new American soccer style of play. It took me a little while to adjust, but I’ve gotten used to it now.” Her hopes of expanding her game and improving as a player were soon fulfilled. She was voted Sun Belt Freshman of the Year after putting up seven goals and six assists in her first season last year. This is an even greater accomplishment because she had to adapt to America’s style of play. “It’s a much more physical and fast game here — really fastpaced,” the sophomore said. “It’s quite technical in New Zealand, more ball-at-the-feet and position-based.” The midfielder had plenty of time to get acclimated with New Zealand’s style. At 14 years
old, she was playing her first international match. She’s also competed for the New Zealand team in the Fédération Internationale de Football Association Under-17 Women’s World Cup and the Under-20 World Cup. “I think stepping up to that level made me aware of how much more you can improve, because you play games with players much better than you,” the 20-year-old said. “You see how they’re doing, and you change your game to up the pace a bit.” Following these accomplishments, Loye decided to join MTSU’s team because it “just felt right.”
step up a bit, all of us older ones.”
season.
Loye may soon find herself in a leadership role; she scored the first goal of the season for the Blue Raiders in a 3-1 loss to Memphis, after the team opened the season on a dry spell. “It was a long time coming,” Loye said. “Us scoring helped us step up our game because we believe in ourselves a bit more.” Loye and the team have been making changes on and off the field to improve its record this
“We’ve changed our formation a little to adjust to the teams we’ve been playing,” Loye said. “I think it’s been working really well, and we’ve been creating more scoring opportunities, which is something we weren’t doing in the first few games. Now our team has played a few games together, so we’ve all gotten used to how each other plays.” Ritchie Simmons>> Staff Writer Photo courtesy of MT Athletic Communications
“I talked to [Head Coach Aston Rhoden], and he just seemed really good, and he told me what the team was like and how they played,” Loye said. The women’s soccer team is compiled almost entirely of underclassmen. The 2013 roster features only four juniors and no seniors, leaving plenty of room for leaders to step up, especially following the departure of seniors Whitney Jorgenson and Paige Goeglein. “They were great leaders,” Loye said. “They were the pinnacle of our team and kept us all together. They were really experienced … It’s made us SIDELINES | Sept. 18, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 11
B
AL
Kaskade — Atmosphere Atmosphere features a selection of lackluster house beats, boring soundscapes and uneventful vocal contributions. Kaskade doesn’t do anything that producers Calvin Harris, Deadmau5 and Avicii aren’t doing better. Electronic music dance fans should skip this release. –JC
Delorean — Apar Fans of Foals and Chvrches will fall in love with Delorean’s Apar. The album will leave listeners tapping their feet and dancing in their seats. The best song on the album by far is “Spirit.” –LM
John Coulston // Lauren Mandrell
U M RE V I E W
A&E
Janelle Monae —The Electric Lady Janelle Monae’s latest installment in her Metropolis saga plays out like a funk-influenced rock opera. Every track doubles as single-worthy and conceptual. The Electric Lady showcases Monae’s versatility, vocal talent and artistic vision in one of the best releases this year.
–JC
Man Man — On Oni Pond On Oni Pond is arguably the best album Man Man has put out in a while. While the music isn’t as weird as it could have been, “Deep Cover” is a great addition to the album. Listeners will love the ukulele and the singer’s sweet voice accompanying each other. –LM
12 SIDELINES | Sept. 18, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
Arctic Monkeys — AM AM, the fifth album from the Arctic Monkeys, proves that they have finally found the right sound. The album is an overall success, showing a band that has grown into a sexier version of themselves. Listeners will especially enjoy “R U Mine?” and “Do I wanna know?” –LM
A&E
2 Chainz — B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time 2 Chainz abandons amusing wordplay and unique ideas for straightforward raps and club hits on his sophomore release. While no tracks are as infectious as his previous hits, “Used 2” and “Netflix” show 2 Chainz can crank out party songs. –JC
Holy Ghost! — Dynamics Production duo Holy Ghost! refined their nostalgic ‘80s pop sound with their sophomore effort. Even though the duo still drowns in their influences, they developed strong hooks on tracks like “I Wanna Be Your Hand” and “Don’t Look Down” to keep listeners interested. –JC
Earth, Wind and Fire — Now, Then and Forever Earth, Wind and Fire returns with Now, Then and Forever, proving the group still has it what it takes to make listeners dance. Make sure to give the whole album a once over because it is pure gold. –LM
Minus the Bear — Acoustics II Acoustics II is the second acoustic EP from Minus the Bear, which includes songs from previous albums. The selection is weak compared to the first EP, but fans will still hear a sound classic to Minus the Bear. The best track “Summer Angel” is worth a listen. –LM
Keith Urban — Fuse Keith Urban proves that he is still country’s golden boy with the release of his newest album Fuse. The video for the album’s first single, “Little Bit of Everything,” was actually filmed on campus in the football stadium. –LM
The Weeknd — Kiss Land With his follow up from last year’s Trilogy, The Weeknd captivates listeners with a fully realized version of his dark, sexual sound. The first half of Kiss Land flows easily from one sonic experience to another, while the second half features single-ready tracks like “Wanderlust” and “Pretty.” –JC SIDELINES | Sept. 18, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 13
A&E
OROB
BREWS
OCT 12 2-7pm $25
14 SIDELINES | Sept. 18, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com
Just the right mix: beer and fall break Claire Osburn>> A&E Editor When the leaves turn light brown or dark amber, one can’t help but be reminded of another fall tradition: Brewsboro. This frothy event will take place on Oct. 12 — conveniently during the university’s fall break — from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Avenue. Modeled after Nashville’s annual Music City Brewer’s Festival, the event has been going strong since 2010, after returning from a five-year hiatus. Guests will sample beers from 40 local breweries and purchase food from Boutique Burger Bar and Mellow Mushroom. Attendees will also hear tunes spun by 107.5 The River disc jockey John Mayer. “It’s a good marketing op-
portunity for the breweries that participate, and a great opportunity for the attendees to sample a product that maybe they’ve never tried before, and hopefully they’ll find something new that they like and purchase it next time they’re out at a bar or out at a grocery store,” said Candace Price, event director. In addition to bringing local breweries and locals together, the event partnered with the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon County to raise funds for the nonprofit organization Murfreesboro Young Professionals. Tickets are $25 and are available online at brewsborofest.com. For beer connoisseurs and beer lovers, fall break just got more interesting.
X
A&E
Giving up his career was never a factor Noel Heath >> Assistant A&E
MTSU music business major and aspiring vocalist Brad Wannemacher is featured on this season of “The X Factor.”
After four years of pursuing a career in the music industry, Wannemacher landed his live audition for the show this summer at the UFO Arena in New Orleans, La. Singing in front of notoriously harsh judge Simon Cowell, as well as celebrity judges Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio, Wannemacher met his initial audience with confidence. “I walked out on stage, first audition of the day, and saw Simon’s head turn at me,” the vocalist said. “It was the coolest feeling. I walked on stage and I wasn’t nervous. I went out there thinking, ‘I’m just going to do my thing. If they don’t like it, then that’s fine.’” But they did like it, and he landed a spot on the acclaimed series that has featured chart-topping vocalists, such as Leona Lewis.
Wannemacher came to the university to start a music career three years ago.
“I was sitting in my room watching the Grammys,” he said. “Pink performed ‘Glitter in the Air,’ and I just was like ‘that’s what I want to do.’ I went online, found MTSU, came down to visit and said, ‘I’m moving to Nashville. I’m going to pursue music.’” Breaking into the music scene as a vocalist in Nashville is difficult, but he said giving up on his aspirations to perform was never an option. “I believe in myself,” he said. “I just need to find that one person that really believes in me. I think the sky is the limit, and I’m finally finding the people that believe in me.” Artists such as Steven Tyler, Michael Jackson and Avril Lavigne serve as inspiration for Wannemacher’s sound. With a pop/rock vibe and killer pipes, he’s on his way to making a name for himself. He plans on using his run on “The X Factor” as a platform to launch his vocal career and hopes to find great writers in the pop music scene To follow Wannemacher’s progress on “The X Factor” and to see his career take off, tune in Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on FOX.
SIDELINES | Sept. 18, 2013 | www.mtsusidelines.com 15
OPINIONS
why betty crocker and obama Blend //Samantha Hearn Staff Writer// College students most likely opt for cheaper brands when grocery shopping more often than not, but they should be more conscious of the ingredients in those items. Those Betty Crocker boxes shoppers buy are full of genetically modified organisms. According to The American Academy of Environmental Medicine, people should avoid the consumption of GMOs “because GM foods have not been properly tested for human consumption, and because there is ample evidence of probable harm.” GMOs are plants that have their genetic diversity reduced. Plants with reduced or modified genes end up vulnerable to harmful situations, such as droughts and fungus.
General Mills, the company that owns Betty Crocker and many other name brands, uses GMOs in almost every product they sell, much like many other companies. The CEO of General Mills, Kendall Powell, said in April at the Fortune Brainstorm Green conference that he doesn’t think companies that sell products with GMOs should be required to be label them. He even said that if they were required, nearly every item in grocery stores would be labeled. That’s a scary thought, but it gets scarier. Monsanto, the largest GMO seed company in the world, claims on its website it produces good-for-you food. The reality is that they have a 110-year history of poisoning the world with pesticides, sugar and seeds, and an even dirtier history of getting in bed with the government. Under the Obama administration,
three Monsanto employees have been appointed to top-level government positions, most notably Michael Taylor. The former vice president of Monsanto, Taylor now works as Deputy Commissioner for Foods of the Food and Drug Administration. This means he has a lot of oversight and power within the FDA. Oh yeah, and he’s a lobbyist for the company.
ates a conflicting message.
Monsanto also gave a $50 million gift to the Danforth Plant Science Center, whose founding president, Roger Beachy, is the director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture. Beachy’s position gives him the power to allocate agricultural grants, meaning that he gets to choose the companies that get government funding.
Maybe Americans generally don’t care about what’s going on in the world because of all the aspartame and fake food we’re ingesting. I think it’s rotting our synapse capabilities. Happy baking.
Like Taylor, he was appointed by the Obama administration. This, in addition to the First Lady’s education campaigns about child obesity, cre-
And the genetically modified cherry on top: the Monsanto Protection Act was squeezed into a budget bill this year, excluding Monsanto from judicial review. This means that Monsanto can continue to plant genetically modified seeds even if ordered to stop by a court.