Neil Young on GMO Labeling, Monsanto and Citizens United
Neil Young on why labeling GMOs matters and why we need to stop Citizens United and Monsanto
I don’t like the current political system in the USA and some other countries. Increasingly, democracy has been hijacked by corporate interests. The money needed to run for office, the money spent on lobbying by special interests, the ever-increasing economic disparity, and the well-funded legislative decisions, all favor corporate interests over the people. The Citizens United Supreme Court ruling is proof of this corruption, as are the proposed trade deals that would further compromise our rights.
These corporations were originally created to serve us, but if we don’t appropriately prioritize they will destroy us. Corporations don’t have children. They don’t have feelings or souls. They don’t depend on uncontaminated water, clean air, or healthy food to survive. They are beholden to one thing—the bottom line. I choose to speak Truth to this Economic Power. When I speak out on corporations hurting the common man or the environment or other species, I expect a well-financed disinformation campaign to be aimed my way Such is the case with the reaction to my new album, The Monsanto Years, which covers many of these issues.
I support those bringing these issues to light and those who fight for their rights, such as freedom of choice. But freedom of choice is meaningless without knowledge. That’s why it’s crucial we all get engaged and get informed. That’s why GMO labeling matters. Mothers need to know what they are feeding their children. They need the freedom to make educated choices at the market. When the people have voted for labeling, as they have in Vermont, they need our support when they are fighting these corporate interests trying to reverse the laws they have voted for and passed in the democratic process. I do not trust self-serving misinformation coming from corporations and their media trolls. I do not trust politicians who are taking millions from those corporations, either. I trust people. So I make my music for people, not for candidates. Keep on rockin’ in the free world.
Photo: Pegi Young