GREEN REVOLUTIONS IN CUBA AND VENEZUELA

Currently, Cuba is entirely independent from the outside world for its food needs. Venezuela is moving toward a similar autonomy. There could be a monkey wrench in the future for Cuba’s astute program, however. Lately, with Fidel Castro recuperating from an operation, much speculation has been spoken about Cuba’s future. The U.S. government (Republicans and Democrats alike) are speaking about bringing "freedom" to the Cuban people.If such an unfortunate occurrence comes forth, we have Iraq to look at as an example of some of the "freedoms" brought about by U.S. interference. In Iraq, Paul Bremer, the U.S. viceroy who set up the regulations for a "free" Iraq, posted 100 edicts before he left his post: edicts that can not be broken by successive Iraqi governments. Edict #81 forbids Iraqi farmers from using seeds of their previous crops, a farming method had been in existence for 5,000 years in Iraq. Iraqi farmers now must purchase genetically-modified seeds from Monsanto for their crops. This is a rule that is tightly regulated. Inspectors frequently visit farmers in Iraq to ensure acquiescence. If a farmer uses his own seeds, he is heavily fined. How can this happen? It’s quite simple. Monsanto takes a seed of a crop, copies it and manufactures the seeds. Once the seed is copied, Monsanto then acquires a patent for the seed design. In other words, any natural seeds with the same patented design become illegal to use. If Cuba is "freed" by the U.S., there will be an immediate end to Cuban farmers using their own seeds. Then, Cubans will no longer be able to purchase readily-available organic foods at a low price....

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