Today's Poll: Is Monsanto evil?

Monsanto is probably no better or worse than any corporation. Poor decisions were made. A good friend worked for a company purchased by Monsanto in the early 90s. At that time, she was a respected expert in foreign food and drug regulations. Monsanto disbanded the very group that would and could ease their way into the European markets. At the same time, Monsanto furloughed two of their top chemists. It is ironic that I crossed paths with these people at different times. My friend came to Kodak's Eastman Pharmaceuticals to head up their foreign regs division. She left when Kodak purchased Bayer believing (rightly so) that it was a disaster in the making. Several years later, I worked on a project for the company started by the two chemists. Their company, literally started in a garage, always remained small but served a world wide customer base. Is monsanto evil? No, just guilty of poor decisions.

Bea, Would you consider Monsanto's role in developing Agent Orange for use in Vietnam merely a poor decision or evil?

Neither, they are just greedy like most companies. They only produced it because the military wanted it. Ken, are gunsmiths evil?

Alvin,I agree completely that Agent Orange was created simply because the military wanted it. If Monsanto didn't make it, somebody else would. I'm certain that numerous chemical companies went after that contract.

We part ways though on your statement about most companies are greedy. By definition, all companies are formed to make money. If they don't, they fold and people lose their jobs.

How does that equate to greed?

(VVA Chapter 20)

Maybe I should have said many instead of most. I call it greed when they lose their moral compass.

Alvin, You asked "are gunsmiths evil". They are if they manufacturer particular guns intended to kill and disable millions. Monsanto, DOW Chemical, and a couple of dozen chemical companies manufactured Agent Orange with the full knowledge this defoliant would be used to poison water supplies, destroy crops, and would kill millions in Vietnam, including several hundred thousand US troops. They knew it would contain the deadliest chemical known to humankind. They knew it would result in a long list of phyical problems. They knew it would mutate the DNA for generations. The children we serve in Vietnam today who are born with markedly severe birth defects were known to be a result of our use of Agent Orange. I suggest you try to defend Monsanto to the kids many of us serve in Vietnam today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELI5F8Xux_I