March Against Monsanto Philly

Yesterday, hundreds of thousands stood in solidarity in over forty cities across the globe to protest the company Monsanto's engineering of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) and demand the right to know which foods may contain them. 

A thousand peacefully gathered for Philadelphia's March Against Monsanto on Saturday to send a message to the government officials who are working alongside Monsanto and educate others of the cause. Some of the speakers included Pennsylvania State Senator Daylin Leach, Retired Philadelphia Police Officer Captain Ray Lewis, urban farmer Nic Esposito, and author Jon McGoran. Despite State Senator Leach's best effort to polarize the crowd and conjure up a sense of partisanship within the movement through jabs at the GOP and remarks about the Pro 2nd Amendment Rally across the street, a resounding spirit of unity rang out on Independence Mall. Liberty-minded conservatives wandered over from the gun rally and stood side-by-side with occupiers in recognition that the fight against this behemoth company is one that effects everyone. Zofia Hausman of GMO Free PA rallied the crowd with the cry, "we are awake, we are informed!" She shared facts, such as 80% of grocery store foods contain GMO ingredients and that over 150 genetically modified species of crops are "spreading like a plague with no end in sight."

After the speakers, the crowd marched from Independence Mall to Love Park, stopping traffic and gaining the attention of hundreds of onlookers.

- E.M. 

Well... I've always wanted to be a journalist and this is my first attempt. How'd I do? More pictures will be up later this week. For now, have a great Memorial Day! xo.