BIG CORPORATIONS are FULL OF S**T!

Okay – this blog is supposed to be about creating positive change in the world….so why a blog title with such a negative implication?  Well – in order to achieve positive outcomes and promote positive change into the world – we must look at the bad.  Here are some of the most profitable companies in the world and some of their crimes – educate yourself, do the research and ask yourself these questions:  Do you want to continue to support this kind of business?  Are their products really promoting good health?  Do these companies really have the consumers best interests at hand?  Are they environmentally conscious?  How are they treating their workers around the world?  Is the company really promoting an inclusive, positive and healthy planet?  Keep these questions in mind as we take a closer look at just how these corporations run their business.

COCA COLA – Yes, it is THE REAL THING but not really what you think.

Coca Cola has spent millions of dollars marketing Coke (and  many of their other soft drink brands) as delicious and sometimes nutritious.  Tell me, how can they sell their brands as nutritious and delicious when evidence has shown that aspartame, phosphoric acid, food dyes, other additives and toxins are not conducive to good health.  Yes, it is the consumers obligation to ensure they understand the consequences of their actions but Coca Cola has to take some responsibility – just as the tobacco industry has done.  Should they add more labelling in addition to their caloric values?  I believe so – as I mentioned, the tobacco companies have all included ‘warning labels’ on their cigarette packages such as how addictive they are, links to cancers and chronic respiratory illnesses.  Is it so difficult to have a label indicating that some of their products are addictive and may cause obesity and diabetes?

According to the group Killer Coke – they have claims that Coca Cola Corporation is responsible for many human rights violations not to mention tax evasion and breaking environmental laws.  Here are some examples of their crimes listed on http://killercoke.org/about.php:

India:  Pollution of water sources, deception and cover-ups and pesticides in Coca Cola beverages.

Kenya:  Public health fears and pollution.

Mexico:  Breaking laws, defrauding Mexican workers and government.

Pakistan:  Extortion/blackmail, abductions and death threats.

Philippines:  Smuggling, tax evasion.

Tanzania:  Worker health and safety issues and child labor.

Turkey:  Workers fired for organizing union.

You can review all of the above issues and more on this groups website.  These allegations are serious and if true, Coca Cola should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.  Just because you amass such outrageous profits – shouldn’t exempt you from violating human rights, environmental and federal laws.  I am grateful that I do not support this company and any of its softdrinks including; Vitamin Water (which has no nutritional value), Coke Zero (which includes aspartame – proven not to be good for our bodies) and Dasani Water.  Stop filling landfills with these products and look to other healthier beverage choices.  Support local business that are organic and water depots that award you for being environmentally conscious and give you safe and clean water.

McDONALDS – Who’s LOVIN’ IT?

Many people have complained about the lack of proper nutrition that fast-food chains serve, what did they expect?  Here are some facts about the most noticeable fast-food chain in our existence:

• 179 restaurants in India, where most people don’t eat either beef or pork.
• 24 billion in revenue, yet they pay their workers minimum wage.  (Most workers employed by McDonald’s don’t make enough money to eat there).
• 700,000 workers in the USA, with 150% turnover rate.
• Americans consume one billion pounds of beef at McDonald’s in a year.
• Next 3 years, McDonald’s plans to open one restaurant everyday in China.

So what is wrong with McDonald’s?  Well, like Coca Cola – they have been known to exploit children by offering toys to eat their food that lacks any sort of nutrients for their bodies.  They have been in the public eye for the inhumane treatment of animals – McDonald’s is responsible for the mass genocide of five and a half million head of cattle each year, not to mention the environmental implications that factory farming has on our planet, water and food supply.  We all know that McDonald’s isn’t serving healthy and nutritious meals or beverages to their consumers – they depend on this fact to keep them raking in their mass profits so that they can continue their abuse on their workers, the planets animals and the planet itself.  I am so glad that my addiction to fast-food was suppressed so long ago.  There was a time where my health was directly affected by consuming unhealthy burgers and beverages from McDonald’s.  I strongly believe that the mind-numbing migraines I used to get was from eating this processed food.  So glad those days are behind me.

More detailed information can be found on the following site:  http://www.mcspotlight.org/campaigns/translations/trans_uk.html

WAL-MART – The lowest price is the law (and it’s greedy).

Here is what is know about Wal-Mart:

• 2.1 million full-time employees.
• 405 billion dollars in revenue.
• Sold more bananas than any other item (most-likely, non-organic).
• Largest overall employer in the USA.
• All Wal-Mart parking lots would make up the size of Tampa, Florida.
• Battling 1.6 million employees in the largest class action discrimination law suit.
• Walton Family has given away about 2% of its net worth to charity.  Bill Gates gave 48% and Warren Buffet (78%)

Not only is Wal-Mart an eyesore – it is allowed to build in small towns rendering local business useless.  Now that it is selling food items – many local farmers are forced to file for bankruptcy. 

These corporations hide behind the mask of tolerance and compassion and would like us to believe that they care for their consumers.  This could not be further from the truth.  The shareholders and CEO’s of these mega corporations don’t support their workers, their products, the environment, the humane treatment of animals, the laws of other countries, human rights issues and they certainly do nothing to promote positive change in the world.  We know the truth and we have to stop making the following excuses;  “I’m too busy to shop anywhere else”, “I can’t afford organic food”, “it’s so convenient to buy everything in one store”, “the products are cheapest here”……When we keep telling ourselves these things, we buy into their brainwashing tactics.  If we continue to be fooled and leave our ‘blinders’ on – this world is going to be one that supports corporations that will continue to force small businesses into bankruptcy, they will continue to promote a world that supports obesity and diabetes, they will support a society where we allow mass genocide, economic inequality, discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation, environmental disregard and human rights violations.  If this is a world you want to be part of – they keep your blinders on because as they say – IGNORANCE IS BLISS!  Personally – I can’t be part of this and will continue to do my best to inform people of the injustices of BIG CORPORATIONS because without exploiting this negative energy, there can never be a positive outcome.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one! 

ANIMALS NEED OUR COMPASSION

Have you ever thought about the life an animal had before you ate it?  Where they ripped away from their mother?  Did the animal suffer before it ended up on your plate?  Did it have adequate living conditions? 

Have you thought about the animals that are used for clothing and fashion?  How about all those caged animals in zoos, water parks, at the circus, bullfights, rodeos and horse races?  How were they treated before their lifetime of living in cages just to be used to entertain us?  Do we really need animal experimentation to test the safety of household products, drugs and even make-up?  I’m sure there would be willing humans that would act as test subjects.

I think it is everyone’s responsibility to learn how these animals were obtained in order for them to be used for our food, fashion and entertainment.  ***Please note:  these images DO NOT compare to those I have seen of how animals are killed, beaten and tortured for food, fashion and entertainment – Also, all images obtained via internet****

FOR FOOD – Here is the reality of factory farming.  CONCENTRATION CAMPS FOR ANIMALS.

FOR SPORT – Are animals really enjoying themselves when they are subjected to this:

FOR FASHION and ENTERTAINMENT – Animals are meant to roam and explore not to rot in cages in misery all their lives.

FOR MEDICINE/SCIENCE – Animals are often used to test many things such as; make-up, household products, pharmaceutical drugs and many other things.  THEY DO NOT DESERVE THIS, especially today!

I believe that we must advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves.  Animals need our compassion and help – they only cry out in pain and discomfort.  We must be their voice and help them out of their cages and free them from their abuse cycle.  Animals are meant to live their lives freely and humanely.  We would be outraged if humans were treated the same way animals are.  We fight for the rights of criminals and dictator’s, we glorify war and we deplore violence towards children and women – why do we feel so disconnected when it comes to the lives of animals?

I know that we can make a difference in the lives of animals.  We can end their suffering, we can end their pain and we can end their torture…..all you have to do is understand that they, like us, have feelings and souls.  Just look into their eyes and you will see and feel their cry for help.

ANIMALS DESERVE THIS:

 AND THIS

 

AS WELL AS THIS……

FREEDOM AND LOVE…

COMPASSION

TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE THE WORLD A MORE POSITIVE ONE (EVEN FOR ANIMALS).

TAKE OFF YOUR BLINDERS!

Is there such a thing as constructive criticism?  How about being able to express how you feel about something without the intention of offending those who feel differently about whatever it is you are talking about.  As a blogger and activist for human rights, the environment, veganism and the ethical treatment of animals – I find that most people become really outraged or offended when I write on these topicHUMAN RIGHTS for the GAY and LESBIAN community:

I really don’t understand how the decision to get married for 2 consenting adults of the same-sex would create a massive problem for the sanctity of marriage.  Quite frankly – the divorce rate between heterosexuals is at an all-time high.  I have been in a committed relationship with my husband for over 18 years (we have been married for over 6 years).  My relationship and my commitment to my husband has not created any issues for the heterosexual community that I am aware of.  If there have been issues in my relationship with my husband – the issue only lies with the people who bring it up.

In regards to being a homosexual and living my life openly as a gay male – well again, the problem is usual with those who are homophobic or pretend to hide behind their religion.  I never make my sexuality an issue – it is always someone else who makes it an issue.  I find people become very uncomfortable when I discuss my relationship with my husband – it used to make me feel like our relationship was not as legitimate as theirs, but that has definitely changed.  I have made the choice to express how I feel about my relationship despite how uncomfortable others may be about the issue of sexual orientation.  If someone is uncomfortable with my sexuality – that problem is not mine, it is theirs.  I certainly have no problem hearing the stories my heterosexual friends share with me about their relationships and marriage.  I have long passed the days of feeling the guilt that others have inflicted onto me – guilt for nothing, guilt for how I was born.  Shame for how I was born.  I have dealt with all that.  Maybe it’s time for those people who feel uncomfortable about someone’s sexual orientation to deal with their own guilt and shame because once they do – only then can you move towards a more positive and non-judgemental life.

THE ENVIRONMENT 

Whenever I blog or have discussions about the environment, I am always told that, “trying to save the environment is a losing battle”, “corporations won’t allow us to move towards a more sustainable environment”, “one person can’t make a difference”, “there are bigger forces at work – therefore we can’t win the environmental battle.” – For me, these are the reasons that there are not more positive victories for environmentalist and the planet as a whole.  People are not motivated to act because they already believe they are defeated.  I also believe that people become defensive and they feel that I am making a judgement against them because as soon as I talk environment I get comments like “recycling doesn’t work, it all ends up in the landfill anyway” or “environmentally friendly products cost more and are less effective”, “electric cars are not efficient and won’t work”, “solar and wind power will not be able to power huge metropolitan areas”……the skeptics always have the answers to what will and will not work for our environment but never really look at the data or evidence that these things are already working.  What is the worst that can happen if we try to do things that will benefit the planet and the lives of our future generations????

VEGANISM

I think this is the one that most people really don’t understand.  My choice to become vegan ties into the ethical treatment of animals.  I really don’t understand how we can pick and choose which animal we can eat and which ones can become our pets.  For me, I have made a clear distinction that I will never eat anything that has a heartbeat or that has eyes.  I have even gone as far to say that I will never eat anything that is living or breathing.  Here are some of the comments I have received about being a vegan:  “you can’t live without meat”, “what do you eat”, “plants are living and breathing”, “salads are good”, “you don’t look unhealthy”, “how do you get your vitamin B”, “you are going to get sick”, “tofu is gross”, “do you eat leaves”….I could go on.  I have decided not to become defensive myself whenever I hear such comments – I now explain that my food choices are endless and contain all the nutrients I require to ensure optimum health.  After completing research about the meat and dairy industry, I have concluded that consuming any meat or dairy products would be detrimental to MY health.  I try not to preach but do want people to understand what is in their food.  Being a vegan is a little challenging when you don’t live in a metropolitan area – everywhere you look, restaurants advertise burgers with cheese and triple bacon, steak with potatoes, eggs with bacon and sausage, duck, turkey, lamb, veal, goat, etc….In an attempt to show people how I eat as a vegan – I have started to post some of my meals on Facebook.  I only did this to show people who I eat just as well as those who believe that it is essential to eat meat not to provoke a Facebook photo war of meat vs. vegan.  Guess my photos offended some people.

ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS

It’s funny how I never really questioned why I was eating meat – it always looked awful to me.  Eating meat was a learned behaviour.  I never thought about why I was eating eat until my late 20’s.  I slowly decided that I did not want to eat meat anymore and looked for alternatives.  I did occasionally eat chicken and fish and decided to give them up because of a video I saw about rabbits being scalded alive for food – I heard them scream and that sound is what did it for me.  Since then, I never consumed meat again.  It was the most important and satisfying decision I have made in my life since ‘coming out’ as a gay male.  I will not support any company that allows animals to be tortured.  I will not support any organization that tests on animals and I certainly will not support an industry that not only allows their animals to be pumped with hormones and other chemicals but has a devastating effect on our environment.  Why is it that we lack respect for some animals and keep others as pets?  I have so many ‘animal lover’ friends yet they continue to tell me not to send them emails/notifications on how ducks and turkeys have feeding tubes inserted into their mouths, or how pigs and chickens are confined in gestation crates with barely enough room to move.  They don’t want to hear about the cruel practice of how they get veal or how baby chicks are shuffled through conveyor belts to their doom – just like humans were shuffled to their deaths in concentration camps.  The meat and dairy industry is a cruel industry but these are only words – until people have the courage to learn about the food they consume, only then can a conscious decision be made.

I am not perfect and never have claimed to be – what I have done is become responsible for the decisions in my life.  I have taken the “blinders” off and am much more aware of what is going on around me.  I have limited myself to ‘fast-food’ television as I believe it instills fear, anxiety and paranoia.  I can only pass the information on that I have learned to those who are willing to listen and willing to ‘take the blinders off’.  I am tired of being told that we must medicate the diseases that consuming these foods cause – this isn’t being proactive in our health, it’s creating a sick and diseased environment.  I refuse to be part of a society that will not ask questions but believe that medication will fix their emotional and physical illnesses or that doesn’t hold big corporations and our governments accountable to the harm they are inflicted to our people, our animals and our environment.

I challenge you to TAKE OFF YOUR BLINDERS and really make the informed choices that you need to make and not have them made for your by our government or the corporations they protect.  Here are some great websites to help you stay informed and to buy amazing products that are ethical.

Ethical Ocean

People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals

The Animal Rescue

eartheasy.com

hempandcompany.com

 

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!