In 2002, Oregon Voters Were Hoodwinked By Big Bucks And The FDA #WWGFNews

In the 2002 Oregon State General Election, Oregonians were swayed to vote against their Right To Know that GMOs were in their food by a six million dollar media blitz and a letter from the FDA to Governor John Kitzhaber. Before FDA Deputy Commissioner Lester M. Crawford sent his letter to the governor and news outlets on October 4, the Oregon Labeling of Genetically-Engineered Foods Act (Measure 27) was leading in the polls 65%-35%.

Supporters of the measure argued that "Oregonians should have the right to know what they are eating." They repeated the belief of some activists that genetic engineering of food poses a potential threat to health and safety. (See Voters Guide)

USA TODAY reporter Elizabeth Weise stated in her article, "In an unusual move, the federal government has warned the state of Oregon that it could be interfering with national food producers if voters pass a ballot measure requiring all genetically modified foods sold in the state to be labeled...The governor's press secretary, Tom Towslee, says the governor was surprised to get the letter. "For the federal government to weigh in on a ballot measure in little old Oregon is a little unusual, but they obviously feel strongly about it," Towslee says."

Thirty days after Dr. Crawford's letter Measure 27 was defeated 70%-30%.

Connecting the Dots 

• February 2005, President George W. Bush nominated Crawford to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs. His nomination stalled in the Senate for two months after he was accused of an extramarital affair with an FDA employee.

• July 2005, Dr. Crawford was confirmed by the Senate to be FDA Commissioner

• September 2005, Dr. Crawford resigned as the FDA Chief.

• 2005-2006: Dr. Crawford,68, joined the Washington lobbing firm, Policy Directions Inc., that represents the Grocers Manufactures Association, process food companies and biotech firms.

• In October 2006, the New York Times reported that Dr. Crawford was charged with conflict of interest and lying to congress. The 30 year FDA veteran held stock in biotech and food companies the government agency regulated and Policy Directions Inc. represented.

• On February 27, 2007, the former FDA Director was sentenced to three years' supervised probation and fines of roughly $90,000.

Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.
It does not take peer review scientific studies to see how the anti GMO Labeling campaign used a FDA director/criminal/Washington DC lobbyist to deceive and mislead Oregon voters twelve years ago. Twenty-five year EPA staffer E.G. Vallianatos' new book, "Poison Spring," is filled with insider stories that explain how industry uses government agencies to protect profits at the pain and suffering of the people they are directed by the US Congress to protect.