Re: Monsanto?!
 

I have no issue whatsoever with GMOs in general, but I have a serious problem with some of the things we're GMing Os to do--like produce systemic neonicotinoid pesticides that are toxic to honeybees.

It's very hard to get a handle on what is and isn't true in this regard, though, because it's basically impossible to find anything from an unbiased source.

Re: Monsanto?!
 

Can you point us to more information on this? The only lawsuit I'm aware of that sounds like that was actually brought by farmers against Monsanto: http://www.osgata.org/osgata-et-al-v-monsanto/

Re: Monsanto?!
 

Probably the Schmeiser case, where every court involved found Schmeiser's story to be false.

I'm not a big fan of some of what Monsanto is doing, but they're not boogeymen.

If we want a real kerfuffle, let's get the Koch brothers and George Soros to sponsor FIRST!

Re: Monsanto?!
 

I don't really see the point in arguing ethics here. There are a lot of people who could question the ethics of a bunch of defense contractors sponsoring teams and events, but I don't see that happening on here. At the end of the day, does it really matter if they support our organization or not? You don't have to reciprocate that support if you don't like the corporation, so I don't see an issue.

Re: Monsanto?!
 

Charles Ponzi.

Re: Monsanto?!
 

Pretty sure some Koch companies already do. Specifically Georgia-Pacific and Molex (in some way, shape, or form). :)

Re: Monsanto?!
 

I know. :D

Re: Monsanto?!
 

That was neither corn nor accidental. If it's what Stephen was alluding to, he's contributing (intentionally or not) to the distortion of fact that surrounds most "discussions" of Monsanto.

Stephen, what was your project about?

Re: Monsanto?!
 

Would anyone in this thread object if Nestle sponsored FIRST?

How about Apple?

Re: Monsanto?!
 

The sponsors' advertising is on the robot.

Speaking of ethics or lack there of, are there any teams sponsored by big banks that took the bail out?

If so, the teams potentially have many of my friend's and my own money towards sponsorship of their team. You are welcome; however, I'm never going to be able to retire due to what happened (as far as I'm concerned, the big bank owes me somewhere between 75 to 85k).

Re: Monsanto?!
 

The Kochs and Soros have created value along the way. Ponzi played a negative sum marketing game to perfection, for a while. Ponzi's successors live on today at the highest levels in the current political system in the USA.

Re: Monsanto?!
 

Hmm, lets nuke Michigan FIRST & more in middle America by banning support from Gettlefinger Motors and Fiat (oops, sorry, Chrysler).

And teams supported by NASA (and perhaps related, but not directly government organizations like the JPL) sponsorship are directly (ie without other non-political societal constraints on disbursement of the common weal) supported by the citizens of the United States. Should every resident involved in FIRST be an equal recipient of the largess of the US government? Our elected representatives are playing pretty loose with all of our money, in many ways. In practice, the 14th Amendment can be pretty nasty when it comes to pork.

You want purity of essence? Say hello to a $@#$@#$@#$@# fine team, Caution!

Re: Monsanto?!
 

Alright, what if a cigarette company started sponsoring FIRST? I would contend that FIRST shouldn't let cigarette advertising into FRC events even if it means turning down equally green money.

I don't think we should get too up in arms about Monsanto sponsoring FIRST (although I don't support their business practices/patent litigation).

Re: Monsanto?!
 

I think we should stop listing all of the businesses that should get turned down by FIRST. It is FIRST's responsibility to decide whether or not something is appropriate. If they feel like a sponsor is a bad influence to the students then I am positive they will act.

Re: Monsanto?!
 

Yes, that was my point, but poorly said. I should have said, "probably a distortion of...."