Indy Media Watch

Atlanta Indymedia is running yet another mutation of an article which started as an anti-genetically modified food and has since evolved.

The original article points to the EPA's draft rule for "Protections for Subjects in Human Research " in relation to intentional dosing of humans for testing pesticides. It states:

"The IRB (Independent Review Board) shall determine that adequate provisions are made for soliciting the assent of the children, when in the judgment of the IRB the children are capable of providing assent...If the IRB determines that the capability of some or all of the children is so limited that they cannot reasonably be consulted, the assent of the children is not a necessary condition for proceeding with the research

There are however other conditions. The Organic Consumers Association incorrectly (as far as I can see) infer from this that:

Under this clause, a mentally handicapped child or infant orphan could be tested on without assent. This violates the Nuremberg Code, an international treaty that mandates assent of test subjects is "absolutely essential," and that the test subject must have "legal capacity to give consent" and must be "so situated as to exercise free power of choice." This loophole in the rule must be completely removed

Reading all of the EPA document, it's fairly easy to conclude that the aims are good and it's ultimately not a major deal. That is, until Indymedia put their spin on it:

USA is planning to test Dangerous Chemicals and Drugs on Orphans and innocent Children worldwide.

Stop the cruel Atrocities on Defenseless children.

Just say NO to Bush Gestapo.
USA industry and global corporate Pirates put profits ahead of children's welfare.

A new rule will allow government and industry scientists to treat Defenseless Children as human guinea pigs in Dangerous chemical experiments

Try to remain calm...

My favourite bit however, is this genuine (100%) quote from the Bible

Do not let the Blood Thirsty Americans torture and Butcher another child. Isaiah 1:17, Isaiah 10:1-2

The hyperbole gets better:

Stop the American Cannibals from carrying out Atrocities and destroying Helpless people.

American Cannibals? Hang on... They were only talking about poisoning, torturing and butchering the defenceless children. You mean now we have to eat them as well? I already told you. I only eat pesticide-free children.

Please prevent the Evil American Economic Vampires from sucking the life blood out of our Country. Do not let our country become a whore of the global corporate pirates.

Okey dokey.