Hayes has devoted the past fifteen years to studying atrazine, and during that time scientists around the world have expanded on his findings, suggesting that the herbicide is associated with birth defects in humans as well as in animals. The company documents show that, while Hayes was studying atrazine, Syngenta was studying him, as he had long suspected.Although it is little reported in mainstream media, it is clear to me that scientists are increasingly coming under intimidating attacks from corporations who see their profits being impeded by the research that scientists are doing. Corporations have succeeded in infiltrating key sectors of our society--higher education, research institutes, professional organizations, and government agencies, and thus can aim a variety of weapons at scientists whose work might interfere with their pursuit of profits. Hence, many scientists shy away from doing research that conflict with industries profits; and some even sign up with corporations, serve their interests, and enjoy an easy lucrative career often by attacking scientists who are doing real, honest research. Read this piece to find out about one researcher who fought back against one corporation and the effects on his work and life.
Such reports often remind me of the early scientists such as Galileo whose work suggested that many of the Catholic Church's teachings were wrong about the Earth, and they were persecuted. Likewise it's clear that if you mess with the hierarchy in the Church of Capitalism, you will be persecuted, ostracized, and excommunicated.
The worst cases involve scientists who have published research that links fossil fuels with climate destabilization. In the eyes of this Capitalist Church, they have committed the worst sin of all by suggesting that the primary fuel for their engine of perpetual growth must be severely restricted in order to avert climate catastrophes.
