The world is definitely getting crazy—even in our “free” nation of the U.S. The action we need to take as pursuers of self-sufficient lifestyles is to ask ourselves WHAT and HOW do we need to address this?
The types of messages I’m receiving from readers increases, and the craziness of it still has the ability to surprise me occasionally. The message that I’m going to share with you today is one of those.
As some back story on this, I received the following message from one of my long-time readers. She regularly shares articles, thoughts, and postings with me. This is the first time that she’s shared something personal with me though. After receiving her first message, I went on to ask her several clarifying questions. She responded generously and I’ve combined all of her information into one posting. There’s definitely a lot of head shaking content in this and while I’ve never gotten into all of this detail with a reader previously, it’s NOT the first time I’ve had this type of scenario shared with me.
CJ writes: “Just wanted to let you know, eBay purchases are being watched by the USDA. I live in the middle of nowhere and they made the drive out here to collect 6 seeds. (they said there were 10 seeds) of corn that was suppose(d) to be a possible carrier of diseases (that) we don’t have here (in the U.S.) Unfortunately (the) seeds I got (were) destroyed (by) a bad storm we got. (they) collected moisture. We were (sic) without power for 10 days.
I was left with a 2 page list (from the USDA inspectors) of what and where (it’s unlawful to import in terms of food and agriculture into the U.S., titled “APHIS FACT SHEET”. “Plant Protection and Quarantine July 2011” They have a data base online… www.aphis.usda.gov/favir/ It say(s) you can enter (a) name in the Approved (field) and if it comes up (as) ‘0’ (then that seed or item) is not allowed (in the U.S.) . Just wanted to let you know.
The seeds were from China. The eBay ad said FREE SHIPPING 10 Corn Seed Black Waxy Sweet Delicious Nat… (370731744864) 16′-24’*PERUVIAN GIANT CORN*35 seeds*RARE*#1051 (180686978516)
(I bought these in Sept 2012 and Jan. 2013!)The nearest USDA office is in Gladstone Missouri. It’s up by Kansas City, Missouri. I am in a very small town, Versailles, Missouri. It is a good 2 hour drive. He kind of gave me the creeps to be honest. He made a comment about me liking chickens. I told him they were all roosters. I just thought it was weird, and you help so many wanted you to know what was going on. I definately (sic) did not set out to break any rules, just liked the idea of so many different (sic) seeds on eBay. I clicked “add to cart” and never paid attention to where they were from until I got them. The paper (they left with me) has info that says “US Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection Enforces APHIS”. I guess if any one buys from another country you have to get a permit first. That says it’s also on their website.
These are the only corn (seeds) I purchased from eBay. Will check for where sellers are and let you know. I believe since there was such a time spread (since I made the purchase) it was the black corn bugging them. They didn’t specify (what kind of seed they were looking for).
My seller does not carry the black corn any more. I found the exact same one though. sold by “kizkingdom”. The package says melon on the bottom and they come from Hong Kong, might be why there was a problem.
I noticed that now the new seller of these seeds tells you to check for permits on them.”
As I went on to question this reader, it was made apparent that she’s shared her story with a lot of other folks who have all told her that she was simply subjected to a fake inspection. But given that the sellers on eBay have made changes to their listings and given that the inspectors specifically gave her the APHIS link information, it makes that this incident did take place. The question though is what does it have to do with you and why should you care?
With the problems with the GMO industry being granted legal amnesty and demonstrating their intent to infiltrate every possible major food source that we have in the U.S.—without 
divulging to Americans whether or not the food has been altered in any way—more and more Americans are taking up gardening in an effort to regain some control over their nutrition. While it may only be culinary herbs growing in their kitchen windows, the turn of events in our food supply is definitely bringing about some odd scenarios. While Americans are striving to ensure more control over what is in or on their food, consumers are frequently using terms such as organic and “heirloom” and “non-hybrid” produce and plants in their requests for “new” items at their grocery and gardening retailers all across the U.S. In addition, the key word search of “gardening” has increased on the web to its highest point in a decade as have the actual internet sales of gardening materials which have been out-performing the same items sold in retail gardening stores. With all of this flurry of activity, it’s only natural that the new or seasoned gardeners want to get their hands on unique seeds to give some pizzazz to their gardens.
While poisonous pesticides, ammonia, so-called “natural flavorings and “processing agents” as well as the GMO-laden franken-foods are perfectly acceptable to the USDA, they have chosen to increase their harassment of everyday citizens who may purchase a grow lamp or two. As such they’ve taken to trolling, aka spying on, online retailers and consumers to see who’s purchasing what. While a seed MAY be listed on an unlawful entry list for the U.S., the USDA, under the direction of Department of Homeland Security, has been given carte blanche and firm instructions to use valuable man power and tax dollars to troll the internet, violate privacy, and then drive 4 hours round trip in hopes of recovering 6 to 10 seeds from a consumer—without a warrant, of course, and without any burden of proof to anyone that such seeds MIGHT actually be harmful to our agricultural environment. (Yeah, and you thought it was just Europe who was criminalizing seeds). Don’t forget the whole Patriot Act which attempts to completely trample any American’s fundamental rights of freedom as it explicitly states that if you are considered as a (loosely defined) “terrorist” suspect your standard rights just disappear because “the interests of national security trump” your rights and freedoms as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Forget any right to privacy you might think you have in your internet purchases, comments, or even your expressions of freedom, patriotism, and religion. DHS has deviously labeled all of those kinds of activities as being equivalent to mainstream terrorists. When they do come to call and relieve you of your 6 (or 10) seeds, they’ll of course tell you that they don’t need a warrant—after all this is a matter of national security and may pose a risk to the entire food source for all Americans. (Yeah, kind of like GMOs, right?)
Make no mistake about it. I don’t believe for one moment that this incident occurred due to a handful of seeds. I believe that it was about sending a clear message to all Americans that these persons are perfectly willing to exercise as much power in spite of U.S. Constitution as they can get away with. These types of incidences are just dress rehearsals and/or acts of conditioning. Just like the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and Homeland Security, who threatened to classify anyone who complains about the condition of their drinking water as a person who’s engaged in terrorist activity; or how about Boston law enforcement parading private citizens out of their homes while LEOs conducted a man hunt for the alleged Boston Marathon Bombers?
Oh how I wish it wasn’t true, but I clearly see it as posturing and a threat against our everyday freedoms. Worse, I know that it’s not going away and it can’t be chalked up to a few unfortunate coincidences. What used to only happen in foreign lands is now happening right under our noses. If you look at all of the blips on the radar lately you’ll see that it’s clearly becoming more common, more egregiously offensive, and more flagrantly obvious.
So…how do you continue on in your peaceful preparedness efforts?
Get informed in your rights and freedoms first and then you must determine exactly how you intend to enforce those freedoms. When you see scenarios like I’ve highlighted in this article, you MUST mentally, and even verbally or physically rehearse what it is you plan to do in a similar scenario. Fortunately, no one physically got hurt in this encounter, but it sure as heck lays a precedent for ALL of us to be much more careful in how we transact business, how we identify ourselves to the prying eyes of Big Brother, and hopefully helps us to think twice before we shrug off ANY of these kinds of unlawful and illegal shenanigans that we see happening all the time.
Please understand that without the fundamental basis of freedom, all of our preparedness efforts are all for naught and will do little to comfort us in a time of dire need. Preparing 
without having this understanding nowadays is as dangerous as telling yourself that 365 bags of ramen noodles is a year’s supply of food. Please remember and please understand that this awareness must be a part of your peaceful preparedness efforts. “Those who want peace MUST prepare for war.” That war doesn’t need to cost a drop of blood in our day and age, but it does need to be prepared for with knowledge, spiritual and mental fortitude and practice just as intently as those who DID have to pay for freedom with their lives in those generations before us.
49 Comments
No Spam · June 27, 2013 at 2:08 pm
WHAT we need to do is to address any such intrusions on our own private property (by ANYONE without a warrant) by protecting our Natural rights granted under the Constitution’s 4th Amendment through the free exercise of our natural right to PROTECT our other rights as guaranteed by the Constitution’s 2nd Amendment. Arm yourself. Learn to handle your guns safely and comfortably. REFUSE to allow anyone without a warrant onto your property. If they don’t comply, shoot straight.
LibraryLady · June 27, 2013 at 2:11 pm
Kind of reminds me of days of yore when stevia was the big no-no. Heaven forbid we should have access to a non-caloric, non-chemical sweetener! As folks learn more about GMOs they will want less & less to do with them. Those Romanians had the right idea when they burned the test fields. The best thing gardeners can do is raise non-hybrid conventional plants and save the seed. I for one do not want Monsanto and the like in charge of the world’s food.
Charles · June 27, 2013 at 2:48 pm
Thanks
Susan Hilburn · June 27, 2013 at 3:39 pm
This is another FINE EXAMPLE of what is about to be visited on us. Most likely this was a vigorous form of corn that could be dried for seed and replanted. What the USDA doesn’t want is for us to have seed that will reproduce. Part of the Patriot Act clearly states that all foods,seeds, and any items that could be used to produce food belong to the government and thus can be confiscated at the governments discretion. I agree entirely with you this is a dress rehearsal. Susan
Garth · June 28, 2013 at 3:45 am
Could you provide a section/paragraph reference where the Act states this?
Garth · June 28, 2013 at 3:52 am
I just did a quick check and the word ‘seed’ doesn’t even appear in the act. The word ‘food’ does a few times but not at all in any context you’re stating. You should check facts before posting as you are spreading urban legends.
Kellene Bishop · June 28, 2013 at 3:19 pm
Garth, you’re assuming an awful lot here, primarily that “they” actually differentiate between seeds and food AND that “they” actually CARE about the distinction.
There are far too many LEO and gov’t agencies that see The Patriot Act as the declaration of martial law that they’ve long relished.
Chevelle · July 1, 2013 at 7:25 pm
I would just like to add even if it does say food, most seeds are eatable. Loose language in many of these bills/acts is how we as a society have lost many of our freedoms/rights. It is sad but I am afraid as of now there is no end in sight.
Jerry · July 4, 2013 at 2:34 am
Susan, I hear what you are saying, but I think you are getting the Patriot Act (signed by Geo. Bush) mixed in together with the Executive Order (No. ???) signed by Mr. Obama. Obama’s executive order did state that the government can, and if necessary, will confiscate foods (including seeds), materials, equipment, and other items in case of a national emergency.
I’m sure others on this site can provide the number of the Exec. Order making that allowance for the Federal Gov.
Blessings,
Katherin Keegan · June 27, 2013 at 11:05 pm
So many have seen the writing on the wall. It sounds and feels like Germany must have in the late 1920’s. Unfortunately there really isn’t one party/person to blame (is there?). I don’t believe there was anyone pulling Hitler’s strings back then. So how did the few and rich organize to destroy the world economy so completely in so short a time? There is a short piece about fighting evil that should be remembered:
They came for those whose skin was a different color and I did nothing because it didn’t effect me. Next they came for the Jews and I did nothing because I’m not Jewish. Then they came for those whose beliefs were different than mine and I did nothing. Then they came for me and there was no one left to help/fight for me.
I don’t know if this is correct word for word but you still get the idea. Now how do we stop those who work in the shadows and the dark of night??
Connie Lacelle · July 1, 2013 at 4:58 am
Back in the ’80’s I was told by a co-worker that her grandmother was telling people it felt like it did back in Hitler’s day, and she was storing food in every nook and cranny she could find. If it felt like that then (30+ years ago) how much more it must feel now. We’re in for one rough ride!
Cheryl O. · June 27, 2013 at 11:36 pm
All I can say is find really really creative ways to store your seeds/foods so no one can take them. They must FIND them first.
John · June 28, 2013 at 3:02 am
The best way to deal with people who are intruding on your life is to develop the skills of Wolf Messing, and then use those skills when confronted by negative people.
Dale · June 28, 2013 at 3:23 am
Look up the “fake famine” in Ukraine 1932 to get a glimpse of what could happen here or anywhere. All food was taken away if people refused to join cooperative farming mandated by Stalin. Anyone found hiding food was shot! It is estimated that 10million people died slowly from starvation. This type of thing can happen when a government is too big and too powerful. I also was told (but can’t prove it) that somewhere in the Homeland Security Laws that the government can look at our gardens and if they deem them too big or too productive, they have the right to confiscate or destroy the produce and/or the garden. Do you know anything about that???
Nancy Kosling · June 28, 2013 at 4:17 am
This my introduction to your writing. I like it. Your door mat is priceless as well. I want one. Should USDA come banging on my door, “COME BACK WITH A WARRANT” makes a great intro, but instead of a judges warrant, they would expend the money to over power with paramilitary boys in black and maybe with a $1000 an hour helicopter, then sack the property, handcuff and drag me off to parts unknown. I buy several $$$ on seeds every year, put them in clear plastic shoe boxes and date the contents. I’m still in a condo which forbids growing food, so I grow herbs mixed with sweet potatoes (they flower). The rest are back ups if the country goes total control. I would call my local sheriff ASAP to show up to read the warrant or let them send them packing. Thanks for the topic. The sheriff still knows what the Constitution is. If nothing else the sheriff can report to my children that their momma is in GITMO.
L.M. Hughes · June 28, 2013 at 4:32 am
The dangers of exotic species (such as noxious weeds) overtaking native species of plants should not be taken lightly. That’s why the USDA confiscated these seeds. When we are no longer allowed to purchase organic or heirloom seeds from local farmers or U.S.-based catalogs, THEN we should be concerned. This incident is nothing more than enforcing policies that protect native species, and therefore protect people from their own ignorance. The harm of exotic species (like seeds bought from China) is the same reason that you can’t take animals & plants with you to Hawaii. If people were allowed to do this, all the species that have evolved to have no natural defenses against certain types of predators or competitive species would be wiped out, decreasing biodiversity and harming people. Decreased biodiversity and introducing foreign species into the environment is precisely why GMOs are so dangerous and a huge threat to people.
Melanie · June 29, 2013 at 12:44 am
Will they come remove the poison ivy in my trees? The government’s intrusion on our rights and the constitution have reached the point of no return. I fear that it is too late, they will do what they want, when they want. Those of us that are awake need to prep like there is no tomorrow. Thanks Kellene. Still smoke free!!!
Gracie · June 28, 2013 at 10:04 am
We were paid a USDA visit over 16 corn seeds from Thailand. A 2 hr drive for that agent.
Sue · June 28, 2013 at 1:31 pm
I was away a few days, my daughter was at my home watering my plants including a 3 year old Meyer lemon tree I bought on line 3 years before. The USDA guy confiscated it, said he could take all of them, but didn’t. He said it was from a quaranteened field in Ga. It was healthy, producing great, so signs of disease. He walked right up on my deck in the backyard to do this!!
Had I been home, he’d have a fight on his hands. He also traveled from another state to do this.
raybeardz · June 28, 2013 at 2:34 pm
Corn is one of the main Monsanto cornerstones along with Soybeans, Wheat Cotton and Rice. Gathering and storing reproducable heirloom grains from around the world is really the only way to stop Monsanto from cross open air pollinating all heirloom varieties of corn so eventually these crops will all become illegal for anyone except those with indoor greenhouses using heirloom seeds protected from their pollen (to replicate heirloom seeds) and those few who manage to protect their crops from contamination will likely be falsely accused and sued off their land using brute force – because by then there will be so few left to resist the onslaught.
My suggestion to anyone who orders seeds off ebay would be to be careful what you order and once you get a good viable heirloom seed be sure replicate it and store those and carefully grow some in indoor greenhouses every few years to maintain the rare uncontaminated breeds they are trying so hard to eradicate.
Kellene Bishop · June 28, 2013 at 3:02 pm
You make a good point about the corn connection to Monsanto (and Syngenta). Thanks.
Kellene Bishop · June 28, 2013 at 3:03 pm
Wow…just wow. Where in the flying flip are their WARRANTS???!
Kellene Bishop · June 28, 2013 at 3:09 pm
Whenever I post something like this there are always the handful who have to ignorantly insert “normalcy bias”–aka attempt to find some “normal” reason and justification for their actions. Even if I agreed wholeheartedly with your point of the USDA genuinely protecting us–which I don’t believe one iota, I just don’t understand how folks like yourself can justify this behavior in violation of our Constitutional rights! How is confiscating a seed any different from them just walking in and taking one’s home? Gold? Firearms? Etc? You just CAN’T DO THAT without a warrant, without EVIDENCE and appropriate due process to PROVE that such a problem exists.
As I pointed out in the article, which I’m not convinced you read, by the way, it’s so hypocritical for them to be concerned about seeds when they seem to have no problem purposefully poisoning and degrading our food supply. What’s your rationale for THAT?
I’m sorry to say that it’s this exact kind of warped reasoning that is very much responsible for the dilapidated state of our nation’s freedom today. Though to be fair, it’s also the apathetic who are to blame–those who know better but do nothing. I’m of the opinion that THOSE persons will actually pay a much higher price when judged by the Lord.
Kellene Bishop · June 28, 2013 at 3:11 pm
Just when did we get SO crazy that we got to a point in which some deranged villain decided that it’s OK to come up with some HOA requirement that “forbids the growing of food”? Our founding fathers are definitely mourning over that one.
I’m grateful to know that there are still SOME sheriffs who know what the constitution is AND who are willing to enforce it.
Kellene Bishop · June 28, 2013 at 3:25 pm
Ah, good reminder, Dale. Thanks. I might have to write an article on that one because you’re right, there are LOTS of great examples from that which are applicable to us today.
There most certainly IS a precedent to what you’re describing–going as far back as the man who grew wheat in his own yard for his own consumption only to have the USDA trample it. He went to court and he LOST. (Wickard v. Filburn) The problem is, he didn’t proffer a sufficient argument to win. He lost, but by the constitution he should NOT have lost because the Agriculture Adjustment Act of 1938 was NOT applicable to him as it could only have had efficacy over federal employees at the very most, but at the very least it should not have been upheld because it was unconstitutional.
Rights are innate within us as human beings. “They” are an entity; as such “they” have no rights and they have no authorities that We the People don’t specifically grant them. If I couldn’t go into my neighbor’s yard and tell them what they can and can’t grow, then it’s impossible for me to grant “them” any such authority. Unfortunately there are fewer and fewer people who are willing to take the time to get informed about the law and even less likely to enforce it in their own life if there’s ANY inconvenience involved, let alone potential for death or imprisonment. We’ve fostered a nation of cowards and communists unfortunately.
Kellene Bishop · June 28, 2013 at 3:26 pm
Good on ya!
L.M. Hughes · June 28, 2013 at 5:35 pm
I did read your entire article, and I don’t believe the USDA is, as a general policy, “genuinely protecting us,” as you assert. I do believe that it IS important to keep foreign and exotic species out of our country if it will interfere with local ecosystems, which they almost always do unless they are sterile. I just don’t believe it is anyone’s constitutional right to jeopardize entire ecosystems that all of us depend on because they want to buy and grow seeds from China instead of buying from local, responsible (organic) farmers. Has anyone had the USDA on their doorstep after buying seeds from the U.S.?? THAT’s the situation we need to worry about, if it ever happens.
Kellene Bishop · June 28, 2013 at 10:46 pm
L.M. There is a comment on here about a Meyer Lemon tree from GA being confiscated, and I have two messages in my inbox from readers sharing with me privately of seeds being confiscated that came from within the U.S.
The thing is is that I think that you’d be hard pressed to find any American that doesn’t value safety and quality of their seeds or who don’t want to be disease free in their crops. The objection and affront is how it’s ostensibly being done and the fact that there’s no reason to trust the USDA or any of the other initialed entities in the U.S. right now.
Laura · June 28, 2013 at 5:37 pm
I live in Arizona and wanted to let people know of a great organization called Native Seeds/SEARCH. They collect and maintain seed collections from old heirloom varieties particularly from native cultures. Anyone can buy their seeds and I doubt (hope) the USDA is monitoring them. It is obviously geared to the southwest but many of the seeds would probably do well in other locals. I like to support them when I can as they are doing a great service.
From their website: ” Our Nonprofit Mission – Native Seeds/SEARCH conserves, distributes and documents the adapted and diverse varieties of agricultural seeds, their wild relatives and the role these seeds play in cultures of the American Southwest and northwest Mexico. We promote the use of these ancient crops and their wild relatives by gathering, safeguarding, and distributing their seeds to farming and gardening communities. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Tucson, Arizona.”
The have many varieties of beans, corn, squash, amaranth, tomatoes, chilies and such. You can search for their website.
Kellene Bishop · June 28, 2013 at 10:44 pm
I utilize both Baker Creek Heirloom (rareseeds.com) and a few from Native Seeds. Baker Creek is equally involved in the research and conservation and they are significantly less expensive too, which is interested since they are not a non-profit. I got my gem stone corn from Native Seeds. It’s my underestanding that they have worked with Native Seeds in research projects and sharing of information. Just FYI.
John Panagos · June 28, 2013 at 6:32 pm
It was once said, show me who controls trhe money and I’ll show you who controls the government, it seems now that who controls the food is who controls the people.
suziequeue · June 29, 2013 at 12:18 am
To L.M. Hughes: We are talking about corn seeds – black corn – not “some exotic, invasive species”. No one is jeopardizing anyone by growing another variety of corn. If you want to know something about varieties of corn, the American Indians had hundreds of varieties of corn until the government “reorganized” their livestyles into a “suitable agrarian ideal”. Mexico, to this day, still grows hundreds of varieties of corn and they are having a fit over some of the American GMO corn starting to invade their native varieties. (see Buffalo Bird Woman’s Garden by Gilbert L. Wilson.
Kellene Bishop · June 29, 2013 at 4:05 am
🙂
WAY TO GO, Melanie!!! *high five* and a *Happy Dance*!!!
steveessenburg · June 29, 2013 at 5:28 pm
welcome to the new dictatorship of the NWO..and the police state of the Obambam regime
Jan · June 30, 2013 at 9:12 pm
Kellene – This makes me so crazy and I’ve heard so many stories along these lines. If the USDA was interested in protecting us, we wouldn’t have subsidized monolithic GMO crops; they would encourage heirlooms, organics, etc. If the FDA was interested in protecting us, they would be encouraging “real” food, not backing the multi-nationals that produce fast/processed/franken food. (Or drugs – how many drugs actually cure a disease? Vaccinations may prevent some, antibiotices may help with infectious diseases – the rest just maintain whatever is wrong with you, whereas real food my cure you). Just a thought: 2,996 people were killed in 9/11. 3000 people are killed annually from food poisoning. 35,000 are killed in vehicle accidents. 195,000 are killed dues to medical errors. If the government and Dept of Homeland Security was really interested in “homeland security”, they would not be investing the billions in protecting us against terrorists. They would be investing in areas that really affect us. I heard on the radio today that sales for Orwell’s “1984” has increased 7000%(!) recently. Is it any wonder. Edward Snowden is a hero. I’m just a country gal with some chickens and a garden, but I’ll bet “they” are watching me ’cause I’m not shy about expressing my opinions.
TheTruth · June 30, 2013 at 11:36 pm
Um, I got news for everyone… Government agencies no longer require a warrant or even probable cause to conduct raids, searches etc. It’s all part of the Obama regime to combat terrorism. Trouble is the people they are targeting have no connection to terrorism whatsoever.
Stealth Spaniel · July 2, 2013 at 3:33 pm
Love your doormat! You need to get some made up so we can all order! 🙂 It’s the creepieness of the whole situation that is so frightening. Did the agent know what the seeds looked like? What if this lady had simply handed him some candy corn-would he know? He had no pictures, no literature as to why and how this corn is dangerous, nothing. Creepy.
This all started a long time ago-the cawing crows known as the Supreme Court rendered the “wheat” decision trying to cozy up to Congress. How about poppies? The ones that great grandma grew were hardy, healthy, and reproductive with brilliant colored flowers. A LOT of great grandmas grew them. Then the newly formed FDA decided that because these flowers could be made into heroin, they were banned. So now the pretty bouquet on the table for supper was the devil incarnate and the US would send firepower to back up their demand. Sound familiar? I am done with the elites. Stop trying to protect me. I do a real good job discerning between right and wrong. I am sure that 98% of the public feels the same way!
Kellene Bishop · July 4, 2013 at 5:27 am
Keep in mind that Executive Orders are only applicable to Federal employees and those living in Federal Enclaves.
concerned · July 28, 2013 at 8:23 pm
I bought some non-gmo seeds on ebay, and a week later, a military helicopter flew over, and circled my house. It makes me stop and think.
Gardener and Farmer · August 5, 2013 at 12:21 am
The act of bringing these seeds from China would have been as illegal 30 years ago as it is today and for good reason. The fact is that many noxious weed in this country are not native and introduced from other countries by people or in a few cases by our government thinking that they are going to do no harm or make things better. Being self sufficient is grate I try to buy as little food from the grocery store as possible but the fact is the majority of this country population thinks that food originates from the grocery store. If these rare seeds from China poses a threat to the main stream food chain there is good reason to confiscate them. My question is if you would not be able to get the seeds threw customs at the airport why should you able to legally receive them threw UPS?
I fully realize that no one that reads personally knows me so you will have to take my word that I am a huge critic of our government and could talk for hours about the USDA’s constant overreach alone. The fact is this is the USDA doing their job. If these seeds sent to Missouri were to spread a new fungus (my guess is the fungus is the reason the seed is rare) into production corn fields in the corn belt it could be economically devastating. Not to mention the Fungicides that would be used to control it and the new GMO varieties of field corn that would developed to be resistant to it. It would seem most on this website are opposed to both so maybe if you look at it this way you may change your view point.
New to site and really enjoy it, just thought I would throw out another point of view.
Kellene Bishop · August 6, 2013 at 12:05 am
It seems to me that you’ve missed the point of the post. It has nothing to do with the seeds. It has everything to do with gov’t overreaching, use of tax dollars, the application of our freedoms and–just how did this person’s info show up in the first place. You don’t know what the seeds were. You also don’t seem to be aware that nearly 30% of the seeds sold in the big box stores now come from China, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
What your comment is doing here is the EXACT same thing that the Gov’t does presently to distract us from the fundamental principles that they are violating.
Kathryn MacDonald · August 10, 2013 at 7:30 pm
Having read…and then re-read….and then read again the original article and then the subsequent posts I see there are good, solid points being made by several folks. I had to take several deep breaths and tell myself several times to not react…just read, think, and then respond.
I do believe many are confusing the Executive Order fairly recently renewed by President Obama and the Patriot Act originated by President Bush….I am quite certain some of those confusing the two are employees of federal agencies. I am equally certain there are employees of federal/state agencies who deliberately confound the issue by using the words “Patriot Act” as an excuse for abuse of power.
While we must be vigilant in defending our rights, we must be equally vigilant that we don’t also over-reach. There are some folks who are going out of their way to break/bend/go around the laws/regulations because they are angry and want to “just show Them!” Breaking the law/getting around regulations corrodes the validity of our position and damages the reputations of the rest of us. It is becoming more difficult to make our case for governmental abuse of power when we have those who are flouting the laws/regulations the ubiquitous They claim to be merely enforcing. The greater the attack on us and our freedoms, the more crucial it becomes for us to NOT react but to respond.
Yes, the buyer violated USDA regulations in acquiring the seed in question. Yes, the law enforcement officer (local USDA agent) exceeded his/her authority in enforcing the violation. The agent was not justified in exceeding his/her authority because the buyer violated regulations, and the buyer was not justified in violating regulations because the agent exceeded his/her authority. I have seen/heard this reaction quite a lot–increasingly more so, lately– and it concerns me greatly.
This idea that since the government is exceeding its authority, then I am justified in violating laws/regulations is a very dangerous reaction, my friends. Will there come a time when we must choose between obeying the laws of man and those of a higher authority? Most certainly….it is a response of last resort. Once we have made that choice, there is no going back. I think now is the time for us to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.
Bill W. · October 8, 2013 at 2:45 pm
I had a similar experience
I had a similar experience recently, so this doesn’t appear to be an unusual event. If you are buying seeds on eBay, they’re keeping an eye on you.
http://wettingthebeds.cultivariable.com/2013/10/a-visit-from-usda.html
Chris · December 16, 2013 at 6:14 pm
It happened to me as well and
It happened to me as well and the USDA agent was quite rude. I will never buy seeds from Ebay again !!!
Preparedness Pro · April 28, 2014 at 5:53 pm
Um, something sounds amiss
In response to someone who wishes to be less obvious about his identity:
“I just finished paying a 3000.00 fine for purchasing 5 seeds on ebay. Guess what-it doesn’t matter. No one will stop the worlds genetic resources from reaching the people who need it the most. Remember the diseases they say your seeds “might” have are complete rubbish. Since this is my livelihood, I know what the seeds could or could not have. They are way off and are in the regulatory business and do not understand plants or plant diseases. That is not there job. By the way, I gave them all the seeds I had without a warrant and completely cooperated with them. Big mistake–never do that. That is why it cost me 3000.00 buckaroonies. I can get the permits, but lets be honest, it is a scrap of paper that means absolutely nothing. The seeds are fine. The regulations are not. It is completely a matter of control. “
My response:
Um, something sounds amiss here. YOU shouldn’t have had to pay a fine for purchasing them. The most they are authorized to do is abscond them. Sounds like they found a way to rape and pillage another citizen financially speaking. Grrr… Makes me so upset. The only way to stay sane when stuff like this happens is to know that someday, they are going to GET WHAT’S COMING to them and it will be MUCH harsher than what any of us might dish out because it will come to them directly by the hands of the Lord–the Ultimate Judge, Jury, and Executioner.
And by the way, yes, Freedom Restoration 101 says NEVER give them anything that they don’t have a warrant to receive and NEVER rely on any promises they provide and NEVER believe them when they are trying to “negotiate.” They–all of them–are TRAINED to lie and manipulate regardless of whether or not “they” are good people or not.
joseph l Morehouse · May 31, 2014 at 11:04 pm
I bought some rice seeds from
I bought some rice seeds from Canada on E bay and 2 months later I had a agent coming to my house took my seeds .
Well , I bought some cotton seeds from E bay and they took them as while now I been told this is a second offense and a investigator is coming to talk to me and I my be fined.I live in part of the country cotton isn’t grown – I was going to grow it for fun .
I should check to see where these seeds came from – I didn’t think that 20 seeds were the end of the world.
I tried to get a permit a couple days ago but the web site is screwed up and I called the 1- 800 number and I got a recording – no help.
Preparedness Pro · June 1, 2014 at 3:37 am
I believe the lesson to be
I believe the lesson to be learned here is “stop buying seeds from e-bay”.
Stephanie · October 10, 2014 at 8:03 pm
I’m sure people/companies
I’m sure people/companies didn’t like customs messing with them when they were importing the lead poison toys and canine killing dog food from China. None of those people responsible for bringing that in knew there was lead paint on the toys or poisoned ingredients in the dog food.
When kids got sick and the dogs died there was an uproar from the PEOPLE about the governments lack of oversight in preventing these products from getting into the market.
Same scenario here folks. The oversight by the government is to try to prevent damage and harm to a system or the citizens who use that system.
Preparedness Pro · October 11, 2014 at 4:12 am
Yeah, and they love it when
Yeah, and they love it when folks like yourself actually think that they are doing all of that as a service to the people. The reality is, the government only focuses on what THEY want to focus on. They have become a law unto themselves and they OVERREACH. Let’s also not forget that it’s OUR MONEY that they are spending so recklessly and with wanton imprudence. They pull stunts like these to scare the people, and to spend money so that they can “show” how they need so much more money so that they can be justified in raising taxes. When you get tired of paying your taxes, read this article again and let me know you feel.
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