Can Rumsfeld Defend Himself Against Aspartame Lawsuit?

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http://www.mercola.com/2005/jan/12/rumsfeld_aspartame.htm

 

Can Rumsfeld " Defend " Himself Against Aspartame Lawsuit?

 

Much controversy has surrounded the issue of whether or not the

artificial sweetener aspartame is safe for consumption. However, the

hot debate has reached an all-time high, as a $350-million

class-action lawsuit has been filed in order to prove how deadly

aspartame consumption truly is to the human body.

 

Also included in the lawsuit is the central role played by Donald

Rumsfeld, current United States Secretary of Defense, in helping to

get aspartame approved through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Plaintiffs claim that, despite objections of numerous FDA health

researchers and negative studies, Rumsfeld used his political power

and influence to get aspartame approved by the FDA.

 

Those charged in the lawsuit are being accused of knowingly using the

neurotoxic aspartame as a sugar substitute in the manufacture of

Equal, while fully aware that consumption of it could lead to a

plethora of health problems.

 

" Unsweetened " Health Problems Linked to Aspartame

 

* Death

* Arthritis

* Brain cancer

* Memory loss

* Hearing loss

* Hypertension

* Abdominal pain

* Headache/Migraines

 

According to the affidavit, the doctor directing the studies -- which

showed conclusive evidence that the artificial sweetener caused

critical health problems and even death -- has been missing since

aspartame's approval in 1984. All records of the studies, including

filed notes and/or translations, have been destroyed.

 

Defendants stand firm in their belief that aspartame consumption is

not harmful to humans.

 

The artificial sweetener can be found in more than 5,000 food products

and all diet soft drinks sold in the United States.

 

News Target Network December 27, 2004

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

You may recall my lengthy comment regarding Secretary of Defense

Donald Rumsfeld's latest " tap dance " in front of U.S. soldiers in Iraq

and the media over the lack of proper armament. Now you've learned

that Rumsfeld was the same " political heavyweight hired to get

aspartame approved some two decades ago.

 

What a prescription for disaster.

 

Aspartame was successfully kept off the market for over ten years

prior to GD Searle hiring Donald Rumsfeld as their CEO. Shortly after

he was hired aspartame became approved through an unbelievable

conflict of interest. Several FDA commissioners that voted against

approving aspartame were replaced by those that voted for it and got

it approved. Shortly after aspartame approval these FDA commissioners

were given cushy jobs with quarter million dollar salaries as a reward

for their help.

 

This is criminal behavior of the first magnitude and these individuals

and Searle have never been punished. Having Donald Rumsfeld grease the

wheels was likely a major reason this was allowed to occur.

 

This artificial sweetener is 180 to 200 times sweeter than the refined

sugar it is meant to replace, though is known to erode intelligence

and affect short-term memory. In addition, about 70 percent of the

population suffers from an excess of insulin, which is often marked by

excess weight, high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol --

nearly all of these people would benefit from avoiding ANY sweeteners,

including aspartame and sucralose.

 

Thus, a great way for anyone to satisfy their sweet tooth NATURALLY is

with stevia -- a healthy alternative to sugar.

 

Unlike aspartame and other artificial sweeteners that have been cited

for dangerous toxicities, stevia is a natural alternative that's ideal

for diabetics, those watching their weight and anyone interested in

maintaining their health by avoiding sugar. Stevia can be used in

appetizers, beverages, soups, salads, vegetables, desserts --

virtually anything! It is, hands down, the best alternative to sugar

you will ever taste.

 

WARNING: I want to emphasize, however, that if you have insulin

issues, I recommend that you avoid sweeteners all together including

stevia, as they all can worsen the problem. But for everyone else, if

you are going to sweeten your foods and beverages anyway, I strongly

encourage you to do so with stevia.

 

And, since more than 5,000 products contain aspartame as a sweetener,

it is certainly in your best interest, as well as that of your

family's health, to read the labels of any processed food you're

concerned about.

 

If you are interested in learning more about Rumsfeld's role in

bringing aspartame to America (and damaging the health of millions), I

could not urge you more strongly to read my recent interview with

filmmaker Cori Brackett who made the outstanding documentary Sweet Misery.

 

If you, or someone you know and love, drinks diet soda or consumes

aspartame in any form, then this video is an absolute must-see for you.

 

Related Articles:

 

Aspartame Disease: An FDA-Approved Epidemic

 

Aspartame -- History of Fraud and Deception

 

Aspartame: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You

 

Aspartame Can Harm Your Health

 

Aspartame -- Avoid It