Reviewer12 (talk | contribs) place of birth incorrect, website incorrect, numerous corrections and updates |
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{{Infobox person |
{{Infobox person |
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| image = Jeffrey Smith.jpg |
| image = Jeffrey M Smith.jpg |
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| pix = 25 |
| pix = 25 |
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| name = Jeffrey M. Smith |
| name = Jeffrey M. Smith |
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| caption = Jeffrey M. Smith, |
| caption = Jeffrey M. Smith, dance instructor, activist and author |
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| birth_date = 1956 |
| birth_date = 1956 |
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| birth_place = [[ |
| birth_place = [[Ottumwa]], [[Iowa]], United States |
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| residence = [[Fairfield, IA]] |
| residence = [[Fairfield, IA]] |
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| nationality = [[United States|American]] |
| nationality = [[United States|American]] |
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| education = [[Maharishi University of Management|Maharishi Institute]] |
| education = [[Maharishi University of Management|Maharishi Institute]] |
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| occupation = [[ |
| occupation = [[Swing (dance)|Dance Instructor]], [[Activist|Professional Activist]], [[Author]] |
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| spouse = Andrea Vardi |
| spouse = Andrea Vardi |
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| website =http://www. |
| website =http://www.swingsmith.com<br> http://www.seedsofdeception.com |
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| subject = business-related biographical |
| subject = business-related biographical |
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| category = Biography stubs |
| category = Biography stubs |
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| name = Jeffrey M. Smith |
| name = Jeffrey M. Smith |
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'''Jeffrey M. Smith''' (born 1956) |
'''Jeffrey M. Smith''' (born 1956) is a self-published American [[author]], independent [[film producer]], professional dance instructor and former [[politician]]. He is known for his work in [[Transcendental meditation|transcendental meditation and yogic flying]], [[Swing dance|Lindy Hop swing dance]] and [[activism]] in opposition to [[Genetically modified organisms|GMOs]].<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/monsanto-petition-tells-obama-cease-fda-ties-to-monsanto/2012/01/30/gIQAA9dZcQ_blog.html Monsanto petition tells Obama: ‘Cease FDA ties to Monsanto’], Washington Post, January 30, 2012.</ref> He has authored several books and made DVDs and a movie on the perceived dangers of genetic engineering and serves on the Genetic Engineering Committee of the [[Sierra Club]] Smith ran for the U.S. Congress as a candidate for the [[Natural Law Party (United States)|Natural Law Party]], and is a frequent conference speaker at advocacy, alternative health, organic and natural products conferences. He has appeared on nationally syndicated television programs such as [[The Dr. Oz Show]].<ref>[http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/genetically-modified-foods-pt-1 Genetically Modified Pt.1], Dr. Oz Show, December 2010.</ref> Smith has no scientific or medical background.<ref>Entine, John (Oct.19 2012) [[Forbes.com]] [http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonentine/2012/10/19/malpractice-on-dr-oz-pop-health-expert-hosts-anti-gm-food-rant-scientists-push-back Malpractice On Dr.Oz: Pop Health Expert Hosts Anti-GM Food Rant; Scientists Push Back] "During the show, which was promoted as an “investigation,” Oz provided uncritical time for Jeffrey Smith, an activist with no scientific or medical background"</ref> |
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==Career== |
==Career== |
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===Natural Law Party political activism=== |
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Executive Director of the Institute for Responsible Technology, Bestselling Author and Director of the new film ''Genetic Roulette : The Gamble of our Lives'' |
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Jeffrey M. Smith is the director of the Institute for Responsible Technology and is one of the world's leading advocates against GM foods. His book Seeds of Deception is rated the number one book on the subject and has had a substantial influence on public perception and even legislation. Smith has reached tens of millions of people through hundreds of media interviews. He produced the video ''Hidden Dangers in Kids' Meals'', and also writes a popular monthly syndicated column. He is on the Genetic Engineering Committee of the Sierra Club, was the former vice president of marketing for a GMO detection laboratory, and ran for U.S. Congress in his home state of Iowa to raise public awareness of the health and environmental dangers of GM foods. [1] |
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[[File:Jeff Smith yogic dance.jpg|thumb|right|thmbnail|alte=Jeffrey M. Smith, yogic flying|Jeffrey Smith yogic flying demonstration]] |
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'''Editorial Reviews''' "When I worked at Monsanto, I warned both scientists and executives that our GM foods may cause disease, but no one was even willing to listen, let alone investigate the unpredicted side effects. For them, it was all about profit. Now our whole population is threatened by the serious dangers described in Genetic Roulette." '''--Kirk J. Azevedo, DC''' |
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Jeffrey Smith campaigned in 1996 for the Maharishi Mahesh’s [[Natural Law Party]] platform promoting transcendental meditation and yogic flying, taught and practiced at the Maharishi Institute, as a foundation for achieving world peace in politics. At campaign events in Illinois on behalf of Natural Law Party senate candidate Jim Davis, Smith provided demonstrations of [[TM-Sidhi program|yogic flying]] claiming the acts would “reduce crime and other ills.” Smith claimed. to have done yogic flying demonstrations at the U.S. Capitol, World Bank and United Nations as part of his campaign efforts in support of Natural Law Party candidates and promoting the adoption of teaching transcendental meditation in public schools.<ref>'Yogic flying,' third-party candidates promoted, Bush, Bill, The Illinois State Journal-Register (Springfield, IL), October 23, 1996.</ref> At campaign events Smith presented charts he claimed showed mass meditation and yogic flying lowered the crime rate in Washington, D.C., by 21 percent in a demonstration project.<ref>Fringe Candidate's Gimmick: `Flying' Yogis, Associated Press, October 24, 1996.</ref> |
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"Congratulations, Jeffrey Smith, for your courage. Thanks to your tireless investigations, we need wonder no longer why corporations spreading GMOs are so secretive, why they've spent hundreds of millions to keep us from even knowing which foods contain GMOs. They don't want us to examine the shoddy science, the suppressed evidence, and, most of all, the real health risks that GMOs present. Read Genetic Roulette not only to protect yourself and your family but to learn through this breath-taking story what all Americans need to do to reclaim our democracy and protect our planet." '''-- Frances Moore Lappe, author of Democracy's Edge and Diet for a Small Planet'''"I used to test for soy allergies all the time, but now that soy is genetically engineered, it is so dangerous that I tell people never to eat it--unless it says organic. Genetic Roulette tells you why you must avoid genetically engineered foods to stay healthy." '''--John H. Boyles, MD, ear, nose, and throat, and allergy specialist'''"Jeffrey Smith is the leading world expert in the understanding and communication of the health issues surrounding genetically modified foods. Genetic Roulette, which brings in original contributions by eminent scientists worldwide, makes it crystal clear that the American FDA should not be so cavalier about the potential dangers of these procedures." '''--Candace Pert, PhD, author of Molecules of Emotion and Everything You Need to Know to Feel Go(o)d and former Chief of the Section, National Institutes of Health'''"The most comprehensive, well-documented, and highly readable expos© on the serious health dangers of GM foods." '''--Samuel S. Epstein, MD, professor emeritus of Environmental Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health and chairman, Cancer Prevention Coalition''' |
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Running on a platform promoting transcendental meditation and yogic flying in 1998, Smith was the Natural Law Party candidate for [[U.S. Congress]] in Iowa’s First District. Smith received 8 percent of the vote, losing to Republican Jim Leach.<ref>IA House Contested, Associated Press, November 2, 1998.</ref> |
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"This is the authentic book on genetic modification that the world has been waiting for. . . . The case presented is absolutely a smoking shotgun that should stop in its tracks any dabbling with GM foods, whether by individual families, food companies, or indeed nations. . . . Jeffrey Smith is one of the great campaigners of our age, a relentless pursuer of the truth, a fearless advocate in the corporate world of secret influence, and a ceaseless promoter of the public interest across the world. He is the modern David against the GM Goliath. This book may well provide the sling-shot to change the global course of events this century." '''--Excerpts from the foreword by Michael Meacher, MP, former UK government environment minister''' [2] |
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Mr. Smith has counseled leaders from every continent, campaigned to end the use of genetically engineered bovine growth hormone (rbGH or rbST), and influenced the first state laws in the United States regulating GMOs. A popular keynote speaker around the globe, Mr. Smith has been described as “a life-changer”. Mr. Smith has lectured in 30 countries and has been quoted by world leaders and hundreds of media outlets including, The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC World Service, Nature, The Independent, Daily Telegraph, New Scientist, The Times (London), Associated Press, Reuters News Service, LA Times, Time Magazine and Genetic Engineering News. Mr. Smith is also a popular guest on leading radio shows and television programs, such as NPR and The Dr. Oz Show. |
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===Dance teaching=== |
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'''Former US National Institutes of Health scientist Candace Pert''' describes Jeffrey as “the leading world expert in the understanding and communication of the health issues surrounding genetically modified foods.” |
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[[File:Jeffrey Smith swing.jpg|thumb|right|thumbnail|alt=Jeffrey M. Smith, SwingSmith|Jeffrey and Andrea Smith]]With his wife Andrea Vardi, Jeffrey Smith has performed and provided instruction in swing dance under the professional name Swing Smith since 1996 teaching students at the University of Iowa<ref>U. Iowa: Is swing dancing coming or going? Depends who you ask, Reinstein, Leah, The daily Iowan (U. Iowa), January 26, 1999.</ref> and continues via the group “Lindy Fairfield” today.<ref>[http://www.facebook.com/groups/445364235566/ Lindy Fairfield], Andrea Smith, Facebook Groups, 2012.</ref> In 1999 the Smith duo founded Swingphoria, a Lindy Hop performance group, which performed around the Midwest.<ref>[http://www.eric-randall.com/swingsmith/aboutus.html About Us: Jeffrey & Andrea Smith], SwingSmith website, accessed October, 2012.</ref> |
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The Institute for Responsible Technology’s Campaign for Healthier Eating in America www.responsibletechnology.org mobilizes citizens, organizations, businesses, and the media, to achieve the tipping point of consumer rejection of genetically modified foods. |
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The Institute also informs policy makers and the public around the world about the risks and impacts of GMOs on health, environment, agriculture, the global economy, and the problems associated with current research, regulation, corporate practices, and reporting. [3] |
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===Opposition to GMO foods=== |
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The Institute publishes the free Non-GMO Shopping Guide http://www.nonGMOShoppingGuide.com to educate people about how to make healthier non-GMO choices. |
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Smith worked from 1999 – 2001 as the vice president for marketing, communications and business development for the Fairfield, IA-based GMO testing laboratory Genetic-ID. Genetic-ID was founded by John Fagan, a dean and teacher at the Maharishi Institute,<ref>[http://www.mumpress.com/health-maharishi-vedic-approach-to-health/e07.html Genetic Engineering: The Hazards], by John Fagan, Maharishi Press, 1995.</ref> with Bill Witherspoon, a Midwest organizer for the Maharishi movement,<ref>[http://www.maharishi-programmes.globalgoodnews.com/publications/books.html His Holiness Maharish Mahesh Yogi: Thirty Years Around the World], Yogi, Maharishi Mahesh, MVU Press, Netherlands, 1986.</ref><ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Galaxy-Fire-Jay-Latham/dp/1887472770 Galaxy of Fire], Latham, Jay, pp. 219-220, Sunstar Publishing LTD, September 2001.</ref> and Jay B. Marcus, an attorney representing various Maharishi vedic health and organic food business interests.<ref>[http://www.maharishi.co.uk/acatalog/Books_on_Transcendental_Meditation.html Success from Within: Discovering the Inner State the Creates Fulfillment and Business Success], Marcus, Jay b., MVU Press, Netherlands, 1990.</ref> |
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At Genetic-ID Smith traveled around the globe promoting food testing for and labeling of GMOs in food, personally asserting they were dangerous.<ref>Speaker warns U. Iowa students against genetic food, Standaert, Mike, The Daily Iowan (U.Iowa), April 21, 1999.</ref> Smith promoted Genetic-ID services to organic food companies,<ref>Press Release: Genetic ID's New GMO Tests Can Save U.S. Corn Exports to Japan; Restore Exports to Europe, Smith, Jeffrey Business Wire, March 23, 2000.</ref> governments and activists groups<ref>Sowing dissent.(Brief Article), Coghlan, Andy, New Scientist, May 27, 2000. who opposed genetically modified foods.</ref><ref>INTERVIEW-GM seed case highlights need for testing, Reuters News, Diderich, Joel, May 31, 2000.</ref> |
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Jeffrey Smith has self-published two books through Yes! Books, starting with Seeds of Deception in 2003.<ref>[http://seedsofdeception.com/seeds-book-reviews/milkweed-review/ Yes! Books reviews]</ref> Yes! Books is co-located with and a project of Jeffrey Smith’s Institute for Social Responsibility<ref>[http://www.showmelocal.com/profile.aspx?bid=10280512 Yes Books profile], Show me Local, website accessed October 2012.</ref> where he publishes and sells books, pamphlets and DVDs critical of GMOs.<ref>[http://academicsreview.org/reviewed-organizations/institute-for-responsible-technology-ifrt/ Institute for Responsible Technology & YES! Books], Academics Review, November 2012.</ref><ref>Note: Smith’s wife Andrea Vardi serves as the media contact for Yes! Books and Smith’s public appearances promoting his books.([http://www.ota.com/news/press/119.html OTA will sponsor appearance by Jeffrey Smith], Organic Trade Association press release, September 24, 2003.)</ref> |
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Jeffrey Smith is currently the executive director of the Institute for Social Responsibility, an organization he founded in 2003. According to a 2008 Reuters report, Smith’s Institute derives its income, for which he is paid a $24,000 annual salary,<ref>[http://www.guidestar.org 2010 “Coordinating Council” IRS form 990]</ref> through speakers fees, book and DVD sales and sponsor donations for his advocacy efforts.<ref>[http://uk.reuters.com/article/2008/03/07/environment-biotech-crops-activist-dc-idUKN0750723920080307 U.S. activist circles globe to fight biotech crops], Gillam, Carey, Reuters UK, March 7, 2008.</ref> From 2004-2012 the Institute was listed as the “fictitious” business name for and operated as a project of “The Coordinating Council,”<ref>[http://sos.iowa.gov/search/business/ Coordinating Council Iowa business registration # 315479], Iowa Secretary of State Business Registrations, accessed October 2012.</ref> a registered non-profit organization claiming no income or expenses from 2004-2007 and originally registered in Washington, State by nutraceutical lobbyist and health supplement salesman Craig Winters,<ref>[http://npanw.org/uploads/NPA_NW_Donation_WA_I-522.pdf Natural Products Association Northwest Donates to Washington State GMO Labeling Initiative], Natural Products Association of the Northwest press release, October 12, 2012.</ref><ref>[http://dor.wa.gov Full Spectrum Health business tax ID #601597337], Washington State Department of Revenue, January 10, 1995.</ref> as the umbrella organization for The Campaign to Label Genetically Modified Foods political ballot initiative in that state. Smith is the only listed member and sole employee for this organization. |
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The Institute for Social Responsibility was created as a stand-alone tax-exempt, non-profit arm in 2012<ref>[http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/90-0607450/institute-responsible-technology.aspx Institute for Responsible Technology profile], GuideStar, accessed September 2012.</ref> Sponsoring donors listed on his website included: Organic Valley, Joe Mercola, Natural News/Mike Adams, Eden Organic, Nutiva, Nature’s Path Organic, WestSoy, EO, Earth’s Best Organic, New Chapter Organics, Rudis Organic Bakery, Silk, and various other organic and alternative health companies. From 2011-2012 Smith, via the Institute for Responsible Technology, played a key advocacy and coordinating role for a [[Proposition 37|2012 California ballot initiative seeking to label GMOs.]]<ref>[http://www.kansascity.com/2012/10/31/3893907/safety-of-genetically-modified.html Safety of genetically modified foods is debated in California], Kansas City Star, October 31, 2012.</ref> |
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<ref>{{cite news|author=Ryan Jaslow|title=Genetically modified crops resistant to 2,4-D spur debate, calls for labeling|publisher=[[CBS News]]|date=2012-02-27|quote=The proliferation of GMOs in the country's food supply and environment is of primary importance to many, including Jeffrey Smith of The Institute for Responsible Technology.|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1181580/}}</ref> |
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==Criticism== |
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Several academics have launched campaigns<ref>[http://academicsreview.org/reviewed-individuals/jeffrey-smith/ Jeffrey Smith Profile], Academics Review website, accessed September 2012.</ref> to dissect and review Jeffrey Smith’s claims and criticize organizations and media outlets who characterize or present Smith as an "expert" source<ref>[http://www.newsreview.com/chico/interview-with-gmo-expert/content?oid=3702536 An interview with GMO expert Jeffrey M. Smith], Chico (CA) News Enterprise, September 15, 2011.</ref> on issues of biotechnology.<ref>[http://theprogessivecontrarian.wordpress.com/2012/10/02/deconstructing-jeffrey-smith-yogic-flyer-dance-teacher-and-gmo-expert/ Deconstructing Jeffrey Smith: Yogic flyer, dance teacher and GMO expert], Contrary to Popular Belief, October 2, 2012.</ref> |
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Other skeptics of Smith’s attacks on genetically modified crops have called his assertions "[[pseudoscience]]" and have generally discounted the transcendental meditation and yogic flying bases of his claims<ref name="Sagan, 1997 p16">{{Cite book|author=Sagan, Carl |title=The demon-haunted world: science as a candle in the dark |publisher=Ballantine Books |location=New York |year=1997 |page=16 |isbn=0-345-40946-9 |oclc= |doi=}}</ref><ref name=Pseudo> |
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* Carlson, Ron, Decker, Ed, [http://books.google.com/books?id=GAAoz3xRpSYC&pg=PT239&dq=maharishi+pseudoscience&hl=en&ei=YSXsTNM9xaedB-Xjjf4B&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDgQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false ''Fast Facts on False Teachings''] Harvest House Publishers, 2003 ISBN 0-7369-1214-2, ISBN 978-0-7369-1214-3 p. 254 |
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* Marvizon, Juan Carlos [http://books.google.com/books?id=Gr4snwg7iaEC&pg=PA141&dq=maharishi+pseudoscience&hl=en&ei=_yfsTLP5IpDLngf0iI3aAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCIQ6AEwADgK#v=onepage&q&f=false "Meditation"], Shermer, Michael (ed)''The Skeptic: Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience'' ABC-CLIO, 2002 ISBN 1-57607-653-9, ISBN 978-1-57607-653-8 p 141 |
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* Nanda, Meera [http://books.google.com/books?id=fX0o-k1brLgC&pg=PA232&dq=maharishi+pseudoscience&hl=en&ei=_yfsTLP5IpDLngf0iI3aAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CDwQ6AEwBjgK#v=onepage&q=maharishi%20pseudoscience&f=false "Postmodernism, Hindu Nationalism and Vedic Science", Koertge, Noretta ''Scientific Values and Civic Virtues''], Oxford University Press US, 2005 ISBN 0-19-517225-6, ISBN 978-0-19-517225-6 p 232 |
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* Kinman, John M., [http://books.google.com/books?id=34Xwp-d5dMAC&pg=PA130&dq=%22Transcendental+meditation%22+pseudoscience&hl=en&ei=ti7sTNe8EcL3nAeciqTVAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDcQ6AEwAzgK#v=onepage&q&f=false ''Of One Mind:The Collectivization of Science''] Springer, 1995 ISBN 1-56396-065-6, ISBN 978-1-56396-065-9 p 130</ref> due to the lack of quality research and a lack of [[methodological rigor]] in Smith's claims.<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Ospina MB, Bond K, Karkhaneh M, ''et al.'' |title=Meditation practices for health: state of the research |journal=Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep) |volume=|issue=155 |pages=1–263 |year=2007 |month=June |pmid=17764203 |doi= |url= |ref=harv|quote=Scientific research on meditation practices does not appear to have a common theoretical perspective and is characterized by poor methodological quality. Firm conclusions on the effects of meditation practices in healthcare cannot be drawn based on the available evidence.}}</ref> |
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==Personal life== |
==Personal life== |
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Jeffrey Smith attended school at the Maharishi Institute for Management and has been cited as an expert in yogic flying. From 1983 - 1988, as part of the Ministry of Celebration and Fulfillment, Smith studied in the business administration school's Purusha<ref>[http://www.mum.edu/pdf_yearbooks/1983.pdf Maharish's Worldwide Transcendental Medidation Movement Golden Jubilee Yearbook], Maharishi University of Management, 1983.</ref><ref>[http://www.mum.edu/pdf_yearbooks/1985-86.pdf 1985-1986 Prusha Business], pg. 40, MUM, 1986.</ref><ref>[http://www.mum.edu/pdf_yearbooks/1988.pdf Graduates],pg, 40, MUM Yearbook, 1988.</ref> program for the [[TM-Sidhi program|TM-Sidhi]] approach to advanced meditation. Smith is credited with helping form the core of the U.S. "national [[Maharishi Effect|Super Radiance]] community" with TM and yogic flying demonstrations at the U.S. Capitol, World Bank and United Nations.<ref>[http://www.purusha.org/achievements.html Purusha Achievements], Maharish International University, 1983.</ref> In 2002 Smith filed [[Chapter 7, Title 11, United States Code|Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy]] in Iowa Federal Court.<ref>Public Notice filed Jeffrey M. Smith of Fairfield, IA, Case number 02-03003-rjh7,United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Iowa, June 3, 2002.</ref> He resides in Fairfield, IA with his wife artist, jewelry maker and dance instructor Andrea Vardi (Maharishi Institute '78).<ref>[http://www.mum.edu/pdf_yearbooks/1978.pdf Undergraduates], pg. 50, MUM Yearbook, 1978.</ref> |
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Jeffrey Smith attended undergraduate school in New York and holds an MBA from the Maharishi University of Management, 1983.</ref><ref>[http://www.mum.edu/pdf_yearbooks/1985-86.pdf 1985-1986 Prusha Business], pg. 40, MUM, 1986. |
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==Bibliography== |
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===Books=== |
===Books=== |
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* {{Cite book |last=Smith |first=Jeffrey M |title= Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies About the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You're Eating|publisher=YES! Books (self published)|location=Fairfield, IA |year=2003 |isbn= 978-0-8144-1622-8}} |
* {{Cite book |last=Smith |first=Jeffrey M |title= Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies About the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You're Eating|publisher=YES! Books (self published)|location=Fairfield, IA |year=2003 |isbn= 978-0-8144-1622-8}} |
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* {{Cite book |last=Smith |first=Jeffrey M |title= Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods | YES! Books (self published)|location=Fairfield, IA |year=2007 |isbn= 978-0972966528 }} |
* {{Cite book |last=Smith |first=Jeffrey M |title= Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods | YES! Books (self published)|location=Fairfield, IA |year=2007 |isbn= 978-0972966528 }} |
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* {{Cite book |last=Smith |first=Jeffrey M |title= Hard to Swallow: The Dangers of GE Food – An International Expose |publisher=Craig Potton |location=Nelson, New Zealand |year=2003 |isbn= 978-1877333118}} |
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===Filmography=== |
===Filmography=== |
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* {{Cite movie |last=Smith |first=Jeffrey M |title= Dangers in Kids' Meals and Your Milk on Drugs —Just Say No! a DVD|studio=Institute for Responsible Technology |location=Fairfield, IA |year=2008 |ASIN= 0972966560}} |
* {{Cite movie |last=Smith |first=Jeffrey M |title= Dangers in Kids' Meals and Your Milk on Drugs —Just Say No! a DVD|studio=Institute for Responsible Technology |location=Fairfield, IA |year=2008 |ASIN= 0972966560}} |
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==References== |
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{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} |
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*[http://www.seedsofeception.com product site] |
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===Additional sources=== |
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* {{cite web | url=http://www.newsreview.com/chico/interview-with-gmo-expert/content?oid=3702536 | title=An interview with GMO expert Jeffrey M. Smith | publisher=''Chico News & Review'' | date=September 15, 2011 | accessdate=October 28, 2012 | author=LaPado-Breglia, Christine G.K.}} |
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==External links== |
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*[http://academicsreview.org Jeffrey Smith critique site] |
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*[http://www.genetic-id.com/ Genetic-ID GMO testing lab] |
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*[http://eric-randall.com/swingsmith/ Swing Smith Dance website] |
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{{Persondata |
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| DATE OF BIRTH = 1956 |
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1956 |
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| PLACE OF BIRTH = [ |
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Ottumwa]] , [[Iowa]], United States |
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| DATE OF DEATH = |
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[[Category:American activists]] |
[[Category:American activists]] |
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[[Category:Iowa politicians]] |
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[[Category:People from Fairfield, Iowa]] |
[[Category:People from Fairfield, Iowa]] |
Revision as of 20:05, 12 December 2012
Jeffrey M. Smith | |
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File:Jeffrey M Smith.jpg | |
Born | 1956 |
Nationality | American |
Education | Maharishi Institute |
Occupation(s) | Dance Instructor, Professional Activist, Author |
Spouse | Andrea Vardi |
Website | http://www.swingsmith.com http://www.seedsofdeception.com |
Jeffrey M. Smith (born 1956) is a self-published American author, independent film producer, professional dance instructor and former politician. He is known for his work in transcendental meditation and yogic flying, Lindy Hop swing dance and activism in opposition to GMOs.[1] He has authored several books and made DVDs and a movie on the perceived dangers of genetic engineering and serves on the Genetic Engineering Committee of the Sierra Club Smith ran for the U.S. Congress as a candidate for the Natural Law Party, and is a frequent conference speaker at advocacy, alternative health, organic and natural products conferences. He has appeared on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Dr. Oz Show.[2] Smith has no scientific or medical background.[3]
Career
Natural Law Party political activism
Jeffrey Smith campaigned in 1996 for the Maharishi Mahesh’s Natural Law Party platform promoting transcendental meditation and yogic flying, taught and practiced at the Maharishi Institute, as a foundation for achieving world peace in politics. At campaign events in Illinois on behalf of Natural Law Party senate candidate Jim Davis, Smith provided demonstrations of yogic flying claiming the acts would “reduce crime and other ills.” Smith claimed. to have done yogic flying demonstrations at the U.S. Capitol, World Bank and United Nations as part of his campaign efforts in support of Natural Law Party candidates and promoting the adoption of teaching transcendental meditation in public schools.[4] At campaign events Smith presented charts he claimed showed mass meditation and yogic flying lowered the crime rate in Washington, D.C., by 21 percent in a demonstration project.[5] Running on a platform promoting transcendental meditation and yogic flying in 1998, Smith was the Natural Law Party candidate for U.S. Congress in Iowa’s First District. Smith received 8 percent of the vote, losing to Republican Jim Leach.[6]
Dance teaching
With his wife Andrea Vardi, Jeffrey Smith has performed and provided instruction in swing dance under the professional name Swing Smith since 1996 teaching students at the University of Iowa[7] and continues via the group “Lindy Fairfield” today.[8] In 1999 the Smith duo founded Swingphoria, a Lindy Hop performance group, which performed around the Midwest.[9]
Opposition to GMO foods
Smith worked from 1999 – 2001 as the vice president for marketing, communications and business development for the Fairfield, IA-based GMO testing laboratory Genetic-ID. Genetic-ID was founded by John Fagan, a dean and teacher at the Maharishi Institute,[10] with Bill Witherspoon, a Midwest organizer for the Maharishi movement,[11][12] and Jay B. Marcus, an attorney representing various Maharishi vedic health and organic food business interests.[13] At Genetic-ID Smith traveled around the globe promoting food testing for and labeling of GMOs in food, personally asserting they were dangerous.[14] Smith promoted Genetic-ID services to organic food companies,[15] governments and activists groups[16][17]
Jeffrey Smith has self-published two books through Yes! Books, starting with Seeds of Deception in 2003.[18] Yes! Books is co-located with and a project of Jeffrey Smith’s Institute for Social Responsibility[19] where he publishes and sells books, pamphlets and DVDs critical of GMOs.[20][21]
Jeffrey Smith is currently the executive director of the Institute for Social Responsibility, an organization he founded in 2003. According to a 2008 Reuters report, Smith’s Institute derives its income, for which he is paid a $24,000 annual salary,[22] through speakers fees, book and DVD sales and sponsor donations for his advocacy efforts.[23] From 2004-2012 the Institute was listed as the “fictitious” business name for and operated as a project of “The Coordinating Council,”[24] a registered non-profit organization claiming no income or expenses from 2004-2007 and originally registered in Washington, State by nutraceutical lobbyist and health supplement salesman Craig Winters,[25][26] as the umbrella organization for The Campaign to Label Genetically Modified Foods political ballot initiative in that state. Smith is the only listed member and sole employee for this organization. The Institute for Social Responsibility was created as a stand-alone tax-exempt, non-profit arm in 2012[27] Sponsoring donors listed on his website included: Organic Valley, Joe Mercola, Natural News/Mike Adams, Eden Organic, Nutiva, Nature’s Path Organic, WestSoy, EO, Earth’s Best Organic, New Chapter Organics, Rudis Organic Bakery, Silk, and various other organic and alternative health companies. From 2011-2012 Smith, via the Institute for Responsible Technology, played a key advocacy and coordinating role for a 2012 California ballot initiative seeking to label GMOs.[28] [29]
Criticism
Several academics have launched campaigns[30] to dissect and review Jeffrey Smith’s claims and criticize organizations and media outlets who characterize or present Smith as an "expert" source[31] on issues of biotechnology.[32] Other skeptics of Smith’s attacks on genetically modified crops have called his assertions "pseudoscience" and have generally discounted the transcendental meditation and yogic flying bases of his claims[33][34] due to the lack of quality research and a lack of methodological rigor in Smith's claims.[35]
Personal life
Jeffrey Smith attended school at the Maharishi Institute for Management and has been cited as an expert in yogic flying. From 1983 - 1988, as part of the Ministry of Celebration and Fulfillment, Smith studied in the business administration school's Purusha[36][37][38] program for the TM-Sidhi approach to advanced meditation. Smith is credited with helping form the core of the U.S. "national Super Radiance community" with TM and yogic flying demonstrations at the U.S. Capitol, World Bank and United Nations.[39] In 2002 Smith filed Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy in Iowa Federal Court.[40] He resides in Fairfield, IA with his wife artist, jewelry maker and dance instructor Andrea Vardi (Maharishi Institute '78).[41]
Bibliography
Books
- Smith, Jeffrey M (2003). Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies About the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You're Eating. Fairfield, IA: YES! Books (self published). ISBN 978-0-8144-1622-8.
- Smith, Jeffrey M (2007). Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods. Fairfield, IA. ISBN 978-0972966528.
{{cite book}}
: Text "YES! Books (self published)" ignored (help)CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - Smith, Jeffrey M (2003). Hard to Swallow: The Dangers of GE Food – An International Expose. Nelson, New Zealand: Craig Potton. ISBN 978-1877333118.
Filmography
- Smith, Jeffrey M (2012). Genetic Roulette the Movie. Fairfield, IA. ASIN B0096DP4CG.
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References
- ^ Monsanto petition tells Obama: ‘Cease FDA ties to Monsanto’, Washington Post, January 30, 2012.
- ^ Genetically Modified Pt.1, Dr. Oz Show, December 2010.
- ^ Entine, John (Oct.19 2012) Forbes.com Malpractice On Dr.Oz: Pop Health Expert Hosts Anti-GM Food Rant; Scientists Push Back "During the show, which was promoted as an “investigation,” Oz provided uncritical time for Jeffrey Smith, an activist with no scientific or medical background"
- ^ 'Yogic flying,' third-party candidates promoted, Bush, Bill, The Illinois State Journal-Register (Springfield, IL), October 23, 1996.
- ^ Fringe Candidate's Gimmick: `Flying' Yogis, Associated Press, October 24, 1996.
- ^ IA House Contested, Associated Press, November 2, 1998.
- ^ U. Iowa: Is swing dancing coming or going? Depends who you ask, Reinstein, Leah, The daily Iowan (U. Iowa), January 26, 1999.
- ^ Lindy Fairfield, Andrea Smith, Facebook Groups, 2012.
- ^ About Us: Jeffrey & Andrea Smith, SwingSmith website, accessed October, 2012.
- ^ Genetic Engineering: The Hazards, by John Fagan, Maharishi Press, 1995.
- ^ His Holiness Maharish Mahesh Yogi: Thirty Years Around the World, Yogi, Maharishi Mahesh, MVU Press, Netherlands, 1986.
- ^ Galaxy of Fire, Latham, Jay, pp. 219-220, Sunstar Publishing LTD, September 2001.
- ^ Success from Within: Discovering the Inner State the Creates Fulfillment and Business Success, Marcus, Jay b., MVU Press, Netherlands, 1990.
- ^ Speaker warns U. Iowa students against genetic food, Standaert, Mike, The Daily Iowan (U.Iowa), April 21, 1999.
- ^ Press Release: Genetic ID's New GMO Tests Can Save U.S. Corn Exports to Japan; Restore Exports to Europe, Smith, Jeffrey Business Wire, March 23, 2000.
- ^ Sowing dissent.(Brief Article), Coghlan, Andy, New Scientist, May 27, 2000. who opposed genetically modified foods.
- ^ INTERVIEW-GM seed case highlights need for testing, Reuters News, Diderich, Joel, May 31, 2000.
- ^ Yes! Books reviews
- ^ Yes Books profile, Show me Local, website accessed October 2012.
- ^ Institute for Responsible Technology & YES! Books, Academics Review, November 2012.
- ^ Note: Smith’s wife Andrea Vardi serves as the media contact for Yes! Books and Smith’s public appearances promoting his books.(OTA will sponsor appearance by Jeffrey Smith, Organic Trade Association press release, September 24, 2003.)
- ^ 2010 “Coordinating Council” IRS form 990
- ^ U.S. activist circles globe to fight biotech crops, Gillam, Carey, Reuters UK, March 7, 2008.
- ^ Coordinating Council Iowa business registration # 315479, Iowa Secretary of State Business Registrations, accessed October 2012.
- ^ Natural Products Association Northwest Donates to Washington State GMO Labeling Initiative, Natural Products Association of the Northwest press release, October 12, 2012.
- ^ Full Spectrum Health business tax ID #601597337, Washington State Department of Revenue, January 10, 1995.
- ^ Institute for Responsible Technology profile, GuideStar, accessed September 2012.
- ^ Safety of genetically modified foods is debated in California, Kansas City Star, October 31, 2012.
- ^ Ryan Jaslow (2012-02-27). "Genetically modified crops resistant to 2,4-D spur debate, calls for labeling". CBS News.
The proliferation of GMOs in the country's food supply and environment is of primary importance to many, including Jeffrey Smith of The Institute for Responsible Technology.
- ^ Jeffrey Smith Profile, Academics Review website, accessed September 2012.
- ^ An interview with GMO expert Jeffrey M. Smith, Chico (CA) News Enterprise, September 15, 2011.
- ^ Deconstructing Jeffrey Smith: Yogic flyer, dance teacher and GMO expert, Contrary to Popular Belief, October 2, 2012.
- ^ Sagan, Carl (1997). The demon-haunted world: science as a candle in the dark. New York: Ballantine Books. p. 16. ISBN 0-345-40946-9.
- ^
- Carlson, Ron, Decker, Ed, Fast Facts on False Teachings Harvest House Publishers, 2003 ISBN 0-7369-1214-2, ISBN 978-0-7369-1214-3 p. 254
- Marvizon, Juan Carlos "Meditation", Shermer, Michael (ed)The Skeptic: Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience ABC-CLIO, 2002 ISBN 1-57607-653-9, ISBN 978-1-57607-653-8 p 141
- Nanda, Meera "Postmodernism, Hindu Nationalism and Vedic Science", Koertge, Noretta Scientific Values and Civic Virtues, Oxford University Press US, 2005 ISBN 0-19-517225-6, ISBN 978-0-19-517225-6 p 232
- Kinman, John M., Of One Mind:The Collectivization of Science Springer, 1995 ISBN 1-56396-065-6, ISBN 978-1-56396-065-9 p 130
- ^ Ospina MB, Bond K, Karkhaneh M; et al. (2007). "Meditation practices for health: state of the research". Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep) (155): 1–263. PMID 17764203.
Scientific research on meditation practices does not appear to have a common theoretical perspective and is characterized by poor methodological quality. Firm conclusions on the effects of meditation practices in healthcare cannot be drawn based on the available evidence.
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ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Maharish's Worldwide Transcendental Medidation Movement Golden Jubilee Yearbook, Maharishi University of Management, 1983.
- ^ 1985-1986 Prusha Business, pg. 40, MUM, 1986.
- ^ Graduates,pg, 40, MUM Yearbook, 1988.
- ^ Purusha Achievements, Maharish International University, 1983.
- ^ Public Notice filed Jeffrey M. Smith of Fairfield, IA, Case number 02-03003-rjh7,United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Iowa, June 3, 2002.
- ^ Undergraduates, pg. 50, MUM Yearbook, 1978.
Additional sources
- LaPado-Breglia, Christine G.K. (September 15, 2011). "An interview with GMO expert Jeffrey M. Smith". Chico News & Review. Retrieved October 28, 2012.
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