Supporters of biotechnology claim that the rider doesn't give the USDA any powers that it doesn't already have, to which Michael Hansen, senior scientist at Consumers Union, emphatically responds, "No it does not!"

Currently, he says, if a court finds that the USDA hasn't conducted a proper environmental impact assessment, or has somehow approved a new GMO without following proper procedures, their decision to halt planting stands. "But this rider allows farmer to continue planting the crops while the USDA's decisions are being challenged," says Hansen.

Which seems to be akin to an extension of the "Innocent till proven guilty" idea. Not one I agree with, but hardly a conspiracy.

As for it being an Obama inspired rider, that would be surprising if Obama's 52 Democrats managed to swing the required majority in both houses, even if the independents came on board.

Don T.

52 Democrat......46 Republican......2 Independent in the senate