Stevia, a plant once banned and confiscated in the U.S. during the 80’s & 90’s because it had non-toxic and sweet-tasting leaves, has a story all its own. Even Stevia’s own printed story was at one time seized by the FDA in Dallas with the intent to burn the publications.

 

 

For me, the story of Stevia begins at the time of the Ford Administration during the early 70’s, shortly after Ford pardoned Nixon for his crimes. Donald Rumsfeld is the Secretary of Defense, while Dick Cheney serves as Chief of Staff under President Ford. Then President Carter takes office in 1977. So, where do fellows like Rumsfeld and Cheney go when they are not a part of their party’s political arena and need jobs? Cheney eventually becomes CEO of Haliburton (a billion dollar defense contracting firm). For the first time in 20 years Donald Rumsfeld moves into the private sector. He takes the CEO position of G.D. Searle in 1977. (PBS Rumsfeld’s War)

 

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