For more than 40 years, Gary Null, Ph.D., an internationally recognized expert in the field of health and nutrition, has spoken out for voiceless Americans. As an advocate, Null has done extensive research and reporting on AIDS, the genetically engineered seeds of Monsanto and DuPont, discarded and forgotten American veterans, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration “war on health”, the causes and treatment for autism, hidden facts about childhood vaccination, the hijacking of the democratic process by corporations, and other important issues of our times.

Null, a Naples/New York City resident, is fearless, outspoken, direct and passionate about educating the American public. He is just as ardent about partnering with recognized and knowledgeable experts that have facts and research to support their testimony. Null has completed more than 300 investigative reports, written 70 books on healthy living and produced more than 100 full-feature documentary films and television programs on natural health, self-empowerment and the environment. He also hosts The Gary Null Show, the country’s longest-running nationally syndicated health radio talk show, heard daily on the Progressive Radio Network (PRN.fm).

Null’s latest full-length documentary, Poverty, Inc., exposes the rise of poverty in the U.S. and developing nations. “The West has positioned itself as the protagonist of development, giving rise to a vast, multibillion dollar poverty industry—the business of doing good,” says Null. “I drew from more than 200 interviews, carefully accruing engrossing, in-depth interviews with activists such as Chris Hedges, Ralph Nader, Dennis Kucinich, Robert Reich, Vandana Shiva, David Korten and others to examine the influence of corporate globalization and expose the destructive nature of our modern financial system and the social cost of predatory economic policies instituted by America’s new elite class.”

Null advises that Americans need to be aware that the War on Poverty, declared 50 years ago by President Lyndon Johnson, has been a dismal failure and that our nation is descending into developing nation status. “This is the uncomfortable side of charity that can no longer be ignored. The film challenges each of us to ask a tough question: ‘Could I be part of the problem?’” remarks Null.

He doesn’t hold back about why he thinks Americans have not protested en masse against poverty in the way that citizens in the Arab world have been civilly disobedient in large-scale demonstrations and protests demanding social justice and political freedoms. “The American public is too comfortable,” argues Null. “We have suffering. We have poverty. We have children who are hungry, but we don’t have children dying on the streets from starvation. The individuals who are promising that things will get better in this country are the very individuals who are supporting big banks and Wall Street. We’ve been lulled into a false sense that there are people who are looking out for our interest. Unfortunately, with few good exceptions, such as former U.S. Representative from Ohio Dennis Kucinich, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former U.S. Congressman Ron Paul, from Texas, the vast majority of our leaders and people in our legislature are looking out for their own interests and the interests of those who support them financially.”

Null, who views civil disobedience as a good means of protest, suggests that it can take many forms. “For example, I only eat organic and buy my food locally from a farmers’ market. When I grow my own organic produce or purchase from local sources, rather than corporatized markets, which buy their produce from commercial farms, I’m protesting. When I buy non-brand names, refuse to shop at Wal-Mart, eat at McDonalds, buy Coca Cola or processed sugar, I’m protesting. When I do not keep my money in Bank of America, but rather in a small bank that I trust, I am protesting. Protesting isn’t just about marching in the streets. We protest when we vote with our wallets, especially when we only buy products and services from socially responsible companies and divest ourselves of investments in corporations that harm the environment. When we do these things, we are registering a protest that is valid,” he says

For more information, visit GaryNull.com.

Gary Null will host a free, private screening of Poverty, Inc. in Naples on March 8. Registration is required by calling 646-926-5422.