 Washington Fair Trade Coalition Working on behalf of people and the planet for a fair global trading system |
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News & Events >> Fair Trade News May 2008 | ||||
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Fair Trade News May 2008 Newsletter of the Washington Fair Trade Coalition In this issue:
Colombia FTA - Pelosi and the delay On April 8 President Bush - ignoring massive opposition from Democrats, labor, family farm, environmental and faith organizations - introduced the Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to Congress. Fast Track rules dictate that a vote must take place within 90 legislative days. However, this was the first time in US history that a trade agreement was pushed forward without bipartisan support and without the blessing of the Speaker of the House. Reasserting Congressional power over international trade agreements, Speaker Pelosi led a vote to repeal the Fast Track deadline, which was also the first time that such rules were changed to give power back to Congress. Despite remarks by President Bush about the death of the FTA, recent reports and interviews with Speaker Pelosi have confirmed that the Colombia FTA is not dead yet. Bush is continuing to argue for its merits, as well as the political need to support Colombia - thereby asserting that things have improved sufficiently since "only" 18 unionists have been murdered so far this year. Imagine if these were instead 18 assassinated CEOs, and how likely it is that we would still be pursuing this FTA! Members of the Washington Fair Trade Coalition, in solidarity with other groups around the country, are working hard to ensure that this agreement never gets passed. Even though the vote has been postponed, it may still come up sooner than we think. Read to on find out what you can do in Washington State!
Colombia FTA - Targeted calls to Inslee requested! Groups and individuals around the country are working hard to get members of Congress to declare publicly their opposition to this flawed trade agreement. Each day seems to bring more news from Colombia about assassinations, corruption in the Government at the highest levels, and threats against those trying to bring justice (see first 4 news articles in Further Reading). It is inconceivable that we should be considering an FTA with Colombia in these circumstances! Washington State is now noteworthy in that we are the only state with a Fair Trade Coalition where no members of Congress have come out against the Colombia FTA. We need your help to tell our Representatives that this is unacceptable, and that they should publicly announce their opposition! We are organizing targeted calls, and are starting out with Rep. Jay Inslee. We are asking you to make a call (especially if you are in Inslee's district, or if you work with an organization with members in his district) from Monday, May 5 through Tuesday May 6 in particular. His phone number is below, and a sample script is copied at the end of this newsletter. Jay Inslee (ask for Nick Shipley): (202) 225-6311
Contact Stephanie Celt at the
WFTC after you make your call, so we can keep a record of the number of
calls going in. Thank you for your efforts in the fights for fair trade!
Coalition news Our coalition has been busy over the last month. One of the most noteworthy events was a special visit by Andy Gussert, Director of Citizens Trade Campaign. Andy spent several days with us taking part in events, such as giving a special presentation on trade policy news at our Board meeting. He also attended meetings with many of our member organizations and potential new members, to help us build and maintain momentum in our state. We very much enjoyed his visit and all the advice, support, and energy he brought with him. Thanks Andy! Other news from our coalition includes two new member organizations - SEIU Washington State Council, and Global Goods Partners. Rachel Berkson is joining the Board for SEIU, and Kristen Beifus is joining for Global Goods Partners - our first fair trade business member. These two bring us up to a powerful 33 member organizations! Welcome!
For Further Reading "Colombian Prosecutor Orders Arrest of Uribe Cousin"
"Plot to Kill Colombian Witness Exposed"
"Colombian Government Infiltrated by "paras" - witness"
"Colombian President Says Officials Probing His Role in Massacre"
"Public Support for Free Trade Declines" - Pew Research Center
"CAFTA Complaint Might Affect Colombia Standoff"
"AFL-CIO Files Complaint Against Guatemala for Violating Labor Chapter of DR-CAFTA"
Sample Message to Rep. Inslee Subject: Declare Opposition to Colombia Trade Agreement Hello Representative Inslee: I am calling to urge you to oppose the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that the Bush Administration sent to Congress. A majority of Democrats have already declared their opposition, and I urge you to join this majority. We should not be entering a trade deal with a country that allowed 2,500 unionists to be murdered since 1986. Every day seems to bring about more stories of violence, corruption, and disregard for the rule of law in Colombia. This agreement is different. With this level of violence against unionists, all of labor is unified in a very personal way against this particular trade pact. The situation does not seem to be improving; every day new stories of violence, assassination plots, and corruption come to light. President Uribe and his government appear to be closely involved. Small improvements are not sufficient, and it is unclear what an "acceptable level" of assassinations would be. Supporting the Colombia FTA means you stand with the Bush Administration, against both of your own presidential nominees, and against a very large majority of your collogues in the house. As a constituent, I urge you to declare your opposition to the Colombia FTA. There is no trade off for other legislation that would be acceptable in my view. The murderous history of the Colombian government is not a bargaining chip. It should be rejected outright. Please publicly announce your opposition to the Colombia FTA today, and send me a letter to let me know you will vote against this flawed trade agreement. Thank you, Your Name Your Address __________________
Additional Background
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