Lynne Dodson of the Wa State Labor Council and Kathleen Ridihalgh of Sierra Club tell it like it is in a recent Seattle Times OpEd (7/26/11):  Congress should reject proposed trade agreements and insist on better policies

THE definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. This summer, insanity reigns over proposed U.S. trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama.

For more than 20 years, “free” trade agreements have systematically undermined the American economy and the middle class. The growing disparity between the “haves” and “have nots” is turning the American dream into a nightmare. It is a direct result of our failed trade policy, and it needs to stop now.

We need trade. We need trade that promotes enforceable labor rights, protection of natural resources, food security, self-determination and healthy, safe communities. Trade needs to work for people and our economy, not just for multinational corporations and investors.

Read the full Op-Ed here.

Lynne Dodson, left, is secretary-treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council. Kathleen Ridihalgh is senior organizing manager of the Sierra Club in Washington and Oregon.

Lynne Dodson of the Wa State Labor Council and Kathleen Ridihalgh of Sierra Club tell it like it is in a recent Seattle Times OpEd (7/26/11):  Congress should reject proposed trade agreements and insist on better policies

THE definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. This summer, insanity reigns over proposed U.S. trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama.

For more than 20 years, “free” trade agreements have systematically undermined the American economy and the middle class. The growing disparity between the “haves” and “have nots” is turning the American dream into a nightmare. It is a direct result of our failed trade policy, and it needs to stop now.

We need trade. We need trade that promotes enforceable labor rights, protection of natural resources, food security, self-determination and healthy, safe communities. Trade needs to work for people and our economy, not just for multinational corporations and investors.

Read the full Op-Ed here.

Lynne Dodson, left, is secretary-treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council. Kathleen Ridihalgh is senior organizing manager of the Sierra Club in Washington and Oregon.