A National Call for People to reflect on whether CAFTA Measures up to Principles of Just Trade

From the US Interfaith Trade Justice Campaign (Trade Serving People-Not People Serving Trade)

On June 23, a year after signing, the White House finally sent to Congress the implementing legislation for a U.S. free trade agreement with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic (DR-CAFTA).  The Central America Free Trade Agreement passed in the Senate on June 30th with a nine vote margin (54-45).  For CAFTA to be enacted or defeated, it must now be voted on in the House between July 12th and 29th.

The overall situation for the people in Central America and the Dominican Republic is characterized by high levels of poverty and a growing gap between the rich and poor – a gap that is also widening in the U.S.  Trade is vitally important to the development of these countries. However, a recent joint statement of Central American and U.S. Catholic Bishops observed that trade is about more than economics; it is about people’s lives and livelihoods.  The trade rules that make up the CAFTA severely limits the ability of these countries to use the very tools that the U.S. used in the past (and still uses) to build and maintain our competitive economy.  Today, as citizens of one of the richest and most powerful nations, Americans have a responsibility to participate in our democracy and use their influence on national leaders to pressure for changes to the current model of trade agreements between the U.S. and poor countries in the Global South to ensure they adhere to principles of just trade.   

This is our last chance to stop CAFTA.  If you feel moved to do something today, speak to your Representative in Congress now. Call the House Switchboard Toll free at 1-866-340-9281 (being provided as a service by the United Steelworkers) or (202) 224-3121 Ask to speak to the trade staffer, chief of staff, or legislative director. Share with them that you believe a different trade agreement is possible, one that puts the needs of the poorest people, and the right to food, shelter, healthcare and education in priority over adherence to a particular trade model. Urge them to stand up for trade justice by voting No to CAFTA in Congress.

You can make a difference: CAFTA is not a done deal. Rather, now is the time for people of all faiths– however expressed – to utilize the resources provided in this campaign to reflect on how CAFTA may not measure up to principles of just trade. We hope you will take political action. 

For More Information Contact:
U.S. Interfaith Trade Justice Campaign
1225 Otis St. NE, Washington, DC 20012
Phone: 202.635.2757 E-mail: info@tradejusticeusa.org

www.tradejusticeusa.org

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