No to Colombia Pact

This letter to the editor was printed in the Herald Sun in response to this article:
http://www.heraldsun.com/opinion/hsedits/56-945553.cfm

In the article "Yes to Colombia pact," the writer refers to Colombia as an ally and friend. Others have seen a different side. While I agree that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) provides an opportunity for the United States, we differ on what that opportunity is.

The standstill on the FTA gives us a chance to examine who wins and who loses with these agreements and gives us an opportunity to put pressure on Colombia to engage in democratic practices. Colombia has, for the past decade, held the infamous title of being the worst place to be a union leader.

Those who have reservations about this trade agreement and other policies are treated as guerrilla sympathizers. Shortly after accusations are made, paramilitary death squads threaten and in many cases assassinate the accused.

It's a recurring story. In fact, in the past few weeks a wave of killings has engulfed union leaders, yet again. Even more disconcerting is the fact that today more than 60 members of the Colombian congress are in jail because of their ties to these squads.

As for more markets for American goods, the American public knows all too well the results of NAFTA on jobs in sectors of the U.S. market. Trade assistance for those unemployed by these agreements here in the U.S. has increased, not decreased.

NATALIA CARDONA
PhiladelphiaMay 1, 2008