Hello from Atlanta

I have just arrived in Atlanta for the first ever US Social Forum! I can feel that another world is possible and certainly get that another U.S. is necessary.

My focus at the USSF is to explore new ways of collaborating on trade both inside and outside the DC beltway as well as working to bring the linkages between trade and war to all the forums I participate in. With tens of thousands of activists converging in Atlanta, it is a prime moment in US movement building history. I am thrilled to be a part of it.

I will send daily thoughts and updates so check it out. My first task is to promote our workshop on trade and war in Colombia (see below description). If you can imagine there are 120 consecutive workshops taking place. That is some fierce competition.

Making Colombia Safe…for Investors

Thursday, June 28 from 10:30 – 12:30

Days Inn Downtown - Dogwood conference room
300 Spring St NW (between Simpson and Baker St.)

Plan Colombia has fueled the fires of the conflict in Colombia and aggravated what the UN calls the worst humanitarian crisis in the western hemisphere. In light of this disaster, the US government's daily $1.6 million outlay for the drug war in Colombia is unjustifiable.

Despite these violations and the failure of U.S. policies to reduce coca production and end the now 50 year-old conflict, the U.S. is preparing to fund Plan Colombia II and has negotiated a new free trade agreement (FTA) with Colombia.

This workshop will feature three speakers from Colombia, including
- Carlos Rosero, PCN (Colombia)
- Hector Giraldo, SINTRAOFAN (Colombia)
- German Bedoya - Coordinador Nacional Agrario (Colombia - not confirmed)

They will help us explore root causes of the conflict, economic and exploitation aspects that sustain the conflict, and how the new free trade agreement is connected to this.

Organized with Witness for Peace