Life swapping: Why AFL-CIO opposes Colombian free trade

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/opinion/84546.php

Published: 05.07.2008
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: THE ECONOMY'S WOES

REBEKAH FRIEND
We are in a recession and all signs indicate things will only get worse.

So what does President Bush insist upon? A "free trade agreement" with a country notorious for rampant human rights and workers' rights abuses.

Never mind that the Bush trade agenda contributed to a trade deficit of $712 billion in 2007.

Never mind the loss of 3 million U.S. manufacturing jobs during the Bush presidency.

Never mind that we are losing ground in advanced technology products, autos, even aerospace.

But the Colombia Free Trade Agreement is about more than the failed policies of the past. The issue is murder - the coldblooded murder of 39 trade unionists in Colombia last year alone, 17 already this year.

The killings are often brutal, meant to intimidate the entire citizenry. Thirty stab wounds. An acid-drenched face.

FULL story at link.