Jay Fenello [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] wrote: >Hi Pete, > >Get a clue! > >The previous piece referenced U.S. >democracy, not world democracy! Well, that's sorta my point, Jay. A process that would give *all* interested parties a voice in establishing rules on trade regarding environmental and labor issues would not give many of the protestors what they're after. Pat Buchanan and others seem to favor having us in the US "democratically" determine our agenda (which Buchanan assumes matches with his platform) -- and then to enact this agenda unilaterally, closing the other nations out of the discussion? "Hell, we're Americans, and we have rights, and we can do whatever we damned well please, and no global bureaucrat stooge of the multinationals is gonna tell me differently." Those on the streets in Seattle seem to assume that doing so would cause the "unenlightened" nations to recognize the benefits of civilization, change their ways, and join in with the shining, happy people holding hands. What is more likely is that the nations being hurt would retaliate with measures against *our* exports. US to India: "You don't treat your workers well enough, so I'm imposing a tariff on your textiles." India to US: "Well, you're not doing enough to open up your labor markets or reduce carbon dioxide emissions, so I'm placing a tariff on telecom equipment. Sorry, Motorola; sorry, Lucent. Ericsson and Alcatel will supply our next generation of wireless and optical networking equipment." (I wonder how receipt of a pink slip would influence a CWA or IBEW member's views on global trade...) It doesn't work if one side dictates terms and closes the other out of the discussion. You've pointed this out numerous times in the ICANN debates, so I'm puzzled why you are associating your cause with those of the Seattle protestors, many of whom seem quite eager to dictate terms on the rest of the world. The article by Robert L. Borosage says, "The struggle to civilize the global economy has just begun." Indeed. Some of those on the streets in Seattle are interested in "civilizing" the heathens in the developing world -- in the smug, condescending style of 19th century imperialism. Pete ___________________________________________________ Peter J. Farmer -- Director, Optical Communications Strategies Unlimited http://www.strategies-u.com Mountain View, CA +1 650 941-3438 (voice) +1 650 941 5120 (fax)
