Converge Against the FTAA!

The FTAA is a free trade agreement about to be negotiated by various world leaders and business interests without the input of any of us, the people affected. Although its content is largely being kept a secret, it is expected to be much like NAFTA except affecting the entire western hemisphere. After NAFTA was instituted there was massive loss of jobs in both the U.S. and Mexico and the wages and work conditions got worse. The FTAA would also allow corporations to sue countries that have any laws that restrict trade. This includes environmental protection laws. Another major effect is on AIDS patients in the third world who are now being treated with cheaper versions of the drugs they would never otherwise be able to afford. With the increased power given to big companies, pharmaceutical companies will copyright these drugs and prevent countries from producing their own affordable versions. There are many other results the FTAA. It affects everybody!
On April 19-22 the negotiation of this agreement in Quebec will be met with massive protests. We will be having our own Midwest convergence and rally in solidarity in Kansas City MO. There will be free food, housing, workshops and discussions. We'll be talking about new ways of resistance and living our lives the way we want to. Converge at The Next Space, 512 E. 18th St. KCMO all weekend. Rally/protest at Volker Park, 47th and Oak in KCMO on Saturday the 21st from noon to 4. A caravan to the rally will be leaving Lawrence from the Mass St. Dillons, meeting at 10:30 that morning. Come make a change, confront the things that keep you down, take back control over your life and your world.

Corinna Kimball-Brown, draiad@aol.com