Do not put 20,000 Bolivians out of work

If President Bush implements his threat to remove Bolivia from the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPDEA), more than 20,000 innocent Bolivian workers may find themselves out of a job just as the president leaves his. With the global economy already reeling, Bush's plan would thrust these workers and their families into unemployment in South America's most impoverished nation.

The victims of President Bush’s move will be women and and men who eke out modest livings as weavers, jewelry-makers and carpenters, creating products for U.S. markets. Regardless of whatever disputes the U.S. government may have with President Morales, it certainly has more reasonable ways of addressing them than putting innocent people out of work, especially in a moment when the world needs all the honest economic exchange it can come by.

The Democracy Center, based in Cochabamba, Bolivia, has begun this petition to give people an opportunity to speak out against President Bush's plan. On October 31 we will present the petition, including the names of all who sign it, as part of our formal comments to the Bush administration, as allowed under U.S. law. Sign it now!

VOICES FROM LATIN AMERICA

Voices from Latin America, is a campaign that seeks to bring Latin American perspectives into the U.S. debate. www.democracyctr.org/voices

Betchel Water Action

Sharing stories of solidarity

Coca Leaves to Obama

During the NH primary, Coca leaves were presented to Obama as a way to say that relationship between Bolivia and the US needs to be based on respect and Bolivian sovereignty needs to be recognized.

Hillary Clinton Questioned in New Hampshire

In January, on the eve of the pivotal New Hampshire primary, a friend of ours, Tim Provencal, a former Maryknoll lay missioner in El Alto, asked Hillary Clinton a question about Bolivia at a campaign forum in Dover. You can watch his question and Senator Clinton's response by clicking on the video link above. Or, for the Spanish subtitled version, click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-eCx5zqiJE&eurl=

Welcome to Voices from Latin America!

We believe the United States can listen to the voices of people in Latin America. What our government does, what U.S. corporations do, what we do has a huge impact on real people around the world. This is particularly true of our neighbors right next door, in Latin America. That's why we, and our government, need to listen to what those neighbors have to say.

We believe that there is a new awakening in the United States. People across the country are beginning to learn more about and take action on our foreign policy. Educate yourself about realities of how US foreign policy affects people in Latin American. Use the testimonials here to advocate policies that are more just, fair and reasonable. The demand for change must come from the American people, and citizen participation in this election is crucial.

We believe that YOUR demand can shift the positions that our elected officials take. We need YOU to take action for strong leadership roles on issues of economic justice and a new relationship with Latin America (immigration, trade and the war on drugs).

This is the moment to get involved:

• Watch and read the Voices testimonials and share them with your neighbors (link)
• Ask questions of the candidates.
  
• Take it to the press - write a letter to the editor.
• This is your movement too. What skills, talents, and creative energy can you bring to it? See some successful actions that have been taken. Get inspired by stories of successful U.S.-Latin American activism.
  

Finally, if you are already active on Latin American policy, please tell us! We would love to get the word out about your efforts. Thanks!