Gringos Against CAFTA

UPDATE: Similar strikes occurred in Chile and Bolivia, causing the Chilean government to promise over a billion dollars to lowering gas prices, rather than more progressive solutions. The Costa Rican government is considering more creative measures.

Been traveling for work lately, and felt the recent transportation strikes in Nicaragua (which I happened to see first hand) and Guatemala warranted another post here.

As a sign of things to come, some 15,000 bus, truck, and taxi drivers went on strike in Nicaragua for nearly 2 weeks this month, blocking roads between cities and removing people by force from cars that appeared to be breaking the ban on paid transport (for example cars that seemed to have “too many” people in them).

They demanded a total freeze on the price of fuel, an impossible demand, albeit one with sincere populist appeal. In fact they are hitting at the very essence of the problems with “free trade.”
Read the rest of this entry »

A scary secret is haunting the self-proclaimed progressive governments of Latin America: public regulation to grow GDP and redistribute it is futile without structural transformations towards sustainable development, that is to say growth in the material quality of life for everyone that can continue in spite of growing populations and decreasing amounts of fossil fuels and fertile farmland.

So-called leftist governments in the region have signed on (in theory at least) to what they call a “Bolivarian Alternative” to “free trade” agreements with the US.

Many Bolivarian economists support the use of policy tools like

• tariffs
• currency controls
• progressive taxation
• subsidies for strategic local production
• public ownership of natural resources and utilities
• rational disregard for intellectual property laws
• land reforms
• strong social safety nets

All this to grow Latin American economies in the same ways that East Asian countries did following WWII. This has led to some great gains, although others have pointed out that the government of Venezuela (the most radical-talkers) seems pretty half-hearted about making the short-term sacrifices required to really make their country a successful producer of more than just raw materials. 

But what can a country like Venezuela or Ecuador design, produce, and export better than other countries? It has to be related to some neglected future need.

Read the rest of this entry »

As I predicted Saturday, CAFTA passed the referendum with 51.8% of the vote.

The official “NO” site is calling fraud, citing differences between exit polls and the final voting, and while I don’t know enough to know if there’s truth to that, I do know that (as in Mexico’s last election, also about free trade) there’s probably no way they can mobilize the public to contest the results anyway.

Amazingly, the decisive votes for “SI” came (according to La Nacion) from people who don’t usually vote at all:

• Plantation workers and their families
• Factory workers and their families
• The unemployed

So much of the “SI” campaiging was done inside big companies… imagine your boss telling you you will have no job if CAFTA doesn’t pass, that’s EXACTLY what happened all around the country. 

(Big companies support CAFTA not primarily because of free trade–which, remember, already exists–but because they see it as part of a wider “pro-business” agenda including lower taxes and elimination of public monopolies.)

While it’s no fun lose, the world has so much to learn from Costa Rica’s referendum, both positive things to copy and challenges to overcome. I believe many other countries, including countries already bound by “free trade,” will be in the future be forced to hold referendums to justify these unpopular policies.  Here’s what we need to know….
Read the rest of this entry »

“SI” dropped a few propaganda bombs yesterady, after it was too late to effectively counter their lies to the public. Front pages and TV news screamed out “the US won’t renegotiate with Costa Ricans” if they reject CAFTA, and then “the CBI (Caribbean Basin Initiative) is in danger!”  (This is the US law that allows Costa Rican exports virtually tariff-free entry into the US right now.)

Lies… the source they quoted was from the Bush administration, while Congress rather than the presidency is in charge of approving trade laws. Meanwhile, Democratic congresspeople introduced:

The U.S. and Costa Rica Trade Cooperation Act!  This bill looks like it was written by me, in other words, it’s rad.

Meanwhile, US congresspeople who visited Costa Rica (and all Gringos Against CAFTA) were absurdly smeared by the “SI” controlled media, with literally DOZENS of full paid articles, editorials, and even ads that claimed that everyone who opposes CAFTA in the US does so because they want jobs for Americans and NOT FOR FOREIGNERS!

Now this is obviously not true for us or people like Senator Sanders (who led the delegation here two weeks ago).  But it got me wondering… is that true for the average Joe back home?  Get ready for some cool findings…
Read the rest of this entry »

The march was amazing, with anywhere between 150,000 and 300,000 people taking to the streets of San Jose. (The government itself gave the lower estimates, stating that over 100,000 people were present.)

Not only was it non-violent, it was a massive party.

It was cool to see all the creativity in action. In contrast to the “YES” campaign, which is top-down and managed by PR firms, the NO marchers from every county and group had their own signs, own posters, own t-shirts, even floats, and most of them were funny, thought-provoking, and/or memorable. There was lots of stlyes of music, stand-up comics, skits, poetry, traditional foods, masks, dances, etc.

There was a lot of representation from sectors I hadn’t expected… high school students for example. I saw a lot of kids with their school t-shirts which they had written messages on.

There also seemed to be a lot of evangelical christians there, emblazoned with bible verses about social justice. Together with a group of almost 100 Catholic priests, defying their hierarchy’s call to keep silent, the religious contingent was very noticeable.

And of course, there were Presidents Bush and Arias, for whom I held the corners’ of the American flag (see above). We followed these guys as they tried to hand out US dollars to the public, and I noticed that we were written up in the Reuters article about the march as the only specific protest gimmick mentioned.

While I didn’t make or perform in the masks, I have one original contribution to highlight. It was my idea for Bush and Arias to make-out passionately, which they did, to the crowd’s great joy, every time news crews approached.

Here is an early posting of photos, more to follow, click for full-size.

Costa Rican vets from the civil war that abolished the military.

Traditional dancers.

Arias says: “I like you better when you shut up!”

Eugenio Trejos, head of CR’s technical university & chief NO CAFTA organizer.

I’ve posted past protest pictures, so this may no longer be interesting, but let me point out that this was THE LARGEST STREET PROTEST IN CENTRAL AMERICAN HISTORY, and still turned out to be totally peaceful.

Before the march, Bush was with Arias partying like he was back in his coke days.

Afterwards they were bummed out, and found solace only in eachother’s warm embrace.

The Maleku were one of several tribes to make the long trip to the capital.

Religious imagery abounded, and while there were a few actual Communists…

There were also lots of these people whose shirts said, “I’m not a Communist, I’m not bitter, I just oppose CAFTA.”

Many, many streets were filled by such “dangerous hooligans.”

These kids had some parting words for the “SI” side… it seems a PR company working for “SI” flat out stole the flag-heart that “NO” guys invented for their signs.  Now all around the country and on TV they use the stolen heart to say “My heart says YES to Cafta!”

This sign translates roughly as… “My heart says YEAH… yeah right, JACK-ASS!”

In a few days we’ll figure out whether hearts or money will be the deciding factor in the world’s first democratic, nationwide referendum on “free trade.”

More confirmation, House Majority Leader Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid confirmed to Costa Ricans that the virtually tariff-free status of their exports to the US will continue without change even if Costa Ricans vote “NO” on CAFTA next week.

Source: http://www.diarioextra.com/2007/setiembre/29/nacionales05.php

Let’s start with this Sunday (BIG DAY)  and work backwards.  Remember that most events aren’t listed here… to find out what your local “Patriotic Council” is up to, so you can contact them directly.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

TRIUMPHANT MARCH AGAINST CAFTA!!!
Read the rest of this entry »

Thousands pose for an aerial shot in Parque de la Paz, San Jose.

We’re about to go on a big campaign to contact both US and Costa Rican press… some interviews are already scheduled, but we would love the help of our readers especially back home.  Pass this site along to media outlets, especially progressive ones!  (contact us directly at info AT nocafta.org) 

There are a few good articles coming out about CAFTA and Costa Rica lately.
Read the rest of this entry »

This weekend, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Mike Michaud (D-Maine) went down to Costa Rica to let folks know that the scare tactics and the bullying are based on lies and hoaxes. According to Diario Extra:
Read the rest of this entry »

Vice President Kevin Casas was forced to resign for his authorship of a leaked memo describing the Pro-CAFTA movement’s plans to blackmail local government, exploit false fears, and in general be huge creeps about everything.

There are lots of educational events going on right now for people who want to learn more about CAFTA. The official site NOTLC.com has a good weekly calendar, we’re just going to post some highlights in English.

Read the rest of this entry »

As US tourists and expats I think we’d agree that we’ve had pretty good treatment from the US Embassy here.

It’s been pointed out to me that some of the rhetoric on our site is bordering on personal attack territory, which we should always strive to avoid.

Read the rest of this entry »

On Oct. 7, Costa Ricans will make history when they vote directly to accept or reject a proposed Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) with the US.

As “free trade” becomes the central issue in politics around the world (especially in Latin America) the referendum marks the first time that citizens themselves will decide on the future of a major deal, one that could destroy Costa Rica’s reputation as a relatively developed, peaceful, and forward thinking republic in a sea of much poorer and more chaotic nations.
Read the rest of this entry »

Fear of US revenge has cast a quieting fear over Costa Ricans. For the majority who’ve never heard the true dangers of CAFTA on TV or in papers, the false suggestion that Costa Rican exports to the US will suffer or even come to an end is causing many in the undecided camp to lean towards voting yes to ratification.

US citizens in Costa Rican and elsewhere can play a huge role in defeating that fear, supporting democracy here, and meeting lots of great people in the process!
Read the rest of this entry »

Among US citizens who know about CAFTA, it’s extremely unpopular. Even back when Republicans controlled Congress, President Bush had to threaten and bribe 15 members of his own party to get the agreement ratified by one single vote in the middle of the night, July 27, 2005.

Now that control of Congress has reversed to the Democrats, and the next president will likely be a CAFTA doubting Democrat, it’s the perfect time for Costa Ricans to make history by rejecting the text of CAFTA as written, and holding out either for a more fairly negotiated agreement or simply keeping the tariff-free status they already enjoy on almost all their exports to the US.

But why exactly is CAFTA bad for the US?
Read the rest of this entry »

Costa Rica is admired around the world as a “Green Republic,” where 1/3 of all land is protected in national parks, and over 99% of electricity comes from renewable sources. This reputation has led to large revenues from “eco-tourism,” as well as considerable local pride.

CAFTA propenents claim that the agreement contains clear language allowing governments to protect the environment without fear of corporate lawsuits, but this is false. CAFTA only recognizes as legitimate regulations that seek to control toxic substances or protect endangered species.

Not only does this put the burden of proof on underfunded local governments to prove in court that every single environmental regulation they pass was designed to minimize corporate profit loss, but more importantly, it doesn’t recognize as legitimate “environmental regulations” that go beyond that narrow scope.
Read the rest of this entry »

Recently David Esteli, Harvard-trained economist and expert in foreign investment, visited Costa Rica to encourage the “NO” movement that by rejecting this version of CAFTA Costa Ricans could become a role model for nations around the world.

The complete interview is available in Spanish on our sister site, NoTLC.org, but here are some paraphrased highlights:
Read the rest of this entry »

Wealth of the world measured in GDP.

A few issues are catalyzing public protest against CAFTA, like the future of small farmers or higher prices for medicine, however there are also deeper problems with the economic system CAFTA will enforce — problems that raise serious doubts about the ability of Costa Rica to continue it´s historically successful model of development and become one day a “developed country.”
Read the rest of this entry »

“Why is the U.S.A. building a wall [on its southern border]? If this CAFTA is for us such a magic machine of employment generation and small entrepreneurship strengthening, then the U.S.A.—with all of Central America, practically, and Mexico in free trade agreements—would have been eliminating visa requirements. They are making them more stringent, and building a wall, because the U.S.A. knows very well what’s going on here in our countries [including, in Mexico, the NAFTA-induced] disappearance of 1.3 million farm families. … In these deals, you cannot survive if you are small.”

-Otton Solis, ex-presidential candidate, leader of the Citizen Acton Party (PAC)

Not only small farmers but also small manufacturers and small vendors are at huge risk from CAFTA’s small print.
Read the rest of this entry »

US protesters get right to the point.

Costa Ricans live slightly longer than people in the US, and the biggest reason for that is because they have a universal coverage health care system, where the government buys generic medicine in bulk and encourages preventive medical checks and interventions.

CAFTA will forbid Central American public health systems from buying generic versions of a medicine for at least 5 years after a medicine is introduced. The cost of AIDS treatments, for instance, could go from a few hundreds of dollars per year per patient up to $15,000 or more.

Regulations to protect the public from toxic runoffs or workplace dangers could and would be challenged by corporations as unnecessary threats to profitability. The burden would be on the government to prove that each and every regulation was designed to minimize corporate profit losses as much as possible. Such suits have already been fought and lost by governments around the world who tried to protect their citizens’ health.

Costa Rica is a Central American nation of 4 million people, with life expectancies 10 years higher than their northern neighbors, a literacy rate 25% higher, and a per capita GDP almost three times as high. It’s famous for having protected 1/3 of its land as national parks for tourism and research, and for the peaceful, friendly nature of its people.

Read the rest of this entry »

Imperialism is the historical explanation for why most people today are extremely poor and suffer unnecessary physical hardship, while most of the rest of us are stuck doing jobs we don’t like.

Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve mentioned the kinds of stupid ads the “SI” campaign is forcing on TV and billboard viewers.

Now I’ve noticed that they’re taking out big classified ads in the employment section of newspapers, saying things like “WANTED: Young professionals for growth opportunities in leading global company,” or “WANTED: Farm workers to help bring in record harvests!” Then it lists as the requirement:

“Vote YES on CAFTA, because without it there won’t be job opportunities from exports.” (LIE!)

It’s also come to my attention that in some rural areas school administrators are forcing kids to bring home Pro-CAFTA propaganda to scare their parents with.

So, readers in Costa Rica, what other examples of Dastardly Pro-CAFTA propaganda have you come across?

(Note: Reporting in La Nacion and TV news don’t count, since those people are just doing what it takes to keep from getting fired.)

UPDATE: Thanks to the comment below for exposing the most dastardly planning of the SIs that I´ve ever seen. This is a must read!

For more analysis in English, check out briefings from the Citizens’ Trade Campaign. They break down what’s evil about CAFTA into categories, and cover problems both for Gringos and Central Americans.

Lots of American groups are still fighting CAFTA, from churches, to unions, to academics, to environmental and humanitarian advocates. Read the rest of this entry »

This is essential reading.

The US military invaded Central American countries dozens of times in the late 1800s and early 1900s, long before the word “communism” was in common use. More recenlty, the US govt. supported almost every dictator and attacked almost every reformer in the region until the end of the 20th century.
Read the rest of this entry »

This is essential reading.

Close to half of all Central Americans work in agriculture. CAFTA will eliminate (one-by-one) all tariffs on heavily subsidized and “dumped” agricultural products from the US. It won’t help Central Americans, since they mostly already export food to the US without tariffs.

President Bush has in recent years almost doubled subisides for agricultural goods geared for foreign export. The US govt. encourages the use of dumping as a way to “penetrate” foreign markets and thus destroy local agriculture before ultimately raising prices after a poor nation no longer has enough farmers to feed itself. Dumping, for example through the use of “food aid” to Colombia, led to the bankrupting of wheat farmers and the rise of cocaine production, and it’s really bumming out Costa Rican cows!

Read the rest of this entry »

The best full documentary about CAFTA is called

The most informative ad about CAFTA I’ve seen features a naked woman in the jungle (no joke) who represents Costa Rica, with her immune system being public institutions that work to keep the predatory germs of transnational capital at bay.

If you don’t mind nudity, you can watch the original uncensored version, or see the pixelated YouTube one below. The actress is a Mexican-Costa Rican who’s talked about the devastation that NAFTA caused to her birth country.

Read the rest of this entry »

Newspaper polls that once showed majority disagreement with CAFTA now claim to show that a clear majority of the population will vote to accept it as is. There’s just two little problems with these polls.

Read the rest of this entry »

The biggest anti-CAFTA site here is ConCostaRica, with a great forum and an ambitious new project: “Faces of No,” which has already got over 1,000 Costa Ricans to post their photos along with the reasons they oppose CAFTA.

There are Anti-CAFTA hotties…

Former presidential candidates and grandmas…

And take a wild guess which side the Indigenous are on…

The real question is, who supports CAFTA? There seem to be two leading figures…

President and one of CR’s richest men, Oscar Arias, who suprised protesters by joining a march sporting braided beard…

And Springfield’s own C. Montgomery Burns! He hopes to make a fortune seizing markets from public industries, and he’s spending millions in advertising and campaign donations to make Costa Rica “eeeeexcellent” for business.

While the “NOs” have dozens of documented complaints, the “SIs” are relying on a heavily fear-based campaign, with claims that “There is no alternative,” since the US government and US corporations will take “revenge” on Costa Ricans by imposing new tariffs or by leaving for neighboring countries like Nicaragua, which ratified CAFTA several months ago.

This is totally untrue, and it´s time for friends of Costa Rica, especially from the US, to play a critical role in ensuring a truly fair and informed vote.

First of all, we should remind people in Costa Rica that ALREADY 93% of their exports to the US pay no tariffs, while another 6% pay less than 3% tariffs. As the guy with the sign says, they have nothing to gain, but a lot to lose. Free trade already exists between Costa Rica and the US, but the agreement is really about changing Costa Rica’s successful model of development based on social guarantees.

Pro-CAFTA forces are basing the substance of their campaign on an imaginary threat of new tariffs and company dissertions as revenge for not accepting the current treaty as written almost entirely by US negotiators.

The tariff-free status of Costa Rican exports to the US was made permanent by the 2003 US Trade Act. (Only the tariff-free status of textile exports has an expiration date, in 2008, but Central American countries are already finding themselves unable to compete with Asia in the textile market, with tariffs or without.)

To change that the new president of the US (who historically accurate electronic futures markets are predicting with 60% certainty will be a CAFTA doubting Democrat) would have to work with a Democrat-controlled congress (also majority anti-CAFTA) to go out of their way to make specific changes that would be seen as the whole world as a purposeful act of aggression against a small, peaceful, democratic ally. Even when Republicans controlled Congress, Bush had to threaten and bribe his own partymen to vote for CAFTA, which was finally passed in Congress by one single vote at midnight.

The most important thing the people of Costa Rica need to know before they vote on CAFTA is that they have nothing to lose by saying “no,” and that we as US citizens respect them as they go door-to-door and sensibly discuss the future of their homeland.