Bart Stupak: “The late Pope John Paul said, ``If globalization is ruled merely by the laws of the market applied to suit the powerful…”

“The late Pope John Paul said, ``If globalization is ruled merely by the laws of the market applied to suit the powerful, the consequences cannot be but negative.'' I agree with the late Pope John Paul. Trade is more than just economics. It's about peoples' lives and livelihoods. Our economic policies should create the rising tide that lifts all boats. Each decision we make must take into account the welfare and dignity of all people, but especially the poor and vulnerable who struggle daily to support themselves and their families. When CAFTA is viewed through this moral framework, it is clear the agreement does not pass muster. That is why Pax Christi, Catholics for Faithful Citizenship and 34 other organizations (attached) of faith oppose CAFTA. If this agreement is enacted, the poor will get poorer and the rich will get richer. The consequences of CAFTA will be felt by people throughout the Northern hemisphere--from the Michigan sugarbeet farmer trying to put food on the table for his family to the poor Dominican laborer in need of basic medicines. The developing countries affected by CAFTA have an enormous need for better access to medication. Despite these compelling health needs, CAFTA would undermine their access to affordable medicine and potentially give billions of dollars worth of patent protections to drug companies. Closer to home, the sugarbeet farmers in Michigan will be forced off their farms as the price of sugar plummets.…”