L. F. Thomay (Letters, Nov. 7) suggests that anti-FTAA protesters should stick to their studies in order to better serve their community. Citing Mexican President Vincent Fox's determined efforts to create a more integrated continent similar to the EU as a positive step, Mr. Thomay dismisses the protesters' efforts as "mindless negativism." What he fails to realize is that the majority of the protesters would like nothing more than an EU-style hemisphere, but unfortunately, the FTAA offers nothing of the sort, hence the protesters' slogan "Another world is possible."
Were the FTAA less about corporate profits taking precedence over the environment, human rights and social responsibility, perhaps the students would have reason to support it. As it stands, the FTAA offers none of the freedom of movement and employment, access to foreign social systems, integrated borderless security, common currency, distribution of wealth or all-encompassing courts of law that are the hallmarks of the EU's success. Rather, it has driven the cost of education up, eroded our social system and generally put our country at risk.
Were our politicians serious about creating a fair FTAA, and not one focussed on corporate profits, I am certain they would have the support of the students. Unfortunately, as this is not the case, the students are left with little other option but to take to the streets. If anything, instead of dissing their efforts, Mr. Thomay should be praising them.
Donovan King
Montreal
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