Such a change has already happened in Latin America, where a progressive vision around trade has emerged in miniature form. A bloc of countries in Latin America have formed a trade agreement (ALBA), based on the principles of social welfare, bartering, and mutual economic aide -- concepts that lie outside of the limits of capitalism. Because these Latin American countries are still semi or majority capitalistic, they cannot arrange agreements that are wholly cooperative, but their example shows what is possible on a small scale.
Achieving a similar policy in the U.S. will first
require the abandonment of the corporate-dominated two party capitalist
system, and its replacement by an organization that is able to pursue
the interests of workers. Such a party can only come into existence
through a struggle that involves organized labor, community
organizations, students, and all those interested in fighting for
social justice.
Shamus Cooke is a social service worker, trade unionist, and writer for Workers Action (www.workerscompass.org). He can be reached at shamuscook@yahoo.com
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