profit and loss

[calbert at tiac.net]

Judy:

> Please note that there was absolutely no attack intended on the U.S.
> by this Canadian. Sorry you took it that way.

I didn't even consider it as such. In fact, I have no problem with 
ANY-ONE taking issue with US policy, it is as essential to the goal of 
problem resolution as criticizing Cuba, China, or even Canada.....


 At issue for me is the
> desire to limit what power things like NAFTA and FTAA grant
> corporations. That's all.

I see the process a little differently....I believe that rules should be negotiated, formalized and
 applied consistently by ALL parties involved. Yes, corporations will be granted certain "rights",
 but I have no beef with that because this will level the field for all, 
and will limit the ability of governments to manipulate markets in 
favor of local oligarchs and kleptocrats....btw, see the new issue of 
New York Review of Books for an article on the De Soto book. It is 
an enlightening discussion which includes this rather depressing 
factoid:

to transfer a piece of commercial property in one Asian nation takes 
the involvement of something like 50 agencies and 15 to thirty 
YEARS. there was a similarly disquieting fact about Peru....these 
nations have a lot less to fear from multi or trans nationals than they 
do from their own gov. reps......also today's Boston Globe has a 
front page story on the extraordinary corruption in the prc.....


Also, please be aware that a belittling and sarcastic tone kills
> discussion.

In spite of Jbor's surprising and valiant defence, I'll cop to the 
charge and plead extenuating circumstances. Harnessing a manic 
phase if tough enough without a pinched nerve in my neck, which 
has been causing my right arm to go numb. I'll try to do better.

> I'm heading back to V. See you there.

I too want my VLVL.....and thanks for speaking up.....


love,
cfa
> - Judy
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