Um, I agree with you in principle, but it appears there is a flaw in your thinking. The WTO are representatives from individual nations. Are you suggesting that these nations give up their sovereignty and allow the common consumer to control them?
After watching I-695 I can only imagine the problems that would ensue if the common consumer had control over trade. We would certainly destroy 3rd world countries in pursuit of a cheaper GameBoy or T-shirt.
Perhaps you can think of a less ghastly alternative.
r.
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mattro replies:
Sounds like I put as much faith into the decision-making ability of the WTO folk as you put into the intellect of the common voter. I'd rather live with the chaos WE create for ourselves as voters than have chaos handed to me by institutions that exist solely to sustain and protect, well, billionaires and their companies. Personally, I think it's time to stop deifying these people and stop worshipping the economy like it's a religion.
At the VERY LEAST we as US citizens should have the right to vote on whether or not our nation joins a NAFTA, a GATT or a WTO. That's called "binding national referendum"... a voting feature every Western nation currently enjoys but not the US.
Mattro
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Not to say that I necessarily trust the WTO, but I know I don't trust consumers. I'm hoping for an alternative. Something along the idea of a representational government: I elect people who can think through some complicated issues on my behalf. It's unfortunate that our government does such a poor job of just that.
r.
