discuss "Seal the Deal on Colombian Trade Pact"

Ratifying and legitimizing a goverment with the worse human rights record in South America will be as terrible to the US image as Guantanamo. My sincere hope is than NO trade agreement will be made with a blind eye on human rights. Furthermore, the "progress" the author mention is put into doubt since the military has been found guilty of murdering citizens and then pretending they were guerillas so it shows good on the books, putting in doubt both their records in human rights and their "progress" in the war on drugs. Passing the Trade Agreement is tantamount to put Company profit over any concern in human rights abuses.

Nick @ 2:08 PM PST, Nov 12, 2008

Instead of proposing a free trade pact with should start with a free justice pact and for example extradite to Colombia Mr. Cyrus F. Freidheim J. CEO of the Sun-Times Media Group, who as CEO of Chiquita Brands made payments to paramilitary groups in Colombia that were designated by the state department as terrorist organizations. The money was used to cut people alive using saw chains and in some cases play soccer with their heads. But hey, we got our bananas a few cents cheaper.

Carlos @ 1:38 PM PST, Nov 12, 2008

The BS assumptions of the Democrats include assuming that every labor leader killed is killed as a result of being a labor leader, when there is substantial evidence to the contrary. Furthermore, the 'labor leader death rate' has dropped precipitously. Their opposition is total politics - and his opposition to this trade deal shows what a union lapdog Obama is.

Donald @ 12:25 PM PST, Nov 12, 2008

We, colombians, are feeling safer for the first time in 40 years. We are tired of political and drug related violence. We are grateful to USA for its support. Please do not fail us. We do not want to be another forgotten ally. Uribe and his administration are our elected goverment and they have had more than 60% approval rate for more than five years. Viva Uribe, carajo.

pedro Rovetto @ 12:13 PM PST, Nov 12, 2008

I think that Colombia has made a trhutful effort to comply with every concern that has raisen in terms of human rigths.And what it's goverment as well republicans are asking for, it is not only for resources to "clean up the country" with "plan Colombia", but also for the opportunity to turn things around and make it a great source new business development. As any business person should know "There has to be an effort to understand risk, and then potential gain will come with work and opportunity.

Alex @ 10:51 AM PST, Nov 12, 2008

The only way to help impoverished people in these countries is to expand their opportunities, and the best route is through economic development. We can help them and we can help business here through free trade.

Richard @ 10:22 AM PST, Nov 12, 2008

The whole "labor leaders are in danger" argument is a total farce. Colombia has been through a civil war - labor leaders have experienced the same dangers as every other member of Colombian society, no more and no less. Uribe's administration has done more to advance human rights than any other Colombian government. Why would you punish a US ally for actually making progress on human rights? Answer: Because this is really just another excuse for US unions to avoid having to compete fairly with the rest of the world.

Jeff @ 10:14 AM PST, Nov 12, 2008

There is no evidence that human rights abuses torment labor types more than any other group. Of the 1000-odd prisoners of the FARC still in the jungle, none are labor leaders. Another reason for passage--not that this voice matters here in the U.S.--is the Colombian man in the street, who must sell a family car to buy medicines for his kids, or the plant owner who must keep wages low to pay for chemicals, parts, etc. from abroad. You want to help labor: make life easier for Colombians who have businesses.

locke @ 10:08 AM PST, Nov 12, 2008

Bravo LA Times, for setting aside your liberal bias for a few moments to advocate the benefits of free trade. This deal is a no brainer and will help the US economy at at time when we sorely need it.

Faldo @ 9:58 AM PST, Nov 12, 2008

Um, how does signing this agreement help labor leaders in Colombia? If Colombia is not protecting them now (and they are not), what would give them motivation in the future? Far from protecting labor leaders, signing the agreement legitimizes their abuse of those leaders.

Dan @ 9:22 AM PST, Nov 12, 2008

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