Letter to the New York Times Editor from Bishop Wenski on Global Trade Talks, June 30, 2006

June 30, 2006

New York Times

To the Editor:

Re: “Clock is Ticking on Global Trade Talks” (Business, June 28)

An abandoned or incomplete Doha trade round could further jeopardize the world’s poor and hungry. Current negotiations are hampered by lingering anger over past talks and fears about the future. These have to be overcome.

Real reform is necessary if the world is to address inequities for poor countries struggling to compete in a trade system often stacked against them. The poor have been left largely empty handed before and would pay the cost of failure most of all. Meanwhile, rich countries find themselves threatened by emerging economic forces. As pastors concerned about human life and dignity, US Catholic Bishops urge leaders to focus on trade’s impact on the poor of the world.

Political and moral leadership are needed now. The Doha round was launched just months after the September 11 attacks and was intended to focus on development. The world came together and decided to try to make trade work for the “least among us.” As we approach the fifth anniversary of 9/11, global poverty is still a scandal and a threat to peace and security. Trade that is both fair and free can help address this. No country should try to face these challenges alone.

Putting the common good above special interests takes political imagination and courage and merits the support of the US Congress. With a just trading system poor countries can become more productive players in our global economy. Without this, half the world’s people will continue to languish in poverty.

Sincerely yours,

Bishop Thomas G. Wenski
Bishop of Orlando
Chairman, Committee on International Policy

letter-to-the-editor-of-new-york-times-by-bishop-wenski-on-global-trade-talks-2006-06-30.pdf