Costa Ricans protest trade with U.S

Costa Ricans protest trade with U.S
23 minutes ago

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of students and teachers opposed to a free-trade pact with the United States marched in Costa Rica's capital on Monday, while the deal itself remains bogged down in Congress.

The protesters, part of a coalition of hundreds of unions, student, environmental and community groups, said the march was a show of strength to be followed by a nation-wide strike.

Costa Rica is the only participant of the Central American Free Trade Agreement, CAFTA, not to have ratified the measure and the government hopes to have a deal passed by the end of the year.

The treaty is in Congress, slowed down by a legal battle over whether President Oscar Arias can use a fast-track system to limit debate.
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http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070227/ts_nm/costarica_cafta_dc

wrong by backing the trade agreement.

monstrosity. COsta RIca is a good progressive nation and this guy is ruining it. He is trying to privatize everything as well.

But at least we can make the approval much more difficult. ;)

I wasn't able to make it (I hate bills!), but these are a few cool photos from around the web.

Big, big crowd. Hope it gives Arias something to think about.

Very effective helmet idea on the last guy!

And even though the government spent weeks warning about road blocks and "violence", it was an organized, peaceful and joyful protest.

:hi:

Good for you guys.

:bounce: :hippie: :party: :bounce: :hippie: :party: :think: :party: :hippie: :bounce: :party: :hippie: :bounce:

Also there were marches in other cities. The San Carlos march was well attended as were others.

The Tratado Libre Comercio, TLC, (CAFTA), is not a done deal here. There was good coverage on the Nightly News and in the papers, and many more people are becoming aware of the loss of national choice if foreign regulation of business, labor and resources are allowed by TLC.

And ... the attempt by Arias to fast track without discussion the ratification process is a sign of weakness not strength.

Arias in part owes his presidency to bogus polls reported in the press right up to the final day of voting, that had Arias out in front by double digits. The vote ended up so close it had to be re counted and for several weeks no one knew who had won. The central issue of the election was the TLC, and the opposition party, won a significant representation in the congress.

It will be difficult now to politically muscle the ratification process, while in the spotlight of public attention.

They take this stuff seriously down there. No booze during the elections--even for the superbowl!--and they throw the corrupt presidents in jail if they deserve it. What a concept!

I'll be there in 2 weeks. The message: Don't trust GWB.

Cars and trucks of all descriptions, some decorated with party colors, provide transport for the elderly and others to the polls.
It is not uncommon to see a seventy year old Tica slide from the back of a pick up into a polling location.
The hustle and bustle of the day, is heartening, after seeing the electoral apathy in the US.

Enjoy your vacation!

the best vacations that I ever took was to your incredible country.

How in the hell did Arias get elected?

Plus, it's even harder to beat if he was hands down the best President of the last 20 years. Sadly, he's not the same man of 20 years ago, but it was shockingly close, Arias was expected to win by double digits.

It used to be the Switzerland of Central America. Things are not going good there and Arias did not win by much, I suspect U$ interference as there was in 68. The U$ of A was forcing them to arm to combat Communism, the Ticos didn't want it but they were forced to.