The best and the bulk

The best and the bulk
Trade matters to the welfare of the Majority World far more than aid. The DFID says our government supports a fair, free and just trading regime between rich and poor. As do we all, until it comes to “exporting jobs”, “protecting our farmers’ way of life”, and so on.

We voters want to see ourselves as the planet’s Good Joes, reaching out to the poor of the Majority World, but will not see how we benefit from their exploitation, as they send us the best and the bulk of the world’s oil, coffee and other commodities at rock-bottom prices.

Through our charities we demand evidence that we are effective Good Joes; through our businesses we press to protect our privileges. Useless to protest about the evil of corporations and governments — it’s us, it’s us. There is no one else here. Our politicians are in an impossible situation. No wonder the WTO’s talks flounder.

Nothing changes until we tell our politicians clearly we are no longer willing to take food from the mouths of the poor.