Wednesday, June 12, 2002


every time i think i don't have to mention this ever again. . .

i just do. it seems to be going from bad to worse.

long-time readers know that the current world-low in coffee prices is causing havoc throughout our neighbors in the americas. some colombian coffee farmers have switched to growing drugs; the impoverished rural population of mexico's coffee regions is forced to cross the border north illegally; workers in guatemala seized coffee plantations briefly; and now in nicaragua, unpaid coffee workers are staging sit-down strikes to block major highways, where they alternately protest and beg for food.

all together, the situation could soon cause major unrest and instability in our hemisphere. this is in absolutely no one's interest, no matter what your personal political preferences may be. when will our leaders become aware of the situation?

earlier this spring various development agencies held a conference and issued a report. coffee trade groups have sounded their alarm. but in the meantime, while the governments and international n.g.o.s quaffle, the social situation in these countries steadily erodes. the plight of the coffee workers and their families appears dire.

in light of this, readers, i suppose i can only recommend that you consider donating to an organization oriented towards helping coffee workers in the americas and their families: coffee kids (also info here).

posted by fortune | 7:26 PM | top | link to this | email this: | | | 0 comments