This week, 20 Macalester students car-pooled to Miami to oppose the Free Trade Area of the Americas [FTAA], that hemispheric expansion of liberalized trade enshrined in the existing North American Free Trade Agreement [NAFTA]. At the time of writing the protests had not started, though police had begun to arrest organizers. I was entrusted with statements written by several members of the Macalester delegation in advance of their leaving; I’d like to share parts of them here. The full statements, with any updates or links I happen to come into contact with are available online at http://www.macalester.edu/~ jmortenson/ftaa.html.

Jay Bowman ’07:

The FTAA and the surrounding protests will most likely have a profound effect on future generations. It is important whether or not you support the FTAA or agree with those protesting to be knowledgable about what is happening. Being at a protest itself is one of the best ways to learn.

Luce Guillen-Givins ’06:

The massive national and international mobilizations that are converging in Miami this week are, in my mind, evidence of the really awesome breadth of anti-imperialist, anti-capitalist sentiment in the world. Throughout the Global South, we’re already seeing the beginnings of real revolution—in South Korea, in Chiapas, in Bolivia, working people are actually rising up against the system, against their oppressors, and their power is so overwhelming that the system is actually beginning to crumble. I feel a genuine love and respect for these people, and am trying to live my life as one of solidarity with them. My intention in going to Miami is simple: to do whatever I can to stop the FTAA meetings, and create so much chaos that the police state that we’re living in can’t do anything but retreat.

Stephanie Raill ’06:

I am going to Miami to make art. I am going to Miami not because I believe that free trade is totally bad (I have yet to make up my mind about that) but because I believe that the FTAA is the wrong way to do free trade.

I am going to Miami because I’m disgusted at what will happen if we put corporate rights above human rights and above the protection of the environment.

I am going to Miami because I know that the Free Trade Area of the “Americas” will affect me, a New Zealander, and I want my voice to be heard and my presence felt.

I am going to Miami to make art, to capture a tiny portion of the incredible phenomenon of mass action and bring it back to share with people who do not have the privilege to go.

I am going to Miami because I’m terrified.

I am going to Miami to live the world I believe in.

Jason Tanzman ’06:

I have been thinking hard about what I am really trying to accomplish by going to Miami. I don’t want to go all the way down to Miami just to march...I can do that at the march here. I am going down to Miami to stop the meetings from occurring, to take over the streets so that the state has to put a fence up to protect its power and wealth. Miami is about momentum, about showing that the people have power.

The so-called “anti-globalization” movement is really a globalization movement. We are going to Miami to change the world order with its warped perspectives and values. Trade should not be privileged over all else. We need to redefine our priorities and ensure that all basic human needs are met, including health care, food and education. And I’m going to Miami to redefine my role within our capitalist society, to make the economy work for people, and allow people time to pursue the more important aspects of life instead of spending every ounce of energy just to subsist ... life is about the search for spirituality, creation, finding beauty in the world and doing good work that does not control our lives. We are not going to Miami to destroy, as is sometimes believed; we are going to Miami to create.