It was a solidarity based on a common threat to our rights as citizens and workers. Our sisters and brothers came from all walks of life to this large gathering in Qu bec City. They were speaking French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese. All those people were saying that they are not going to abdicate to big business the civil society they have struggled to create. There should be no secret negotiations whose only goal is to increase corporate profits.
Large demonstrations are an important part of the democratic process.
They allow the people to express their opposition to a government's decision. Governments should look at those large rallies as a warning signal. When so many sisters and brothers take to the street, the government in place should realize that all is not well, that it is time for a change of direction. More and more people are beginning to realize that those trade negotiations are not there to enhance the democratic process. When ratified, the FTAA will give transnational corporations more power over the governments' actions under the pretense of protecting investors' rights.