To ensure that trade does not injure producers or consumers, most nations agreed to a common system of rules. That is where the WTO comes in. But the WTO is a work in process. Its deficiencies should be inspiration to improve the rules governing trade. The Seattle protests also may mark such a historical turning point.
Trade policy can and has been improved by taking it to the streets.
This will not happen next month, however, if protestors throw bricks at the WTO or call on their policy-makers to erect protectionist walls. Instead, these trade-agreement critics should use those bricks to rebuild and firm up the foundations of the world trading system. This means being honest about the costs and benefits of trade, and recognizing why the world needs trade agreements. The whole world is listening.