December 5, 2011
Dear friend,
It has been an exciting and challenging year of transition for the Maine Fair Trade Campaign. MFTC is 61 coalition members strong: 61 Maine organizations are working together to change the rules of the economy so it benefits workers, the environment, and small farmers here in Maine and around the world.
Although we were greatly disappointed that the Obama Administration decided to push through three Bush-era trade agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama, our Congressional delegation refused to stay in lock step with their party leaders by casting multiple votes against the deals. Once again, we put Maine out in front in the fight for trade justice.
We know that the work we’ve done together at MFTC helped set the standard in fighting theses unfair NAFTA-style deals. In 2011, we:
- Worked closely with Congressman Mike Michaud and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree to build opposition in the Democratic caucus against the deals with Korea, Colombia and Panama.
- Helped persuade Senator Olympia Snowe and Senator Susan Collins to vote against some of the pending free trade agreements, making them the only two Republican senators to oppose any of the agreements.
We also fought hard in the Maine Legislature in the continuing struggle against corporate power and for a just economy at the local level. In Augusta in 2011, we:
- Advocated for the establishment of a state bank in an effort to keep Maine money invested in Maine communities, Maine businesses, and to provide a funding mechanism for innovative democratic economic development.
- Pushed back hard against the LePage Administration’s repeal of the Informed Growth Act which prevented its complete elimination and kept it on the books as an option for local communities.
We couldn’t have done this without your support. Thank you.
Can you make a donation to MFTC this year so we can continue this critical organizing?
2012 is going to be another hugely challenging year. Gov. Paul LePage will likely continue his attacks on the working people and less fortunate in our state. The Obama Administration is poised to move forward on a new Trans Pacific Free Trade Agreement that directly threatens Maine’s small farmers, and manufacturing facilities including New Balance Shoes. Corporations are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into maintaining the NAFTA status quo and lobbying for the passage of more unfair trade agreements.
The only way we can push back is by educating, organizing, and mobilizing people to advocate for a fair economy pressure our members of the Maine Legislature and the United States Congress to do the right thing.
As we have seen in recent months, people are fed up by the inequality in our economy. The 99% is our coalition and we have been bringing people together to build their power and amplify their voice for over seven years now.
MFTC offers a unique niche in the fight for social justice in Maine. We are a small organization with large goals and effective strategies. But we depend on your donations to keep us going.
Please help us win this fight by donating to MFTC today.
Please use the enclosed envelope to send a donation today. Your gift will ensure we continue to build a strong movement for fair trade and a just and sustainable economy.
In solidarity,
Stephan Donnell
President, Maine Fair Trade Campaign
P.S. Become one of our fair trade sustainers! You can give a little bit every month online at www.mainefairtrade.org. Thank you!