Trade Right

Campaign season has brought with it a flurry of globalization-related pandering, with candidates questioning the wisdom of trade deals they once supported and making promises (or lies) to restore lost factory jobs. As we struggle to define the economy in the global information age, it's worth wondering exactly what the new parameters should be. Such will be the conversation at the second-annual Fair Trade in the Heartland Conference in Lawrence. This two-day event at the Ecumenical Christian Ministries Building (1204 Oread) will host seminars and discussions on fair trade, buying locally and global trade organizations. Various speakers from trade and labor organizations will debate the merits and impacts of a largely postindustrial age. The event costs $10 for students or $15 for nonstudents; the price includes four weekend meals and — what else? — fair-trade coffee and tea. For more information, see lawrencefairtrade.org. lawrencefairtrade.org
Fri., April 11, 2008