Give or Take: Which one will we choose?

I enjoyed the second reading assignment of Global issues, it was definately an interesting approach to pointing out the pros and cons of free trade, alternatives to free trade (such as fair trade) and what we as consumers have to do with all of it!
Free trade is one big give or take senario, to raise wages and working conditions in other contries, we must give up low prices, to lower boundries that control free trade and potentially increase developing countries chances at competing in a global market, we must give up national and local power to global power, to keep jobs in the United states we need to accept the fact that inexpensive goods may not be so inexpensive in the future.
It all comes down to what we're willing to give up. Are Americans ready to give up their greed and obsession with material things for the well being of others? Are you willing to pay more than $50 for a bicycle at Wal Mart for one made by people payed fairly for their labor in the United States?As sad as it is to admit, it's doubtful that this is happening any time soon.
As the book says Wal Mart has buit an empire on bargains, their motto won't let us forget: Always low prices, Always. Should this be our state of mind? Should this be our main priorty? I don't think so. We as consumers have the power to choose what our money supports. I for one am definately uncomfortable with the fact that my money goes towards many situations that can almost be labled as slavery.
Sweatshop work is something that we've all known exist but few have done anything to act. I look foward to finding out what we can do to reduce conditions like this as well as other negative aspects of globalization.


Working with a budget may be tough for us, but what about how tough like may be for the sweat shop workers that made those jeans you wore yesterday.