Last night the Spokescouncil for the Vermont Mobilization For Global Justice (VT MGJ) consensed to the concept of Peoples' Assemblies. The following is from the VT MGJ's Scenario Committee:

We hope all those on the road to Quebec City to voice their opposition to the FTAA have a safe trip and we encourage and support that journey. However, word is spreading that the Canadian Border Authorities will be preventing many activists from crossing the border into Canada when they attempt to cross to express their opinion about the FTAA. In the Northeast, organizers have called for Peoples' Assemblies to ensure that everyone will be empowered to have a voice against the FTAA whether they can cross the border or not. These directly democratic assemblies will be gatherings of concerned citizens assembled to discuss the FTAA and decide what next steps to take and how to oppose it from the US side of the border.

The threat of an impenetrable border is also a large part of why the Vermont Mobilization for Global Justice came together to organize a convergence center in Burlington, VT including housing, meals, trainings, and educational events to provide for the needs both of people just stopping through on the way to Quebec City, as well as for those who have been turned away at the border yet still want their opportunity to exercise their right to speak out against an atrocious trade deal that will impact their daily lives if passed. Convergence Centers are also being organized in Jackman, Maine (Rte 201) and Derby Line, VT (I-91). Other centers are in Plattsburgh and Buffalo, NY.

The VT Mobilization for Global Justice has put the call out for Peoples' Assemblies to occur at key locations all along the border. From Jackman to Derby Line, from Burlington to Plattsburgh to Buffalo, Peoples' Assemblies will come together to discuss the FTAA and make decisions about how to proceed in opposing the FTAA. Canada believes it has the right to exclude whomever it pleases. However, some believe that Canada gave up that right when they agreed to host a meeting that would discuss a pact with the power to affect the lives of everyone, human or non, in this hemisphere. If Canada agrees to host representatives from 34 nations to discuss the finer points of legalizing massive human rights and environmental violations, then they must also invite opponents from those 34 nations. That is only fair, after all. But the FTAA is anything but fair.

Beyond the Summit of the Americas, the FTAA will ensure that borders are locked down to people and opened wide to corporations. No more barriers to "free" trade, greater barriers to critics of free trade. It is this reality which has made the concept of Peoples' Assemblies at the border against the FTAA for those denied entry into Canada so attractive. What better example of what is wrong with Free Trade and the FTAA than people being locked out of the debate over Free Trade merely because they oppose it. Come to the border! If you cannot get across, join the Peoples' Assemblies and decide how to deliver an even more powerful message about opposing the FTAA! Show them that no border will prevent us from speaking out!