Independence through Fair Trade

I remember the first time I “got it.” Watching fireworks, “and the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.” It was with awe that I looked at these beautiful displays of magical colors that filled the sky and considered that there were bombs going off around the world; that my country had dropped bombs on others; that my country had been attacked by others; that people had died; that soldiers from my homeland had died fighting for independence and freedom for me.

  “The Star Spangled Banner,” by Francis Scott Key, was written during the War of 1812. That war was initiated by the United States in response to trade restrictions from Britain because we were selling goods to France (with whom the British were at war). It is not my intent to debate our involvement in that war or any war. It is simply to recognize that wars have been a part of our heritage and as we honor and give thanks this Independence Day, we remember with gratitude the many who have fought and died for freedom and justice then and now.

As we move into a global economy, many in the United States continue to fight for freedom and justice because of trade restrictions. And thankfully this fight is through fair trade practices:

· Locals Dawn McNerney and Debbie Hamlin are working with nuns in India to help young women who would otherwise have no means for a livelihood by creating scarves from recycled saris.

· Hudsonite Maryann Wohl works with the Haven of Rest homeless shelter in Akron through an employment project for women making fun market bags.

· Californian Nancy Dunitz employees Guatemalan women to bead and weave her beautiful jewelry designs.

· Ohioan Andy Krumholz works with a group in Brazil who crochet soda pop tabs into purses.

· And YOU speak out for freedom and justice through your fair trade purchases! THANK YOU.

Keep up the good work! Stop by the store or go online for some dazzling fair trade finds: www.janetrhodesonline.com and take advantage of a 10% online discount for all your purchases through our Independence through Fair Trade promotion using code: IndFT10.

Be well and safe, joy-filled with Fair Trade this Fourth of July.