As the group drew up long lists of existing
community assets, it became clear that at least many parts of the vision are
quite possible and attainable; some are already in process. Already the Pioneer
Valley is home to a number of locally-owned small businesses, some with
progressively-minded owners. A Valley Alliance of Worker Cooperatives connects
worker-owned businesses with each other. The region hosts many organizations
that promote green building, alternative energy production and usage, and dozens
of successful Community-Supported Agriculture farms providing produce, dairy,
and meat to families around the region.

Further reading of
the article explains that the employers lied to employees, forced them to take
separate paychecks to avoid paying over-time, and refused to pay them for all
of their time at work.  And while this
company has been forced to pay for their crimes, most similar factories are
banking on the fact that while all workers have rights on the job, most
undocumented immigrants are too scared to speak up.  Employers know that it’s a game of chance and
they may end saving more on labor costs in the long run, even if they are
caught and receive a fine.

This recent New York Times article
suggested that President-Elect Obama and President Bush had discussed tying the
auto industry bailout to the trade agreement with Colombia.  The text of the article was later changed
when reports emerged that the media had been misinformed and that no such
connection was under discussion.