Battle of the POWER brokers

A deal looks unlikely as South Korean farmers (God bless them!) give WTO power brokers a run for their money.

"70 people were sent to hospitals after hundreds of protesters broke through police lines outside the [WTO's] meeting.

Tear gas was used to prevent rioters from reaching the trade ministers . . . 900 people have been detained, and authorities [dragged away] some of the 300 to 400 demonstrators."

The conflict revolves around ending EU and US farm subsidies, a key developing country demand.

But, South Korean protesters say the talks will put them out of business.

So, who exactly stands to benefit the most if subsidies are eliminated?

African producers, for example, say that United States cotton subsidies are ruining them.

Australians are also eager to see an end to farm susbidies.

But, who in Africa and Australia stand to benefit?

Poor African and Australian farmers?

Or, multinational conglomerates?

No matter.

U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman said he's not expecting any big breakthroughs.

But, "[a] draft agreement being circulated touches on a variety of topics ranging from cutting agricultural subsidies to opening markets to services such as INSURANCE and BANKING."(emphasis added)

These guys want to further entrench their funny money around the globe.

Let's keep our fingers crossed and pray that this "draft agreement" falls through.