University of Georgia Sociology Professor and Latin American Specialist Says Reason for Latin Americans' Protest of Free Trade Area of the Americas Is Largely Misunderstood.

(From AScribe)

ATHENS, Ga. -- David Smilde, a professor of sociology and Latin American specialist in the University of Georgia's Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, believes the reason for current protests in Argentina regarding the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) initiative is misunderstood. The protests are being conducted amid the gathering of world leaders for the Summit of the Americas.

"Latin Americans who oppose the FTAA initiative are being portrayed as 'against free trade' while proponents are being portrayed as 'for free trade,'" says Smilde. "But that completely misses what is going on. Latin Americans who oppose the FTAA do so …