Can Peru become even poorer?

Yes, it can if Congress passes PUFTA. PUFTA is the free trade agreement between Peru and the U.S. Congress is expected to vote on this before its August recess. This will be an up or down vote; a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote. To see what PUFTA would do read the letter written by Peruvian women to members of Congress. This letter can be found at http://www.coc.org/index.fpl/1090/article/10552.html or as hard copies in the holder near the bulletin board in the northeast entry of the church. Many items in PUFTA go against the Catholic principles of respect for the dignity of the person and of preferential option for the poor. There are many policies and laws being established in Congress that can affect people's well being all over the world. Our baptismal call to carry on the work of Jesus compels us to influence those who make the policies and laws. Laws on health care, immigration, trade agreements, farming, war, peace, life, etc. We are called to reflect and pray about what we may be called to do to influence the policies and laws of our nation.