Dear Sir/Madam,

When we buy products from companies that exploit their workers, like the rose growers in Ecuador, we are participating in man's inhumanity to man (Behind Roses' Beauty, Poor and Ill Workers, February 13, 2003).

The argument that by buying the roses (or whatever) we are at least helping to provide work for people who would be even worse off without it, is just an excuse that allows us to go on participating in their exploitation with a good conscience.

What the world needs more than "free trade" is "fair trade"!

It is up to us, who have the freedom and the means to do so, to demand it!