Eliza, I appreciate your views very much because they are 'insider' views.

Some of the problem is of course the world trade in products like cocoa, coffee and certain fruits and meats.

The slaves in Cote d'Ivoire who are used to grow and harvest chocolate make the product from there unpalatable and undrinkable to me. I have had a personal boycott against many of the big names in chocolate since I became aware of the 'problem'. The same holds true with regard to coffee and fruit products from countries that suppress their populations. I know my personal boycott makes no difference on the world stage, but it makes a difference in my household.

I support 'certified' free trade products when they are available. They do cost a smidgen more, but I like to think I sleep better at night because of it. I also draw store managers' attention to the products and why I will not buy them in hopes some will start 'not buying the products' for retail sale. That's usually a lost cause, also. But as I said earlier, I feel I sleep better at night.