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Tell us what you think >>
Selected submissions will be posted here regularly, so visit again to read more
comments.
11/15/2007
Zenu Gebru
Ethiopia
Message to kind people all over the world, who saw this movie or saw starving farmers in Ethiopia and want to help.
Blaming the rest of the world is not going to change anything in Ethiopia.This is the reason.
The fact is all land is owned by the government of Ethiopia since 1975 after they confiscated farms. Now the new government say they believe in democracy, but continues to refuse to allow private ownership of land.
Coffee farms was confiscated from the owners without compensation now refugees living all over the world. The rest still live in Ethiopia watching their coffee bought and sold. The farmers do not have incentive to work hard knowing the government can push them out any time. They do not own the farm as the movie is making you think they do. How can coffee from confiscated farm be labled as Fair Trade certified coffee? It is time kind people demand to see the names of the so called owners for the world to check.If you do not you will be blamed year after year as if you do n
ot care.
Nestle corporation got their money when the government conficated their business. The rest of the poor farmers you saw in the movie do not have lawyers to fight for them. So they are watching everyone buying and selling their coffee. This is a fact.
The problem started in Ethiopia and has to end in Ethiopia before anyone blames the world, otherwise you do not know if you are helping the poor farmer or the officials who own the land.
Wake up kind people.Do not let anyone blame you so you buy Fair Trade coffe.Fair Trade certification does not mean anything in Ethiopia. The farmers will tell you, if they can, that they prefer to own their farm so they will have incentive to work hard without fear of losing it year after year.
Thanks for caring.
10/24/2007
What an ignorant band of fools! The piece was DESIGNED to piss you off. And, truth be told, every coffee drinker in America is at fault. It's you, the coffee drinker, responsible for the demand in this country!
A few things:
First of all, Ethiopians have been malnourished for decades. Starbucks has nothing to do with it.
Secondly, what this piece fails to mention is that the cost of living is ridiculously low in Ethiopia, and in Africa in general.
Thirdly, you are not paying $4 a cup for a cup of brown water; you are paying that fee for high rent visibility, posh sofas, jazz piped through the speakers, and ESSENCE.
Now, if you don't like it, then don't drink coffee! Get off your addiction and quit with the uppers, man. And, just because you buy it from Sam's Club or Wal-Mart doesn't make it any better. It doesn't make it any better if you're buying it from Billy's Beanery. Would you rather Starbucks sell its Ethiopian blends for 30 cents a cup? Is it the profit that's eating you up? Is it the
fact that an organization we don't really like is banking millions a minute???
I know, how about if Starbucks just quits buying Ethiopian beans altogether and instead allows them to starve to death.
Here's some news: Africa is not oppressed. It is an ignorant continent that refuses to help itself. Every decade, every year, billions are poured into an continent that can't seem to help itself.
I'm not a coffee drinker, and I'm no fan of Starbucks. But, with that said, price-fixing isn't going to fix anything, and the racist attitude that white men are so superior to black men that they can manipulate them into selling their product for nothing is just adolescent. These are grown men and women running their own businesses (plantations). They don't have to sell to Starbucks. And if they can't cut it in the coffee industry, perhaps they should find a new profession. Isn't that what us "greedy" folks are forced to do every day in the promised land???
The piece was a neo-socialist piece designed to yank
tears from you because the filmmaker feels Starbucks is a terrible entity for making money.
The rich are evil, right?
5/9/07
Alex
Arlington
I've avoided Starbucks for a while now and this only strengthened my conviction.
People looking for alternative sources of coffee should investigate Counter Culture
Coffee: http://www.counterculturecoffee.com/
5/25/07
Hawthorne
Coffee from Ethopia: This production states the issue simply. Good job. Its motivating. I will look for and purchase the Ethopian Fair Trade Coffee if I can find it.
4/25/07
Alan Owens
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Sunday's INDEPENDENT LENS "BLACK GOLD" was about the coffee trade in Ethiopia. I have
tried to invest in the coffe business. I tried to invest in a coffee shop called Stella
Bell which changed it's name to International Brands. This company sent me an example of
their coffee product; but their CEO said he wanted out of the coffee business because it
"was dog eat dog."
4/25/07
Austin,MN
I had just by chance turned to PBS when this showing was on. As an avid coffee drinker I
thought I was well informed of my choices of coffee... where they come from and from whom.
However I was moved and engaged as to what " I DID NOT" know.If everyone on a grassroots
level made a push for change...maybe more will be done and I feel the urge to push even
further now. THANK YOU!
4/25/07
Philip
Decatur, Illinois
Amazing what a little publicity (and public awareness) can do...I'm happy to report I
visited the new Starbucks in our town mostly out of curiosity, and not only enjoyed a cup
of Estima as the house blend, but purchased a bag of ground from the "special of the week"
bin, right up front and center...I made a point of how pleased I was to be able to find
it...eventually the corporate types will figure out, just as they have with the green
movement, that the consumer wants to do the right thing, and is willing to pay for it. I
intend to hit that Starbucks for Estima as often as possible, and encourage others to do
so, until Starbucks gets the idea...
I'm also checking for Fair Trade coffees and teas in stores locally, especially Ethiopian,
for my consumption at home. After your documentary, I swore off bargain coffee, I see no
reason to reward bad behavior. The way John Ruskin put it, a century and a half ago:
"There is nothing that someone won't make a little cheaper, a little poorer, and those
that consider price only are this man's lawful prey."
4/25/07
Trish
Roseville, Michigan
You should have a list of places that sell Fair Trade Coffee. I think the list will help
the smaller places in a grass-roots sort of way. I have a coffee shop near Detroit in
Michigan, and one of our founding issues is helping to spread Fair Trade & Organic
practices. We don't currently sell coffee online, YET, but I am sure that there are other
small retailers who do.
4/20/07
Susan Cox
Green Valley, AZ
I am shocked and angry at those who would treat people with such disrespect. I am angry at
myself for not listening to what I didn't want to hear. I have found ways to buy fair
trade coffee but it is hard where I live to find a coffee shop that is not BIGbucks. They
should be ashamed for not being willing to become involved in your expose' on Black Gold.
May I learn from my mistakes. And may others avoid them . Thank you Thank you Thank you my
eyes are opened .
4/20/07
This program really opened up my eyes to the monopoly that the US likes to call free
market enterprise. The Ethiopian Coffee Farmers are starving and losing thanks to the WTO.
Since watching this program, I have permanently boycotted STARBUCKS COFFEE. I am also
trying to get the word out with my circle of friends and family to reveal the unfair
business practices that is covered under the so-called "World Trade Organization." If my
geography is right, the last time I checked, there are more countries in this world than
just USA & UK. Thank you for opening my eyes to this travisty.
4/20/07
I can't remember another program that moved me as much as Black Gold. I wish there had
been a list of Oromia Coffee at the end of the program. I would buy it regardless of the
cost but I haven't found any Ethiopia coffee in my local store.
4/20/07
Greta Mart
Seattle, WA
Thank you. Thank you for making this documentary. I will never, and I mean never, buy a
product that doesn't come with a fair-trade promise and label after watching Black Gold. A
deeply disturbing viewing experience, but one that brought me hope and enlightenment -
hope that there are more people in the world like Tadesse Meskela, and enlightenment on
how I can help in my daily purchasing decisions.
4/20/07
Eric Brookhart
Davenport, Iowa
I am a firefighter in Davenport Iowa. I co-founded a non profit organization called Life
to Life Global Building Group. Our group is run by myself and Tim Mooney a friend and high
school teacher. We have no employees and all funds raised go to project expences. Our
group's focus is to take American high school students to Africa and build sustainable
resources. See our limited web page @www.globalbuilding.org. We were invited to a
screening of Black Gold in Des Moines and were encouraged by the fact that what we have
been doing the past three years is exactly what these people are asking for. For years Tim
and I have been bringing coffee from a small co-operative in Mbale Uganda called the
Bugisu Co-op. This group is very much like the Oromia growers and see the exact same
struggles. Ironically we have built a relationship with the managment of the co-operative
and have imported a 20,000# container of green beans to the US to sell for raising funds
for building schools in Africa! The Bugisu Co-operative is not involved in the fair trade
org as they are small and do not have the resources to
provide documentation. What we have done is to overpay the asked green bean market price
by 20%.
We have a direct face to face relationship with the leadership of the co-operative and
know the additional funding is going to the growers in the way of training and equipment.
The co-operative was also very excited to know that the income generated from the sale of
their coffee is coming right back to their country in the form of schools! I would love to
share with anyone what we are doing and how they can be directly involved. Our group is
going with 49 people from Iowa this June and working on two building projects in Uganda.
We have seen such encouragement from not only those in Africa but those we touch in the US
with trips and also with our coffee sales. Blessings, Eric Brookhart
4/20/07
Hugo, OK
I am so glad I watched this program. I wish there was something I could do other than
praying for them, not visiting Starbucks, and not buying coffee from the companies listed.
Thank you so much for opening my eyes!
4/18/07
Nancy
Virginia
I'm with the person who wanted to know how we can buy direct from the cooperative. I love
Independent Lens and other documentaries that illuminate the plight of so many peoples of
the world. However, I am always left feeling completely helpless afterwards. If I were a
Starbucks fan, which I've never been for other reasons, and I decided to buy my cup of
daily coffee from somewhere else and saved $2.00 per day, I would like the $2.00/day to go
DIRECTLY to the Ethopian cooperative. How could I do that? It would be nice if the
documentaries could give us some direction on how to help.
4/18/07
Can anyone provide information as to which retailers actually brew fair trade coffees? I
know many who would be willing to change their purchasing patterns if this information
were available.
4/18/07
Sarah
Madison, WI
As long as I've lived in Madison, I've had an awareness of the importance buying "fair
trade", and Starbucks (not that i would buy from them anyway--poor quality!)has been taboo
here for years... but MY GOD I had no idea just HOW screwed the farmers in non-fair trade
situations really are. come ON! The minimal amount of changes made at the coorperate
buying level could produce such major life changes for these hard-working people... proper
nutrition? shoes? affording education for children???? I want to shout at someone: "Just
DO it, you selfish shortsighted morons!!" .57 cents. I pay 1.50 for my cup of Ethiopian
down the steet--thank god it's fair trade.. I want to buy it for a dollar per kilo, ship
it, and roast my own but i don't know how. I certainly could afford that and i've a middle
class income. I want to know how millionaires who pay so little to a malnurished shoeless
overworked farmer can live with themselves day after day. Has our culture really become
that numb? that mentally ill?
4/18/07
Wayne Ingersoll
Covington, WA
What an amazing and engrossing documentary I watched late last night--"Black Gold" by the
Francis brothers. This film should be on Primetime. I was particularly captivated by
Tadesse Meskela's forthright, non-whining presentation of his coperative's hopes and
wishes.This morning I sought out and bought five pounds of Dark Roasted Ethiopian
Yirgacheffe Organic/Fair Trade coffee beans online from a direct import roaster--I hope,
even if in some small way, this helps Tadesse's co-op. I will be talking this documentary
and situation up with friends and family.
4/18/07
Rochester, NY
Saint Paul, Minnesota
I have to agree with Stephanie's response re: what brands will help support - for instance
- the Ethiopian farmers? I know that there is an "Oromia" brand (Fair Trade) by the same
people who put out Birdwatcher's blend.... After watching the show, I did want to know
which were the most valid companies to buy from. Fortunately, I buy from a local food
co-op, and they sell Fair Trade/organic.
4/18/07
GK Hedstrom
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Imagine. Fair trade policies that provide a livable wage for the Oromia Coffee Farmers. I
am humbled by these very hard working people whose sole desire is to be paid fairly for
their superior coffee so they can feed, clothe, house and educate their families. I have
for several years purchased Fair Trade coffee...when it is convenient. Effective tonight,
I will buy ONLY Fair Trade Ethiopian Coffee. It comes as NO surprise that Nestle, Kraft,
Starbucks, and Sara Lee did not participate in this production. Their decision deepens my
absolute commitment to always make purchasing Fair Trade Coffee! Thank you for the
powerful film and the solid date on this website which I will share with MANY.
4/18/07
Mark Childs
Lahaina, HI.
I was just semi watching an Independent Lens Program "Black Gold".What I am wondering is
this: Why doesn't someone (I can't due to physical and financial difficulties. Why doesn't
someone build for impoverished people like the Coffee Growers "Dome Homes" constructed of
"If You Can Imagine" a Flexible Hemispheric Balloon inflated with air and covered with
reinforcement wire whereupon foam is placed and left to cure for 24 hours then cut out of
that the foam and wires the Windows and Doors then place more reinforcement wire and spray
Latex Concrete over that and the inhabitants can "Make Pretty" with Woods and Garnishments
of thier culture and choise. Thereby numerous habitations could be built every three to
four days including time to cure the foam and concrete with very little effort and not
that much monies and Health in those areas I'm sure would improve greatly. I'm not a
construction expert this comes from 20 + years of Popular Science. Just a thought, Please
consider where this might be accomplished and I will too and write more letters at least.
4/18/07
J Pedersen,
CA
Thank yu for this story...so depressing that Starbuck exists.
4/18/07
Elaine S. Bacsa
Miami, FL
I was dismayed to see "Black Gold," which pushes a myopic, biased point of view. It is
harmful to Ethiopia's people to blame companies such as Starbuck's that do business there.
Expose the country's corrupt officials instead!
4/18/07
Suzan Ozel
Evansville
I saw the film last night and realized again what an amazing effect the medium of film can
have! Yes, I know, in theory, about the "North-South" economic gap and the consumptive
comfort those of us living in the wealthier countries enjoy - to a large degree at a very
high cost to those fellow global citizens in poorer countries who are assigned the roles
of suppliers of low-price raw materials or supplicants of aid. Thank you for this very
thoughtful and thought-provoking film. Inspired by an expression of praise and gratitude
from my native language Turkish I say 'health to your eyes and hearts.' You portrayed a
very sad human situation, in this case, Ethiopia, illustrating causes and effects that
connect the various global participants involved. I will never forget how, many years ago,
a Ugandan student at the U.S. university where I was studying told me he intended to
complete his graduate program faster than his government-sponsored scholarship. His
country was very poor and he wanted the remaining money to be used for the next students
who could be sent abroad. - I will talk about your film to others and will suggest that it
be shown at our young, local health-wise and globally conscious food Co-op!
4/18/07
Michelle Wachtendonk
Kaukauna, WI
I first want to thank you for such an informational and beautiful piece of television. I
was changing channels during a commercial while watching Desperate Housewives and needless
to say I didn't finish watching Desperate Housewives. I wasn't shocked by what I saw on
your program. I always knew there was unfairness with the coffee industry, but being the
lazy consumer that I was, I simply chose to ignore the problem and continue buying my
Folgers and Yuban coffee. I felt like such an educated consumer when I started to buy
Yuban-I now don't feel so smart. Your film put faces to the problem and made it real for
me. I was really moved when the members of the Ethiopian community were discussing the
future of the school. I actually shouted at the TV something like "these people don't even
have a #@!?*&$ school!!!". I think many times we know there is something not quite
ethical
about the way our major corporations conduct their global business but we don't know what
it is or how to refrain from supportin
g it. So, Folgers and Yuban you are no longer welcome in my pantry and you will be
replaced by a brand with ethics and morals.
4/18/07
Kermit
Baton Rouge, LA
I watched Black Gold a few minutes ago on LPB. Very interesting film. I see the discarded
USA sack at the end of the movie, while it showed the trade imbalances with Africa.
Knowing that a sack marked as such was FREE, makes me wonder what other liberties were
taken in this film. Shiploads of free food are sent daily to the African Continent. Here
from the Gulf Coast it is usually in the form of the highest grade par boiled long grained
rice, or wheat bulgar. Thousands of tons per week are shipped from Louisiana ports, other
than New Orleans, alone.
4/18/07
Yoheved Friedland, CNC
As a consumer of organic coffee, I was deeply affected by the plight of the Ethiopian
coffee farmers. But in a world of increasing demand for quality organic products, the
organic farmers of Ethiopia are a wonderful natural resource. Even though their experience
with growing coffee has been devastating for them, their expertise in organic farming is a
blessing in disguise.
Organic fruits, vegetables, flowers, fabric fibers, and a whole range of products is
becoming not only globally acceptable, but highly regarded in our health seeking society.
It is obvious that the lack of global commerce information in these impoverished Ethiopian
communities has left them dangerously isolated and volnerable to exploitation. If these
farmers had access to independent buyers in the organic food and flower industry, and if
encouraged to grow a greater variety of plants, their expertise as organic farmers could
benefit them tremendously.
There are American organizations (like Prevention and PANNA) that financially reward
farming communities for changing to and growing organically. There is an entire global
network of independent organic buyers and distributors. It would be a tremendous kindness
for anyone involved in the organic food distribution industry to contact the Ethiopian
organic farming community about additional, and more profitable, organic farming options.
4/18/07
LaZell
OH
I thought the project was eye opening. I do not drink coffee myself, I detest it, and I
have always had a dislike for Starbucks. Profit for the rich on the backs of the poor,
it's an age old equation. Now,I am telling others to put coffee down as well. I was
wondering if there was a way to do missionary work there in the area that your documentary
focused on. If there is someone who can be contacted, I would like that contact
information as soon as possible, please. Thank you for your efforts, continue in this eye
opening work.
4/18/07
Debby Wang
CA
They don't cough up the extra $.20 because they don't have to. I'm glad to see the
Ethiopian coffee growers standing up for themselves. The large coporations will always
hold on to the $.20 they can afford to share. It's about business, and business is not
about sharing, it's about getting the best deal. The Ethiopians have to stand up for their
right to negotiate and stake their share in a fair market. Nice to see the Coffee growers
stand up for the unfairness at the WTO. Fair-Trade coffee, here I come! We can affect
change as consumers, one purchasing power at a time. Thank you for the awareness.
I also noticed that America is essentially paying for a new slave society, off shore this
time around. I am disgusted. I am proud to be an immigrant American, but seeing the
unecessary global market domination America has makes me want to excercise the other
freedom that comes with citizenship, freedom to choose, freedom to affect change in this
young nation that is not held back by ancient cultural traditions. This nation is built
upon the right of the individual, we must not take our voice and power for granted.
4/18/07
Lucy Crissinger
De Pere, WI
If I ever needed a reason to "boycott" Starbucks ,I found it ! Thank you for the
enlightenment,the images of the people ,their plight,their obvious pain ,yet optimism or
strength to overcome and to Empower their youth to dream and achieve more.That is an
inspiration to the human race. Black Gold will be my topic of discussion tomorrow
morning...before I have my coffee :)
4/18/07
Beth Hibbard
De Pere, WI
I was absolutely shocked when I saw the fair trade story air. I can no longer claim
ignorance and feel that I can help even if it is only a little step. I would like to find
out how to purchase coffee from Ethiopia and I would like to talk to a local coffee shop
that is very environnmentally involved and tell them this story. I would bet they would be
interested as well. If we could get one coffee shop in every city in America to buy and
"offer" the customers a choice of coffee from other countries, I wonder if we could bypass
the "fair trade" agreement!!!!??
4/18/07
Erika
Richland, WA
Yes, I feel that consumers have a responsibility to purchase fair trade products, if
possible. I'm a coffee drinker; and now that I am much more aware of the poverty that the
coffee farmers live in, I am in search of a fair-trade coffee (for work and home). I
think, unless the consumers decide not to buy from coffee shops that don't care about
"fair trade" nothing will change. We, the consumers, have to take a stand. This is
something where we, the consumers, can actually make a difference. (I feel much more
powerless with regard to the jeans. I watched "China Blue". Practically all of the jeans
sold in the U.S. are made in countries that pay their employees very little money. But
even if I buy one that is made e.g. in Italy, that would probably not benefit the young
girls that work as seamstresses in China).
4/18/07
Angela Cragin
Richland, WA
This film was absolutely eye-popping! It literally made me sick to my stomach. It may have
been more understandable for third world struggles if the product was not so much in
demand..but coffee?! No excuse for the wealth not to trickle down to all! The filmmakers
did an excellent job of showing a beautfiul country with gorgeous people. These people are
hopeful & willing to change their fate. My hope is that seeing this film will
inherently
change the 'non-involved' consumers into people that have a cause.
4/18/07
Nick G. Demendoza
Roswell, GA
Great documentary! Must continue onward, because you all have started to expose it to the
masses through multi-media.
What does all of the aid we give to all of these countries add up to according to
www.cia.gov, if you count not only the bags full of wheat, but all of the overhead
including equipt. and all costs related? If the one area stated a 1% more in trade by
increasing the price they get for producing coffee would be $70 B; then how much does it
cost US not to pay that to them in the marketplace? I am sure the coffee shop owners are
elated. If a Starbuck's duetto Visa card helps CARE with these endeavors to increase their
standards of living & education in those countries , then who assists W. H. O. org.?
I am
not an expert, but maybe our aid should be trade instead. If we count all of the overhead
maybe the 1% is not as multi-fold as stated in the facts of the program.
This goes into what George Will states in his book on: against and then for term limits,
'Restoration' or was it titled 'Reformation'; when he states facts about subsidies,
politics, pork barrel spending, and corrupt polititians... Maybe America is an idiot for
their aid vs. trade policies or does this go into that there is so much wheat surpluses,
where else will you send it? Please, continue these productions which are so informative.
Americans love brewed coffee with cream and sugar sides! The next part can go into those
facts, stats., and figures, also! Thank You All! I am still inquisitive for more info and
will their Int'l. governments and leaders be Righteous, and Up Standing Humans with the
additional resources, position, and power? Which God do they pray to? God Almighty The
Father, The Son Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit? Thou shalt worship only one God.
Remember, Moses wrote the book of Genesis..., which is the inspired Word of God, "In the
beginning God created Heaven and the Earth..."
4/18/07
Susan Edwards
Virginia
Initially, I didn't think this film pertained much to me, yet after watching it I was
surprised at how deeply I was affected by what I learned. Starbucks won't get another cent
from me either, until it gets its act together and purchases coffee directly from the
growers! I'm writing letters to the CEO and president of Starbucks to tell them just
that.
How can I purchase coffee from Oromia?
In the past, I used to buy raw Ethiopian Harar beans and use a small, inexpensive coffee
roaster and roasted my own beans. I sort of let that ritual fade, but have dug out the
roaster and will start roasting again. It's really a wonderful experience...smelling the
beans turning brown...A suggestion, though...do it outside or in a garage, as the smoke
will set off the smoke detectors in the house!!<
4/12/07
Chicago, IL
When i turned the documentary on last night, i was not expecting to be as affected as i
was. i work in the coffee industry (not starbucks) and felt embarrassed and shameful, that
this is how we treat the people that get the money in our pockets. we carry fair trade,
organic, and rainforest alliance coffee's which is comforting to an extent. i just can't
seem to understand why these companies refuse to cough up the extra 20 cents minimum.
without providing these people with the proper pay we won't have an industry to thrive
from.
4/12/07
Stephanie
Boston, MA
I wish Independent Lens or the filmmakers would have included more information on the
brands supplied by the Oromia Coffee Farmers Co-Operative Union. Most viewers have little
influence on world trade policy but many of us drink coffee daily and together we could
quite easily increase demand for the Union's product.
4/12/07
Oromia
Portland
Dear readers, when a watch this film, my heart was pounding. I wish every human being and
their soul stand for those who are needy. Humanity is the best human value one can offer.
I can not thank you enough those of you who have offered your money and time and valuable
thought what has to be done to help these helpless people.
The Oromo people that live in Oromia have suffered the untold misery. Though they offer to
the world the best product to their fellow human being, they have got nothing in return
but misery. I hope you readers can understand me and my motion. Look at tyrant government
of Ethiopia who is actually the clique of Star Bucks coffee too. Look, when a single
person (Tadesse) is trying his best to alleviate the sufferings of those people but the
government of Ethiopia is busy at killings the neighboring country people and buy in
millions of dollars, armaments from USA and other countries.
How in the world, the government that can afford to buy armament in billions of dollar,
can not afford to buy one black board and pay teachers salary to teach those poor but
brilliant and intelligent Oromo farmers whose product is appreciable through the world?
You be the judge? I am running out time and can not say more, but I wish I know Tadesse
personally and offer my help in person, at least to buy supply for that school.
Thank you all, humanity is the best value human being can offer.
4/11/07
Terry Manning
Fresno, Ca
I saw this show last night.To say it was eye opening is an understatement.What's being
done to these people is nothing more than old line colonialism on a corporate scale.
Prices are being paid that are slowly starving these fine people.I believe there is enough
money flowing in this industry so that everybody can make a living and then some.Africa
deserves a better shake than they are getting! I will try to get the word out to anyone I
know that we need to support fair trade farmers and that African economies need to be
treated better by the WTO!
4/11/07
Lovestar
Chicago, Illinois
Like everyone, I too, felt deeply moved by the hardships that the coffee farmers and the
people of Africa undergo. Their lives are tremendously weakened by the large corporations
that are clearly not concerned for their well being and livelihood. One would think that
with all the money that is being poured into the coffee market, that some of it would make
it back to where it all began. It is a crime and very unfair.
If there is a way to help, I would love to do so. For now, I will do what I can on my own,
to not support companies like Starbucks. They do not need any more money. What they need
to do is to stop being so greedy and give back to those they are stealing from. Without
those coffee beans & those farmers, they would be nothing. I will spread the word.
Meantime, does anyone in Chicago know if Intelligentsia & Argo Tea are doing more in terms
of fair trade? I thought that they both have that goal in mind however, like Starbucks,
they also charge quite a bit per latte and seem to be growing. Growth is not bad, so long
as it does not affect the ones at the beginning of the line.
4/11/07
Molly K
Clearwater, KS
Thank you for opening my eyes. I am not much of a coffee drinker, and before seeing this
film I didn't give much thought as to where it came from. In the future, I will only
purchase fair trade coffee (and other products), and will make a concerted effort to avoid
buying from the greedy companies strangling 3rd world nations.
4/11/07
Sam Molla
I think fair trade is necessity for the Ethiopian farmers to live a decent life in their
country. the amount of money they get daily is compared with the homeless peoples who are
pan handler, are better than those farmers in Ethiopia. This shows that developed
countries are exploiting and under paying this people for the
sake their capitalization.They undermine their humanity, they undermine their hard
work.
Those farmers are the back bones of Ethiopian people. They deserve a decent amount of
money for their product. That will allow them to have a better life for them and their
children. I think the free trade support only the wealthy multinational corporations. They
are concerned about their profit than how they can help raise the standard of living for
the poor farmers.
Watching Black Gold spark my opinion about the coffee industry, due to the comparison of
those who harvest the product and those who take away their product without any regard of
their labor law. I am from Ethiopia and I understand what they are going through. Those
people are very generous, respectful and hard
working people. They are ambitious and intelligent. They want to be out of poverty and
live a better life, send their children to school, to have a better future.
4/11/07
Sierra
How can I as a consumer order coffee direct from the Cooperative? There is an organization
in South America that connects the consumer in the U.S. directly with the growers and we
can buy direct. It is my understanding that the grower receives more for there coffee and
we pay a little less buy buying it in bulk. I will find out the name of it. I would love
to bypass the grocery stores and do not support Starbucks. Furthermore there is a small
local Coffee chain that I would assume would buy Oromia coffee called Java Daves. I was
especially impressed by the cooperatives passion about education and I can see where chat
would be a similar problem as cocaine is to South America. I would like to know more if
possible.
4/11/07
Lovestar
Chicago
BTW, I commend Tadesse for being such an honorable individual and taking a stand for his
people. It takes a lot of courage and belief to be as relentless as he is being, all for
the goal to better his people. People like Tadesse should be honored.
4/11/07
Henry Obispo
Bronx, NY
I really loved the film...it paints a poignant picture of the interconnectedness of
globalization. The documentary's cohesion was interestingly enough the differences shown,
in terms of locations, peoples and ideologies to name a few... Great work!
4/11/07
Yes, I strongly feel that consumers can no longer turn a blind eye to where their products
are coming from. By choosing to purchase from those who deal in fair trade practices, they
know they have done their part in helping these poor farmers/producers.These poor third
world countries need a handup not a hand down. How are they supposed to get themselves out
of poverty if they get such lousy prices for their hard back breaking work? I can honestly
say that watching Black Gold opened my eyes to these unfair practice. It makes me sad and
angry as a person who is originally from Africa witness the families struggling so hard to
make ends meet while the rich keep getting richer. It is time for every coffee consumer to
make a stand and let these companies such as Kraft, Starbucks and others that they will
not buy their coffee until they start dealing fairly with the producers esp. from poor
struggling countries. I dont know how anyone can otherwise sit down and enjoy a cup of joe
after watching this! Tadesse Meskela is a great example of a human being in trying to
improve the situation of his country men and community. Thank you so much for raising
awareness with films like this one.
4/11/07
Leticia Madrid
It is a good idea for consumers to buy only products with the "fair trade" that way other
companies have to join the fair trade products and that way the producers get a better pay
for their products. Companies should be shameful for their greediness of making millions
and millions in profits.
4/11/07
Rose Metsa
Yes consumers should buy fair trade products. It is everyone's responsibility, yet it is
so trying because consumers are always being blindsided. Companies claim to have a heart
and then it is so disappointing to find that indeed they don't. I don't understand the
insane greed. I don't like to think that someone is starving or struggling when they work
hard to produce a good product. I wish greed was illegal. Now I don't know what coffee to
drink.
4/11/07
Kevin Wu
Atlanta, GA
After watching the PBS show "Black Gold", every time I buy and sip a latte at Starbucks or
Carribu Coffee I will be reminded of why we are paying close to $2 or more yet there's
millions of people suffering in Ethiopia.
4/11/07
I am mortified to learn that (again) capitalism is rearing its ugly head, and taking so
much from the disenfranchised. What a mockery! As a human being, it’s difficult to
sit back and not feel badly. I’m saddened to learn that my Ethiopian brothers and
sisters are not getting their “fair share” in this lucrative business. I
believe this programming makes it impossible to not feel responsible to spread the word
about the effect this is having on so many hardworking people. Thank you for opening my
eyes and heart.
4/11/07
State College, PA
Fantastic film. I hope many people get a chance to see it.
4/11/07
Shif Deneke
Anaheim, CA
The Black Gold documentary movie was shown in Beverly Hills few weeks ago on March 30,
2007. I thank you for your invitation and enjoyed watching it. Please can you provide me
the gentlemen contact numbers/email addresses who were in the panel discussions. I like to
discuss with them about the coffee products in Ethiopia, and how we can assist the coffee
farmers by introducing to fair markets. The movie was very powerful and felt sad to the
farmers‚ daily lives. Thank you.
4/11/07
Orland Park, IL
I was very moved by the plight of the Ethiopian coffee farmers and Tadesse's efforts to
help them. I confess to ignorance re Ethiopia's style of government and why the coffee
farmers are living in such terrible poverty when their product is in such high demand
worldwide. Can it be only due to the big bad First World capitalists or poor leadership
or??? I was impressed with the beauty and quiet dignity of the people. I have many
questions, beginning with why they have such large families amidst such poverty. The
answer I usually get is that children are their only capital, it's also cultural,
religious, etc. But I believe they have to consider family planning as the first step
towards raising their standard of living. I plan to ask for free trade coffee when
shopping in the future. That's my small contribution.
4/11/07
Cornelia Cretiu Vasiliu
Stillwater, Oklahoma
I love coffee but now when I look at my cup I see people dying out of hunger, just because
somebody wants to pay less on it.
We are opening a new chapter of Engineers Without Borders in Stillwater at Oklahoma State
University on 24th of April and I hope I can convince my colleagues with the help of this
movie that we can do something for Oromia coffee farmers: Help them build the school they
wanted so badly for their children and I'm thinking that a roasting and packaging facility
on spot could raise the price of their final product significantly and help them live out
of their work.
4/11/07
Michael Hogan
Oklahoma City, OK
Not only did this show change the way I will buy coffee, it has changed the way I will buy
all goods. I consider myself an average consumer and fairly open-minded. I have not
noticed any products recently with any sort of indication they are "Fair Trade Products"
Even in the liberal coffee shops, which support these movements. There is not much of a
trend in using this label as a marketing tool. I believe that at the end of the day only
price, quality and advertising will help these farmers. I was wondering why they did not
discuss creating a plant in Ethiopia to roast all of the coffee beans. I would think that
as the beans are more processed the cost for transporting the completed coffee would be
cheaper the selling price would be greater. They would have the best opportunity for
picking the best crops and they could afford to pay the coffee growers a fair wage. I will
admit I did not study economics and I am sure they have thought of this, but I can not
figure out why some investor would not seize this opportunity. Any suggestions?
4/11/07
Jen
PA
Starbucks will not see another red cent from me until they change their manner of
purchasing coffee from all of their growers! From now on it's Fair-trade coffee only!
4/11/07
Sylvia Eichelberger
Carriere, MS
The story touched me, not for the coffee itself, I do not drink coffee, but for the unjust
policies of the World Trade Organization. The climax of the film came when we learned of
the secret meetings, behind close doors, of the powerful while the delegations of third
world countries languished hopping to bring back home fare market trades. My own native
country of Ecuador has suffered this for decades over the production and commercialization
of its major crop, bananas. And when the country decided not to tolerate any more the
economical bully of the rich, it was "punish" with sanctions and restrictions and now,
here in America we can not enjoy any more the best banana of the world.
4/11/07
Arjuna
Warner Robins, Georgia
Coffee, gas, you name it, it is the price others are paying to provide these "wants and
needs" to us that we should really worry about instead of our own pockets. With such much
profit out there, I am ashamed of being part of a chain whose links hold very little
strength in Africa and other places around the world.
4/11/07
Maggie Mandzuk
Montreal, Quebec
I think that "Black Gold" should be shown at every WTO meeting as a requirement for going
behind those closed doors. I hope a wealthy philanthropist will buy enough copies for
every school library in the US, Canada and the EU. And then copies for all politicians who
are so easily influenced by the Nestles and the Starbucks of the world.
I've been interested in the issue of Fair Trade for many years. It's amazing how little
time the mainstream media gives to the farmers' stories, as in "Black Gold". I've seen
letters to the editor in my local paper from the ill-informed who think that fair trade
products are a scam and a fad for the rich. I'm sure if they saw this film they'd start to
open their eyes. I have very little money but buy only fair trade coffee for my one cup a
day. I treasure it and now will look for Ethiopian coffee. Thank you Mr. Tadesse Meskela
for your hard work. And to the producers of the film for making it!
4/11/07
I watched the film on pbs tonite. Curious cuz I'm getting more interested in coffee. I
used to buy 44 oz. of Yuban at Sam's, then stopped drinking it altogether, then began to
buy a cup at Starbuck's for just under 2 bucks, reg. black. This is outrageous, so I bot
some whole beans at Walmart Sam's (and a grinder). 2.5 lb. costs $11.87, makes a kilo not
much less, and farmers were paid about 8 cents a kilo?? Read some comments incl'g very
critical ones and learned that more goes into price than beans, duh. I'm wondering how
much Marques de Paiva gets (Brazil). They've pretty much cut out the middleman. How much
does Sam's get (MembersMark distributor). The beans are organic, arabica, gourmet, medium
roast. I'm sold on buying "fresh" beans, grinding them--great flavor. Harar beans sound
intriguing, but I wouldn't begin to know where to find them. Union rep in Ethiopia said
they were the finest in the world. I don't know enuf about Fair Trade to comment. I've
read exposes which totally denounce it. There seems to be something wrong when farmers get
8 cents a kilo and I pay $10.45. Also, women working sorting beans for 50 cents a day, 8
hours. That won't begin to buy a cup at Starbucks. Something smells.
4/11/07
I found the program extremely fascinating and telling. I am currently a Finance major, and
I would love to help the people of Ethiopia with the skills I have. If there is any way
you can put me in contact with one of the leaders of the co-op program, I will be very
grateful. I think the importance of raising the quality of life for people anywhere and
everywhere is important beyond expression.
4/11/07
Chicago, Illinois
Last night by chance I viewed this program. The topic glued my eyes to the TV. It is a sad
state of affairs when fair trade policies affect so many in so many ways. I am in support
of whatever can be done to increase the price of coffee in the small farming communities
of developing nations. Without them where would the wealthy corporations be?
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