For several years, President Obama and the White House have initiated discourse on a new trade partnership that, they say, will expand economic opportunities for American businesses, ranchers, farmers, and workers. This week, it appears that more details on the partnership are leaking out to the masses, and it is producing hysteria among those who oppose it. The proposed legislation is called the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Theorists for decades have expressed deep concerns of globalization and greed of multi-national corporation procurement for political power and monetary gains. This week, President Obama gave those folks more ammunition for presenting a case fighting against a corporate global takeover. This partnership details involving Singapore, Brunei, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Peru, Canada, Mexico, and the United States, have been scarce due to extremely clandestine meetings. But, what is detected, by those whom have little access to the legislation, is all countries account for 40% of the global economy, and this is the largest partnership since the North American Free Trade Agreement, which could mean bad news for Americans.
NAFTA is the North American Free Trade Agreement, a treaty between Canada, Mexico, and the United States that has been in effect since 1 January 1994. The agreement was designed to increase trade among the three nations by reducing or eliminating restrictions on commerce, such as tariffs and import quotas. It is one of the most powerful treaties in the world, governing the entire spectrum of trade and commerce on the North American continent. Although it was designed to benefit its member nations economically, it has been the subject of controversy since its inception. It’s noted NAFTA did not have labor standards and environmental standards, assuring American workers in the United States would benefit. This has lead to massive off shoring production and outsourcing of jobs in this country. Folks on wall street have benefited from these type of deals, whereas, regular Americans on K street struggle to avoid insolvency.
Globalization is here to stay and the United States has to be an influential participant in this idea. President Obama and the White House believe if it’s not the United States facilitating these practices, instead, it would be China. So, the president is taking approaches to push this legislation through Congress by the end of this year. The problem is no one knows who the president represents in these subversive meetings: corporate interests or the American people. Another issue is President Obama attempting at an expeditious approval from Congress to grant himself and the White House special powers to negotiate and sign trade agreements without Congressional oversight. Senate dissidents from both political parties are apprehensive to grant the president their votes because of the extreme lack of transparency. Reportedly, there are 28-29 chapters of this legislation, all of which has been unseen by not one congressional official. So until more details are released, it’s going to be a difficult task for the president to get what he needs.
Those against this new trade deal believe it gives pharmaceuticals more monopolistic powers; it provides corporations power to sue countries non compliant with its policies; and the legislation will have negative impacts on the middle class and the environment. Contrary to the opponents of the agenda, the United States Trade Agreement website, states “as a cornerstone of the Obama Administration economic policy in the Asia Pacific, the Trans-Pacific Partnership reflects the United States’ economic priorities and values. The TTP not only seeks to provide new and meaningful market access for American goods and services exports, but also set high-standard rules for trade, and address vital 21st century issues within the global economy.”
In an attempt to pacify worrisome individuals, President Obama used Nike Inc. to demonstrate benefits of free trade agreements. He cited that under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Nike would create up to 10,000 new jobs in the United States. Considering the fact that Nike has over 1 million contractor workers in Asia and can only produce thousands of American jobs, it will be difficult convincing Americans it’s conducive for our economy.
Surprisingly, Mr. Obama has received support from GOP leadership, but now is facing mounting Democratic opposition. Senate Minority Leader Democrat Harry Reid, who has said he is not only saying no on the free trade bill, but a hell no. Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked consideration of giving President Obama power to accelerate a broad trade accord with Asia. Normally, when bills are created it goes through a chain of command. First, it’s created by a congressional member. The bill is introduced, debated and voted on by the House of Representatives. Soon thereafter, it reaches the Senate and then the President of the United States. The House of Representatives has been left out of this equation pertaining to the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Senate trade debate will ensue next week. Every American ought to contact their local congressional representative and ask if they know what’s in the bill as president pushes trade bill with or without Congress. Stay vigilant !!
SOURCE: HUFF POST
