“Our leaders in Washington proved they could tune out the populists and demagogues of the left and the right and take action on an important measure to put our economy back on track,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
US Chamber of Commerce...speaking of corrupt influence from the right.
US Chamber of Commerce...speaking of corrupt influence from the right.
5
Just a passing thought. Every American has the final decision on what product they purchase. How many of the people complaining about low cost goods and lost jobs bypass the items in the store are made in America to purchase a cheaper foreign made product. Every citizen can practice foreign trade control with their own wallet.
3
It would be a massive research project to even find products made in America these days.
I think passing TPA is important.
The President of the United States, who we elected to be the leader and primary representative of our country, should not be handcuffed by the threat of an unruly Congress when dealing with foreign countries. It not only decreases his direct negotiating power, but also diminishes the United States as a whole by projecting domestic political issues internationally.
This is not to say Congress should never be involved; I believe the law dictates otherwise. It is to say that the man sitting across from the President must always be able to take him for his word without fear of a third party changing what was said and agreed upon.
The country should never be in a position of weakness when determining foreign policy abroad. The fact that you dislike TPP should not change this.
The President of the United States, who we elected to be the leader and primary representative of our country, should not be handcuffed by the threat of an unruly Congress when dealing with foreign countries. It not only decreases his direct negotiating power, but also diminishes the United States as a whole by projecting domestic political issues internationally.
This is not to say Congress should never be involved; I believe the law dictates otherwise. It is to say that the man sitting across from the President must always be able to take him for his word without fear of a third party changing what was said and agreed upon.
The country should never be in a position of weakness when determining foreign policy abroad. The fact that you dislike TPP should not change this.
Here are some suggestions for adding amendments to the Trans-Pacific Partnership legislation:
1. Hundreds of billions of dollars for U. S. infrastructure projects. Taxpayers have already funded two Trillions (with a "T") for wars of destruction in the Mideast that appear to have accomplished less than nothing.
2. Immediate repatriation of hundreds of billions of dollars of income tax dollars that major multi-national corporations have safely stashed away overseas by means of accounting manipulations of U. S. tax law. The discounted tax rate should be no more than 10 percent.
3. Maximum employment income tax rate for American workers should be set at a rate five percent lower than that paid by hedge fund managers. Any tax revenue deficiency should be offset with an increase in the capital gains tax. For as Lincoln once said:
"It has so happened, in all ages of the world, that some have labored, and others have without labor enjoyed a large proportion of the fruits. This is wrong, and should not continue. To secure to each laborer the whole product of his labor, or as nearly as possible, is a worthy object of any good government."
1. Hundreds of billions of dollars for U. S. infrastructure projects. Taxpayers have already funded two Trillions (with a "T") for wars of destruction in the Mideast that appear to have accomplished less than nothing.
2. Immediate repatriation of hundreds of billions of dollars of income tax dollars that major multi-national corporations have safely stashed away overseas by means of accounting manipulations of U. S. tax law. The discounted tax rate should be no more than 10 percent.
3. Maximum employment income tax rate for American workers should be set at a rate five percent lower than that paid by hedge fund managers. Any tax revenue deficiency should be offset with an increase in the capital gains tax. For as Lincoln once said:
"It has so happened, in all ages of the world, that some have labored, and others have without labor enjoyed a large proportion of the fruits. This is wrong, and should not continue. To secure to each laborer the whole product of his labor, or as nearly as possible, is a worthy object of any good government."
3
This reminds me of when NAFTA and GATT were being pushed through by the pusillanimous President Clinton. David Rockefeller appeared before Congress and warned of dire consequences if the bill was not approved. The US continues to lose good jobs to the rest of the world, and many jobs are being lost to illegal workers. Unemployment statistics are vastly understated. This will only make the problem worse.
4
This is a dark day in American histor. Before it came the Crisis of 2008; the all-encompassing Homeland Seucrity Act and the constitutional violations it protects; W. Bush's election as President by the U.S. Supreme Court, usurping the State of Florida's right and obligation to resolve the "hanging chad" issue and out-and-out declaring W. Bush to be the winner, in violation of its Constitutionally proscribed rights; Clinton's NAFTA and Gingrich's "War on America"; and Richard Nixon's decision, at the behest of corporate interests, to re-classify health care as a business--the HMO--which now pays more attention to shareholders and revenue stream, than to patients.
Other rights and protections have eroded via lobbying by big business (mining and fracking alone violate the Clean Water Act, OSHA is ignored). Unions have been busted. Corporations, who in large part, vote for and donate to, Republicans, have nevertheless actied like true Socialists when it comes to receiving government handouts, aid and bailouts.
Although lobbyists have been authoring legislation for years, at least discourse on these laws has seemingly been transparent, open to public scrutiny and debate.
The Assembly and Senate votes for the TPP mark the US's acknowledgement, and acquiesence to, multi-national corporate interests over the voters they were elected to protect. There is no protection in the trade agreement save for the corporate bottom line. Protectionism is sounding very good right now.
Other rights and protections have eroded via lobbying by big business (mining and fracking alone violate the Clean Water Act, OSHA is ignored). Unions have been busted. Corporations, who in large part, vote for and donate to, Republicans, have nevertheless actied like true Socialists when it comes to receiving government handouts, aid and bailouts.
Although lobbyists have been authoring legislation for years, at least discourse on these laws has seemingly been transparent, open to public scrutiny and debate.
The Assembly and Senate votes for the TPP mark the US's acknowledgement, and acquiesence to, multi-national corporate interests over the voters they were elected to protect. There is no protection in the trade agreement save for the corporate bottom line. Protectionism is sounding very good right now.
4
Make some room, Rome and Britannia. The US will soon be joining you at the round table of declined and fallen Empires.
Pox Americana.
Pox Americana.
6
As bad as any of the Republicans (or even the Clintons) are, at least they have enough scruples not to masquerade as out and out leftists. Obama doesn't even have that in his character. I always saw through his ' leftwing black community organizer' act, he always made my skin crawl. Always the willing puppet.
4
There are two reasons why I support the President's decision on this. First, globalized economy will happen in one way or another. If so, it is better for policy makers of each country to take charge of the laws and processes for world economy without leaving everything to business. In short, even globalized economy needs "regulation" which the Democrats require for domestic economy. Until now, world economy has been globalized largely by the hands of businessmen. After all, the advancement of technology (such as the Internet) has made so many unexpected changes in world economy that policy makers have been short of catching up the speed. So, businessmen have been writing their rules, which resulted in the unbridled pursuit of interest such as rampant outsourcing. You cannot stop outsourcing just by saying "No" to the globalization of world economy; you should modulate its costs and benefits by getting involved in international debates. Otherwise, world economy would be left to the hands of profiteers, which will only aggravate the conditions of workers.
Second, I do not think the President is into this because of his personal interest (such as leaving presidential legacy). I think he is into it because he thinks it is needed. Bilateralism is the result of doing what is needed; it is not the aim of political decisions.
Second, I do not think the President is into this because of his personal interest (such as leaving presidential legacy). I think he is into it because he thinks it is needed. Bilateralism is the result of doing what is needed; it is not the aim of political decisions.
You have conviently forgotten that "business" owns this Congress and, apparently, this President.
3
POWER TO THE EXECUTIVE The ultimate result of the latest battle in the ongoing war between the President and Congress (especially its GOP members) is that Obama structured the outcome so that more power will rest with the Executive branch than the legislative. Given the intransigence and disconnect between the Congress and the urgent problems facing the nation, I think we should be grateful that Obama is going to resort to using Executive Orders to bypass the deadlocked, putrifying legislative non-process that is purported to be GOP governance. Despite all the screaming and nonsense about Obamacare, the President has demonstrated that most people are doing better with it and that the problems have been minimal, despite the awkward launch that appears to have been caused, in part, by hacking of the government website. Gee, I wonder who'd want to do something like that? The party of the usual suspects from Congress, perhaps? Since he's done what he said he would with Obamacare, I believe that he is a far better steward for the overall wellbeing of the nation thanCongress, especially on the GOP side, where they've besmirched their legacy, even their basic credibility, indelibly! Despite all the raucous voices to the contrary, Obama is a more honest broker than all of the complainers put together.
D.H., your man in the White House will be vacating the premises in nineteen months. How is he going to steward the country then?
1
Google around and have a look at the bio and resume of Michael Froman, the US trade representative who is doing the negotiating for Obama. And then tell me with a straight face that the interests of the American people and not big biz are going to be paramount in this deal.
Bernie 2016.
Bernie 2016.
9
Lets do a check list.
1. Panama Canal expansion to be completed by end of the 2015.
2. Major shipping container fleets ordering ships for deliver throgh
1. Panama Canal expansion to be completed by end of the 2015.
2. Major shipping container fleets ordering ships for deliver throgh
1
I look forward to seeing dubious Chinese meat at the supermarket, with no indication as to its origins. And the climate denialist language in the bill, favoring corporate interests at the expense of everyone else on the planet, is just frosting on the cake. My level of disgust with Washington increases daily.
9
Do TPA and TPP still let lax US regulations overrule stricter regulations overseas? The worst provision of the bill. Highlights glaring need for total makeover/reboot and different leadership top to bottom of FDA to put patient health first over current industry protectionism first.
How many recalled devices, recalled medicines, bad food products, and follies like "dental mercury is safe for humans" (despite genetic variations in methylation, objections of FDA's own Expert Dental Products Panels, and legions of ill patients), do we need to foist on the rest of the world?
The free trade the American public wants is to be able to import drugs and devices at a fraction of the cost from outside the U.S., and get access to products approved for use in Europe and elsewhere against far higher safety standards, faster than in U.S.
How many recalled devices, recalled medicines, bad food products, and follies like "dental mercury is safe for humans" (despite genetic variations in methylation, objections of FDA's own Expert Dental Products Panels, and legions of ill patients), do we need to foist on the rest of the world?
The free trade the American public wants is to be able to import drugs and devices at a fraction of the cost from outside the U.S., and get access to products approved for use in Europe and elsewhere against far higher safety standards, faster than in U.S.
1
Here are a few facts. The 2016 election is coming -- The Obama administration will be history. The people who will write the trade bills are the Republicans entrenched in the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Supreme Court. Obama should have known this.
2
Give Obama some credit, he is no fool. Of course he knows he will never negotiate any trade deals while he is President. He's a lame duck. But, what about 2017 and beyond? Obama is positioning himself on the world stage to be a major player. Not like Carter or Clinton, but as an integral part of the One World governance structure. Perhaps as Secretary General of the UN, or the head of a new international consortium that grows out of the Paris Accord this fall and the TPP.
Barack is ambitious. He has his sights set on the future. His future, not ours.
Barack is ambitious. He has his sights set on the future. His future, not ours.
4
Yes He IS! He just forgot to put on his Jester Hat at the TPP meeting!
1
Oh yeah! Just great.. But what do the affected workers do when their training period is over? Just another NAFTA and unemployed Americans..
8
This is our government at it's worst- bought and paid for by the 1%, their servants and their enablers. Note that it is Republicans, Corporate Democrats (DINOs) & Third Way types that are giving Obama a blank check and walking away from oversight.
If you do not smell a rat you need to talk to your doctor about a nasal decongestant.
If you do not smell a rat you need to talk to your doctor about a nasal decongestant.
7
The people of the United States are being sold down the corporate swanny river with the Senate's agreement to allow Obama the power to fast-track the TTP trade negotiations.
Clearly the Senate has been hoodwinked and conned by Obama, as they have allowed something to be passed that is a secret and therefore know hardly anything about it by the sheer fact that this and other vast trade documents to date are secret even to US politicians, just like the American people who know absolutely nothing about the TTP and its ramifications.
The projections are that 3 million more US jobs will go at least and probably many more over the years ahead. So apparently the Senate will allow Obama the power to fast-tract the TTIP also, where again projections by some leading economists is that another 3 million US jobs will go to low-cost labour economies when this trade deal is signed. - 'The TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) will be an Absolute Disaster for the People of the EU (European Union) and the People of America (USA) in the long-term - We simply have to Vote AGAINST this behind closed doors Transatlantic Trade deal before it is signed up and too late for the People to do anything about it' - http://worldinnovationfoundation.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/the-ttip-transat...
Clearly the Senate has been hoodwinked and conned by Obama, as they have allowed something to be passed that is a secret and therefore know hardly anything about it by the sheer fact that this and other vast trade documents to date are secret even to US politicians, just like the American people who know absolutely nothing about the TTP and its ramifications.
The projections are that 3 million more US jobs will go at least and probably many more over the years ahead. So apparently the Senate will allow Obama the power to fast-tract the TTIP also, where again projections by some leading economists is that another 3 million US jobs will go to low-cost labour economies when this trade deal is signed. - 'The TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) will be an Absolute Disaster for the People of the EU (European Union) and the People of America (USA) in the long-term - We simply have to Vote AGAINST this behind closed doors Transatlantic Trade deal before it is signed up and too late for the People to do anything about it' - http://worldinnovationfoundation.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/the-ttip-transat...
3
Recognize the tendency for corporations to be short sighted. Look at China and other nations already manipulating currency, stealing secrets and generally promoting dishonest and selfish policies. So how can we possibly benefit? The proponents of this agreement are either naive, greedy or just plain stupid.
The short term effect of these agreements is not to open foreign markets to our goods, rather further decimate our manufacturing base. Long term we slide further into 3rd world status.
The corporations do not care where they get their money as most bray that they are a "global" company. No longer concerned about this country,they go after "emerging markets" where they build the factories, not caring a hoot about Americans, or any other nationality.
We can see more an more disaffected people doing horrid and radical things as well as joining radical Islamic groups, world-wide. The government should be the one organization that looks beyond and can see a trend and not a stock trend either, but a social shift. This agreement indicates that this is not going to happen anytime soon. This government, no matter what party is in control, won't wake up until no one is willing to fight it's wars anymore.
The short term effect of these agreements is not to open foreign markets to our goods, rather further decimate our manufacturing base. Long term we slide further into 3rd world status.
The corporations do not care where they get their money as most bray that they are a "global" company. No longer concerned about this country,they go after "emerging markets" where they build the factories, not caring a hoot about Americans, or any other nationality.
We can see more an more disaffected people doing horrid and radical things as well as joining radical Islamic groups, world-wide. The government should be the one organization that looks beyond and can see a trend and not a stock trend either, but a social shift. This agreement indicates that this is not going to happen anytime soon. This government, no matter what party is in control, won't wake up until no one is willing to fight it's wars anymore.
9
Impeach Obama for lying about doing what he can for the American worker. Impeach Obama!
3
The key test for Obama's feckless TPP? Japan allowing Japanese to buy the rice they really love the most -- rice from California. Not gonna happen. Japan ain't going to open its market. But the US will open its market to cheap goods from abroad. Feckless! Impeach Obama!
3
"...any agreement over the next six years will be subject to a straight up-or-down vote..."
Good to know that President Sanders will have more authority for trade deals. That should give Monsanto some headaches.
Good to know that President Sanders will have more authority for trade deals. That should give Monsanto some headaches.
5
Hard fought? The politicians are all in someone's pocket and it doesn't appear to be the voters'.
7
Former Trade Rep Carla Hill says Obama collaborated across the aisle with Republicans. I think he capitulated. No upside to American middle class or working class -- big win for Wall Street though. Greatly disappointed in Obama!
5
Nothing hard won about it. It was a shoe in with corporate interests controlling congress and the executive branch. Just disgusting.
12
So much for the whole lame duck president doom laden scenario the NYT was peddling a couple of weeks ago. I now see the new meme is that it is tearing the Democratic party apart, poisoning relations, etc. etc. The house Democrats screwed up in voting against the bill and were out maneuvered. If you believe in trade agreements fast track is the only viable method of managing the process. Here Obama and the Republican leadership were right.
John, the question is "Who believes in this trade agreement?" Basically, Big Money supports this malignant mutant. No where have I seen any mention of the American public offering any modicum of support for fast track, because Joe Blow knows that fast track means the fast track to the bottom.
@ GLC
Joe Blow hasn't a clue. Are you serious. And overall trade agreements are economically unavoidable and have enormously enriched the US and benefitted ordinary Americans.
Joe Blow hasn't a clue. Are you serious. And overall trade agreements are economically unavoidable and have enormously enriched the US and benefitted ordinary Americans.
Methinks The Times is overstating the President's overall problem with the Democrats as well as the extent of his bromance with the GOP. Congressional Democrats still need Mr. Obama more than he needs them and he knows that he can count on their support with respect to most of the other issues that they'll need to confront over the coming months. The Republicans- not so much. Any day now they'll try to defund the ACA again (heavens, it's been over a month now since they last tried to do so). In any case, the Democrats who voted in opposition to fast-tracking the trade bill and who will have to go before the electorate again (as the President does not) can always say "not my fault" if passage of the bill ultimately leads to job losses in their state or district.
3
Job loss???It is the only result..
2
The spectacle of fellow Democrats stabbing their president in the back has been stunning. Hillary bowed to the litmus test of an independent who only has time for the Democrats when he needs them. Kudos for Obama in reaching across the aisle.
1
In your news analysis you state that "Obama aides have privately praised Republicans like Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader; Speaker John A. Boehner of Ohio; and Representative Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, saying they were straightforward and professional during the trade debate." Thus, the Obama administration allied itself with the Republican leadership that vilified the President. At the same time the Obama administration abandoned the interests of the constituents who voted to put Obama in office. Pure betrayal -- a president elected on an American jobs agenda ramming through a trade agreement that will eliminate American jobs and imperil the environment while adding to the coffers of multinational corporations. Was this Obama's agenda all along?
11
Was this Obama's agenda all along?
Yes. The 'leftwing black community organizer' shtick fooled enough people to get him to this point. The mask is off, the devil is revealed.
Yes. The 'leftwing black community organizer' shtick fooled enough people to get him to this point. The mask is off, the devil is revealed.
1
Yes of course. He is and has always been a Wall Street toadie.
2
There are two very important sentences in the article that are not be getting the attention they deserve:
"Under the legislation, the president may not even sign a final agreement for two months, and Congress cannot consider the deal for two additional months while the public gets its first complete look at the accord. That delay will most likely push any consideration of the Pacific accord well into the presidential election season, a difficult political environment in which to consider the largest trade agreement since the North American Free Trade Agreement."
And yes, the media may not give the little matter of granting international tribunals the right to access damages for loss of anticipated profits due to otherwise binding U.S. laws and regulations, but if freedom of the press extends only to those who own one, look for George Soros et al to be in the market. And all in the middle of a Presidential election season. So this could be a hoot after all.
But that said, candidates have been known to take a position in the primaries only to reverse themselves once their nomination is in the bag, the "Meet the New Boss . . ." phenomenon. (Think: Telecom Immunity.) But should that happen - again - it could be fairly said that the American people have gotten the government they deserved. TBD.
"Under the legislation, the president may not even sign a final agreement for two months, and Congress cannot consider the deal for two additional months while the public gets its first complete look at the accord. That delay will most likely push any consideration of the Pacific accord well into the presidential election season, a difficult political environment in which to consider the largest trade agreement since the North American Free Trade Agreement."
And yes, the media may not give the little matter of granting international tribunals the right to access damages for loss of anticipated profits due to otherwise binding U.S. laws and regulations, but if freedom of the press extends only to those who own one, look for George Soros et al to be in the market. And all in the middle of a Presidential election season. So this could be a hoot after all.
But that said, candidates have been known to take a position in the primaries only to reverse themselves once their nomination is in the bag, the "Meet the New Boss . . ." phenomenon. (Think: Telecom Immunity.) But should that happen - again - it could be fairly said that the American people have gotten the government they deserved. TBD.
3
In his book, "One World Ready or Not: The Manic Logic of Global Capitalism" written in 1997, William Greider brings out the following: "'The world is experiencing an enormous improvement in standards of living, just not here in the United States', said Albert Wojnilower, retired chief economist at CS First Boston .... The gradual decline of average real wages in the United States, for instance, has been under way unevenly for twenty years or more, driven by the deep pressures of the global marketplace toward wage equilibrium".
For me, the central drawback of global capitalism is that it is an effort to build a cooperative relationship between economies at completely different price levels. The inevitable result is that for competitive products, the major winners are those companies building at a lower cost of production, in third world economies operating at much lower price levels.
Contrast that with the protectionism of previous generations where America as a nation decreed that there would be taxes placed on foreign manufactured goods. In that case, there was a economic stimulation created for locally produced things. When we operated under this policy, we in effect traded among ourselves at the same price level. The person making the lawnmower could afford to rent the apartment, the landlord could afford to hire the maintenance worker, who could then afford to buy the lawnmower made by that same factory worker.
For me, the central drawback of global capitalism is that it is an effort to build a cooperative relationship between economies at completely different price levels. The inevitable result is that for competitive products, the major winners are those companies building at a lower cost of production, in third world economies operating at much lower price levels.
Contrast that with the protectionism of previous generations where America as a nation decreed that there would be taxes placed on foreign manufactured goods. In that case, there was a economic stimulation created for locally produced things. When we operated under this policy, we in effect traded among ourselves at the same price level. The person making the lawnmower could afford to rent the apartment, the landlord could afford to hire the maintenance worker, who could then afford to buy the lawnmower made by that same factory worker.
7
Orrin Hatch uses the phrase "the siren song of protectionism" to make the statement that it is a bogus policy. However, during the times of American protectionism, companies were stable and even prosperous, and jobs were available for all who wanted one. On the contrary, over the past 20 years of NAFTA and our agreements with China, free trade came with high promises that have not been fulfilled. No one is saying that in individual cases, that there has not been job growth based on trade. However, taken at the aggregate level, free trade has disappointed in a major way.
Since the budgets of the federal and state governments are based, it seems, on the assumptions of a country operating on a single price level, this has introduced budget deficits as the free trade economy has not produced the jobs necessary to support the expectations of the government safety net. We are in huge trouble as a result.
Contrasted with the Republicans of the 19th century who strongly supported protectionism and American jobs, today's Republicans, excepting a courageous minority, really have no understanding, as pointed out by Patrick Buchanan in his book "The Great Betrayal", and have no idea, it seems, what a disappointment they are.
Since the budgets of the federal and state governments are based, it seems, on the assumptions of a country operating on a single price level, this has introduced budget deficits as the free trade economy has not produced the jobs necessary to support the expectations of the government safety net. We are in huge trouble as a result.
Contrasted with the Republicans of the 19th century who strongly supported protectionism and American jobs, today's Republicans, excepting a courageous minority, really have no understanding, as pointed out by Patrick Buchanan in his book "The Great Betrayal", and have no idea, it seems, what a disappointment they are.
15
End U.S. industry protectionism in medicine, in Pharma, in medical devices, and especially, in dental devices and materials. We protect high prices and dangerous products in the United States. We do not protect patients. We sacrifice their interests. Health first. Health last. Health always.
Obama resembles Clinton in this situation.
Do we remember what Clinton said about Nafta during the 1992 campaign? He said that he thought it required further study. After he was elected, he worked harder for NAFTA than anything else.
Obama, in 2008, also expressed ambivalence about various trade agreements that punish the American worker. And Obama fought harder for TPP than anything else.
We don't have a democracy. We have, as Bernie Sanders tells us, an oligarchy.
Do we remember what Clinton said about Nafta during the 1992 campaign? He said that he thought it required further study. After he was elected, he worked harder for NAFTA than anything else.
Obama, in 2008, also expressed ambivalence about various trade agreements that punish the American worker. And Obama fought harder for TPP than anything else.
We don't have a democracy. We have, as Bernie Sanders tells us, an oligarchy.
19
And was not there a study out of Princeton, that proved we are an oligarchy? I never thought I would see the day that the Democratic President of the United States is, in popular terms, is a Blue Dog. We have a Blue Dog President.
1
How's can this trade agreement be constitutional?
6
President Obama ran in his former two campaigns against Nafta and trade agreements, he said they caused american job losses....interesting ! He never mentioned TPP in his last campaign, not once. It has been reported that 11 of the other TPP countries can still have tarifffs except for the country of Brunei, which will be tariff free....whoopee! So, good old USA will be tariff free while the other countries can impose tariffs on our goods, talk about a bad deal ! It's pretty clear corporations and multinationals now control our government ...we no longer have a representative government, isn't that fascism ? President Obama is not the person I thought I voted for ... bait and switch. Destroying our nation's sovereignty is unacceptable and traitorous. Bernie Sanders '16 !
14
Despite all the slight of hand the President and the traitors voting for this bill have STILL made a miscalculation. This is ONE issue Progressives and TeaParty types can agree on and by the time of the election all the provisions will be public. I say to both Progressives and Tea Party people grill those running for office (don't let abortion, gay marriage and God knows what else they will come up with to distract you get in the way) why they supported this bill and the damage it will do.
19
The business of America continues to be big transnational corporations. At the end of the day, big political donor corporations always win any trade deal under negotiation.
Once again, American workers will have to adjust to additional foreign competition. This time from low wage Asia-Pacific region. Competition for well paid jobs will be fierce particularly in the manufacturing area.
However, as American public officials like to remind free trade critics, American workers are the most productive in the world.
Once again, American workers will have to adjust to additional foreign competition. This time from low wage Asia-Pacific region. Competition for well paid jobs will be fierce particularly in the manufacturing area.
However, as American public officials like to remind free trade critics, American workers are the most productive in the world.
3
"Money doesn't talk, it swears." It also sneaks around behind our ostensible democracy and buys politicians. Nonetheless, 12 days ago the House Democrats voted this thing down, and today, over 3/4 of the Senate Democrats voted against it. The Democrats are the closest thing to a people’s party we have, and if money didn’t swear quite so loud, they’d be nearly unanimous. The problem isn't Obama; the problem is money in politics. Getting money out of politics is one of the planks on Bernie Sanders’ platform. So vote like your future depended on it. Because it does.
14
Who here works in manufacturing? Who here knows somebody who does? Those jobs are long gone "and they will never come back" in the words of Steve Jobs. Even if old shuttered plants did open up again, robots would replace most of the workers anyway. People should stop crying about how those days have ended, and start fighting to increase the wages for people who work in lower wage service jobs AKA the new manufacturing jobs. Services are the economy now, and many service jobs are not able to be offshored.
If we increase the minimum wage to a living wage, then the impact of free trade would be dramatically mitigated.
If we increase the minimum wage to a living wage, then the impact of free trade would be dramatically mitigated.
16
"If we increase the minimum wage to a living wage, then the impact of free trade would be dramatically mitigated."....By all means raise the minimum wage, but don't be deluded. Raising the minimum wage is like taking an aspirin for a brain tumor. It makes you feel better but it doesn't address the real problem which is that there are not enough jobs. It is time to generate jobs that can't be sent overseas. It is time to rebuild our infrastructure.
3
Well... not if they can bring in foreign workers who will do the job for lower wages - similar to what Disney recently pulled.
8
@Cesar I hate to tell you but McDonalds is going down in value and 70% of the economy is based on consumer spending. 70% of the working population can't flip enough burgers to keep the standard of living high enough to even BUY a burger and that is still with an increase in the minimum wage.
8
Corporations wanted this, and corporations get what they want.
The only (temporary) roadblock was those trifling things, the voters.
The only (temporary) roadblock was those trifling things, the voters.
18
Rumor has it that sovereignty will be lost to corporations, therefore perhaps we can just fire this bunch of useless Congress-people. Fire them all. At least start with a new slate.
4
A shameless betrayal of every American with less than half a billion in the bank.
Obama didn't push for women's rights, for environmental protections, for shutting Guantanemo, for the economy or for pressing for justice against the war criminals of the Bush Administration. But he got up off his can and pushed the agenda of the 1%, in the teeth of resistance from the people who elected him.
It is simply infamous. A treaty created at the behest and direction of rapacious unleashed corporate interests, developed in collusion between government and the rich at the direct expense of everyone else, sheathed in secrecy from those it will damage most and abdicating American sovereignity to commercial interests, foreign and domestic.
There is no disgust strong enough for this rape.
Obama didn't push for women's rights, for environmental protections, for shutting Guantanemo, for the economy or for pressing for justice against the war criminals of the Bush Administration. But he got up off his can and pushed the agenda of the 1%, in the teeth of resistance from the people who elected him.
It is simply infamous. A treaty created at the behest and direction of rapacious unleashed corporate interests, developed in collusion between government and the rich at the direct expense of everyone else, sheathed in secrecy from those it will damage most and abdicating American sovereignity to commercial interests, foreign and domestic.
There is no disgust strong enough for this rape.
21
I am inconsolable over this betrayal of the Constitution and the American worker
by our President, whom I hoped would act progressively at least after he won reelection. As for the spineless Congress critters, they acted as they always have. I have been a complete fool.
by our President, whom I hoped would act progressively at least after he won reelection. As for the spineless Congress critters, they acted as they always have. I have been a complete fool.
15
Now President Obama can look forward to a Clintinesque future, collecting millions of dollars as a reward for his betrayal of the voters who believed in him. He has betrayed us all - some legacy.
22
None of us have seen this trade bill yet, so we have no idea how good or bad it is. Fast track authority only requires that Congress vote the full bill up and down, not that it vote yes. Rather than screaming "the sky is falling," let's see what happens. My biggest concern has less to do with trade in goods than trade in services which is the largest sector of the US economy, and protections for overseas US investments. Prior trade treaties gave short shrift to services and the GATT avoided investor protections completely. Hopefully the TPP and the future treaty with the EU will resolve these problems.
2
Congress and the President need to start doing something to address the needs of middle-class and working-class Americans. Namely, jobs, wages, and infrastructure. You wouldn't be seeing all this anger and outrage on issues like the TPP if ordinary people weren't at the end of their rope economically.
11
It's interesting...
It seems to take years for our presidents to fully understand their jobs, president Obama has been no different. The fact he is now supporting policy he promised to oppose (Trade, Iraq and such) makes me wonder if the experience of the Oval Office is more common, than not, between Democrats and Republicans. That matters of Geopolitics is bigger than any ideologue and too complex for the general American.
Sometimes, after reading many of these comments, I wonder who is right...
It seems to take years for our presidents to fully understand their jobs, president Obama has been no different. The fact he is now supporting policy he promised to oppose (Trade, Iraq and such) makes me wonder if the experience of the Oval Office is more common, than not, between Democrats and Republicans. That matters of Geopolitics is bigger than any ideologue and too complex for the general American.
Sometimes, after reading many of these comments, I wonder who is right...
2
"That includes $2.7 billion in funds for worker retraining and education, and a provision that for the first time makes workers in service industries eligible for a program once reserved for out-of-work manufacturing workers."
Embarrassment led them to increase the worker retraining funds from the laughable $700 million that program had been sputtering along with for years, I suppose.
The big question is, did Obama cave and allow the funds to be taken from Medicare to ensure the program would be "deficit-neutral'?
My guess is that Obama did cave. Think about it for a moment: a bill that surely appeals to the Republican party, and Obama could have held out and demanded that the money not come from the government's most popular program.
Embarrassment led them to increase the worker retraining funds from the laughable $700 million that program had been sputtering along with for years, I suppose.
The big question is, did Obama cave and allow the funds to be taken from Medicare to ensure the program would be "deficit-neutral'?
My guess is that Obama did cave. Think about it for a moment: a bill that surely appeals to the Republican party, and Obama could have held out and demanded that the money not come from the government's most popular program.
8
I'm still wondering exactly what jobs they're plan to be retraining displaced workers for.
14
rtf, below has it right. Hmmm, manufacturing? Mining? Agriculture? Interesting..
Like Ross Perot famously said after NAFTA was approved and signed in the Clinton years: "That huge sucking sound you year is jobs leaving this country"
He was absolutely right, and we have paid for it dearly.
Now we're about to do it all over again with TPP.
From the mistakes in the Middle East to allowing the infrastructure to crumble to the incompetency in being unable to prevent hacker attacks on our most secret and sensitive data to God knows how many other similar disasters this country is truly headed for a serious disaster.
He was absolutely right, and we have paid for it dearly.
Now we're about to do it all over again with TPP.
From the mistakes in the Middle East to allowing the infrastructure to crumble to the incompetency in being unable to prevent hacker attacks on our most secret and sensitive data to God knows how many other similar disasters this country is truly headed for a serious disaster.
10
i'm astounded by how many commenters seem not to have read the article they are responding to. they seem to believe that a trade agreement has been passed, then bemoan the lack of transparency and the democratic process. the deal has not been negotiated. when it is, the president can't sign it for two months. congress can't debate it for another two months to give the public time to consider it. then congress will debate it and vote. it might be prudent to save all the hyperbole and rage until there is actually an agreement to consider.
1
@Olivia They've read it alright. The Republicans have majorities in both houses and the final bill only needs 51 votes to pass (can't be amended or filibustered). That being the case, if it passed this hurdle then it is a done deal as the R's have the votes without any opposition Dems and they WILL force a yes vote (just ask those R's who voted against it at this stage who lost committee chairmanships and offices as punishment).
5
I don't quite get it.
This is a bi-partisan approval to let President Obama (who, last I checked, was elected by a majority of American voters) negotiate and form an important international agreement. Just like a lot of other countries are letting their leaders do.
But THEN, if it seems so bad, Congress can just say no and the US will do ... what?
If we let Congress lead this international effort from the beginning, it would be 2025 and they'd still be arguing about the import quotas of 8 gauge leather horse harnesses to protect those from Kentucky with stainless steel grommets produced by companies in Pittsburgh, but only if the acidic waste could be tossed into Lake Erie.
Wait a minute ...
This is a bi-partisan approval to let President Obama (who, last I checked, was elected by a majority of American voters) negotiate and form an important international agreement. Just like a lot of other countries are letting their leaders do.
But THEN, if it seems so bad, Congress can just say no and the US will do ... what?
If we let Congress lead this international effort from the beginning, it would be 2025 and they'd still be arguing about the import quotas of 8 gauge leather horse harnesses to protect those from Kentucky with stainless steel grommets produced by companies in Pittsburgh, but only if the acidic waste could be tossed into Lake Erie.
Wait a minute ...
1
Rabid Democrats tried very hard to cede the Pacific to China, but the adults (President and Republicans) prevailed, and we got the only sane result for the nation.
2
I agree, it's all about China, nothing to do with rabid anythings however, the loss of jobs is a real concern.
However, PacRim economies more closely aligned will win friends and influence people, who are also looking to contain China...
However, PacRim economies more closely aligned will win friends and influence people, who are also looking to contain China...
Absolutely disgusting. Call your representatives and tell them to oppose this.
6
Is "shift toward Asia" code for we owe China trillions and they hold the keys to our economy, and if we don't shift they will shift for us. The oligarchs are nervous and they need this do go through. Perhaps our economy depends on it?but, what do we know? They keep the details from us, like good monarchs do to the peasants. Thankfully, in our representative democracy we can vote out any fool that is not straight with us. And they ALL are not being straight with us. So, what do we do now?
2
Folks will have to see things are actually worse and then (drum roll)actually VOTE..
To me, George McGovern could do no wrong - until he came out against "card check." Afterward I still liked him; but the current version, not nearly as much. That's exactly the way I feel about President Obama casting his lot with the likes of Mitch McConnell, not punched in the gut but left outside in the rain.
3
In response to the comment by Richard - I am not shedding tears for what President Obama could have been, but for what he has become and for what he has done.
10
Please tell us what it is he has done. Last I heard the vote only gave him authority to negotiate. Do you have something against negotiating?
He's not the world's greatest negotiator, just for starters.
2
You have a real gift for understatement, Massachusetts.
2
Does the average American know what this means? NO. Do the up coming millenials know what this means? NO. Any of the above even know that their jobs are about to be sent overseas? NO. Will any of those-whose jobs have gone overseas-know whom to blame? NO.
This is a huge problem in the USA. We are growing an ignorant society, who will listen to the people who have the most money to spend on advertising. It used to be that the "news" gave us all perspectives. But now that the "news" organizations are run by people who have the most money...well, we get stories about pets, every night, and a slant to every story. No in depth reporting, because the news industry has become entertainment, and the average American can't be bothered. Welcome to the New World!
This is a huge problem in the USA. We are growing an ignorant society, who will listen to the people who have the most money to spend on advertising. It used to be that the "news" gave us all perspectives. But now that the "news" organizations are run by people who have the most money...well, we get stories about pets, every night, and a slant to every story. No in depth reporting, because the news industry has become entertainment, and the average American can't be bothered. Welcome to the New World!
7
Wait till you see the Trade In Services Agreement (TISA), which will now have the benefit of the fast track law. TISA reportedly will bar us from putting any conditions or limitations on the importation into our country of cheap foreign labor. This will enable Big Business not only to offshore our American jobs, but also to bring cheap labor into our country to replace better paid American employees. We're gonna need all the Trade Adjustment Assistance the plutocrats will let drop from their table (actually from what's left of OUR Medicare).
12
corporations rule.
7
Hopefully all who voted for change, who felt elated at a "first" in a presidential race in the 21st century will carefully reflect on the Manchurian Candidate now sitting in the White House. It would be cynical to let understandable disappointment over the actions of an elected leader now desperately attempting to salvage a presidency whose promises and performance has fallen far too short of the mark.
The passage of fast track authority puts ordinary Americans on notice they are under attack and they must be exceedingly careful at who they choose to support. Democrat or Republican are just masks which serve to distract and divide. The two new political parties in America are increasingly obvious and inescapable. Fortunately, the new political identities do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, sexual oreintation or religion. And it is the economic gurrerilla war secretly waged for decades against one of these idenities by the other which compels a vigorious self defense for survival.
In actuality these two political identities are not unique to America or to the 21st century. These "parties" have contested for dominance in societies throughout the world and the ages of human existence. When one dominates peace and relative prosperity flourish, pluarlity and democracy are the common experience. When the other prevails increasingly chaos, injustices and inquities increasinly predominate
The two new parties are;
The HAVES and the HAVE NOTS.......
The passage of fast track authority puts ordinary Americans on notice they are under attack and they must be exceedingly careful at who they choose to support. Democrat or Republican are just masks which serve to distract and divide. The two new political parties in America are increasingly obvious and inescapable. Fortunately, the new political identities do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, sexual oreintation or religion. And it is the economic gurrerilla war secretly waged for decades against one of these idenities by the other which compels a vigorious self defense for survival.
In actuality these two political identities are not unique to America or to the 21st century. These "parties" have contested for dominance in societies throughout the world and the ages of human existence. When one dominates peace and relative prosperity flourish, pluarlity and democracy are the common experience. When the other prevails increasingly chaos, injustices and inquities increasinly predominate
The two new parties are;
The HAVES and the HAVE NOTS.......
14
Or, to paraphrase Marx, the history of mankind is the history of class struggle.
2
This is just one more piece of in your face evidence that Obama and all members of Congress who chose this direction, regardless of party, are obviously all on the payroll of big business interests. They have no real interest in the future of the common US citizen/middle class. I hope the electorate smartens up and listens to what Bernie Sanders is telling them about all this. Hillary is just the same old choice over again taking all her big PAC money. Sanders is not. Our government is bought by corporate interests. It is not elected anymore. If they have the money to tell the lie loud enough and long enough the stupid electorate will buy into it. All governmental elections should be paid for by the government and not individuals like they are in the UK etc.
7
I wonder if the President will have a big signing ceremony, complete with balloons made in China and ceremonial pens made in Vietnam, surrounded by his pals from the Republican Party, Wall Street bankers, the Club for Growth, the Chamber of Commerce and the Business Round Table, with a few additional plutocrats and multi-billion dollar CEO's thrown in for good measure. You know, the same crowd of good time Charlies who wrote the Trans Pacific Partnership Treaty.
40
A victory for Obama ... and the GOP. Tells you all you need to know if you are (or were) a Democrat who voted for him.
22
I am so confused? I thought the Republicans were obstructionists who will block everything the President wants because they are racists? Do you mean to tell me that when they are in agreement with the President on POLICY, they are more then willing to support him and even hand him a huge political victory? You mean it is possible that all these years, the republicans might have been fighting the President because they disagree with his policies? This really hurts the narrative pushed by the NY Times op ed contributors and their editorial board.
6
Yes, let's remember who pushed this, just as with NAFTA, the Republicans loved it, and promoted it, and were fighting to be in the front of the parade. The irony is that this new bill as with NAFTA is not popular with rank-and-file Republicans.
I was not talking about "rank and file" republicans. I was talking about the republican politicians who the NY Times and the left have villified for refusing to work with the President because he is black. My point was that this was STRONG EVIDENCE that their so called "obstructionism" was POLICY BASED and the charges of racism are disgusting, disgraceful and scurrilous.
This is a defeat for democracy and another victory for the corporate class that owns our elected officials. How can our so-called representatives vote for something that they haven't seen and agree to vote on the final agreement with no possibility of amendments or filibuster? This is very depressing. I believe that in the 21st century we should have more, rather than less, say in our governance; we should, at the very least, have been informed by President Obama about the guiding principles he would insist be in the trade agreement and how they would benefit all Americans not just the rich and powerful. Right now, we're being told to "trust, but not verify." No matter how beneficial the outcome may be, the process is antithetical to a modern democracy. By any other name, this is an act of tyranny.
21
I swear after reading the comments, the Progressives on Trade are every bit as bad as The Tea Party on ACA. They have no idea what is in it, but what ever it is, they are absolutely sure they're against it.
4
Recall that nobody's ALLOWED to know what's in it. The ACA, if you had time, was no particular secret.
"They have no idea what is in it"
Indeed we don't. It was crafted by the executive branch and corporations, with limited access by legislators and zero access by the public.
When you're shopping for groceries, would you buy a surprise box that could contain anything from avocados to instant oatmeal to bottled water? Why should we accept as much from a president we know to be cozy with Wall Street?
Indeed we don't. It was crafted by the executive branch and corporations, with limited access by legislators and zero access by the public.
When you're shopping for groceries, would you buy a surprise box that could contain anything from avocados to instant oatmeal to bottled water? Why should we accept as much from a president we know to be cozy with Wall Street?
1
We know what's in it. Among other things it will continue throwing middle class Americans into an unwinnable "competition" with oppressed citizens of Third World countries who are paid $0.50 an hour and live in company barracks. It also undermines our national sovereignty by permitting corporations to sue our governments in a special corporate-friendly trade "court" for damages if the enforcement of our laws costs them money. That's enough to sink it right there.
8
And people scorned me when I said he was handpicked and green-lighted. First black president. Sure...
15
Once again they could care less what the people who pay their salaries and elect them want. I'm so over Washington and what they represent. And they wonder why we have so may homegrown terrorists.
15
Corruption rules the day in our pathetic excuse of a democracy. Obama continues to cement his place as the most cowardly, hypocritical and captured Democrat ever to sit in the White House.
24
It takes time to turn a ship around and the American "ship" has been a push by the wealthiest and most powerful Americans for global superiority with no regulations to stop them or protections from their greed for average Americans. It is time to turn the "ship" around and resurrect and improve OUR social safety nets. Democrats apparently pretended to not support the trade bills the first time around. WE must DEMAND that Congress protect Americans first no matter who is elected. Only mass public demonstrations letting them know what we want will bring about change.
19
Bye Bye Feinstein. Your vote for decapitation of the working class shows that you are out of touch with your constituency--and decency.
34
The Laws of Economics overrule those of any government or the narrow interests of its constituents. For a time a nation can resist the force of markets but the price inevitably is a weaker economy and a poorer nation.
Far better for national leaders to influence the process to shape the rules of commerce so that their constituents will be able to chart a rational course toward competitiveness.
As a Democrat I am increasingly troubled by the ever stronger voices within the Party bent on standing against the tide instead of learning to swim. If our children need to learn more science and logic and history then teach them. Our teachers would not be so afraid of competition and free markets if they were better at their jobs.
We may wish it were not so but there is still no such thing as a free lunch.
Far better for national leaders to influence the process to shape the rules of commerce so that their constituents will be able to chart a rational course toward competitiveness.
As a Democrat I am increasingly troubled by the ever stronger voices within the Party bent on standing against the tide instead of learning to swim. If our children need to learn more science and logic and history then teach them. Our teachers would not be so afraid of competition and free markets if they were better at their jobs.
We may wish it were not so but there is still no such thing as a free lunch.
6
Tell that to the Wall Street bankers, hedge fund managers and multi-million dollar CEO's.
4
Strict tariff laws in the 19th and much of the 20th Century made us the industrial powerhouse of the world. The subsequent embrace of free trade has corresponded with our industrial decline. We need to pursue trade policies that put our interests first, just like everyone else does.
2
Do you realize that our US stem jobs in America are being handed over to H-1B visas from India, China and others. IT american workers are having to train their H-1B visas replacements all over corporate America not because of lack of education or experience, it's because of cheap labor from India. This isn't about competitiveness , it's about no regulations for the environment and cheap labor. China has one of the worse environments because of no regulations on outsourced American companies set up there. Bad labor practices for their workers as well...no protections. We have thousands of qualified STEM workers in America but they are locked out of American jobs .... a travesty !
4
What a disappointing about-face from legislators. It is also a shame to see that Elizabeth Warren, who has been a solid critic of TPP, could not keep more senators from going this way.
16
I think American citizens ought to consider having a vote of no confidence in their Congress.
It is absolutely clear that Congress has been bought and paid for by large corporations, banks, and Israel's right wing transnational 5th column.
It is absolutely clear that Congress has been bought and paid for by large corporations, banks, and Israel's right wing transnational 5th column.
36
A little anti-show from the democrats, then it would pass. Never a doubt.
9
Sold out again.
19
They are out to destroy American jobs, while they protect their donors' favorite country.
"Landmark anti-BDS law passes final Senate legislative hurdle
Obama to sign off on bill making rejection of Israel boycott a key objective in trade talks with EU"
"Landmark anti-BDS law passes final Senate legislative hurdle
Obama to sign off on bill making rejection of Israel boycott a key objective in trade talks with EU"
3
So for all of you who voted for "change we can believe in", you're getting the change you didn't ask for.
When was Obama ever looking out for the little guy? His healthcare law? A wonderful gift to the big hospital groups and drug makers.
Sure he went after a small band of wealthier, but not rich people with tax increases, and he really socked it to those expats who dared live outside the US.
Gotta love the vast expansion of the NSA, and his protecting the war criminals. Nothing to see here.
Common core for everyone, except children like his daughters who get private schooling. They shouldn't have to experience the impact of his policies. They are, afterall, the children of the elite.
Politics is the art of compromise. You who voted for Obama didn't know that he was compromising you.
When was Obama ever looking out for the little guy? His healthcare law? A wonderful gift to the big hospital groups and drug makers.
Sure he went after a small band of wealthier, but not rich people with tax increases, and he really socked it to those expats who dared live outside the US.
Gotta love the vast expansion of the NSA, and his protecting the war criminals. Nothing to see here.
Common core for everyone, except children like his daughters who get private schooling. They shouldn't have to experience the impact of his policies. They are, afterall, the children of the elite.
Politics is the art of compromise. You who voted for Obama didn't know that he was compromising you.
32
Japan and Australia issued a pretty strong vote of no confidence to the U.S. Congress. Good for them.
14
Haha, I don't think this is what Democrats expected when Obama said he'd reach across the aisle and work with the Republicans to get things done in DC. I guess it's better late than never that he fulfilled that campaign promise from 2008.
5
All I have to say is...Vote for Bernie.
57
I will write-in Bernie Sanders name on the ballot, if I have to.
52
People forget that Henry Cabot Lodge won the 1964 New Hampshire Republican primary as a write-in.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership, now headed to Congress, is a product of big corporations and Wall Street, seeking to circumvent regulations protecting workers, consumers, and the environment. Watch It is a bad deal for the vast majority of Americans.” Robert Reich, Secretary of Labor under Bill Clinton. Robert Reich
The real intent of these provisions is to impede health, environmental, safety, and, yes, even financial regulations meant to protect America's own economy and citizens. Companies can sue governments for full compensation for any reduction in their future expected profits resulting from regulatory changes.” Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate in Economics
The selling of the 12 nation Pacific Rim pact has the feel of a snow job. Officials have evaded the main concerns about the content of a potential deal; They’ve belittled and dismissed the critics and they’ve made blithe assurances that turn out not to be true.” Paul Krugman, Nobel Laureate in Economics.
TPP would allow foreign companies to challenge U.S. laws — — without ever stepping foot in a U.S. court. If the company won, the ruling couldn’t be challenged in U.S. courts, and the arbitration panel could require American taxpayers to cough up millions — and even billions — of dollars in damages.” Yves Smith, Naked Capitalism.
To allow arcane trade law, negotiated with scant public scrutiny, to have this kind of power over an issue so critical to humanity’s future is a special kind of madness. Naomi Klein, author
The real intent of these provisions is to impede health, environmental, safety, and, yes, even financial regulations meant to protect America's own economy and citizens. Companies can sue governments for full compensation for any reduction in their future expected profits resulting from regulatory changes.” Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate in Economics
The selling of the 12 nation Pacific Rim pact has the feel of a snow job. Officials have evaded the main concerns about the content of a potential deal; They’ve belittled and dismissed the critics and they’ve made blithe assurances that turn out not to be true.” Paul Krugman, Nobel Laureate in Economics.
TPP would allow foreign companies to challenge U.S. laws — — without ever stepping foot in a U.S. court. If the company won, the ruling couldn’t be challenged in U.S. courts, and the arbitration panel could require American taxpayers to cough up millions — and even billions — of dollars in damages.” Yves Smith, Naked Capitalism.
To allow arcane trade law, negotiated with scant public scrutiny, to have this kind of power over an issue so critical to humanity’s future is a special kind of madness. Naomi Klein, author
41
Mandatory health insurance payment or you are fined.
Government spying on all aspects of every American's lives.
Economic treaties negotiated in secret and kept secret from the public.
Retraining for fired workers who were doing what they wanted to do to make a living.
Those are hallmarks of Communism.
Government spying on all aspects of every American's lives.
Economic treaties negotiated in secret and kept secret from the public.
Retraining for fired workers who were doing what they wanted to do to make a living.
Those are hallmarks of Communism.
5
Obama is a Corportist, it is the Majority Republicans and Wall St. Democrats passing these bills
1
As a Democrat, I've been disappointed with the President on a few fronts (e.g. putting Bush's education policy on steroids), but on this I'm with him. We are in a global economy. Are we going to join and integrate into it or are we going to resort to self-protection hyperbole (I'll never vote again! Really? Money is influencing decisions! Of course it is and has throughout US history). We better get out of our conventional ways of thinking and start imagining how to enter into this world. Don't let the perfect get in the way of the good. This agreement isn't perfect, but Democrats will not be served by acting like the obstructionist Tea Party.
6
This is disappointing but not surprising. The very fact that there is a "retraining" clause tells us American jobs will be lost. Oregon Senator Wyden (D) said today on C-Span the bill would protect workers. But only BIG corporate workers will qualify, as usual, and Americans are sick and tired of "retraining" for lower paying jobs. Wyden also said "China" takes jobs, which is simply a lie. The jobs are being SENT overseas by supposedly American-based multinational corporations for whatever reason they can dream up but simply to stuff their already massively overflowing pockets. The only solutions are 1.) for Americans to join together and start true employee-owned companies where all workers share responsibility and profits - no outside investors to siphon off the rewards and 2.) to DEMAND an end to tax loopholes that allow the wealthiest to rob the rest of us blind. It's time for a New, Sustainable Model for Business in America that enriches all.
44
"The bill extends [trade adjustment] assistance through June 2022, with an expansion of the program through June 2021. That includes $2.7 billion in funds for worker retraining and education, [including for] [ex-]workers in service industries....The bill extends and expands a tax credit for the purchase of health insurance..."
most "dislocated" workers are dislocated for reasons other than international trade; that is, they are dislocated for domestic, local reasons.
is it an appropriate time to bring up the earned income tax credit? (we just considered a domestic health insurance plan for everyone a few years ago.) democrats and republicans, as well as their constituents, might like that too.
when foreigners compete in domestic markets, some call the competition unfair. when domestic citizens compete in domestic markets, many call the competition free market capitalism.
most "dislocated" workers are dislocated for reasons other than international trade; that is, they are dislocated for domestic, local reasons.
is it an appropriate time to bring up the earned income tax credit? (we just considered a domestic health insurance plan for everyone a few years ago.) democrats and republicans, as well as their constituents, might like that too.
when foreigners compete in domestic markets, some call the competition unfair. when domestic citizens compete in domestic markets, many call the competition free market capitalism.
1
This should raise Obamas image to Reagan levels..........in republican circles!
To all American factory workers, drop dead.
Idiots.
To all American factory workers, drop dead.
Idiots.
16
Ralph Nader asks the best question for all of us who supported this little liar.
"Has there ever been a bigger con man in the White House?
"Has there ever been a bigger con man in the White House?
52
Ralph is a plagiarist. I was the first one to call the O man a flim flam man. Then again maybe he came to the same conclusion independently. Sorry Ralph.
1
Yes We Can ... Make the rich even richer and impoverish a whole nation ... And yet more suffering for average Americans.
43
Say goodbye to the good ole USA. We need to have a revolution in this nation. I am young but I want to see the America that my grandparents grew up in.
47
You're right. Compared to today, it was great (as long as you were white, that is).
1
The last nail in the American middle class coffin. Welcome to the Asian century. America in this century will become Britain. A has been. We're flooded with illegal immigrants, machines will be doing many jobs still available to those people who can't afford an advanced degrees and the idea of the middle class ability to grow, is now gone. Trickle down economics has become trickle up poverty. Congratulations corporate America, you won the election.
34
History will record this betrayal of democracy.
35
American politics has nothing to do with the American public until election time when the politicians give almost all the campaign money to the Television industry to brainwash us into voting with one minute quips designed to arouse and anger us.
American politics is really just a spectator sport after all.
BOOOOO!!!!!
American politics is really just a spectator sport after all.
BOOOOO!!!!!
17
We just got screwed again. The only way these crooks can negotiate a trade agreement is stiffel American wages. The elitist in Hollywood, silicon valley and the food industry need cheap labor. The only way to get it, is to decrease American wages, not increase foreign wages. I can understand the Republican's liking the deal, their in the pockets of big business, but if Obama likes it too, it has got to be bad for the country.
15
Another nail in the coffin of our floundering country. We are continuing the race to the bottom.
19
Don't get mad........do what the leaders do.........resort to court.
1
Never have so few destroyed the future of a great nation already in decline because of relaxed economic protections.
I implore enterprising lawyers to formulate a class action lawsuit against the leaders to recoups lifetime earnings for all those workers casually referred to as 'Displaced" who are fired because of the trade agreements. Simple financial help retraining is insufficient compensation for the loss of a workers lifetime endeavors.
Don't settle for government money paid by taxpayers. Sue the leaders en mass.
I implore enterprising lawyers to formulate a class action lawsuit against the leaders to recoups lifetime earnings for all those workers casually referred to as 'Displaced" who are fired because of the trade agreements. Simple financial help retraining is insufficient compensation for the loss of a workers lifetime endeavors.
Don't settle for government money paid by taxpayers. Sue the leaders en mass.
32
This bill has raised an interesting debate. The one thing that is clear is that the American worker is most definitely *not*!the principle concern of this bill. Proponents of the bill offer only a trickle-down benefit, along with the fear that China will take more jobs. But they don't say how they are going to prevent American industry, or American consumers, from turning to China.
There is no explicit analysis of how this bill creates jobs here. And the bill's proponents can't understand why American workers are skeptical of it.
Look, if congress has to have an act, the TPA, that funds worker retraining when jobs leave the U.S. because of this bill, proponents are saying that they know that this bill is going to eliminate jobs in the U.S. How does this bill create *new* jobs in the U.S. that are as good as the old jobs?
We won't know until time passes. No sponsor of this bill will be around. Jobs here are victimized by global economic forces that this bill doesn't address. So far as I can see, it encourages a static economy here in which the wealthy benefit and the rest lose more ground. If TPP proponents disagree with this, then they can explain to us in detail how it benefits the American worker.
There is no explicit analysis of how this bill creates jobs here. And the bill's proponents can't understand why American workers are skeptical of it.
Look, if congress has to have an act, the TPA, that funds worker retraining when jobs leave the U.S. because of this bill, proponents are saying that they know that this bill is going to eliminate jobs in the U.S. How does this bill create *new* jobs in the U.S. that are as good as the old jobs?
We won't know until time passes. No sponsor of this bill will be around. Jobs here are victimized by global economic forces that this bill doesn't address. So far as I can see, it encourages a static economy here in which the wealthy benefit and the rest lose more ground. If TPP proponents disagree with this, then they can explain to us in detail how it benefits the American worker.
13
One feels stunned and betrayed, much as the characters of Orwell's "Animal Farm" must have felt when they saw the pigs, their leaders, move into a human habitation and walk on two feet. Congress and president have made a statement that they no longer care about the average person. Their only concern is self-aggrandisement and self-enrichment at our expense.
72
But it's always been that way. Except now it is obvious.
3
How is it that Republicans who wail over Obama’s budget deficits and make apocalyptic predictions about the US economy because the national budget is not balanced are able to so cavalierly dismiss the our nation’s $11 trillion in trade deficits since 1992? Or $4 trillion in trade surpluses that China has amassed in the last 25 years at our expense? Is this what passes as the pro-growth policy to “free-trade” Republicans?
In 2014, the United States ran a trade deficit in goods of $737 billion, or 4 percent of GDP. Could this be a contributing factor the in the continuous malaise that has infected the economy since 2008? Or does this even matter at all to the Senate Republicans and their 13 Democratic co-conspirator colleagues who voted for trade promotion bill? Apparently in the oligarchic world, this represents a good kind of deficit spending. Not that it helps middle class Americans, but that was never the point. Trade deficits beget campaign donations to our Senators from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce the Business Roundtable. And most importantly they bring kindly smiles to the faces to the plutocrats.
In 2014, the United States ran a trade deficit in goods of $737 billion, or 4 percent of GDP. Could this be a contributing factor the in the continuous malaise that has infected the economy since 2008? Or does this even matter at all to the Senate Republicans and their 13 Democratic co-conspirator colleagues who voted for trade promotion bill? Apparently in the oligarchic world, this represents a good kind of deficit spending. Not that it helps middle class Americans, but that was never the point. Trade deficits beget campaign donations to our Senators from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce the Business Roundtable. And most importantly they bring kindly smiles to the faces to the plutocrats.
42
There really is no point in voting.
I worked hard for the first Obama campaign, and voted for him, of course. I'll admit it: I was an idiot to buy into the "hope" and "change" mantra. (In my defense, I was a desperate idiot, after eight years of the illegal Bush presidency and all the disasters it brought on.)
So I work and vote for this guy who claims he is representing the American people, not the oligarchs. He claims that the people, not just the oligarchs, will have a "seat at the table." He claims his administration will be transparent. He claims that he will work to protect the environment and, looking squarely into the camera he says "I will work for you," meaning me, my family and friends. (Or, at least that's who I thought he meant.)
Then this so called trade bill, pushed through Congress, over the objections of the vast majority of the American people, by Obama's new-found Republican cronies. Even members of Congress are not allowed to have a seat at the table. Obama has completely betrayed his constituency, his country and the planet.
Who am I going to think is on the side of the people in the next election: Clinton or Bush? American electoral politics has become a sad joke. Rather than participating in the sham/scam, I'll find other ways to use my time, energy and resources.
I worked hard for the first Obama campaign, and voted for him, of course. I'll admit it: I was an idiot to buy into the "hope" and "change" mantra. (In my defense, I was a desperate idiot, after eight years of the illegal Bush presidency and all the disasters it brought on.)
So I work and vote for this guy who claims he is representing the American people, not the oligarchs. He claims that the people, not just the oligarchs, will have a "seat at the table." He claims his administration will be transparent. He claims that he will work to protect the environment and, looking squarely into the camera he says "I will work for you," meaning me, my family and friends. (Or, at least that's who I thought he meant.)
Then this so called trade bill, pushed through Congress, over the objections of the vast majority of the American people, by Obama's new-found Republican cronies. Even members of Congress are not allowed to have a seat at the table. Obama has completely betrayed his constituency, his country and the planet.
Who am I going to think is on the side of the people in the next election: Clinton or Bush? American electoral politics has become a sad joke. Rather than participating in the sham/scam, I'll find other ways to use my time, energy and resources.
117
I am genuinely puzzled by your comment. The vote allows Obama to negotiate a trade agreement. Right now there is no trade agreement, only continuing negotiations, so you can't know what is in the trade agreement. I don't understand how anyone can be so adamantly opposed to something before they know what it is.
7
Phillip, while I agree with your sentiments - I believed it all, too - if people like you do not remain engaged, aware and vote - voting because it is our responsibility as citizens - there really is no hope that the right individuals just may get elected and be part of the solution when the inevitable crisis is upon us.
3
And don't forget that proponents of single-payer health care were not only not invited to the table, they were arrested when they tried to seat themselves!
4
Now that this part of the process is complete, perhaps those who opposed the bill for what it never was; an increased jobs bill for the middle class, or a CEO's bigger bonus bill, will finally go to work to solve the central problem of all trade deals throughout history.
How to support and even repair the losers that are inevitable in every trade deal.
In our increasingly global economy Congress and the President must produce real results in changing our National economy and workforce to take advantage of the multitude of changes coming in the next 25 to 50 years.
Without a set of rules that allowed us to compete, that's what the TPP is, a set of rules, we would lose our position and therefore the opportunities as a Nation.
Without systemic changes to our tax codes and genuine provisions for worker training and education, the majority of our citizens lose the opportunity to benefit alongside the 1% and grow our dwindling middle class.
The TPP legislation was never going to be about about helping workers in distressed industries or cleaning up the environment or enhancing the already wealthy in any specific sense.
That's what comes next.
How to support and even repair the losers that are inevitable in every trade deal.
In our increasingly global economy Congress and the President must produce real results in changing our National economy and workforce to take advantage of the multitude of changes coming in the next 25 to 50 years.
Without a set of rules that allowed us to compete, that's what the TPP is, a set of rules, we would lose our position and therefore the opportunities as a Nation.
Without systemic changes to our tax codes and genuine provisions for worker training and education, the majority of our citizens lose the opportunity to benefit alongside the 1% and grow our dwindling middle class.
The TPP legislation was never going to be about about helping workers in distressed industries or cleaning up the environment or enhancing the already wealthy in any specific sense.
That's what comes next.
6
Dream on, Buddy. What comes next is more unemployment, further wage depression, largely unregulated environmental destruction and the yielding or our national sovereignty and the power of our representative government to multinational corporations.
One example: The government of Uruguay has an anti-smoking campaign to protect the health of its citizens. Under similar "trade" agreements, Philip Morris tobacco is suing the country because of future profits it might lose if people stop smoking its cancer sticks! The suit is filed in Switzerland, with three Swiss corporate types as the judges. You be the judge of the merits of this sham case.
One example: The government of Uruguay has an anti-smoking campaign to protect the health of its citizens. Under similar "trade" agreements, Philip Morris tobacco is suing the country because of future profits it might lose if people stop smoking its cancer sticks! The suit is filed in Switzerland, with three Swiss corporate types as the judges. You be the judge of the merits of this sham case.
88
How do you know the contents of TPP? No one else does. How are you so privileged? BTW, employees at my plant are trained and educated and laid off thanks to NAFTA, TPP, and Obama.
3
And, this is going to happen just how? Do you really believe for even a second that the group in power and their enablers in the media are going to do anything such as you suggest?
Do you really want to know what "comes next?" Read "Player Piano" by Kurt Vonnegut to get a sneak preview.
Do you really want to know what "comes next?" Read "Player Piano" by Kurt Vonnegut to get a sneak preview.
5
This is a stunting slap in the face to the common human citizen/wage-earner/taxpayer and a huge victory for the non-human citizen/human and environmental exploiter—the multi-national corporation.
The main street human citizens of the Untied States have been solid out yet again by our elected representatives. Money talks, the wager-earner walks.
Expect more secrecy, opaqueness, and human and environmental degradation by the avarice powers that be—lead by our President.
Wait to a Republican President gets ahold of this one! This authority begs to be vulgarized by the politician captured by business interests—this will end as yet another “profits over people” tool for the multi-national corporation.
Why not transparent, open, honest, trade agreements debated by Congress and the President that demand wage, working condition, and environmental impact parity across signature countries?
(Because humans and the environment would be less easily exploited by business interests and their captured politicians and policymakers—that’s why)
Michael Bain
Glorieta, New Mexico
The main street human citizens of the Untied States have been solid out yet again by our elected representatives. Money talks, the wager-earner walks.
Expect more secrecy, opaqueness, and human and environmental degradation by the avarice powers that be—lead by our President.
Wait to a Republican President gets ahold of this one! This authority begs to be vulgarized by the politician captured by business interests—this will end as yet another “profits over people” tool for the multi-national corporation.
Why not transparent, open, honest, trade agreements debated by Congress and the President that demand wage, working condition, and environmental impact parity across signature countries?
(Because humans and the environment would be less easily exploited by business interests and their captured politicians and policymakers—that’s why)
Michael Bain
Glorieta, New Mexico
58
Another nail into a coffin filled with American dreams!
60
We shall all shed a tear for what Obama could have been.
68
I cry for what Obama actually is.
5
And I voted for him, too! Well, he fooled me -- that is not too hard. However he betrayed all the American people and will leave his political party, the Democrats, in smoldering ruins. What a legacy!
Once again proving that there are not really two major parties in this country. There's the Business Party and the rest of us and let the devil take the hindmost.
78
While I wouldn't normally favor a Republican senate, I am relieved that this bill passed. If you look at the macroeconomic trend of a rising China, it is critical for the US to engage the Pacific. If we don't continue to trade with China, China will have an edge on the United States. This should also be beneficial in trying to ease the growing tensions between the two powers. The Democrats with their unions are being short-sighted when they try to hold back free trade.
Corporatism wins again. Even if we vote someone like Bernie Sanders in as POTUS, he probably wouldn't make it through his first month in office.
34
It is so encouraging to see a President bring parties together on such a difficult issue - that is Leadership the American people can be proud of. It is essential to the sustainability of all nations that "....all involved cooperate in rigorous labor and environmental standards as trading partners, and join forces on protecting intellectual property rights."
6
spoken like a true CEO or major stockholder.
9
Very proud of my president, too. Admittedly it helps that he's not running for re-election. But, all the same, it took courage and intellectual integrity to stand up to the special interests and demagogues who would sell out what experts understand works best for American interests. A model trade agreement that will grow the economy, strengthen American geopolitical interests, advance trade and human rights safeguards, and provide needed money for re-training so our workforce remains relevant. Anti-intellectual know-nothings of the Tea Party right and Labor left make an odd alliance, one united by hysteria rather than facts. It's nice to know that occasionally reason wins out.
2
But he didn't bring the parties together. What we had here was back-room horse trading and arm-twisting.
The Democrats opposed to this bill have serious and legitimate reservations about the treaty being negotiated. Voting down fast-track would at least send the signal that negotiations held in secret on a deal with such potentially profound consequences are not acceptable.
Real leadership would mean making the working papers public and allowing the public to have a full debate on the merits.
The Democrats opposed to this bill have serious and legitimate reservations about the treaty being negotiated. Voting down fast-track would at least send the signal that negotiations held in secret on a deal with such potentially profound consequences are not acceptable.
Real leadership would mean making the working papers public and allowing the public to have a full debate on the merits.
4
Next time we need to elect a democratic president who is loyal to his constituency.
55
Dear ScottW:
Unfortunately, I don’t think that candidate genera really exist.
Unfortunately, I don’t think that candidate genera really exist.
1
The finest trade bill that campaign donations and lobbyists could buy. Corptocracy here we come.
114
we're already there.
4
i heard someone say that this TPP was a coup d'etat for Big Business....Even my own Representative Kathleen Rice turned her back on her Union supporters. Why??? I guess this job is just a step towards the BIG MONEY...next term she might be a lobbyist for the highest bidder. Read This Town.
1
Bernie Sanders speaks for mainstream America, yet he is marginalized in the press as a left wing zealot.
More protests, more union visibility, more GOTV, more communication with representatives and the fight can be won.
The stakes could not be higher.
A worldwide corporatocracy will make Metropolis and Blade Runner look like Disney movies. It all comes down to this: what world do people want to build for themselves? At this point, we can imagine corporations building armies and crushing slave rebellion with weapons impossible to fight against. How's that for a nightmare? Maybe just get rid of capitalism at some point. As a plutocrat, who cares about capitalism and markets when you can just live the way you want to?
If you don't think it's possible, time travel from Detroit 1955 to now and then what. You would understand the power of the greed of a few to destroy the happiness of many.
I never thought I'd write something like this. A pitiful day.