Extreme secrecy eroding support for Obama's trade pact

[geek tragedy]

It's very hard to sell a product when one isn't allowed to discuss what that product is.

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/05/secrecy-eroding-support-for-trade-pact-critics-say-117581.html

For those out to sink Obama’s free trade push, highlighting the lack of public information is becoming central to their opposition strategy: The White House isn’t even telling Congress what it’s asking for, they say, or what it’s already promised foreign governments.

No doubt there are reasons why draft proposals circulated amongst countries are ideally held close to the vest, but you can't ask for something without telling people what it is you want.

[Dem2]

1. It's true

How are we even supposed to discuss this issue? It makes most of us insane that we're either required to "trust" or "distrust" the President on this. Then you're left with a typical argument over who's always distrusted him and who tends to be comfortable that he's got our best interests at heart. Not exactly exciting stuff.

[geek tragedy]

2. even those inclined to think he is seeking a deal that's as good as possible

in terms of labor and environmental protections don't have much to back up their arguments.

he's left those who want to argue on his behalf very little to work with

[djean111]

3. Trade agreements are one thing. Huge corporate giveaways are not trade agreements between

countries. The TPP has a little bit of trade stuff, mostly unenforceable, or not intending to enforce, as usual. But the bulk of it seems to be corporations telling countries what to do.

So I do not feel that the traditional "secrecy" thing should be invoked. This is a Trojan horse masquerading as a trade agreement.

[stillwaiting]

4. Corporations telling countries what to do. Indeed. +1 nt

[Romeo.lima333]

6. This is a Trojan horse masquerading as a trade agreement. a most excellent way to put it

[samsingh]

5. i agree

[oneshooter]

7. "The most transparent administration EVER" Yea, Right. n/t

[Binkie The Clown]

8. For all we know it authorizes the U.N. to invade Texas

and put all the Texans in secret prison camps under the Wallmart stores. That's why they don't want Ted Cruz to see it.