Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

Beauregard

(376 posts)
Fri May 8, 2015, 01:51 PM May 2015

Obama says trade deal lets US write the rules, not China

Source: AFP

BEAVERTON, Ore. (AP) -- President Barack Obama says the U.S. must write the rules of the global economy now, while it's in a position of economic strength.

If it doesn't, Obama says, "China will." And he says that would give Chinese workers the upper hand and lock Americans out of jobs.

Obama made his case for international trade pacts Friday at the Beaverton, Oregon, headquarters of the giant clothing and shoe company Nike. But he also met with Oregon small business leaders. He says small companies make up 98 percent of U.S. exporters and benefit from open markets.

The president acknowledges that many of his fellow Democrats oppose the 12-nation Trans-Pacific trade deal because they worry it will hurt American workers.

Obama says, "Some of my dearest friends are wrong. They're just wrong."


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/obama-says-trade-deal-lets-171614953.html



Just wrong, dearest friends?
116 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Obama says trade deal lets US write the rules, not China (Original Post) Beauregard May 2015 OP
fine prove it by showing us the agreement, Obama hollysmom May 2015 #1
No, dearest friend, it's a secret. Beauregard May 2015 #3
There is no agreement. AZ Mike May 2015 #30
There are proposals, but we are not allowed to see them. Sgt Preston May 2015 #62
Well, we're not structurally a true democracy. AZ Mike May 2015 #68
What a complete shuck. Sgt Preston May 2015 #71
Yes, a negotiation involving 330 million participants.... AZ Mike May 2015 #73
Straw man. Beauregard May 2015 #80
And yet it's those 330 million that are affected rock May 2015 #102
The worst aspect is the Investor-State Dispute Settlement clause. olegramps May 2015 #41
+1. nt Sgt Preston May 2015 #61
The USA has never lost an ISDS case. joshcryer May 2015 #69
I didn't say that the U.S. lost any cases. olegramps May 2015 #70
No, but you think the USA would. joshcryer May 2015 #74
That is not what I understand would happen with this trade agreement. olegramps May 2015 #98
Exactly, but the arbitration will be in ICSID. joshcryer May 2015 #115
Be careful about conflating America winning ISDS cases FarrenH May 2015 #99
But Warren doesn't argue that. joshcryer May 2015 #114
You have any examples of USA losing an ISDS dispute, resulting in a "disaster," under NAFTA. Hoyt May 2015 #78
There is no agreement, yet, Hollysmom. nt tridim May 2015 #48
LOL :) Sgt Preston May 2015 #63
I trust Bernie & Elizabeth on this one much more than Obama peacebird May 2015 #2
Agree ananda May 2015 #4
And Grayson and Reich too! arcane1 May 2015 #14
Why do you not trust Obama? tridim May 2015 #49
Because a majority of R's in Congress like TPP, Grayson/Warren/Sanders & Robert Reich hate it peacebird May 2015 #59
:) Beauregard May 2015 #81
Because his education policies undermine public education ibegurpard May 2015 #113
Stop it, Obama. lark May 2015 #5
Lets the corporations write the rules. I don't think we workers are included in the "us". djean111 May 2015 #6
The key phrase there is "up to." subterranean May 2015 #24
and it could take up to 10+ years to accomplish even that frylock May 2015 #66
Pbbbbbbbbbbbbbb! Demeter May 2015 #7
Fuckin A SamKnause May 2015 #26
TY, I needed that laugh. mother earth May 2015 #89
Obama is right again. Hoyt May 2015 #8
You mean, as opposed to left? Demeter May 2015 #10
Thanks for sharing! Would you care to elaborate? Beauregard May 2015 #11
His comment is self explanatory, even if folks are too myopic to see it. Hoyt May 2015 #15
" Obama says, 'Some of my dearest friends are wrong. They're just wrong.' " StandingInLeftField May 2015 #18
No, he said China will write the rules if we don't . Not only are some of his friends wrong, Hoyt May 2015 #20
Saying "They're wrong" is a content-free statement. arcane1 May 2015 #19
Seems obvious to me. We aren't going to progress trading among ourselves, unless we change Hoyt May 2015 #21
We're not "trading among ourselves" right now. You're making that up. arcane1 May 2015 #29
Then why oppose a trade agreement hat improves on the way things are done now? Hoyt May 2015 #39
Because there is zero evidence that this is true. arcane1 May 2015 #44
You are right, just because you said so is not good enough. Hoyt May 2015 #45
The burden of proof is on Obama, to prove this deal is different than the others. arcane1 May 2015 #46
That's bull. Don't have time to try explaining complicated issues to you, neither does Obama. Hoyt May 2015 #51
You spend a lot of time on DU. So you have plenty of time. Let's see it one day. stillwaiting May 2015 #52
In other words, you lost the argument. arcane1 May 2015 #54
Nope. You've done nothing but say we don't need to try to influence trade among the 11 countries. Hoyt May 2015 #56
Don't have the ability to try explaining complicated issues to you.. frylock May 2015 #67
WTF are you talking about? Trajan May 2015 #36
Read about a Scandanavian country like Denmark. Hoyt May 2015 #53
We already trade billions worth of goods among the 11 countries in the treaty. jeff47 May 2015 #37
New markets for our capital mean new money for safety nets if we tax them Hoyt May 2015 #40
:rofl: jeff47 May 2015 #42
I'd rather have the money to tax when we cone to our senses, than hamstring us from benefitting Hoyt May 2015 #43
How, exactly, do you propose to tax a foreign company? jeff47 May 2015 #47
Difficult to post to obtuse people.. These are multinational companies. Hoyt May 2015 #64
Guess what? Other countries actually buy goods! jeff47 May 2015 #105
LOL...you want to use Nike? The company selling shoes pipoman May 2015 #112
You can tax the US investor. Sgt Preston May 2015 #72
Nope. He leaves the money in Vietnam. (nt) jeff47 May 2015 #104
You don't get it, most of the nikes are sold here and Nike is a US corporation. Hoyt May 2015 #110
Whose "capital"? "Our" capital? Sgt Preston May 2015 #60
Yes, we know. The leader is always right. Jack Rabbit May 2015 #33
I don't think so Geronimoe May 2015 #9
Exactly... sendero May 2015 #90
Is this the same China we have VOLUNTARILY sent thousands of jobs to? arcane1 May 2015 #12
Not really. It's the China that we voluntarily sent MILLIONS of jobs to. hedda_foil May 2015 #50
CORRECTION: It lets *Corporate America* write the rules. Spitfire of ATJ May 2015 #13
Bingo. CharlotteVale May 2015 #17
Yep Punx May 2015 #32
The US Trade Rep is a career diplomat. Hoyt May 2015 #91
I'm fairly certain that the Chinese StandingInLeftField May 2015 #16
China isn't in the TPP. (nt) jeff47 May 2015 #38
Interesting. Who shall I believe Bernie, Liz or Obama? Autumn May 2015 #22
Alan Grayson SamKnause May 2015 #28
Let me clarify . . . Roy Rolling May 2015 #23
We can trust them . . . Roy Rolling May 2015 #27
You are lying. SamKnause May 2015 #25
Facts matter, don't they? Or are we just the other side of the same coin. yallerdawg May 2015 #31
Max Baucus? You're actually quoting the repellent Max Baucus here on DU? hedda_foil May 2015 #55
Sometimes I feel lost. yallerdawg May 2015 #57
Different JayNev May 2015 #87
Will everyone disappear if we have a Republican president? yallerdawg May 2015 #88
I guess all those Democrats in Congress that don't support the TPP also hate Obama neverforget May 2015 #108
Logic? yallerdawg May 2015 #109
delusional. Locrian May 2015 #34
"Race to the bottom" Beauregard May 2015 #82
China is going to play by it's own rules regardless Punx May 2015 #35
breaking: Obama calls for cancellation of H1B visa program lol sorry, "dear friends" I was wrong nt msongs May 2015 #58
We don't confront China on their currency manipulation. wolfie001 May 2015 #65
Bullshit, Mr. President... elzenmahn May 2015 #75
Ugh...I love ya Barack, but this is not good. Who is we, by the way. Nike? randys1 May 2015 #76
I like him, too. I mean, I'm not ashamed of him like Bush. Beauregard May 2015 #83
Does he know that China is listening? Renew Deal May 2015 #77
1: China already has our jobs. 2: The enemy is global fascism (aka, Corporatism) not China 3. Kip Humphrey May 2015 #79
Reality JayNev May 2015 #84
There are also his political debts to past donors. Beauregard May 2015 #85
What upsets me the most... elzenmahn May 2015 #92
Name calling won't help... JayNev May 2015 #111
With all due respect... elzenmahn May 2015 #116
Trade pacts are supposed to be agreements among equals daleo May 2015 #86
But, Wah! I trust the President. This trade agreement will be shown before the vote.. but, that Cha May 2015 #93
And he STILL offers no specifics. Just general platitudes that it's good. Kablooie May 2015 #94
Clearly this thing is more about hindering China's influence in the region... DCBob May 2015 #95
More like CORPORATIONS are writing the trade deals with rules that benefit them over global law. mother earth May 2015 #96
Laughable really...nt Jesus Malverde May 2015 #97
I know a little about the President's priorities goldent May 2015 #100
So the other potential members of TPP have no say? GeorgeGist May 2015 #101
Everyone's "say" will be proportional to their capital. candelista May 2015 #103
I'm highly skeptical Bradical79 May 2015 #106
How about some specifics? moondust May 2015 #107

AZ Mike

(468 posts)
30. There is no agreement.
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:29 PM
May 2015

It's in negotiation right now. When the agreement is finalized, it will be posted publicly for a commentary period.

That said, I am anti-trade deals in general.

 

Sgt Preston

(133 posts)
62. There are proposals, but we are not allowed to see them.
Fri May 8, 2015, 04:54 PM
May 2015

Not the most democratic way to do things, is it?

AZ Mike

(468 posts)
68. Well, we're not structurally a true democracy.
Fri May 8, 2015, 05:49 PM
May 2015

We're a representative democracy. So, this is being negotiated in accordance with that theory.

Non-protectionism (e.g., trade deals) are a scourge on our economy, but our government is acting on our behalf (though possibly not in our interests) in a proper, technical way.

I'm ready for that commentary period to begin. Then we'll see how the government regards our comments. I'm not optimistic, but procedurally that's what we are left to wait for.

 

Sgt Preston

(133 posts)
71. What a complete shuck.
Fri May 8, 2015, 06:39 PM
May 2015

Is THAT the excuse you're going to give? The Republican bumper sticker slogan that we are a "Republic, not a Democracy"? That's disgusting. Your President has the DISCRETION to invite public participation and discussion in these matters. Surely even you understand that, AZ.

AZ Mike

(468 posts)
73. Yes, a negotiation involving 330 million participants....
Fri May 8, 2015, 06:47 PM
May 2015

....would be really practical and effective.

olegramps

(8,200 posts)
41. The worst aspect is the Investor-State Dispute Settlement clause.
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:15 PM
May 2015

This was contained in the NAFTA and has been a disaster. Basically it puts Americans at risk to provide ridiculous compensation if our laws should conflict with the interest of the foreign investor. Take for example that a foreign investor buys a property that is zoned for only buildings of a certain height. They submit plans for a structure that doesn't conform to the building codes. They then can sue to claim that the law prevented them from makes some ridiculously claimed loss of business. There are nearly one billion dollars in pending suits under the NAFTA agreement pending. Guess who has to pay for the supposed loss, the United States tax payer. My understanding is that this trade agreement would go even further in allowing the settlement to be made by a secret trade commission thereby dodging the courts.

The same goes for the trade infractions. When unions objected to the practice of dumbing and unfair labor practices, they have been tied up in the courts for years with no settlement in sight. Meanwhile, the offending foreign manufacture floods the market and kills thousands of American workers jobs driving the manufacturing plant into bankruptcy. This is only the tip of the iceberg.

joshcryer

(62,536 posts)
69. The USA has never lost an ISDS case.
Fri May 8, 2015, 05:55 PM
May 2015

This is so silly. It's actually slanted in FAVOR of the USA.

joshcryer

(62,536 posts)
74. No, but you think the USA would.
Fri May 8, 2015, 06:55 PM
May 2015

Which is preposterous. If the USA lost a case it will have fucked up bad. Child slavery or something.

olegramps

(8,200 posts)
98. That is not what I understand would happen with this trade agreement.
Sat May 9, 2015, 09:23 AM
May 2015

It would be taken out of the hands of the courts and be decided by a secret panel of appointed arbitrators. This is of major concern to some of the some of the commentators that I have read. You seem to be in favor of the trade agreement, however, you neglect to address the issues that other agreements have caused. Namely, the concerns of the unions that have filled grievances that have not been settled after years. I definitely oppose Fast Tracks since it would not allow any amendments to the trade agreement and could only be voted up or down. With the control of congress by the Republicans that would almost insure it passage.

joshcryer

(62,536 posts)
115. Exactly, but the arbitration will be in ICSID.
Sun May 10, 2015, 04:48 AM
May 2015

Which is based in Washington D.C. and run by US judges and lawyers. There's a reason the US has never once lost an ISDS case. Because the odds are stacked incredibly in our favor.

I am not in favor of the trade agreement, I think that ultimately it sets back the environment by at least a decade by the intellectual property provisions. If the environmental sections left room for better bargaining power for developing countries, then yes, I would would feel it was worth chancing it (in the end automation will take over in like 10-15 years, TPP is literally nothing on the scheme of things in that vein). But because the intellectual property provisions essentially kill any renewable buildout in developing countries, it's a waste of time, and not going to achieve anything.

The secret panels are a feature of TPP, because it guarantees an outcome in favor of the US. Unless the US is doing egregious practices like slave labor, the US is going to win every single one of the ISDS cases. Every time, without fail. We have a better judicial system, we have better lawyers, we have judges who are biased in our favor. The whole point, literally, of ISDS, is to keep the US from having to pay out to other countries. Because really, what countries in TPP have better environmental, intellectual property, or trade standards than the US? None of them. This actually explains why AU got an exemption under the ISDS part, because one of our companies sued them to oblivion and they lost (Phillip Morris).

ISDS is a damn red herring. The focus should be on how TPP does not offer true environmental protection. But since protecting the environment is so last decade, no one gives a shit.

FarrenH

(768 posts)
99. Be careful about conflating America winning ISDS cases
Sat May 9, 2015, 10:42 AM
May 2015

with American *companies* winning ISDS cases. ISDS cases under existing bilateral agreements have allowed American companies to continue deplorable business practices abroad, which in turn has contributed to job losses in the USA.

joshcryer

(62,536 posts)
114. But Warren doesn't argue that.
Sun May 10, 2015, 04:41 AM
May 2015

She thinks that somehow magically some TPP partner can sue the US over pollution or some such nonsense. It's completely absurd.

Yes, ISDS favors the US and US corporations (to the detriment of the third world), but Warren does not argue that, she doesn't say it's bad because it shafts any country whose standards aren't up to the US's standards (which many developing countries are far behind).

She should make that case rather than pull out this red herring about boilerplate ISDS language.

 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
78. You have any examples of USA losing an ISDS dispute, resulting in a "disaster," under NAFTA.
Fri May 8, 2015, 07:18 PM
May 2015
 

Sgt Preston

(133 posts)
63. LOL :)
Fri May 8, 2015, 04:57 PM
May 2015

There are proposals. Secret proposals which, once agreed upon, cannot be modified. Congress will have to vote up or down on a done deal.

 

arcane1

(38,613 posts)
14. And Grayson and Reich too!
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:10 PM
May 2015

And these attempts at "selling" the TPP are starting to make me embarrassed for him.

peacebird

(14,195 posts)
59. Because a majority of R's in Congress like TPP, Grayson/Warren/Sanders & Robert Reich hate it
Fri May 8, 2015, 04:28 PM
May 2015

That combo one/two punch says TPP is BAD to me, and Obama wants it passed without letting us see the details.

ibegurpard

(17,081 posts)
113. Because his education policies undermine public education
Sun May 10, 2015, 02:28 AM
May 2015

Because he fought progressives on including a public option in the ACA.
That's just two.

lark

(26,081 posts)
5. Stop it, Obama.
Fri May 8, 2015, 01:59 PM
May 2015

You are just embarassing yourself. We know you sold out on this, quit trying to draw lipstick on this huge gross hog.

 

djean111

(14,255 posts)
6. Lets the corporations write the rules. I don't think we workers are included in the "us".
Fri May 8, 2015, 01:59 PM
May 2015

How could he say "up to 10,000 jobs, over 10 years," with a straight face?

subterranean

(3,762 posts)
24. The key phrase there is "up to."
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:24 PM
May 2015

"Up to" 10,000 jobs means they'll be able to say they kept their promise even if they create only one job.

 

Beauregard

(376 posts)
11. Thanks for sharing! Would you care to elaborate?
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:05 PM
May 2015

Or were you speaking ex cathedra? You know, like the Pope.

18. " Obama says, 'Some of my dearest friends are wrong. They're just wrong.' "
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:14 PM
May 2015

The logical and factual brilliance of this cogent argument is stunning!

 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
20. No, he said China will write the rules if we don't . Not only are some of his friends wrong,
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:16 PM
May 2015

they are playing politics and darn near lying for votes and support.

 

arcane1

(38,613 posts)
19. Saying "They're wrong" is a content-free statement.
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:15 PM
May 2015

It can't be "self-explanatory" by definition, because it doesn't explain anything.

 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
21. Seems obvious to me. We aren't going to progress trading among ourselves, unless we change
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:19 PM
May 2015

our definition of progress. Don't think most here are ready to do that.

 

arcane1

(38,613 posts)
29. We're not "trading among ourselves" right now. You're making that up.
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:28 PM
May 2015

If the TPP is so great, why do you have to make things up in order to defend it?

 

arcane1

(38,613 posts)
44. Because there is zero evidence that this is true.
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:19 PM
May 2015

"Because I said so" isn't good enough.

 

arcane1

(38,613 posts)
46. The burden of proof is on Obama, to prove this deal is different than the others.
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:24 PM
May 2015

He has so far failed to do so. You haven't done any better.

 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
51. That's bull. Don't have time to try explaining complicated issues to you, neither does Obama.
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:35 PM
May 2015

stillwaiting

(3,795 posts)
52. You spend a lot of time on DU. So you have plenty of time. Let's see it one day.
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:38 PM
May 2015

I'm sure it will make a fascinating OP.

 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
56. Nope. You've done nothing but say we don't need to try to influence trade among the 11 countries.
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:41 PM
May 2015

We don't need to renegotiate NAFTA, which the TPP does, we are just fine doing nothing. I disagree .

 

Trajan

(19,089 posts)
36. WTF are you talking about?
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:06 PM
May 2015

What definition of progress needed to be re defined, and what is the RE-definition of progress?

Please provide some clues for your mysterious assertions ...

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
37. We already trade billions worth of goods among the 11 countries in the treaty.
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:10 PM
May 2015

This agreement will not "open new markets for our goods". It will open new markets for our capital. Letting that capital create jobs in those other countries instead of creating jobs in the US.

 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
40. New markets for our capital mean new money for safety nets if we tax them
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:13 PM
May 2015

properly.

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
42. :rofl:
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:16 PM
May 2015


Yeah, Congress is going to start taxing foreign subsidiaries any day now. Any day now. Any day now. Here it comes. Any day now....
 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
43. I'd rather have the money to tax when we cone to our senses, than hamstring us from benefitting
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:19 PM
May 2015

from trade.

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
47. How, exactly, do you propose to tax a foreign company?
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:29 PM
May 2015

Seriously. I want to hear your plan for taxing a company that exists only in Vietnam. It never leaves Vietnam. It never sells any products or services in the US. No person who works for that company ever sets foot inside US territory. They own a factory in Vietnam, and make shoes. They make billions in income because a US investor gave them the start-up money to sell shoes to China and India.

Now explain how you tax it from the US. Go ahead. I'm all ears.

 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
64. Difficult to post to obtuse people.. These are multinational companies.
Fri May 8, 2015, 05:02 PM
May 2015

For example, the Nikes come back here and Nike gets taxed here for their profits made in this country.

Besides, do you have something against some Vietnamese making a few bucks making shoes. I think we owe it to them.

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
105. Guess what? Other countries actually buy goods!
Sat May 9, 2015, 03:28 PM
May 2015
For example, the Nikes come back here and Nike gets taxed here for their profits made in this country.

And if the TPP required all goods to be sold in the US, that might work. But that wouldn't exactly be "free trade", now would it?

There's no particular reason why the goods have to be sold in the US. And with the massive markets in China and India, there's little reason to assume the goods have to come back to the US.

Besides, do you have something against some Vietnamese making a few bucks making shoes. I think we owe it to them.

Do you have something against factory workers in the US? I think we owe them an economy that can produce jobs for them, instead of shoveling capital out of the US.
 

pipoman

(16,038 posts)
112. LOL...you want to use Nike? The company selling shoes
Sat May 9, 2015, 08:21 PM
May 2015

In the us for $300 that cost $1.50 to produce? That Nike? They'll be taxed, the shoes will now be $330, the labor living in thatch huts drinking dirty water shopping in the company store will still be doing exactly that....organized US labor should have multiple seats in the negotiations...instead all seats are occupied by big multinational corporate interests...any Democrat who argues for this isn't really interested in labor, in the US or anywhere else on the planet....#thelaborpartyisdead2016

 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
110. You don't get it, most of the nikes are sold here and Nike is a US corporation.
Sat May 9, 2015, 04:35 PM
May 2015

Jack Rabbit

(45,984 posts)
33. Yes, we know. The leader is always right.
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:56 PM
May 2015

It still sounds better in the original Italian.

Democracy is hardly intended to make lemmings out of citizens.

How are we citizens writing the rules to an agreement we can't see? What are they doing that's so good for us?

I voted for Obama twice. At least the first time it was because he promised transparency. The second time it was because he was still better than a vulture capitalist. What has been leaked of this deal doesn't look like anything that's good for Americans or most people in the world. It looks like a blueprint for corporate tyranny.

If "we" don't write the rules, then China will write the rules is a false dichotomy. The "we" of whom Obama speaks doesn't include the American people or any other person made of flesh and blood. It makes precious little difference to me whether the Chinese Communist Party or a cabal of greedy, power hungry capitalist write the rules. It's still rule by elites. It's still tyranny. I stand with another "we", the we who aren't having any of this bullshit.

 

Geronimoe

(1,539 posts)
9. I don't think so
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:04 PM
May 2015

I don't see global corporations that do not pay US taxes or their lawyers and lobbyist as being the US. They are the ones who wrote the secret deal.

The President obviously thinks they are the US and he is working for them, as their President.

Obama's comments says all we need to know about who he realy works for, and it sure isn't American citizens.

sendero

(28,552 posts)
90. Exactly...
Fri May 8, 2015, 09:26 PM
May 2015

.... and it amazes me that some still refuse to see it. Obama works for his corporate masters, to be fair, just like the last several presidents.

Anyone that thinks that ANY president of the US cares one whit what you need or want is a very naive person. Maybe 50 years ago.

 

arcane1

(38,613 posts)
12. Is this the same China we have VOLUNTARILY sent thousands of jobs to?
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:05 PM
May 2015

If only he could, you know, explain why we're wrong.

hedda_foil

(16,985 posts)
50. Not really. It's the China that we voluntarily sent MILLIONS of jobs to.
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:34 PM
May 2015

Which is how we went from being citizens or voters to consumers.

Punx

(474 posts)
32. Yep
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:55 PM
May 2015

+1

If this is about American Jobs, then why isn't he in Maine at Reebok?

Sorry edited to add "at Reebok"

16. I'm fairly certain that the Chinese
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:10 PM
May 2015

negotiators are not just going to sit back and allow the US to dictate terms. More likely a room full of corporate lawyers representing all the major players are going to hammer out the best deal for the toughest negotiator.

Roy Rolling

(7,632 posts)
23. Let me clarify . . .
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:23 PM
May 2015

By the term "U.S." I mean the biggest multinational corporations who own the U.S. government will write the rules.

Rest easy, it will all be over soon . . .

yallerdawg

(16,104 posts)
31. Facts matter, don't they? Or are we just the other side of the same coin.
Fri May 8, 2015, 02:50 PM
May 2015

The TPA fast track, what we are negotiating for, TPA synopsis and bill at link.

Is "You lie!" really our position?

Democratic Senator Max Baucus on new trade promotion authority:

“The TPA legislation that we are introducing today will make sure that these trade deals get done, and get done right. This is our opportunity to tell the Administration – and our trading partners – what Congress’ negotiating priorities are,” Baucus said. “TPA legislation is critical to a successful trade agenda. It is critical to boosting U.S. exports and creating jobs. And it’s critical to fueling America’s growing economy.”

“Every President since FDR has sought trade promotion authority from Congress because of the job-creating benefits of trade. Renewing TPA will help advance a robust trade agenda that will help American businesses, workers, farmers and ranchers by giving them greater access to overseas markets,” said Hatch. “This bipartisan legislation helps meet the challenges of today’s competitive global economy and will play a key role in getting our nation out of years of economic stagnation by spurring economic growth and greater opportunity. From increasing protections for digital trade and data flows to enforcing strong U.S. intellectual property rights, this legislation will be instrumental to ensuring that our country’s current trade negotiations in Asia and Europe are a success and that these agreements meet the high-standards necessary for congressional approval.”

“The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act will give us the tools we need to move more job-creating trade agreements,” Camp said. “This legislation will ensure that the Administration is following the rules and negotiating objectives that Congress has set out. In order to achieve the economic growth and job benefits that trade agreements can bring to the U.S., we must first pass strong, bipartisan TPA legislation. I look forward to working with the Administration and with Republicans and Democrats in Congress to enact this bill.”

http://www.finance.senate.gov/newsroom/chairman/release/?id=7cd1c188-87f1-4a0b-8856-3fc139121ca9

hedda_foil

(16,985 posts)
55. Max Baucus? You're actually quoting the repellent Max Baucus here on DU?
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:41 PM
May 2015

Haven't been paying much attention, have you?

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

yallerdawg

(16,104 posts)
57. Sometimes I feel lost.
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:54 PM
May 2015

Is this Anti-Democratic Underground?

I know everyone hates Obama, Hillary, Baucus...

Sanders is OK - well, no, he's not actually a Democrat.

Well...

 

JayNev

(23 posts)
87. Different
Fri May 8, 2015, 08:46 PM
May 2015

Being democratic does not mean one has to support the Democratic Party, especially the establishment wing of said party.

yallerdawg

(16,104 posts)
88. Will everyone disappear if we have a Republican president?
Fri May 8, 2015, 08:56 PM
May 2015

Then there wouldn't be anything left to hate and despise.

Because, you know, we have Republican candidates and a Republican Congress and a right-wing Supreme Court. At least half of us live in red states.

And we spend all our time bashing and defending Democrats.


neverforget

(9,513 posts)
108. I guess all those Democrats in Congress that don't support the TPP also hate Obama
Sat May 9, 2015, 04:00 PM
May 2015

by your logic.

Locrian

(4,523 posts)
34. delusional.
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:00 PM
May 2015

Sad really. The flaw in his thinking (and maybe he really believes it) is that he thinks US companies are still "US Companies" and actually give a damn about people or country.

They couldn't give a rats ass. Sure, they want the TPP to be able to retain some of the power that China has. But ONLY FOR THEIR BENEFIT. Not for the US, for the "global citizens" or ANYONE. It's race to the bottom any way you cut it, and more concentration and hoarding of wealth.

 

Beauregard

(376 posts)
82. "Race to the bottom"
Fri May 8, 2015, 07:34 PM
May 2015

That's a good sound-bite sized summary of the effect of TPP on US wages.

Punx

(474 posts)
35. China is going to play by it's own rules regardless
Fri May 8, 2015, 03:05 PM
May 2015

And has been regardless of previous agreements, so that's not a reason to do this deal. Very naive or uninformed on Obama's part.

I suggest people read the book, Into the Jaws of the Dragon" by Eamonn Fingleton. I find some of his arguments a bit specious and at times perhaps overblown, but good perspective none the less.

msongs

(73,754 posts)
58. breaking: Obama calls for cancellation of H1B visa program lol sorry, "dear friends" I was wrong nt
Fri May 8, 2015, 04:08 PM
May 2015

wolfie001

(7,667 posts)
65. We don't confront China on their currency manipulation.
Fri May 8, 2015, 05:07 PM
May 2015

Seems like we've given up before the negotiations started. How many jobs has that nasty strategy cost us?

elzenmahn

(904 posts)
75. Bullshit, Mr. President...
Fri May 8, 2015, 06:56 PM
May 2015

...as I said in another post, the Chinese hold a substantial amount of US debt and are increasingly purchasing American businesses (AND American real estate).

They're already writing the rules. That train left the station a long time ago.

randys1

(16,286 posts)
76. Ugh...I love ya Barack, but this is not good. Who is we, by the way. Nike?
Fri May 8, 2015, 06:57 PM
May 2015

or who is US, NIKE?

 

Beauregard

(376 posts)
83. I like him, too. I mean, I'm not ashamed of him like Bush.
Fri May 8, 2015, 07:42 PM
May 2015

He doesn't embarrass me when he goes and talks to foreign leaders, etc. But I hate his pro-corporate policies. I have the feeling that he is trying to screw me. Not me personally, but everybody who works for a living.

Kip Humphrey

(4,753 posts)
79. 1: China already has our jobs. 2: The enemy is global fascism (aka, Corporatism) not China 3.
Fri May 8, 2015, 07:28 PM
May 2015

"while it's in a position of economic strength" suggests our economic strength is soon to change and not for the better - something i agree with precisely because the consequence of implementing TPP and TTIP will be a significant decline in US domestic economic strength, US standard of living, US household net worth, US average wage, and US average life expectancy.

 

JayNev

(23 posts)
84. Reality
Fri May 8, 2015, 07:44 PM
May 2015

What exactly is the truth about TPP, and why is Obama pushing so hard, when it obviously is going to damage US workers who are supposed to be the Democratic base? The reason is that Obama knows that Bill Clintons made tens of millions after his presidency from corporations. A similar payoff waits for Obama.

It is mind blowing that Obama who campaigned on creating the “most transparent Presidency” is now keeping the details of TPP secret due to the fear that it will energize its opponents. It is hard to oppose something without knowing what it is.

The TPP is going to push the US worker down even further. Free trade agreements like NAFTA and MNF for China are the reason why workers wages are stagnant while corporations make record profits.

Back in 2008 voters had a lot of illusions about Obama, but I felt he could not be trusted. His dealings with Exelon had shown he would do corporations’ bidding.

McCain would have led the US into new foolish wars, but he is too honest to try to pass secret trade agreements. The damage to US workers from free trade agreements is practically permanent. The rotten economy has led to a spike in suicides, especially among middle aged white males. Expect this sorry situation to continue.

Obama likely cares about the US workers, but just not enough to forsake the post presidency millions that wait for him.

Those who fantasize that Warren is the savior should go back and read the things Obama said before the 2008 elections, it sounds a lot like what Warren is saying now.

 

Beauregard

(376 posts)
85. There are also his political debts to past donors.
Fri May 8, 2015, 07:51 PM
May 2015

Those contributions from Wall Street did not come for free. So in deciding policy, he looks to the past as well as to his own lucrative future.

elzenmahn

(904 posts)
92. What upsets me the most...
Fri May 8, 2015, 11:16 PM
May 2015

...is that his entire spiel to those that disagree with him is that they are "just wrong", and that we should "trust him". Remember his MSNBS smooch-fest with Tweety and the other TPP shills a few weeks ago? He tells that group (and us) that he would not support a deal like this without believing that it would benefit American workers/consumers/etc. etc. etc. He is expecting blind trust from the Democrats in the House and Senate and, by extension, from the American people. Any expectation of blind trust, to me, should be met with extreme skepticism.

I can subscribe to the money motivation theory, and would add that he's pushing it this hard, NOW, because:

1. The Tea Freaks haven't woken up yet to this (though it looks like they're starting to);
2. Doing this now, before the election season, reduces its importance as a campaign issue by rendering it a "fete accompli" (forgive my spelling.)

The more the delay, the less the chance of passage. Wake up the Tea Freaks to put heat on enough Repubs, and both the TPP and TPA are dead. Good Riddance, I say.

 

JayNev

(23 posts)
111. Name calling won't help...
Sat May 9, 2015, 07:25 PM
May 2015

If you really want to ally with the "Tea Party" on this and other issues, a good start may be do drop the name calling.

daleo

(21,317 posts)
86. Trade pacts are supposed to be agreements among equals
Fri May 8, 2015, 08:44 PM
May 2015

Not "Americans making the rules".

Cha

(319,076 posts)
93. But, Wah! I trust the President. This trade agreement will be shown before the vote.. but, that
Sat May 9, 2015, 03:54 AM
May 2015

gets lost in all the pitchforks and torches.and those who have nothing but cheap ignorant pot shots over the years.

Kablooie

(19,107 posts)
94. And he STILL offers no specifics. Just general platitudes that it's good.
Sat May 9, 2015, 04:08 AM
May 2015

if it was really that good he'd be laying out all the specific points as to how it will help us.

Instead his whole argument is to trust the corporations that are writing this.
With there being such a strong distrust of the 1% today, to base your argument on trusting them is ludicrous.

His whole defense smells to high heaven.
On this point alone I'd go against it.

DCBob

(24,689 posts)
95. Clearly this thing is more about hindering China's influence in the region...
Sat May 9, 2015, 05:56 AM
May 2015

than anything else.

mother earth

(6,002 posts)
96. More like CORPORATIONS are writing the trade deals with rules that benefit them over global law.
Sat May 9, 2015, 06:32 AM
May 2015

Seems what is just wrong is allowing for this to even be proposed, much less passed.

goldent

(1,582 posts)
100. I know a little about the President's priorities
Sat May 9, 2015, 11:52 AM
May 2015

And almost all I know about TPP is what I read on the Internet, mostly from sources with an agenda. That is another way of saying I don't know shit about it.

I'll trust Obama on this one.

 

candelista

(1,986 posts)
103. Everyone's "say" will be proportional to their capital.
Sat May 9, 2015, 01:41 PM
May 2015

So other potential members will be allowed a "peep" or two.

 

Bradical79

(4,490 posts)
106. I'm highly skeptical
Sat May 9, 2015, 03:36 PM
May 2015

The corporate backers like Nike have never been fans of keeping jobs in the U.S. as far as I can tell. Not sure why I should believe this free trade agreement will buck the trend of harming American workers in order to generate more wealth for the wealthiest?

moondust

(21,286 posts)
107. How about some specifics?
Sat May 9, 2015, 03:52 PM
May 2015

Exactly what kinds of jobs does he anticipate will be created in the U.S. as a result of this thing and how many? Be specific.

How is this good for small business? Be specific.

What happens if corporations everywhere including China choose to simply ignore these "rules" whenever they don't serve their profit maximization/bottom line, i.e. widespread selective compliance? What's the enforcement record for NAFTA, CAFTA, and KORUS FTA?

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Obama says trade deal let...