The barnstorming charge here rushing to defend the deplorable TPP

[Jack Rabbit]

171. I call that kind of argument "sophistry"

Which is a more general term covering any logical fallacy, either formal or informal.

For example, If President Obama is for the TPP, then the TPP must be good is an example of Argumentum ad Verecundiam.

By the way, Senator Warren is against the TPP, therefore the TPP must be bad is exactly the same thing.

A more reasoned argument would begin with pointing out that there have been serious problems with so-called "free" trade agreements up to now, so we stipulate the public, especially as those of us who work or have worked for a living are especially aware. In fact, President Obama stipulates this. He reassures us that the TPP is different. However, the text of the document is not readily available except to congressmen or senators with the proper security clearence, which raises the question of what is being hidden from us. President Obama, who is head of an administration that failed to prosecute the bankers who crashed the world economy just before he took office and has levied only light fines for misdeeds that have arisen since he took office, still reassures us that the TPP is different. By the way, did I mention that the President is obviously OK with the kid glove treatment of crooked Wall Street bankers? All of them were approved by his worthless AG, Eric Holder, and President Obama never fired his AG. Now, who negotiated the TPP? The trade negotiators appointed by President Obama and before him, by the usurper Bush, and representatives of the very industries, including crooked Wall Street banks, that will benefit from reduced regulation.

So, do I trust the President when he says the TPP will be different from other free trade deals and actually benefit working Americans?

Sorry, but no. I'll be more circumspect than Will was last year and refrain from the President a used car salesman, although when I ponder 2008 campaign promises about a transparent administration and juxtapose those promises to the secrecy shrouding the TPP, I can think of a few terms like it. I promise to just think them, though.

You third-wayers who disagree and tell us the President Obama is always right, no matter how wrong he is now and then, may now flame away.