General Discussion

dreamnightwind

(4,775 posts)

33. Informed consumers make better choices

Tue May 19, 2015, 12:36 PM

May 2015

I am inclined to see protectionism as a good thing.

Even so, I don't understand how labeling is protectionist, intuitively that doesn't seem like protectionism to me, is there something I am missing in the meaning of that word?

Our inspection mechanisms and regulatory agencies in general have been captured by corporate interests, no way in hell I am going to make my entire purchasing decison on what some government agency (FDA?) says is safe, these agencies are run by industry lackies and the regulators are defunded by Republicans every chance they get. A very small percentage of our food is inspected.

I agree that more robust inspection would be a good thing, but a consumer should be allowed to make informed decisions on their own based on where a product comes from, and as much as possible based on how it was processed or what ingredients are in it. Seems to me that you are on the wrong side of this issue.

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So, the WTO just killed USA's Country of Origin labels on meat... Claimed it violates trade pact [View all] peacebird May 2015 OP

I'm with you. We should have the right to know where our food comes from hardcover May 2015 #1

"... Exemplifies Corporate Profits Trumping Democracy" RiverLover May 2015 #2

We just need to make sure our laws are strong enough to prevent mad cow disease cascadiance May 2015 #3

Here's the thing - I have absolutely no reason to think that the laws will be made stronger, djean111 May 2015 #4

Mad Cow Disease came to North America from the United Kingdom (in Europe) Romulox May 2015 #13

It does violate the trade pact. randome May 2015 #5

that may be true, but that is not the case. and it is not cali May 2015 #6

I think fully funding our food safety organizations should go hand in hand with the TPP. randome May 2015 #12

but that is a "should", not reality. cali May 2015 #14

When you find yourself defending a rule that forbids you to know where your food came from DisgustipatedinCA May 2015 #8

Did you ever care where your food came from before this? randome May 2015 #15

good grief, yes. cali May 2015 #17

Most people don't, though. I would say the vast majority of people don't research their food. randome May 2015 #26

So protecting the local sources of our food is wrong? Cheap meat from other countries puts jwirr May 2015 #23

Protecting local sources IS wrong if the point of a treaty is to encourage trade. randome May 2015 #28

From what I have read there is nothing in the TPP that is about real trade - the exchange of goods. jwirr May 2015 #32

Because consumer choice is somehow bad? dreamnightwind May 2015 #25

When you have this kind of treaty with another country, it isn't 'bad' to label their products. randome May 2015 #29

Or killing the FTAs. Chan790 May 2015 #31

Informed consumers make better choices dreamnightwind May 2015 #33

K & R &... AzDar May 2015 #7

Makes me glad I am 95% vegetarian and 5% Pescetarian. stevenleser May 2015 #9

Will this apply to Country of Manufacture as well? One_Life_To_Give May 2015 #10

Not sure, my fear is it is applied to fruits/veggies also. I use COO labels to pick produce.... peacebird May 2015 #11

This is what the TPP represents: a corporate overrule of our democracy. Where are its defenders? Romulox May 2015 #16

The US arbitrarily ignores WTO rulings, as it sees fit. closeupready May 2015 #18

A system ruled by and for corporations is corrupt? I am shocked I tell you! Romulox May 2015 #19

I know, right. Same shit, different day, lol. closeupready May 2015 #20

Speaking Of The WTO... Did You See THIS: WillyT May 2015 #21

To think I was depressed before.... Argh.... peacebird May 2015 #22

Japan? KamaAina May 2015 #24

Fukishima? peacebird May 2015 #34

I disagree with the WTO on this JustAnotherGen May 2015 #27

But don't worry... kenfrequed May 2015 #30

But think about how much U.S. GMO bred crop sales will expand when Europe can't prohibit it. hedda_foil May 2015 #35