R.I.P. TTIP?

[JDPriestly]

50. The size of the group that is entitled to self-determination should

depend on the size of a group that can govern itself.

The US is one country that enjoys self-determination over a large geographical area because there is a lot of local self-rule in smaller sections of the country combined with a representative body drawn from and representing all parts of the country. We have a good combination. We share our language and the basic assumptions about government, its purpose and organization that are set forth in our Constitution.

We do not want supernational agencies or organizations governing us. I do not like the WTO or any similar organizations to the extent that they have the authority to order me in my home town around.

California is but one state in the Union but it is the 7th largest economy in the world. We govern ourselves on many matters, and we like it like that. France does not want to have to follow laws that Americans might love just because Americans like them. That is absolutely understandable.

I have lived in altogether five different countries in the world. Four in Europe. Each has its own culture and rightfully enjoys the ability to govern itself in many ways.

Yet European countries join together and if enough of them agree, they impose common laws upon themselves within certain limits. That is their right. It is their right to agree to do that.

The differences between Europe and the US especially in terms of the legal systems and other laws are just too great to permit unification of the sort that the TTIP would provide.