Would love to get this group more active on the TPP [View all]

[OrwellwasRight]

There are weekly twitterstorms on Tuesdays, 9 Eastern/ 6 Pacific.

Here is the latest AFL-CIO blog post on the topic:

http://www.aflcio.org/Blog/Political-Action-Legislation/A-New-Trade-Deal-Is-the-Best-Kept-Secret-in-Washington

A New Trade Deal Is the Best Kept Secret in Washington

Have you heard of the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement)? If not, the reason is probably because the 12 participating countries have agreed to keep the text of the deal secret. That’s right. Unlike a normal law, average citizens don’t have an opportunity to read what is coming and weigh in with their elected officials. The AFL-CIO thinks that’s wrong. Especially when trade deals since the North American Free Trade Agreement have affected everything from jobs and wages to food safety, local zoning decisions, financial stability and even government preferences for American products (known as Buy American provisions).

Even Bloomberg News is frustrated. Its recent editorial says:

"Even lawmakers who sit on committees with jurisdiction over trade complain about being in the dark....
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"The U.S. has invited more than 500 corporate advisers to help it negotiate a deal. Corporations and trade groups, however, don’t represent the broader interests of consumers, workers, environmentalists and…oh, yes, taxpayers. Theoretically at least, representing them is Congress’s rightful role....

More at link.

Also: General TPP info here:http://www.aflcio.org/Issues/Trade/Trans-Pacific-Partnership-Free-Trade-Agreement-TPP