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Google Announces Support of the Controversial TPP (recode.net)
An anonymous reader writes: Google has announced in a blog post Friday their support for the controversial Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership (TPP). Recode reports: "The trade agreement includes key provisions about the global passage of digital data, intellectual property and copyright -- measures that have drawn criticism from both the political right and left, including several outspoken tech groups. Google's endorsement isn't exactly full-throated, but its stake clearly demonstrates another key area of support with the Obama administration, to which Google is close." Google's SVP and general counsel Kent Walker wrote: "The TPP is not perfect, and the trade negotiation process would certainly benefit from greater transparency. We will continue to advocate for process reforms, including the opportunity for all stakeholders to have a meaningful opportunity for input into trade negotiations." The company has already shown support of the TPP behind the Internet Association, which endorsed the trade agreement in March. Google joins a list of other tech titans, like Apple and Microsoft, who have shown their support as well. The Electronic Frontier Foundation calls the TPP a "secretive, multinational trade agreement" that will restrict IP laws and enforce digital policies that "benefit big corporations at the expense of the public." The TPP is still awaiting congressional approval after being signed in February.
it's been fast tracked for passage with no debate/oversight.
Fast track does not mean "no debate", it just means that the deal has to be either accepted or rejected by congress. It cannot be amended or changed. That is the only workable way to do it. It is an agreement between a dozen countries. If the legislature of each country is able to nitpick and send it back for renegotiation, then there is no way anything will every get done.
Even if congress could change the agreement, that wouldn't help, since the worst crap in the TPP was put there at the insistence of American corporations and interest groups. Most likely congressional amendments would make it even worse.
Not sure about libertarian candidates.
Gary Johnson is opposed to the TPP. He supports free trade in principle, but does not support the TPP.
What Constitution? They shredded that a long time ago. Politicians know history. Perhaps it's time for the people to learn. Bread and circuses. EBT and American Idol. Works every time.
We're almost to the point of no return, but we can win if we don't let them divide us.
Fool me once, shame on Hillary
1980's-1992: Served on board of Walmart, union buster. Nobody there ever heard her support unions.
1990's-early 2000's Hillary: I support my husband's push for NAFTA
Democrat Party supporting Unions: This is (provably) not good for us
2007-2008 Election season Hillary: I think NAFTA was a bad idea and I oppose free trade with Columbia
2007-2008 Hillary supporters: Hillary is allowed to change her mind (sound familiar?)
Fool me twice, shame on me
2011: Emails show she LOBBIED Congress to push for free trade with Columbia, which passed!
2012-2014 Hillary: I'm fully behind the Trans Pacific Partnership (she said this publicly 45 times claiming this is the 'gold standard')
(NOTE AFTER SHE SAID NAFTA WAS BAD!)
Democrat Party supporting Unions: This is not good for us
Sanders said TPP was not good!
2015-2016 Election season Hillary: I'm (now) against the Trans Pacific Partnership