The TPP. The Trans Pacific Partnership.
Our President, along with most of Congress are for it. Hilary Clinton claims to not favor it. Bernie Sanders feels it is utter bullshit. The fully loaded clown car of Republican Presidential Nominees Hopefulls? I could care less what their opinions are- they're all friggin' nuts.
Me? I think it's just another raw deal for everyone but Big Corporations and their Wealthiest Stockholders.
It's being negotiated in secret. The little we do know has only come to light through leaks. And judgin' by the previews, it's on track to be yet another Corporate Protectionism Plan implemented across National Boundaries.
A couple of the larger points- the TPP seeks to expand and extend protections on Intellectual Property, which, in turn, stifles competition, which then results in higher prices for consumers. (But bigger bonuses for CEOs and other corporate officers.) This will be of particular benefit to Big Pharma, as well as Big Ag.
Another primary tenant of the agreement will allow Corporations to sue National Governments where they operate for any legislation enacted that impacts, or even might impact, profits or projected profits. This would place sovereign authority in a position where they could be held responsible for any legislation, let's say somethin' like anti-pollution laws, for instance, if a Corporation can prove that such laws reduce their profit margins. And the Corporations won't have to prove that they lost money, only that they might lose money. And Taxpayers, here and abroad, will be the ones on The Hook.
Historically, free trade agreements have little or nothin' to do with free trade or creatin' or protectin' jobs. These "agreements" are constructed by Big Business, in secret, with the primary goals of squelchin' competition and ensurin' the continued profits of the organizations that use their great wealth to strongarm 'em in place. (Incidentally, TPP ain't the only trade agreement slitherin' around boardrooms and law offices right now...)
We can look back at the failed promises of NAFTA, (which, incidently and ironically, was supported by President Bill Clinton), particularly the broken promise of more American jobs, and with the benefit of hindsight, see the real reasons it was championed by Politicians and Corporations. Strictly Greed.
The Rich get richer, while the rest of us just get poorer.
Unfettered and Unregulated Capitalism ultimately destroys the Consumer-based Economy that it relies on for its Profits by reducin' or even doin' away with the capacity of the Middle Class to participate through their ability to purchase goods and services. (The Poor and Unfortunate? They never really even get to play.)
The Money-Grubbin' Über Rich have created a system that is both untenable and unsustainable. Like a snake eatin' it's own tail...
Fish~
