The TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) trade pact would be a gut punch to our nation’s economy, which is just now starting to recover from the recession of 2008. If passed, the TPP would affect North Carolina and every other state in our country at the local, regional and state level. It would give corporations the right to sue [over] any laws or regulations that might reduce their “expected profits.” Like food safety regulations, “buy local” promotions and much more. Seriously.
The pact has been negotiated in secret for the last five years among corporate lawyers, legal advisers and government representatives. We are being told by President Obama that it is in our best interest and not to worry about it. Our representatives in Congress are being told not to look at the particulars of the agreement but to just say yes or no. Some members are already enthusiastically on board. Does anyone see a problem here?
Fortunately, more and more people are realizing what an incredible power grab this is by large multinational corporations that have no allegiance to any country. The powerful trade lobby is in high gear. The trade pact really should be called the “Trash the Planet for Profit” (TPP) agreement.
Let your representatives and senators know how you feel about this “trade agreement” and keep an eye on what they do.
— Gardner Hathaway
Asheville
