General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Elizabeth Warren: Poutrage or Hate? [View all]Divernan
(15,480 posts)Out of public view the Obama administration is negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, a US-led free trade deal with several Pacific Rim countries. Six hundred US corporate advisers have had input, but so far the text hasnt been shared with the public or media.
The level of secrecy is unprecedented. During discussions paramilitary teams guard the premises, helicopters loom overhead, and theres a near-total media blackout on the subject. US Senator Ron Wyden, who chairs the congressional committee with jurisdiction over TPP agreement, was denied access to the negotiation texts.
In a floor statement to Congress Wyden said, The majority of Congress is being kept in the dark as to the substance of the TPP negotiations, while representatives of US corporations like Halliburton, Chevron, Comcast and the Motion Picture Association of America are being consulted and made privy to details of the agreement.
The deal would give multinational corporations unprecedented rights to demand taxpayer compensation for policies they think will undermine their expected future profits straight from the treasuries of participating nations. It would push Big Pharmas agenda in the developing world longer monopoly controls on drugs, drastically limiting access to affordable generic meds that people need. The TPP would undermine food safety by limiting labeling and forcing countries like the US to import food that fails to meet its national safety standards, and ban Buy America or Buy Local preferences.
http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-trans-pacific-partnership-obamas-secret-trade-deal/5329911