The author brings us up-to-date on the latest developments in relation to three "free trade" agreements being negotiated mostly in secret. All of the arrangements surrounding the negotiations provide full access to the details by large corporate players, but limited access by Congressional members, and other provisions designed to favor corporate interests and limit public influence. Welcome to the privatized New Corporate World Order.
The core of the problem is that corporate advisors, like the copyright industries, have easy and ongoing access to negotiations. In the case of TPP, they can log-in from any computer and see and comment on draft text. Meanwhile, Congress members have to go to a special room at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative where they can only view the text on a “read and retain” basis. That means they can’t take notes, make no copies, and bring no supporting staff—even those who have proper security clearance and have the expertise to make sense of the language in trade agreements.While this foundation urges everyone to put pressure on Congress by signing petitions, the only action that might give you some chance at real influence is to enclose a check for least $10,000.00 to your local Senator or Representative.
