It has verifiable assertions.

Things like they're getting input from labor unions, etc. Stuff you don't hear about if you only read sites that think that any trade agreement is designed to enslave us all, or something.

What does the AFL-CIO say?

I’ve heard “labor” has a seat at the table and gets to see the TPP texts. Is this true?

No. Under U.S. law, there are several trade advisers—private citizens appointed by the President—who advise on trade policies. Of these advisers, the vast majority
(85% according to the Washington Post) represent businesses. About 5% of the advisers represent labor. The other 10% represent local and state government officials, academics, think tanks and non-governmental organizations. Labor advisers are allowed to review and advise on draft U.S. proposals—advice that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) can freely ignore. But we are locked out of the negotiating room and cannot see the actual negotiating texts, which combine the proposals from all 12 countries and evolve over time as negotiations progress. Nor can we share what we learn with members without violating national security laws.

What's the beginning of the answer? "Under US Law". Obama is following the law. Unpossible.

So, they do have input on the proposals. But they're not negotiating and they're not sitting at the actual negotiating table. Does anyone really think they should be at the actual negotiating table? I don't - that's not their role. Similarly, big business is advising. State and local governments are advising. The actual people at the negotiating table are official negotiators.

FWIW.

Cheers,
Scott.

Post #401,576 by Another Scott 5/7/15 12:11:17 PM Reply	It has verifiable assertions. Things like they're getting input from labor unions, etc. Stuff you don't hear about if you only read sites that think that any trade agreement is designed to enslave us all, or something. What does the AFL-CIO say? I’ve heard “labor” has a seat at the table and gets to see the TPP texts. Is this true? No. Under U.S. law, there are several trade advisers—private citizens appointed by the President—who advise on trade policies. Of these advisers, the vast majority (85% according to the Washington Post) represent businesses. About 5% of the advisers represent labor. The other 10% represent local and state government officials, academics, think tanks and non-governmental organizations. Labor advisers are allowed to review and advise on draft U.S. proposals—advice that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) can freely ignore. But we are locked out of the negotiating room and cannot see the actual negotiating texts, which combine the proposals from all 12 countries and evolve over time as negotiations progress. Nor can we share what we learn with members without violating national security laws. What's the beginning of the answer? "Under US Law". Obama is following the law. Unpossible. So, they do have input on the proposals. But they're not negotiating and they're not sitting at the actual negotiating table. Does anyone really think they should be at the actual negotiating table? I don't - that's not their role. Similarly, big business is advising. State and local governments are advising. The actual people at the negotiating table are official negotiators. FWIW. Cheers, Scott.
Post #401,577 by mmoffitt 5/7/15 12:16:31 PM 5/7/15 12:17:17 PM Reply	You meant "Unsurprising" not "Unpossible." Who writes those laws? The same corporate lobbyists that are sitting at the TPP table deciding how much more of the world's wealth they can divide among themselves. Edits: It loses so much when snark has to be edited. ;0) Edited by mmoffitt May 7, 2015, 12:16:49 PM EDT Edited by mmoffitt May 7, 2015, 12:17:17 PM EDT Expand All History
Post #401,579 by Another Scott 5/7/15 1:48:11 PM Reply	rofl. :-)

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