Elizabeth Warren Reveals Inside Details of Trade Talks

[NorthCarolina]

Elizabeth Warren Reveals Inside Details of Trade Talks
George Zornick on May 15, 2014 - 11:53 AM ET

Elizabeth Warren speaking at Public Citizen's annual gala at the National Press Club, May 14, 2014. (Daniel Swartz/REVAMP)

One of Senator Elizabeth Warren’s top priorities since coming to Washington has been opening up ongoing international trade talks to public scrutiny—she has, on several occasions, criticized the secret nature of the negotiations, and has pressed the administration’s trade representative directly about transparency.

On Wednesday night in D.C., at Public Citizen’s annual gala, Warren spoke about the trade deals in some of her most direct remarks to date on the issue—and revealed some inside details about the debate in Congress.

“From what I hear, Wall Street, pharmaceuticals, telecom, big polluters and outsourcers are all salivating at the chance to rig the deal in the upcoming trade talks. So the question is why are the trade talks secret? You’ll love this answer. Boy, the things you learn on Capitol Hill,” Warren said. “I actually have had supporters of the deal say to me ‘They have to be secret, because if the American people knew what was actually in them, they would be opposed.’”

Link: http://www.thenation.com/blog/179885/elizabeth-warren-reveals-inside-details-trade-talks

How is Obama's call for more transparency working out for you? Do you feel totally informed on what is going on in DC?

[djean111]

1. Lately, whenever I hear news out of DC - it sucks.

Tiered internet, appointing privatizing jerks to head up education and second in command of education...those who accuse liberals of being one-issue voters can kiss my ass - there are lots more than one issue that i take issue with.

[think]

2. So nice to hear a leader who tells the truth and supports

the American people rather than those corporations who put making money over the good of the people.

[SamKnause]

3. I sat in my living room

and cried tears of joy and happiness when Barack Obama was sworn in as President of the United States of America.

I was ready for change.

The country was ready for change.

The world was ready for change.

I can no longer stand the sight of him.

He has accomplished things a Republican president could never get away with.

When the Democratic party wins they swerve to the right.

When the Republican party wins they swerve to the right.

We are fighting battles that we won 40 or 50 years ago.

Our Democratic president appoints people that agree with the Republican agenda.

The entire situation sickens me to my core.

President Obama had the support of the world.

The outcome could have been so different.

[Cal33]

4. The problem could be that we have a middle-of-the-road Dem. President who is also OBSESSED with

the idea of BIPARTISANSHIP. Obsessions are extremely difficult - if not impossible - to let go.

[Sunlei]

5. The EU trade talks?. Here are the agreements

Public consultation on modalities for investment protection and ISDS in TTIP
Consultation document. March 2014

http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2014/march/tradoc_152280.pdf

In-depth study on the potential effects of the EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. March 2013.

http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2013/march/tradoc_150737.pdf

What TTIP is about

http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/in-focus/ttip/resources/#documents

EU-US trade talks – 5th round to start on 19 May

A fifth round of EU-US trade talks (TTIP) will take place in in Arlington, Virginia from 19 – 23 May 2014.

http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/in-focus/ttip/

[okaawhatever]

8. Thanks for a dose of reality. nt

[joshcryer]

6. They have to be kept secret because it's country-specific.

If one country got a good deal on wind but another got a good deal on export, then they would point fingers and say it's not fair and they should all get the same thing.

Warren is just pandering to her base. The American public will know the details, but it'll be a few weeks before it's voted on, which is not really enough time for the American public to stop it. However, if SOPA is any indication, we can put an effort forward, we won't.