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In reply to the discussion: Does the White House Really Think People Are That Stupid? [View all]ProSense
(116,464 posts)3. I read
Uh, well, first, in case Mr. Forman and the White House cannot add, candidate Obama existed roughly six years ago. I think that campaign ended already, no? In the period since, the president has done nothing, zilch, nada to renegotiate NAFTA.The opposite: he continues to press for trade deals that as Lori Wallach points out above are precisely in the NAFTA-mold, including the TPP whose passage he so badly wants that he is willing to sacrifice the environment, which is precisely NAFTA-like.
And the Orwellian speak of Froman promising upgrading our trading relationships via the TPP is the exact opposite of renegotiating NAFTA.
And the Orwellian speak of Froman promising upgrading our trading relationships via the TPP is the exact opposite of renegotiating NAFTA.
...that piece, and I also read Froman's speech.
A VALUES-DRIVEN TRADE POLICY U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE MICHAEL FROMAN
FEBRUARY 18, 2014
<...>
Twenty years ago, the idea that labor standards should be part of trade agreements was at best an afterthought.
That was certainly the case in NAFTA. But it is not the case anymore.
As a candidate for President, then-Senator Obama said he would renegotiate NAFTA, put labor and environmental standards at the core of trade agreements and make those standards enforceable like any commercial commitment.
Thats exactly what were doing in TPP, upgrading our trade relationships, not only with Mexico and Canada, but with nine other countries as well.
As in the case of the three trade agreements signed into law by President Obama, in TPP we are seeking to include disciplines requiring adherence to fundamental labor rights, including the right to organize and collectively bargain, and protections from child and forced labor and employment discrimination.
We are pressing for regular consultative mechanisms, and a means for the public to raise labor concerns and demand action.
And we are working to include new commitments to address trade in goods produced by forced labor and regarding acceptable conditions of work.
We are working with Vietnam and the other TPP parties to make sure they live up to the high-standard, enforceable commitments of a final agreement.
Countries such as Vietnam face serious challenges in this regard, and we see TPP as the mechanism most likely to incentivize these countries to make progress in reforming their labor system and upholding worker rights.
We expect that T-TIP will lay the foundation for cooperation with Europe in promoting high-standard labor practices around the world.
But the negotiation of disciplines is only the first step.
We need to remain vigilant as to the implementation of commitments.
Under this President, a joint submission from U.S. and Guatemalan labor unions prompted the first trade-related labor rights enforcement case in history.
- more -
http://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Center-for-American-Progress-Remarks-Ambassador-Froman-2-18-14.pdf
FEBRUARY 18, 2014
<...>
Twenty years ago, the idea that labor standards should be part of trade agreements was at best an afterthought.
That was certainly the case in NAFTA. But it is not the case anymore.
As a candidate for President, then-Senator Obama said he would renegotiate NAFTA, put labor and environmental standards at the core of trade agreements and make those standards enforceable like any commercial commitment.
Thats exactly what were doing in TPP, upgrading our trade relationships, not only with Mexico and Canada, but with nine other countries as well.
As in the case of the three trade agreements signed into law by President Obama, in TPP we are seeking to include disciplines requiring adherence to fundamental labor rights, including the right to organize and collectively bargain, and protections from child and forced labor and employment discrimination.
We are pressing for regular consultative mechanisms, and a means for the public to raise labor concerns and demand action.
And we are working to include new commitments to address trade in goods produced by forced labor and regarding acceptable conditions of work.
We are working with Vietnam and the other TPP parties to make sure they live up to the high-standard, enforceable commitments of a final agreement.
Countries such as Vietnam face serious challenges in this regard, and we see TPP as the mechanism most likely to incentivize these countries to make progress in reforming their labor system and upholding worker rights.
We expect that T-TIP will lay the foundation for cooperation with Europe in promoting high-standard labor practices around the world.
But the negotiation of disciplines is only the first step.
We need to remain vigilant as to the implementation of commitments.
Under this President, a joint submission from U.S. and Guatemalan labor unions prompted the first trade-related labor rights enforcement case in history.
- more -
http://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Center-for-American-Progress-Remarks-Ambassador-Froman-2-18-14.pdf
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024528844
Seems to me that fast track is the problem. Congressional scrutiny of this agreement is imperative because if it can accomplish the above, then it could be a good thing. The thing is no one is going to take Froman at his word.
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How can anyone here criticize the President in the face of what just happened in SC? Y
kelliekat44
Feb 2014
#9
Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren were two of only four to vote against Froman
MannyGoldstein
Feb 2014
#16
What about when a protected group comes out here and tries to treat a hapless participant
RC
Feb 2014
#81
Same with the BOG. That kind of discrimantory behavior is a real ugly and dangerous side of DU.
cui bono
Feb 2014
#63
I never miss voting, but if my choice is Hillary or some Republican fool, both picked by the 1%,
JDPriestly
Feb 2014
#60
I'm in California. My vote for Hillary won't make much difference. But if I vote for her, I will
JDPriestly
Feb 2014
#72
Would normally agree with you. But Hillary? I don't see much about her that is Democratic.
JDPriestly
Feb 2014
#108
Clinton-Sachs isnt the same as the Republican clowns. No one here is saying that.
rhett o rick
Feb 2014
#93
Some are making a mistake thinking that our enemy is the Republican Party.
rhett o rick
Feb 2014
#118
Really? That's your post? I blame Republicans but they have had some help.
rhett o rick
Feb 2014
#124
I have just 1 question, why all the secrecy if you are pushing our interests?
Dustlawyer
Feb 2014
#10
Secrecy is good for presents. I'm sure the White House has a very nice present to surprise us with.
jsr
Feb 2014
#11
I gotta say, in terms of the conversation your remark seems to fit and I didn't take
Autumn
Feb 2014
#67
If 'free trade' caused poverty and inequality, Europe would be the poorest and most unequal place
pampango
Feb 2014
#27
Spain's standard of living was improved hugely by the EU--it's in Sherrod Brown's book
Kolesar
Feb 2014
#87
Austerity is indeed stupid, terrible fiscal policy. It has nothing to do with trade.
pampango
Feb 2014
#90
That is not what Obama said. He is the master of double-talk, and people fall for it.
JDPriestly
Feb 2014
#59
The shepherd always tries to persuade the sheep that their interests and his own are the same.
Tierra_y_Libertad
Feb 2014
#64