06) THE TPP IS NOT A DONE DEAL

 

People’s Voice Editorial

 

            Every time the transnational corporations and politicians announce plans for a new “trade agreement,” the media propaganda machine pumps out a contradictory message: “everyone supports this deal”, and also that “resistance is futile.” If corporate globalization really has complete public support, why would there be any resistance? And if there is such resistance, shouldn’t it be obvious that support is far from unanimous?

 

            Despite the hoopla around the Feb. 4 signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in New Zealand, this 12-nation corporate rights deal is far from a fait accompli. Thousands rallied in Auckland outside the ceremony, a signal that huge protests will emerge against the necessary ratification of the TPP in each country. Our view is that massive citizen action can block the TPP, just as the Multilateral Agreement on Investment, the FTAA and other deals have gone down to defeat.

 

            We need to build up opposition in the streets, in the labour movement, on campuses, and through social media. The TPP puts strict limits on regulation of corporate activity, allows Big Pharma to extract huge profits at our expense, permits the sharing of vital personal information across borders, and helps investors win “compensation” when environmental or public health policies interfere with profits. This deal was negotiated behind closed doors, by representatives of the 1%, for the profits of the 1%. Far from “improving the economy”, the TPP will give corporations vast new powers to slash jobs, and to force governments to cut business taxes and public spending.

 

            The struggle to prevent Parliament from ratifying the TPP will be the defining issue of the new Liberal government’s term in office. Let’s put this fight on the agenda for every union local, labour council, and community group across the country. There’s no time to lose!

 

(The above article is from the February 15-29, 2016, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading socialist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $45 US per year; other overseas readers - $45 US or $50 CDN per year. Send to People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1.)