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In many respects, TPP represents a death sentence for fundamental human rights, environmental protections, employment prospects, and constitutional freedoms. Nonetheless, it's being secretly discussed in multiple negotiating rounds.
Obama officials push it. They're pressuring negotiating nations to accept Washington diktats. They urge others to join those currently involved.
Twelve negotiating rounds were held. From July 2 - 10, San Diego is hosting round 13. US Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk held a July 2 Direct Stakeholder Engagement.
He's part of the problem, not the solution. Tech Dirt.com says he "continues to insult the intelligence of the Senate."
Senator Ron Wyden (D. OR) questioned him about lack of transparency. Most congressional representatives have no access to TPP documents. At the same time, corporate officials on government advisory boards and selected business friendly NGOs are kept fully informed.
Negotiators demand no public revelations or information sharing.
Like his predecessors, Kirk represents entrenched power. Public interests are spurned. So is Congress. Wyden chairs the Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs and Global Competitiveness.
Unlike corporate representatives able to access TPP documents online, Wyden must visit USTR offices, remain in a private room, and take no notes or make copies of anything he sees. He can't even bring his own staff expert with him.
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