There is a huge trade treaty coming that will completely change the relationship between giant corporations and governments around the world. So why is the American corporate media telling the public so little about the Trans-Pacific Partnership?
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade treaty has provisions that elevate the giant, multinational corporations up to or even above the level of governments. It tells governments what they can and cannot do to regulate corporations and protect their citizens, and even allows corporations to sue governments that try to pass laws that interfere with profits. For example, one item under negotiation would allow tobacco companies to sue governments that promote anti-smoking campaigns. (Click here to see CAF's extensive coverage of the TPP.)
A major treaty like this would make a huge difference in the lives of ordinary citizens here and in other countries. One study concluded that it would lower the wages of 90 percent of Americans. In a democracy the citizens need to be informed of important things like this so they can make decisions. But there is very little information about the TPP reaching the public.
A very few giant, multinational corporations famously control almost everything we see, hear and read. Why aren't they informing the public about this treaty?
Or did I just answer my own question?
You Can Help
You can help drive media coverage of the TPP. Writing letters to you local newspaper can be very effective, both by asking them for coverage and letters to the editor. Click here to learn how to "Share TPP With your Daily Newspaper and Be a Media Watchdog." This page includes a number of tips, sample op-eds, even a newspaper lookup using your zip code. More detailed information with an introduction is available here: Join the "Countdown to Coverage."
MoveOn.org members are being asked to organize "solidarity rallies" around the country scheduled for May 7, and there is a "Fair Trade rally" in the Upper Senate Park in Washington, D.C. at 1:30 p.m. that is organized by Communication Workers of America.
On May 7 at 1:30 p.m., thousands of activists will rally at Upper Senate Park on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. We're saying no to "fast track" legislation that would speed the Trans-Pacific Partnership through Congress with little debate and zero opportunities for amendments. We'll be showing lawmakers that the entire progressive movement is united in the fight for 21st century global trade policies that work for everyone.
Here are some sites you can visit for more information and ways to get involved:
(If I left anyone out please let readers know by leaving a comment.)
