It seems that Republicans might be trying a flanking maneuver on Obama regarding China currency manipulation. As cynical a ploy this is, it might work since they think Obama will veto the bill, which is probably true.
This is clearly in response to the drama initiated by Senate Democrats who undercut Republicans in a quite devious way, particularly tea bagger faux populists, with the China trade bill. How can Republicans claim they've done jack shit for the economy if they won't punish China, who has been clearly manipulating their currency to support their export industry while crushing everyone else's export industry (with the exception of Germany, which has a progressive political and economic system, and other developing economies, who can pay slave wages)?
Either way, tea party Republicans look like they might buck their corporatist leadershit and throw down the gauntlet on the hapless corporatist White House.
So in addition to the tar sands decision, we have another issue from which we can judge whether the White House populist rhetoric is all bark and no bite.
A key US congressional panel plans to put the White House in the hot seat at an October 25 hearing to study action against China’s “distorting trade politics,” the committee’s chairman said Tuesday.
“China’s distorting trade policies are deeply troubling and cannot be allowed to stand. Its practices are costing US jobs,” House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp said in a statement announcing the session.
“I look forward to hearing the administration’s plan for addressing China’s persistent barriers to US exports and investment and exploring what should be done to ensure American employers and workers are treated fairly,” he said.
Notice the WH has already laid the groundwork for another betrayal:
The Senate approved the bill last week, drawing a furious reaction from Beijing as well as complaints from the White House, which is known to oppose the measure as written.
http://www.rawstory.com/...
And nice try Repubs. Everyone knows this is bullshit. Why don't you change your statement to say "I look forward to hearing John Boner's for address China's persistent barriers... blah blah blah..."
My message here is: a pox on both of their houses. We won't see shit from this. Mark my words. China will be making multinationalists rich for the foreseeable future. But it will be fun watching both political parties deal with their populist constituents who see them for the corrupt fucks they are.