We have heard that the Trans-Pacific Partnership has been a "top secret" affair for months, yet we have also heard opponents of the trade deal like Elizabeth Warren, say in response to a question by Rachel Maddow on whether or not she has seen the outline of the trade agreement:
Yeah. So, uh, Senators can go and read it…people in the House of Representatives can go and read it.
Now the argument has primarily shifted from Congress not being able to read the trade outline to the cries of, “Release the trade deal to the public, Mr. President!”
Well then, I have a solution to the members of Congress who are calling for the President to release the "deal" to the public:
Congress, go ahead, become whistleblowers!
Released the trade outline to the public, because you have suggested that the TPP will lead to the economic destruction of America!
Become whistleblowers! I think you owe it to the Country! I have read that a majority of the Congress is against the TPP, and we know that Democrats love whistleblowers, so this would only accrue to your benefit in the 2016 elections.
I have my suspicions that the calls for the President to release the trade "deal" to the public, when he needs trade promotional authority in order to negotiate a "deal", are owing to political gamesmanship than to the interest of transparency.
International trade deals can hardly be negotiated with the entire populace weighing in at every instance, while international trade partners await decisions. This would take decades to complete.
It is even just as cumbersome for 500 plus members of Congress to participate in actual negotiations, in real time, by weighing in with continuous provisos and amendments. If anyone believes this would be practical, just ask Senator Tom Cotton, who recently wanted the entire Congress to weigh in on the Iran nuclear framework, how the process worked for him…I don't think it went well.
That is why every President of the United States for decades have been given trade promotional authority (TPA). The President is obligated to work with Congress in order to craft a trade outline, and here the President has declared that he has done just that:
HAND-IN-HAND WITH CONGRESS, THE PEOPLE’S REPRESENTATIVES
The administration has worked closely with the people’s representatives in Congress as we pursue our ambitious trade agenda. This has included:
•Providing access to the full negotiating texts for any Member of Congress, including for Members to view at their convenience in the Capitol, accompanied by staff members with appropriate security clearance.
•Holding nearly 1,700 Congressional briefings on TPP alone, and many more on T-TIP, TPA, AGOA and other initiatives.
•Providing Members of Congress with plain English summaries of TPP chapters to assist Members in navigating the negotiating text.
•Previewing U.S. proposals with Congressional committees before taking them to the negotiations.
•Working with Congress to update them on the state of the negotiations and get feedback every step of the way.
Now despite this disclosure, I have seen members of the Democratic Congress suggesting that the President is a liar. O.K., sure, "We've allowed other Presidents trade authority for decades, but this one is a a liar." Nothing personal against Obama! This is about trade and our nation!
Well then Congress...here is your chance to help your nation.... Since you have seen this outline and you know just how destructive and "nefarious" it is...become whistleblowers! Stand up for your convictions and confirm your suggestions about this President. You are elected public servants and and an equal branch of government. Become whistleblowers today!
I cannot see you becoming coy about this, when the destruction of the middle class is at stake...isn't that so?
Become whistleblowers!
This is your civic duty!