May Day, 2015: If you do NOT oppose the TPP, you do NOT stand with workers and unions

[underahedgerow]

45. I like NAFTA and I like TPP and I like international trade agreements and open borders like the EU

and in spite of the problems each situation presents, I see great potential and logic for them all in the future. We are planet that is growing rapidly in terms of technology, interaction, information and transport. Without codified interaction and sets of rules there would be no common goals that protect workers, corporations and the environment. The more powerful and prosperous countries gain controlled access to resources and smaller more vulnerable countries are made stronger by access to modern technology and environmental protections.

Call me crazy but I also completely advocate the concept of open borders between the USA, Mexico and Canada, an idea that will one day become reality but not anytime too soon, I'm sure!

Mexico’s international presence has been invigorated by the growth of manufacturing output, which has tripled since it entered into NAFTA and no jobs have been 'lost' in the USA due to NAFTA. In addition, Mexico’s manufactured exports have multiplied five times over the past 15 years. The USA, Mexico and Canada have all benefited greatly by trading with each other especially in the agricultural markets.

The object of TPP isn't to 'take jobs away from US workers' and give tons of cash to Giant Corporations, it's about strengthening relationships with the smaller, more vulnerable member countries and improving their worker's conditions and environment protections through the use of legislation, regulations and rules within the agreement. If their products are required to be produced in humane and more sanitary conditions, we all benefit as a global community.

Finally, we have to embrace this growing, interactive world, it's changing now and will continue evolving very rapidly. Strong trade agreements lay the groundwork to create protections for the future of business and future generations of the people involved, living and working. We have to look ahead to potential and possibilities and the time to frame and protect these possibilities is now. If we don't enter into agreements now that afford these global protections for the future there could come a time when it's too little too late. This thing has already been in the works for over 20 years, so it's time to rhyme it with bucket and get it done.

Like I always say, anyone can oppose something that's the easy way out. It takes much more strength to support and advocate for change and progress.