The most recent round of Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations ended with several issues unresolved, and gave those of us who are working to defeat this attack on democracy a little more time to organize. Our TPP Free Zone campaign is taking this opportunity to connect with local activists and encourage passage of ordinances that defend local laws that otherwise might be under attack through suit by foreign corporations. We're writing material directed specifically at local government officials, whether city or county, detailing how the TPP threatens local decision-making.
Several cities and a few counties here have already passed TPP Free Zone ordinances, or resolutions against the TPP and Fast Track reauthorization. You can see where these votes have taken place here.
It's easy to be cynical about these local actions--after all, Fast Track passed despite several major cities, including Pittsburgh, Seattle, and New York, publicly and officially voicing their objections and concerns. And it's true that passing a TPP Free Zone, or even a resolution, is a lot of work: you often need the help of an ally on your city council, and you need to bring as many constituencies as possible in on your side: labor, environmental organizations, faith groups, farmers, human rights organizations, and patient advocacy groups.
But all these organizations have a stake in the TPP and can speak forcefully to the need for its defeat. If you doubt the passion with which diverse groups can bring to this issue, watch the public testimony for the March 30 Seattle resolution. Testimony came not just from TPP activists, but people who had come to speak on homelessness also stepped in to support the anti-Fast Track resolution. They understood how a measure like TPP could drive rights and opportunities down to a global lowest-common-denominator, and they were happy to join the fight to stop it.
Several cities and a few counties here have already passed TPP Free Zone ordinances, or resolutions against the TPP and Fast Track reauthorization. You can see where these votes have taken place here.
It's easy to be cynical about these local actions--after all, Fast Track passed despite several major cities, including Pittsburgh, Seattle, and New York, publicly and officially voicing their objections and concerns. And it's true that passing a TPP Free Zone, or even a resolution, is a lot of work: you often need the help of an ally on your city council, and you need to bring as many constituencies as possible in on your side: labor, environmental organizations, faith groups, farmers, human rights organizations, and patient advocacy groups.
But all these organizations have a stake in the TPP and can speak forcefully to the need for its defeat. If you doubt the passion with which diverse groups can bring to this issue, watch the public testimony for the March 30 Seattle resolution. Testimony came not just from TPP activists, but people who had come to speak on homelessness also stepped in to support the anti-Fast Track resolution. They understood how a measure like TPP could drive rights and opportunities down to a global lowest-common-denominator, and they were happy to join the fight to stop it.
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