[Peace-discuss] TPPTPABS

[Ricky Baldwin]

I received the following email from our Senator Mark Kirk, which would be laughable if he were not part of the powers who support TPP:Dear Friend,Washington finally passed a bipartisan plan to increase exports.  As an export state, Illinois workers, farmers, businesses and economy are all reliant on our ability to sell Illinois products around the globe.With protections for Illinois workers, the new structure will enable a series of new trade agreements crucial to increasing the reach of our products and the size of our workforce. Here is what the Illinois Manufacturers had to say about trade earlier this month:“International trade supports nearly 40 million jobs, and trade-related jobs grew three and a half times faster than total employment from 2004 to 2013. Export-related jobs pay on average 13 to 18 percentmore than non-export jobs. These are exactly the type of high-wage jobs Illinois needs to create a strong middle class."-Mark Denzler, VP and COO of Illinois Manufacturers’ 06/21/15 Op Ed Featured in the State Journal-RegisterIt's not just the manufactures either. Here is what the Illinois Farm Bureau says about TPP and TPA:“Illinois Farm Bureau members rely heavily on agricultural exports for their livelihoods so we are pleased with today’s Senate vote to give President Obama and the next president Trade Promotion Authority. TPA gives our nation the ability to reach the best possible deal for American agriculture and other sectors in the ongoing Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations."- Statement from the Illinois Farm Bureau Regarding the Senate Passage of Trade Promotion Authority05/22/15As trade agreements continue to develop, I will keep you updated on the potential for growth of Illinois farmers, workers and businesses large and small in your area.   Sincerely,Senator Mark Kirk

 Needless to say I emailed him asking about these "protections for Illinois workers" in TPP, the details of which I believe are officially unavailable to peons such as us at this time (which is the point, of course).  Does he think we do not know what "Fast Track" means?  I know the vote is over and the bill signed.  And we all should have written/called all those involved in this, from Obama to Kirk and Davis, anyway.  But when I got this I felt somehow more motivated.  So I thought I'd share it in case it has the same effect on others.  Peace.

Ricky Baldwin

"Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes." - Maggie Kuhn
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