U.S. free trade critics, supporters battle for public opinion

If the TPP is going to mess around with my excellent Japanese National Insurance, then I want no part of it period.

If this TPP deal is so good, I wonder why, a) there is so much opposition to it, b) the negotiations are conducted in secret, and c) force and trickery are being used rather than democratic opinion.

Echoing JapanGal, it looks like no one wants no part of it period.

(U.S. free trade critics, supporters battle for public opinion.) Yet they still hold their meetings in total secracy, no public representatives, no media allowed. "TTP will be the most progressive trade agreement in history" Is that the way they are going to sway public opinion, with vague slogan statements like that?

Unions, progressive lawmakers, environmentalists and social justice lobbyists are against this? Well then I am all for it. I am for anything this group doesn't like

TTP says absolutely no restrictions on global capital flows. Then Wall Street can destroy the world, not just the US. And yes, JapanGal, your and my excellent social insurance will be first to go. Can't restrict US insurance companies inflicting Obamacare on Japan.

Unions, progressive lawmakers, environmentalists and social justice lobbyists are against this? Well then I am all for it. I am for anything this group doesn't like

So you're in favour of the exploitation of hard-working people, pollution and social injustice?

Interesting....

If this TPP deal is so good, I wonder why, a) there is so much opposition to it,

Vested interests, included the agro gerrymander in Japan. "If ending slavery was so good, why was there so much opposition to it?" That's the logical level of your argument, Mr. Wooster.

b) the negotiations are conducted in secret,

Because they're negotiations. You can't negotiate when you've tipped your hand.

and c) force and trickery are being used rather than democratic opinion.

No force is being used. Who is being "tricked"?

A world where goods and services trade freely is a more fascinating — and prosperous — place to live.

As the Chinese curse has it, "May you be born in interesting times."