Lately, members of the Democratic and Liberal parties have
been disagreeing with President Obama on terms in the Trans-Pacific Partnership
(PTT) (Link Here): President Obama is in support of the treaty while many others are
against the treaty. Nonetheless, both Obama and others do not want to repeat
the mistakes of previous trade treaties – such as, the American Free Trade
agreement. One of the major fears, especially among the American workers,
caused by the trade policies is job loss. Many would like to examine the
treaty’s details to ensure that American jobs are protected; however, trade
treaty details are usually kept secret.
Recently, Obama scolded critics in
a speech and stated that he will be able to soften the blow the treaty may have
on workers. But, Obama should focus on wining the support from workers that
they will be protected and not be scolding the critics. If Obama can make the
trade bill look like a job bill then only will the bill be successful.
What is your opinion on the TPP? Do
you think it is possible to increase the number of domestic jobs with the TPP
or will more domestic jobs be lost?
In my view, it's hard for the public to have a good opinion of the TPP due to it's secrecy. It seems like from what we know about the agreement (from an early draft that was leaked) big corporations will become bigger and more powerful by being able to avoid regulation. The Obama administration has stated that this agreement will boost US exports. However, economists like Robert Reich argue that this deal will allow American corporations to outsource even more jobs abroad.
ReplyDeleteIn Monetary and Fiscal Policy we watched Reich's short Youtube video that strongly opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership. If you're interested in watching it here's the link https://youtu.be/3O_Sbbeqfdw.
Like Tyler says I think it's hard to tell. Also, if this new agreement increases trade and also the ability to outsource jobs then I feel that unemployment would increase. It's concerning to me that this agreement is secretive yet the president is criticizing critics. How can we make an informed decision and why aren't we given the option to learn and discuss it?
ReplyDeleteI understand the reasoning behind fast-tracking legislation and how it can lead to more efficient decision making if only one person (the president) is the one to decide. However, I don't really agree with it being done, especially on a such a large trade deal that involves multiple other countries. In the past, worries over increased unemployment due to trade deals has been largely overblown, but at a time when the US is so strongly relying on the level of employment to measure its recovery from the recession, I don't think it's wise to enact an agreement that would mess with that.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone that it is concerning and very hard to tell what the repercussions of the TPP are when the details of the trade deal are being kept so secretive. I think that increasing trade could lead to outsourcing many jobs which would mostly likely increase unemployment. I also understand the reasoning behind being able to fast-track legislation, however, it seems to greatly go against the system of checks and balances that the government is supposed to be built on.
ReplyDelete