So this is similar to what I've been hearing a lot and I agree it doesn't sound good for us average Joes. Why would you try to fast-track legislation and keep it secret and not let the rest of us see it? Kind of amazing how quick Congress gets things done when there's a lot of money behind it. 20 dead kids and 6 adults can't persuade Congress to take action on assault rifles and background checks but big business and trade deals go through so fast.
So the alternative to TPP is to reject it completely. What would be the negative effects of rejecting the TPP? Would we lose security and allies to China or is that just a fear tactic by mainstream media to scare us? What happens in the future if we reject TPP?
The reason the executive branch wants an up or down vote is so that it is easier to negotiate an agreement. If Australia, for example, had to not only negotiate with America but also with some random senator in Kansas who insists putting his own personal amendments in the negotiations would be nearly impossible. The problem here is basically the same as the problem of pork. You'd have 435 politicians trying to carve a chunk out of the agreement for their constituency. Up or down is an absolute requirement for the negotiation to function. Same with the secrecy. You can't constructively negotiate a trade agreement while both sides are pandering to their base rather than trying to work out a reasonable compromise. (The recent debacle in greece comes to mind).
If, once the TPP is revealed, you don't like it, instruct your congressman not to vote for it. **Shrug**
It seems as though most reasonable people view this as an unnecessary handout to industry in terms of patents etc. Paul Krugman makes this argument in a recent talk:
http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/11/tpp-at-the-nabe/Liberalization of trade in general is a very good thing. People opposed to this in principle are simply wrong. This unfortunately is the left's version of global warming deniers. Another krugman piece on the subject:
http://web.mit.edu/krugman/www/ricardo.htmI'd be willing to make a wager though, if this passes or doesn't pass the US will probably be better off in the year 2025 than this year as measured by real median standard of living (ppp). There is a great deal of nonsense on either side. I particularly enjoy the fearful cries that corporations will be able to sue governments. Since this is an investment forum I'd argue that if you think TPP will definitely pass buy Qualcomm, and Pharma, if it is going to definitely fail sell the same.