The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) — and the rigged “Fast Track” process designed to pass it before the public has a chance to react — has become a new “third rail” for progressives and the activist Democratic “base.” (This is also true on the right, by the way.)
Clinton is the number one candidate for president, and this is the number one issue for a lot of us. In the past Clinton has been in favor of some trade agreements, but against others — so she is not a reflexive “free trader.” And she has voted against fast track in the past. With fast track coming up again and TPP coming soon after, it’s time for her to step up and declare herself as standing with the 99 percent and help us stop the rules from being rigged against us.
To help with her decision-making Credo Action has launched a national petition, “Tell Secretary Hillary Clinton: Speak out against Fast Track and the TPP,” and an email that includes the following:
What does Secretary Clinton really believe on trade? If she wants to be president, she must commit to us that she stands for and with us.
As First Lady, she reportedly supported North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
As a senator, she voted for numerous free trade agreements, but she also voted against giving President George W. Bush Fast Track authority — the same authority Bill Clinton employed during the 1990s to pass NAFTA and that President Obama is now requesting.
As a candidate in 2008, she criticized NAFTA and swore to do things differently. But then, as Secretary of State, she actively helped to pass the very deals she vehemently opposed as a candidate, including the job-killing Korea agreement, and a free trade agreement with Colombia – a country notorious for its horrific labor rights and unionist assassinations. And, she was a vocal promoter for the Trans-Pacific Partnership treaty back in 2011.
As Clinton makes the move towards her near-certain presidential campaign in her pursuit for the nomination of the Democratic Party, now is the time for her make it clear where she stands on a trade deal which has been called “NAFTA on steroids” – for good reason. If Secretary Clinton wants to become President Clinton, she must come out and oppose Fast Track authority for trade deals like the TPP.
Tell Secretary Hillary Clinton: Publicly announce your opposition to Fast Track and the TPP.
… We urge you to immediately announce your public opposition to Fast Track trade authority and say no to secret trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership as the Democratic party’s leading candidate for president of the United States.
Hillary Clinton, step up and lead. It’s time.
