After a little smack-down by the Senate, the Most Transparent Administration Ever is still trying to push through the Trans-Pacific Partnership in the Most Transparent Way Possible. If by "transparent" you mean members of Congress having to read the actual text of the trade deal in a secure basement room with no cell phones or notes allowed and subsequent mention of the trade deal’s specifics forbidden.
Methinks there is more than meets the eye in this boring ol’ trade deal. What little we do know about the deal is that there are many aspects that stink to high heaven. Higher priced drugs? Check. Corporate tribunals outside of any legal system? Check. Bogus claims of transparency? Yup.
What is being trumpeted as the most amazing trade bill since, um, forever, seems to be more like a trinket-filled goodie bag for various corporate interests. Ah, to be a pharmaceutical company in love. Enjoy the cartoon and be sure to take a closer look at the additional links behind the cartoon!
There once was a trade pact, the president wanted so bad.
If you question its content, he’ll really get mad.
It’s all there in the open, for everyone to see.
But before they all see it, give this fast-track to me.
They’ll come to their senses, and sail it on through,
And when that’s out of the way, then he’ll show it to you.
In the meantime, if you’ve got security clearance,
He’ll make sure the trade deal makes an appearance . . .
. . . In a secretive room without your phone or your staff,
You must hand over your notes, to the last paragraph.
So transparent is he, a real progressive sort.
He’ll even let you in on those secretive courts.
The ones that, remember, corporations just love,
And can sue your country from tribunal above . . .
If you had the nerve to put environment or health
Above multinational profit and wealth!
It’s all about jobs, give or take five million or more,
In due time corporate wealth will trickle the floor.
And if selling drugs is your thing, we’ve got your back covered.
Clearly those doctors, ought to be smothered!
Let’s try this again, stand together as one,
With secrets and corporates, it’s how this is done.
It’ll soon be apparent, soon you will see,
The transparent way forward is to just . . . trust me.