NAFTA, "Fast Track", and the TPP

Most of what NAFTA is blamed for is the result of other economic factors. Of course, it has done what it was supposed to do, either. Altogether, the correct reaction to NAFTA is;

meh.

The TPA or "Fast Track Authority" means that Congress can't add or subtract from the negotiated treaty (which makes sense, since they didn't negotiate it) and that Congress must have an up or down vote on the treaty within a certain time period. Actually, I wish that ALL bills had those restrictions! But if a treaty is a bad deal, then Congress can simply vote it down. That's the deal with the TPA.

As for the TPP - I'm not particularly happy that it is being negotiated "behind closed doors", although I can see how that would speed things up since the "leaked" details have been so disruptive. But, it hasn't been finished yet! Once it is finished, then it has to go before Congress whether the TPA is passed or not. At that time, the details will be made public.

I will let you know whether I support it or not once it's finished. But right now, my response is;

meh.