The NAFTA experiment has been a failure. Almost two decades after starting to implement NAFTA we have seen none of the benefits promised. We were all told there would be overall increases in gross domestic products for all. However, participating countries are seeing lower wages, greater income inequality, higher prices for food, medicine, housing, gas etc. Additionally these same countries are seeing increased environmental degradation and more and more regulating laws that are protecting big business and keeping small business and individuals from flourishing. Large corporations are taking over farm land around the world, including the United States, and displacing small farmers. The NAFTA legal framework has created a situation where it trumps local and national laws. (I am sure that was not a mistake in wording.) This legal framework favors large corporations.
There is current negotiation going on to expand these rules to include more countries via the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, is a secretive regional free trade/investor rights initiative led by the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam, with an open-docking clause allowing for additional countries to join. In theory, the TPP seeks to increase trade in the region by opening up markets and reducing barriers to trade. Participants aim to conclude negotiations by the end of 2013.
So far these negotiations have been behind close doors without citizen or congressional oversight but with 600 corporate advisors. There is concern this economic globalization is not going to be responsive and accountable to the people and the environment. To learn more go to the Fair World Project. You will see how NAFTA is allowing "Big Money" to call the shots all around the world.
Tell your representatives that you think NAFTA has failed. Tell them NAFTA and the TPP need to take citizens, small business including small farmers and environmental needs into account. You can locate your rep and or senator here. Let your voice be heard.
