The truth about trade agreements

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was originally titled "Southern Hemisphere Asian Free Trade Agreement" or SHAFTA. Reason for the name change should be obvious. SHAFTA succinctly defines its objective: Shaft America's middle class workers.

Many economists view free trade agreements very favorably. Unfortunately, they are considering such agreements as defined, not as implemented. As designed, such agreements are between, or among, nations; as implemented – e.g., NAFTA, CAFTA – they are agreements among global billionaire entrepreneurs and leaders of multinational corporations.

The effect of these prior agreements is to funnel resultant economic benefits to those self same entrepreneurs and corporate leaders, bypassing the American middle class. It's been extremely effective: wealth and income inequalities are at historic highs and rising. There's no reason to believe SHAFTA would be any different, and if approved would complete the destruction of America's middle class.

As an aside, I believe the Bible documents the model for free trade agreements in Genesis 25:30-34. Jacob trades his birthright for a mess of pottage. The Bible calls it a sale but it sure looks like a trade to me. My take-away is: 1) impulsive people don't deserve leadership positions, and 2) don't do stupid things. Apparently the majority interpretation is, if you can find deal like this in your favor, go for it!

John H. Terrell