Obama is fighting Europe’s brewing isolationism in pitching free trade
div class="excerpt"]In his remaining months, President Obama is trying to breathe life into one of his biggest goals: treaties that broaden trade and harmonize the rules. But his timing couldn’t be worse, as he’s frankly acknowledging on a bumpy tour of isolationist-minded Europe.
His prized plan is a pair of treaties covering Asia and Europe that hold the potential to both widen and regulate global trade, an unstoppable force that needs updated rules. But Congress isn’t sold on the good sense of this idea, nor are the leading presidential candidates of both major parties, who compete daily in denouncing the deals.
As a major exporter, California has a special seat at the table, with goods including Hollywood movies, wine and prescription pills all at issue. Missing a chance for better terms on exports, environmental protections and labor protections will be a loss on both sides of the Pacific.
The problem has an isolationist echo in Europe. In London, Obama walked into a firestorm of criticism for urging British voters to reject a plan to exit the European Union. He made a similar pitch in Germany, where crowds filled the streets to denounce a pending trade treaty similar to the one wrapping in 12 Pacific Rim countrphp,
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With Europe, the problems spill beyond economics. Germany, like other neighboring countries, is worried about immigration, terrorism and slowing business. A more protective outlook that minimizes foreign corporations and toughens border controls has rising appeal.
For Obama, it’s a hard sell to counter this political reality both here and abroad. Adding to the problem is a presidential clock that’s ticking down on his final term. “Time is not on our side,’’ he said, noting both the brewing opposition in Europe and his dwindling days in office that run out Jan. 20.
http://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/Obama-is-fighting-Europe-s-brewing-isolationism-7342983.php
Interesting take on Obama's trade agreements. Keep reading, the writer doesn't agree with the common sentiment that trade agreements, specifically the TTP, are necessarily bad, especially from California's point of view.
= new reply since forum marked as read
who has been leading the battle against TPP (along with other groups) is thinking that Obama will push it through after the election in a lame duck session of Congress. (One of those "Midnight Votes"
So, those of us against it have to be very vigilant.
