Edwards: Senator Clinton Must Take A Stand On Peru Trade Deal

[JohnLocke]

Edwards: Senator Clinton Must Take A Stand On Peru Trade Deal
John Edwards for President
Sunday, November 4, 2007
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Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, in Charles City, Iowa, Senator John Edwards made the followed statement calling on Senator Clinton to take a stand on whether she is for or against the Peru trade deal, which would expand the NAFTA model:

"I grew up in Carolina mill towns and I've seen firsthand the devastating impact trade can have on American workers and their communities. America is bleeding jobs. Now, more than ever, it is time we take a clear stand against the Peru trade deal and any other NAFTA-like trade agreements that will needlessly cost America more jobs and hurt middle class and working families.

"Sadly, Senator Obama has chosen to support the Peru trade deal. While I am disappointed by his choice, and I hope he reconsiders, at least he has taken a position. Unfortunately, Senator Hillary Clinton still refuses to say whether she is for or against the Peru trade deal.

"On all issues, whether it is Iraq, Iran, Social Security or trade, voters deserve straight talk and a leader who will have the strength to tell voters where they stand.

"I believe the Peru trade deal continues failed trade policies. It is wrong for America, and I strongly oppose it. As president, I will promote smart and safe policies by negotiating better deals and rejecting bad deals, enforcing the terms of those deals, helping dislocated workers and communities and ensuring the products sold to American families are safe.

"For the sake of hard-working families in Iowa and all across America, I hope that Senator Clinton will finally take a stand, do what is right and join me in strongly opposing the Peru trade deal."

http://johnedwards.com/news/press-releases/20071104-peru-trade-deal/

[BootinUp]

1. I think I will start calling Edwards, "The Straight Talk Express".

I might laugh a little when I type it.

[PresidentObama]

6. Almost as much as I'm laughing at you for saying something so dumb.

[BootinUp]

7. Well, I just couldn't help it.

Go ahead and get your chuckles.

[MethuenProgressive]

18. Edwards? "Straight talk"?? hahahahahahahah gasp! hahahahahahah

That'll be the day. He's flip flopped or ran away from every position he once held!

[Stop Cornyn]

19. kick a troll

[ulysses]

2. whatever my issues are with Edwards, and they are there,

the man gets it on "free" trade. For that alone, I'm still strongly considering a vote for him.

[JohnLocke]

3. If I remember correctly, you're a teacher...

I don't know whether it will sway you towards Edwards, but today the campaign released an education policy paper:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=3684254&mesg_id=3684254

[ulysses]

5. I am, yes.

I like this a lot. I'd like even more to see him promise to get the hell rid of NCLB, but that isn't going to happen under anybody, so yes, I like this a lot. Edwards probably does have my vote.

[Karmadillo]

4. How long ago was it that Edwards announced his position on this?

nt

[creeksneakers2]

8. Hillary will have a position in the next weeks

because there will be a vote on it. AFL-CIO doesn't have a position on it. Obama, Rangel and Pelosi are all in favor because they say they've negotiated adequate labor and environmental protections.

I agree that Hillary has to take a side on the deal. I don't agree that she has to do it instantly upon challenges from the 11% candidate John Edwards.

[ulysses]

9. oooooh! boy, you showed Edwards! 11%!

How about if she's challenged by her potential employers?

[creeksneakers2]

10. She answers to her employers n/t

[ulysses]

11. that's great! as a potential employer,

I'd like to know her stand on this issue. How can I convey that to her?

[creeksneakers2]

12. You won't need to

A vote is coming up. She'll have a position.

You are not her sole employer. You are one of 300 million.

[ulysses]

13. one of 300 million - this is true.

But an employer nonetheless. Does being one of many reduce my right to know?

[Stop Cornyn]

16. Hillary will tell you her core values on this issue as soon as Penn get's his polling results.

[zulchzulu]

14. What parts about the Peru trade deal is Edwards against?

Let's see specifics. Is Edwards an isolationist? How does his record as Senator of voting to give China and Vietnam Most Favored Nation status and open up free trade that's in multiple efforts over NAFTA?

The Peru trade deal uses these efforts which are far and away much better than NAFTA:

The pact boosts protections for workers by requiring the two trading partners to adopt, maintain and enforce core international labor standards, such as the right to bargain collectively and go on strike.

The environmental provisions requires the United States and Peru to effectively enforce their domestic environmental laws and to honor international environmental obligations.

For the first time in a U.S. trade agreement, the labor and environmental commitments also will be enforceable through the same mechanism as commercial provisions of the pact.

Peru will also open its banking, insurance and other services markets to more U.S. companies and strengthen copyright, patent and trademark protections for U.S. products ranging from music to manufactured goods.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/latinamerica/articles/2007/10/05/senate_committee_approves_us_peru_trade_deal/

[rinsd]

17. I am guessing he is unfamiliar with the bill.

Because it would seem to meet the definition of fair trade that he has been talking about.

:shrug:

[Czolgosz]

15. k & r