Is it time to talk to others? (TPPA)
This is a civil rant: John Key is coming to Nelson on Tuesday, and there will be a TPPA protest. I wanted to put the Internet Party stamp on my participation because I believe this issue is ours to own. Nats are obviously pushing, and Labour is being mealy-mouthed about opposing the secretive negotiations (which they started). Once they understand that TPPA allows corporations to sue NZ, it is opposed by 64%: wouldn't it be nice if we got a few of those votes? I did get an offer of a pdf file to print as a poster, and that is helpful, but organizing would be better. I think we need to find a few of these issues where IMP is the best answer for voter concerns. How do we take our issues beyond our little incubator?
Stephen Schoenberg Thu 17 Jul 2014 1:09AM
Ian, you are right. There are many things that a country might want to do that are not strictly "free trade." Things like locally produced farmer's markets, environmental protection and fair trade items would all be at risk under TPPA. Really, any morally-inspired items like animal cruelty and child labour exclusions could be challenged.
Colin Davies Thu 17 Jul 2014 8:40AM
I have always believed 'free trade' means 'free to raid' for the stronger partner.
It plain foolish to even talk to another country when they don't represent International Law, and then expect us to follow their laws.
Good luck, and let us know how you get on.
Dennis Dorney Thu 17 Jul 2014 9:14AM
I dont see that IMP can make a presence without first having a policy on TPP. I suspect that IMP members would agree with your position but there would need to be authorisation. Is there an IMP candidate for Nelson? If so could he be allowed to hold a personal opinion and say the matter is under debate?
Stephen Schoenberg Thu 17 Jul 2014 11:20PM
Dennis - I believe we did vote on the policy forum with as close to unanimity as any proposal has had. There are also postings from IMP with the slogan "TPPA No Way."
https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10345550_10152558463244570_5695310196240598026_n.jpg?oh=fe70c0bd432cc633d4587b4394887573&oe=544458FC
As far as I know, there is no Nelson candidate for IMP. Actually, as far as I know, I am the only IMP member in the district. Kim needs to host a party here.
Guntram Shatterhand Fri 25 Jul 2014 11:39PM
The official Internet policy is to hold a review into the TPP:
That's a bit middle-of-the-road for those who really hate the TPP:
I realise that if you hate the TPP you'd think that a review is likely to reject it outright... but if it's so obvious the TPP is awful, isn't the review just a waste of time?
Ian Kiddle · Thu 17 Jul 2014 12:45AM
The current controversy about animal rights , caged pigs, could be an opportunity to question the ability of people to protest this sort of thing under the TPP given the wholesale handover of sovereign rights to corporates that would occur.