Leaked: What's in TPP’s intellectual property chapter

Re:Leaked: What's in TPP’s intellectual property chapter by Alupis on Thursday July 02, 2015 @01:39AM (#9817047)

There's also the fact that the Executive branch (for current and all future Presidents) has just greatly expanded it's power, and snubbed out Congress' ability to stone-wall any trade deals they don't agree with (via amendments, etc...).

Obama likes to constantly state that he will act because Congress "refuses" to... which completely ignores the fact that Congress' "lack" of action is exactly what they are supposed to do when there is no agreement on an issue. Just because Congress doesn't execute the President's will doesn't mean Congress is wrong!

Now the Executive branch gets to unilaterally decide what trade agreements are good for the nation (and that usually means which big lobbying firm courted the Executive branch the best) -- that doesn't sound very democratic to me.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Leaked: What's in TPP’s intellectual property chapter by bobwaycott on Thursday July 02, 2015 @01:49AM (#9817081)

When the Congress hands the Executive fast-track authority for such dealings, it is quite disingenuous to point the finger at the Executive. The Executive branch is going to take and hold every single power the Congress grants it. The Congress is there to balance a runaway Executive.

Congress surrendered the authority. They are the ones to blame.

[ Parent | on HN ]