So now Occupy is against world trade and capitalism? They will lose support of the 50+% of the 99%

[JDPriestly]

67. Free trade as established by our trade agreements destroys democracy -- our own

as well as any nascent democracy in third world countries.

That is because these agreements set up international trade courts that can prohibit a country that does something the court does not like. The courts can then penalize the taxpayers in the country in which democratically elected representatives enact a law that the Court does not like.

Please. Please. We need to be informed before we post on DU. I am informed through experience and careful reading of the relevant NAFTA provisions. Other trade agreements contain the same or similar provisions.

It is one thing to have an opinion. But that opinion should be informed. I would be interested in any specific and well documented statement that disagrees with mine.

There are a lot of propagandists for free trade out there. They will argue that it is so wonderful for the poor folks in third world countries. We could easily help them without giving up our own sovereignty. Reciprocal trade agreements that are not enforceable in international kangaroo courts would be fine. The trade agreements into which we have entered and are about to enter are, as is explained in the Amy Goodman interview, just excuses for placing corporately controlled courts in authority over our democratic institutions.

I oppose all trade agreements that establish trade courts. They are fascistic.