Globalization/Anti-globalization

On the 18th of May the US International Trade Commission (US ITC) released its economic impact statement of the TPP or Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.

Outside, both the Rubber Stamp Rebellion and the No Lame Duck Uprising were present, performing a skit about how the ISDN or "Investor State Dispute resolution" corporate courts would let oil companies sue the US for demanding they clean up their spills or limit their drilling. The skit ended with Uncle Sam, hat in hand, begging the taxpayers for money to pay off the TPP ISDN judgements to Big Pig Oil.

Video of the TPP skit featuring Pig Oil and his fracking buddies

Argentina's lower house of Congress voted 165-86 to repeal two laws that blocked the country from settling its decade-long debt dispute with a group of "hold-out" investors. A US judge approved the $4.65 billion agreement on March 2 on the condition that Argentina's congress revoke the two laws.‎ Argentina's Senate now faces an April 14 deadline to also repeal the laws.

On the 12th of January, Real Food Challenge marched to the Baltimore office of Rep Elijah Cummings. A delegation met with Rep Cummings, who until now had not made any public commitments concerning this ugly repeat of NAFTA. Asked to take a stand, Rep Cummings told the delegation he was opposed to the TPP or Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. This statement may cost him corporate donations but will win him votes.