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Showing Original Post only (View all)Weekly Address: Fighting for Trade Deals that Put American Workers First [View all]
Source: White House
In this weeks address, the President laid out why new, high-standards trade agreements are important for our economy, our businesses, our workers, and our values. These new trade deals are vital to middle-class economics -- the idea that this country does best when everybody gets their fair shot, everybody does their fair share, and everybody plays by the same set of rules. The President has been clear -- any deal he signs will be the most progressive trade agreement in our history with strong provisions for both workers and the environment. It would also level the playing field -- and when the playing field is level, American workers always win.
Read more: https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/04/25/weekly-address-fighting-trade-deals-put-american-workers-first
Today, I want to talk about why new trade deals are important to our values.
Theyre vital to middle-class economics -- the idea that this country does best when everyone gets their fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules.
These are simple values. Theyre American values. And we strive to make sure our own economy lives up to them, especially after a financial crisis brought about by recklessness and greed. But we also live in a world where our workers have to compete on a global scale. Right now, on an uneven playing field. Where the rules are different. And thats why America has to write the rules of the global economy -- so that our workers can compete on a level playing field.
I understand why a lot of people are skeptical of trade deals. Past deals didnt always live up to the hype. They didnt include the kind of protections were fighting for today.
We have lessons to learn from the past -- and we have learned them. But trying to stop a global economy at our shores isnt one of those lessons. We cant surrender to the future -- because we are meant to win the future. If America doesnt shape the rules of the global economy today, to benefit our workers, while our economy is in a position of new global strength, then China will write those rules. Ive seen towns where manufacturing collapsed, plants closed down, and jobs dried up. And I refuse to accept that for our workers. Because I know when the playing field is level, nobody can beat us.
Thats why, when I took office, we started thinking about how to revamp trade in a way that actually works for working Americans. And thats what weve done with a new trade partnership were negotiating in the Asia-Pacific -- home to the worlds fastest-growing markets.
Its the highest-standard trade agreement in history. Its got strong provisions for workers and the environment -- provisions that, unlike in past agreements, are actually enforceable. If you want in, you have to meet these standards. If you dont, then youre out. Once youre a part of this partnership, if you violate your responsibilities, there are actual consequences. And because it would include Canada and Mexico, it fixes a lot of what was wrong with NAFTA, too.
So this isnt a race to the bottom, for lower wages and working conditions. The trade agreements Im negotiating will drive a race to the top. And were making sure American workers can retool through training programs and community colleges, and use new skills to transition into new jobs.
If I didnt think this was the right thing to do for working families, I wouldnt be fighting for it. Weve spent the past six years trying to rescue the economy, retool the auto industry, and revitalize American manufacturing. And if there were ever an agreement that undercut that progress, or hurt those workers, I wouldnt sign it. My entire presidency is about helping working families recover from recession and rebuild for the future. As long as Im President, thats what Ill keep fighting to do.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/04/25/weekly-address-fighting-trade-deals-put-american-workers-first
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Weekly Address: Fighting for Trade Deals that Put American Workers First [View all]
cal04
Apr 2015
OP
I call BS. If corporations can hire H1 B workers for 1/3 or 1/2 my salary then they will.
peacebird
Apr 2015
#1
How is the issue with companies using H1 B workers related to a trade deal though?
cstanleytech
Apr 2015
#5
It is not related much. Just a chance to vent against Obama for the perceived errors of past Presidents?
Fred Sanders
Apr 2015
#34
Your numbers are a bunch of crap. We have never even had 47 million manufacturing jobs in this
okaawhatever
Apr 2015
#142
No, the recovery has gone to those who hold stocks. The recovery has so far mostly shown up in the
okaawhatever
Apr 2015
#144
Then why be here? If you cannot trust this President enough to wait to read the final
msanthrope
Apr 2015
#8
You mean Democrats who work voter protection with every election and exhort other
msanthrope
Apr 2015
#21
"Why are you here, again?", is an excellent question......seeking and accepting only perfection in Obama?
Fred Sanders
Apr 2015
#41
And what has Obama done to convince your over 7 years of Democratic Presidency that he does not care? Was it the ACA?
Fred Sanders
Apr 2015
#56
You must be joking --This isn't "Obama Underground", it's "Democratic Underground".
whathehell
Apr 2015
#61
Especially when so many of the Democrats in Congress are fighting him on this issue.
stillwaiting
Apr 2015
#33
Obama's Corporate masters? You made me laugh! The Consumer Protection Bureau made corporations laugh hard also!
Fred Sanders
Apr 2015
#43
I just asked her if she were trying to "shame" you because you're in the UK. I don't see them
Cha
Apr 2015
#159
That's nice. I'm eligible for Dual citizenship myself, and I know the "rules" for most dual citizens
whathehell
Apr 2015
#123
What does that have to do with the OP? Are you trying to shame Fred because he's from the UK?
Cha
Apr 2015
#158
Cha, are you so arrogant as to lecture a foreign country about their domestic policies?
whathehell
Apr 2015
#161
I don't think he's being "arrogant".. there are plenty of posters here who bash Pres Obama
Cha
Apr 2015
#162
Sorry, I forgot to include.. plenty of "posters here from other countries" who bash President Obama
Cha
Apr 2015
#165
Of course not! What has he DONE for 7 years to earn TRUST? Obviously nothing, right?
Fred Sanders
Apr 2015
#36
That's a wrong-headed sentiment... I disagree with Pres. Obama on this issue but support him on most
groundloop
Apr 2015
#108
I trust this President enough to hold off dismissing the TPP until it's final and I get a chance to
msanthrope
Apr 2015
#4
the republicons are uncharacteristically silent and the Chamber of Commerce loves it
corkhead
Apr 2015
#12
Have you considered reading the TPP before forming an opinion on it? I may go against the TPP,
msanthrope
Apr 2015
#7
They can only read the current bill, which can be changed at the very last moment.
Divernan
Apr 2015
#42
Okay--here's the problem with your claim---it's not a bill. It's a trade agreement right now.
msanthrope
Apr 2015
#97
Exactly. Very similar to the 6 nation Iran nuclear agreement, if not procedurally identical.
Fred Sanders
Apr 2015
#99
Obama understands it....and despite all the shrill crying otherwise Obama at the table is good.
Fred Sanders
Apr 2015
#110
Because it's not finalized. And trade agreements rest with the Executive. nt
msanthrope
Apr 2015
#91
Would have to be to just the Fast Track legislation because he is without power to amend a trade agreement.
Fred Sanders
Apr 2015
#104
Yes, if they allowed it. Liz Warren read it but said she isn't allowed to talk about it
whathehell
Apr 2015
#120
It's been available to every member of Congress for a while now---Grayson read it last year.
msanthrope
Apr 2015
#124
Right, and Grayson is being gagged too -- Why is it "classified" if it's truly a trade deal?
whathehell
Apr 2015
#125
Because currency manipulation, counterfeiting, and drug supply are national
msanthrope
Apr 2015
#128
It's called representative democracy. Take it up with the Founders, who vested this
msanthrope
Apr 2015
#131
It's predicted to be a near zero-sum game in nearly all signatory countries
Art_from_Ark
Apr 2015
#14
Real FACTS and real EXPERTS and the ACTUAL document? What are you, a liberal??
Fred Sanders
Apr 2015
#44
Psst, you missed the 'rich get richer, poor get poorer' part of his comment.
Erich Bloodaxe BSN
Apr 2015
#81
Didn't miss it, I just do not believe in judging all the positions of a person by (mis)judging one.
Fred Sanders
Apr 2015
#83
You mean the new poster thinking in error - because China is not part of the TPP?
Fred Sanders
Apr 2015
#45
Good question: "Big business was involved in drafting this, but why not AFL-CIO"?
whathehell
Apr 2015
#136
Yes...that's the main income for ex-Presidents. It's not like they go out and get a job. n/t
libdem4life
Apr 2015
#32
Kind of like a divorce...he wants to continue in the manner has become accustomed. And that ain't
libdem4life
Apr 2015
#57
anybody that claims that workers on either of Pacific are anything other than an afterthought
KG
Apr 2015
#25
Your reporters you "happen" to be "close to" - are from Fox? Same meme Fox often spews.
Fred Sanders
Apr 2015
#48
The right wing media had a hayday with it though, remember? Funny how someone brought it up.
Fred Sanders
Apr 2015
#85
Again.. mahalo JTFrog.. this time for calling out RW sources that duers are only too happy to post
Cha
Apr 2015
#166
The thing is, when Obama speaks, speaks, not jabbers, and destroys all the propaganda and disinformation...again....it hurts.
Fred Sanders
Apr 2015
#75
Fred, a trade agreement like the TPP is coming to Europe which is much closer to you
whathehell
Apr 2015
#119
Oh wow.. that was a butt ugly rwanker talking point.. and fucking racist to boot! Thank JTfrog for
Cha
Apr 2015
#163
Your Concern, new poster, is noted....very, very concerned about Obama's entire "legacy" because of a trade deal, are we?
Fred Sanders
Apr 2015
#89
I admit it gives me pause. Why I still hold a lick of trust is beyond me.
raouldukelives
Apr 2015
#117
http://www.exboyfriendrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/you-lie.png
blkmusclmachine
Apr 2015
#146
I'm Ready For Oligarchy - Are You? - Support Obama On TPP - The 1% Need Even More Wealth
cantbeserious
Apr 2015
#151