Your sovereign rights being flushed down the toilet by our politicians

[Damantis]

Under the same sort of agreements the TPPA will subject our government / future governments to. Apparently legitimate public health initiatives, like plain packaging for tobacco deprives said tobacco companies of profits and the rights of these corporations to market addictive and harmful substances far exceeds the rights of sovereign governments to enact and enforce legislation in their own countries. This is all part of the global, neo-conservative agenda that is rolled out in many countries already. Look at mining in PNG etc. It's easy for some to look at this as just a local issue but it's not happening in a global vacuum. Anyone who says it doesn't matter, needs a spanking.

[MisterD]

I don't blame Phillip Morris in the slightest, they've spent a lot of money over a lot of years, establishing a brand to differentiate themselves from other manufacturers of a completely legal product and the Australian government is arbitrarily denying them the use of their own property.

It's quite right, IMO, that this sort of behaviour be tested against free trade agreements. Wouldn't you like for Fonterra to be able to challenge the ability of (say) the US Government to kneecap them to advantage local producers? Indonesia are already implementing a retaliatory plain-packaging on alcohol because it will harm Australian wine exports.

It's worth pointing out, again, that Phillip Morris would have no avenue to contest a decision by the Australian government to make tobacoo illegal.

[puddytat]

The biggest winners will be the Lawyers......years & years of litigation.

[Damantis]

I don't blame Phillip Morris in the slightest, they've spent a lot of money over a lot of years, establishing a brand to differentiate themselves from other manufacturers of a completely legal product and the Australian government is arbitrarily denying them the use of their own property.

It's quite right, IMO, that this sort of behaviour be tested against free trade agreements. Wouldn't you like for Fonterra to be able to challenge the ability of (say) the US Government to kneecap them to advantage local producers? Indonesia are already implementing a retaliatory plain-packaging on alcohol because it will harm Australian wine exports.

It's worth pointing out, again, that Phillip Morris would have no avenue to contest a decision by the Australian government to make tobacoo illegal.

Unfortunately, it comes down to who has the most money, therefore stacking courts in favor of corporations over the sovereignty of governments. As for what's legal and not legal. That is purely arbitrary. What is allowed today may be illegal tomorrow and vice versa. ... unless you can sue to get the law changed cos it's affecting your ability to upgrade your superyacht ( which is what agreements like the TPPA are about. ) Don't buy into the "free trade" spin. That's just marketing for people who don't read the text.

[yokel]

Yep, that's what I was thinking too! Yokel ,Katman and FlyingCrocodile can form a party to address their concerns....or they can whine on endlessly on KB.
Ironically inspite of my tone, I would probably vote for them. They would at least stop our boys being Operation human shield for the yanks. But I also know they will do nothing about it.
Oh yeah, and aksle the gun totin', cop intimidating eight foot tall giant with flaming red hair can be their PM. Or finance minister. Or whip. Probably the whip. ping boy.

or I could do absolutely nothing like you?
your slack jaw passive attitude is why it's all going to shit.
it's your fault.

[Voltaire]

or I could do absolutely nothing like you?
your slack jaw passive attitude is why it's all going to shit.
it's your fault.

We have someone with a plan

[yokel]

We have someone with a plan

yes I do, the plan is guns.

[Voltaire]

yes I do, the plan is guns.

[FJRider]

There will be a new train at the station next election - John has worn out his welcome - remember NZ voters can only ever vote governments OUT!

Musical chairs in Parliament .. hardly effective Government ....

[flyingcrocodile46]

Musical chairs in Parliament .. hardly effective Government ....

Tape a stick of TNT to the chairs and start again.

[video=youtube;/video]

Try Woody Gutheries version

[Laava]

yes I do, the plan is guns.

Yay! Go Cletus! Ah..hyuck!

[puddytat]

Here's 2 things you can do to stop the TPPA
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2015/02/16...stop-the-tppa/

3 if you read it.....

[oldrider]

Here's 2 things you can do to stop the TPPA
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2015/02/16...stop-the-tppa/

3 if you read it.....

They will want to get it in before John Key gets booted out - then he will be sure of getting his Knighthood and a big fat bonus! .

[awa355]

They will want to get it in before John Key gets booted out - then he will be sure of getting his Knighthood and a big fat bonus! .

Ambassador to the states??

[MisterD]

3 if you read it.....

By Jane Kelsey...*click*