This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A few weeks ago, Sen. Orrin Hatch wrote approvingly of a Trans-Pacific Partnership whose deliberations had just concluded in Salt Lake City ("TPP is an opportunity for Utah and the U.S.," Opinion, Nov. 26). "Much work remains, but the negotiations in Utah represent a strong step forward toward economic prosperity for all," he wrote, adding generalities about international trade, jobs, and such "that benefit Utah communities."
I'm not convinced, given that NAFTA, a Hatch favorite in 1993, has exacerbated economic woes in Mexico and spurred the illegal flow of foreign nationals across our borders, with no apparent benefit to ourselves.
Contrast this with the Tribune op-ed of Jan. 4 by Jonathan Ruga and Rocky Anderson. Presumably they can substantiate their claims, but a TPP agreed upon in secret by representatives including foreign governments and international corporations portends a repeat of the late economic blowout.
"Only about a third of the agreement addresses typical trade matters." The balance is a ploy "to empower multinational corporations," whose representatives will provide "self-serving input," and whose influence will expand "even as to matters vital to the health, safety, and welfare of [our] people."
I always thought these strictly domestic affairs were our own. Who needs these guys?
Barton L. Carter
Highland