From what I understand, TPA is only the ability to arrange a trade deal (only) in which congress votes up or down, which is very different from the obamatrade bill that has caused much ruckus because of it's secret nature...you know, balmy wants it passed before we find out how we get screwed!

The damage done would just have been different.

This is not a question of policy, but of how to get better policies enacted. So I offer these ideas.

1. The two-party system is the problem. Any reform that helps third parties gain seats in legislatures, including such radical changes as Ranked Choice Voting, the Single Transferable Vote, and/or a British style parliamentary system, can only help.

2. Let's encourage more fringe-lefties like Bernie Sanders to run, while encouraging right-leaning candidates to quit early once there are more than a couple of them. So long as we are stuck with the two-party primary system we might as well game it by getting "spoilation" to happen on the left and not on the right.

3. I would like to see more questions referred to voters -- but not as an alternative to legislation (unless it's limited to repealing existing laws). As a first shot (and example), I propose a constitutional amendment that any new law on certain hot-button topics (say guns, abortion, and any further bans of foods or drugs now legal), should require voter approval IN ADDITION to the legislative approval now required, not instead of it. Because too much sneaky lawmaking goes on on those topics, and making it harder can only help.

While we're at it we should also require voter ratification of treaties and constitutional amendments. Many countries in Europe now have this, including the Swiss, and it has blocked a lot of stupid legislation.

Do you really think McCain would have done the same damage as Obama?

Neither party represents us. And there is no saving this country from within - it's too far gone. But choosing the lesser of evils still makes sense.

Do you really think McCain would have done the same damage as Obama?
(Repeated for emphasis.)

It's proof that it matters very much!

Boehner is a disgrace to our state! He says one thing and does another. Trump, I am suspicious of, as he could well be the spoiler, the one you insures Hillary is elected, like Ross P a few years back.
These guys expect a pay day down the line, and that is why they support TPA. They don't care about the folks back home, except at election time, the they turn their backs for years. They say they support gun rights, then vote for something like this. They say they are against Obamacare, and vote for something which would expand it. Yes, and the big environmental issue of Agenda 21, yest their vote would promote that as well. Jerks, one and all.

Easy answer. :>)

I remember once engaging in a discussion with my liberal 82 yr old Aunt and saying: "The Democrats have become communists, and the Republicans have become Democrats."

Her response? She punched me on the arm. Owww!

I quit voting a while back. Looks like I'll be voting with my walking shoes...

*dingdingding*
ProfChuck, you win the Comment of the Day!

Efforts to lower the cost of living by efforts to lower barriers to trade sees increased efficiencies in the exchange which lowers costs to consumers. wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/10thi_e/10thi01_e.htm

That could be cool. I wonder if that hair style would finally catch on.

With the way the NSA is spying on all of us I'm guessing they all get a file once they get to DC. Tow the line or this info hits the press...

All that real estate!
Imagine!
A casino in every national park!
That will put those damned indians out of business!

It is almost as if once a person gets inside the beltway, that person's brains start leaking out its ears. Perhaps what this nation needs is a benevolent dictator. Any recommendations?

Real growth and not the fantasy numbers reported by the administration----any administration.

I was just reading about Trumps stance on Gun Control. Makes me wonder if he is serious about winning the nomination.

America can compete - silly that ExIm Bank & Trade Authority both expiring in 2 weeks! Would be good for small & medium business - the big corps don't NEED it! None of USA probs will be solved with only 2% growth, but most ALL can be solved with 4% growth!!

Fiorino destroyed HP. That would make her perfect to take the blame for the economic disaster that will occur. But she is female and they rarely have to take blame for their actions in positions of power. (Hillary, Janet Reno, and Meg Whitman are good examples along with Fiorino at HP)
Trump claims to be against gun control, but favors longer purchase waiting periods and approves of the "assault weapon" ban.

With the billions riding on this deal I wonder if the bribes are a direct deposit or if they go to a "campaign fund".

Shrugging is not an option for me right now. I can only hope we have some time left.

I get hope occasionally and then something like this happens. Did you see Streightlinelogics post? I am Charlie Brown when it comes to this.

Remember Congress' Golden Rule: Whoever has the gold makes the rules.