So not only would you prefer for the pro-abortion, pro-same-sex-”marriage,” pro-higher-taxes, pro-gun-grabbing, pro-open-borders, pro-environmental-extremism, pro-liberal-judges Democrat Russ Feingold to be elected over Ron Johnson (I mean, that must be your preference, since you know that either Feingold or (assuming that he’s the GOP nominee) Johnson will be elected, and you already said that you would not vote for Johnson in the general), but your Exhibit A as to why Johnson needs to be tossed overboard is because he helped Republicans in the Senate approve trade-promotion authority that is supported by EVERY CONSERVATIVE IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE?
Trade-promotion authority would apply for a period that far exceeds Obama’s term in office, and is opposed only by Marxist Democrats; the only reason why Obama supports it is because he’s the president for the next 20 months and wants some sort of free-trade accomplishment before he leaves office. Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Tom McClintock—two of the smartest and most conservative members of Congress—have come out 100% in favor of the bill, and McClintock gave this explanation that should allay any fears that you may have (I’ll reprint it below). If you are so opposed to free trade, maybe you do agree with Feingold and liberal Democrats more than you do with conservative Republicans (even imperfect ones such as Ron Johnson).
Here’s what McClintock wrote in his e-mail letter to constituents and supporters entitled “Trade Means Freedom and Prosperity”:
“Dear Friend,
I was honored to address the nation on free trade this weekend by giving the Weekly Republican Address.
Trade means prosperity. More markets for American products means more jobs and higher wages for American workers. More products entering our economy means more consumer choices and lower prices.
But here’s the problem: unfair trade regulations, labor standards, high taxes and foreign subsidies often put American workers at a real disadvantage. To remove these barriers, we have to negotiate trade agreements to put Americans back in the game under fair and equal rules.
The Constitution gives Congress the authority to regulate commerce with other nations. Congress thus has the final say over any trade agreement, but trading partners must have confidence that once the agreement has been reached, it represents the last best offer of both sides – a meeting of the minds that won’t be repeatedly altered after the fact.
That is why, since the 1930’s, Congress has chosen to exercise its responsibility by establishing the broad terms of the agreement it seeks and then giving explicit instructions to our negotiators at the beginning of the process. IF, and only IF, these objectives are advanced in the agreement, Congress will then consider it as a whole package and either approve it or reject it.
That process is now called “Trade Promotion Authority.” It has stood the test of time, has been used to the great benefit of our nation in the past and has never been controversial until now.
From the left, the opposition comes from protectionist special interests. They fail to learn from the painful lessons of history. Protectionism is the fastest way to destroy an economy, as this nation has learned repeatedly, including during the Jefferson administration and again in the Hoover administration.
From the right, opposition comes from mistrust of this President’s judgment and competence, a mistrust I completely and unequivocally share.
It is precisely because of this mistrust that I support this bill. Without it, he can negotiate anything he wants. Trade Promotion Authority binds him to the will of Congress before the agreement is reached. IF — and only IF — he meets Congress’s objectives, will Congress then agree - not necessarily to past the agreement - but only to vote on it after the American people have had their say.
Like many of you, I am particularly concerned about illegal immigration. This bill forbids the President from making any changes to our laws, including our immigration laws.
The free exchange of goods – whether between people or nations – means that both sides go away with something of greater value to themselves – or the trade wouldn’t take place. Freedom creates prosperity, and the greater the freedom, the greater the prosperity. Trade Promotion Authority is the means by which this freedom is advanced – for ourselves and for our children.
Freedom works. And it’s time that we put it back to work.
Tom McClintock”
If it helps get RINOs out of power? Yup. No one said it would be pain free.
Thanks for posting the letter from Rep. Tom McClintock.
FR on the side of Senate democrats, unreal.
I just realized His Serene Highness Mark Levin must be against this, that explains that.
Ted Cruz doesn’t believe this has anything to do with immigration.
This was an excellent post. It explains TPA in a very straight forward way, without all the hyperbole and “Chicken Little” hysteria. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for posting that, I trust McClintock to be honest. Still don’t know that I agree with him here, though.
Thank you. This clarified a lot to me concerning this bill. I agree. to start TOSSING it all overboard with one thing we don’t agree on, will put the Dem’s back in power indefinitely!!!