[Ditto]

Many of the groups, especially in the United States, say new negotiations will force cities to sell municipal utilities such as water and electricity and could put them in the hands of far-off corporations.

I would point out that it does not "force" anyone to sell anything. It would simply give Euro companies the ability to compete for the business. American companies do own utility facilities in Europe, and some European companies already own power plants here in the US.

I must admit that on the shipping, I am opposed. I think as a matter of strategic security, it is important that we maintain a viable merchant fleet. But if they want to contract with a municipality to run some wastewater treatment plant, so what? They sure as hell can't pack it up and take it home with them if we have a tiff someday.

[brat]

"But if they want to contract with a municipality to run some wastewater treatment plant, so what?"............Pandora's box?

[Edmund Burke]

Some of the airports in the United States are already run by the British Airports Authority.