The U.S. Trade Representative and some members of Congress are crassly pursuing Fast Track negotiating authority . A careful analysis shows just how cynical this bill really is. But, no one has been more shameless in linking their agenda to the terror attack than U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick. Zoellick indicated in the Washington Post last week that giving the president Fast Track authority and cutting Congress out of the debate would contribute to the fight against terrorism. To that end, U.S. leadership in promoting the international economic and trading system is vital.
Trade is about more than economic efficiency.
It promotes the values at the heart of this protracted struggle. Charlie Rangel, the Democratic Leader of the committee was not consulted on the so-called bipartisan bill. Neither Thomas nor Zoellick are able to show how Fast Track has anything to do with national security. That's because it doesn't. But, it does have everything to do with corporate profits and a dangerously contemptible power grab.