I Believe Christine (and Anita and Patti and...)

I Believe Christine (and Anita and Patti and...)

by C.A. Matthews

The time we live in is one of skepticism and cynicism.  We trust nobody and trust even less what these "nobodies" have to say. Yet Americans have elected an apparent pathological liar to the highest office in the land. What gives?

When a liar is elevated and adored by many, any persons who are seen as a threat to the worshiped sociopath must be eliminated. Their reputations must be besmirched; their testimony silenced. Truth cannot be allowed to shine on the heroes of darkness, revealing more warts than even the most adoring of fans could tolerate. So truth must be denied and added to the list of ideals to be skeptical of, derided to the point that it becomes the most despised of virtues. Because to quote an infamous Twitterer: "Facts aren't necessary."

Even so, I believe in truth. I believe Christine Blasey Ford. I still believe Anita Hill and the testimony she bravely gave at the Clarence Thomas hearings. Why do I believe these women? It's not just because I'm female and a fellow #MeToo member.  It's not because I've experienced similar horrors or felt powerless to do anything against my attacker. I believe them because I believe any person (male, female or other gender) who is brave enough to admit publicly of being harassed and violated in such an intimate manner is a strong person, and, as such, has no reason to resort to subterfuge to gain an upper hand over the person who wronged them.

A rapist/sexual predator, on the other hand, behaves in the completely opposite manner.  This individual learns to lie and obfuscate to cover his deep-seated sense of inadequacy and self-loathing that manifests itself in an outward hatred and dehumanizing of others. He (face it, most rapists are male) becomes an actor in our "macho tough guy" culture. He knows how to put a woman "in her place" through forcing her to "live through her own death," as rape has been described by many survivors. Laughing it off as "boys will be boys," he seeks to normalize his sadistic behaviors by destroying his victim's reputation. He'll claim she is liar, a whore, an attention seeker or otherwise a person of no consequence. He alone is what society wants and needs. Society shouldn't listen to the hurting souls he leaves in his wake through his violent actions, let alone believe or empathize with them.

I don't believe Brett Kavanaugh knows what truth is--or else he would take himself out of the running for the Supreme Court. If Kavanaugh is being honest with himself, he would understand that his past actions constituted a felony and were physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually harmful to a fellow human being. Of course he would also have to acknowledge that Christine is a human being worthy of respect, which his denial of the importance of this revelation indicates he does not. He is allowing the darkness to dictate his actions, giving into the lie that when a crime isn't reported then there isn't a victim.

But there is a victim, and she is brave enough to come forward to talk about the injustice perpetrated against her. It's the least the senate judiciary committee could do is to let her speak her piece without unwarranted criticisms and slanderous commentary. It's the least they could do to investigate the incident and not take Kavanaugh's dismissal of it as the only evidence they need to place him on the highest court. Revealing the truth is where victims can at last exert some measure of power over their attackers and begin to heal.

To deny the truth doesn't mean the false reality where "boys will be boys" automatically becomes the accepted norm for the majority. Most Americans feel that a rapist is a rapist no matter what term you use to describe this sort of individual. He forces himself on another without pity and enjoys silencing his victim through fear and intimidation that can last a lifetime. If denying climate change doesn't stop the destructive hurricanes and flooding, then why should denying the crime of a man in the running for a high office change the horrendous nature of that crime?

But why Kavanaugh? It seems our current sexual predator/liar-in-chief desires a person possessing a similar outlook on the worth of women sitting on the bench. When push comes to shove, one "good ol' boy sexual predator" will gladly cover for another, won't he? A woman's right to safe and legal abortion, her right to equal pay, her right to feel safe from uncalled for advances from people in a position of power over her--both Kavanaugh and Trump express contempt for these rights. They both seem to enjoy forcing  women into a "helpless" position, making them dependent upon the "help" of men in order to maintain a decent standard of living for themselves and their children.

If you want to know more about "Why Kavanaugh?" please click through to read my article A Matter of Control that I wrote a few weeks ago. It's a control game, all right. The truth-deniers are spinning the narrative on the mainstream media even now. The dirt-diggers will continue flinging mud on Christine Blasey Ford and other women who  come forward to expose the predators in positions of power who hurt them. We can't let these evil-doers get us down. We must continue to believe in the truth and support truth-speakers, because as it is written, "The truth will set you free." (John 8:32)

We need to free ourselves from the lies, hatred and division of our cynical society before it enslaves us all. We need to protect the truth and believe in justice now more than ever.

Related articles:

Christine Blasey Ford agrees to testify before Congress
https://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/52441-christine-blasey-ford-agrees-to-testify-before-congress-next-week

Second woman accuses Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/24/supreme-court-nominee-kavanaugh-faces-new-sexual-misconduct-claim.html

Lessons never learned--45 years after the All in the Family Episode where Gloria was almost raped
https://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/52443-rsn-lessons-never-learned

Brett Kavanaugh faces unprecedented opposition
https://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/52422-poll-brett-kavanaugh-faces-unprecedented-opposition-to-supreme-court-confirmation

Patti Davis (Ronald Reagan's daughter): I was sexually assaulted...
https://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/52423-i-was-sexually-assaulted-heres-why-i-dont-remember-many-of-the-details

The Kavanaugh confirmation battle is about to explode
https://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/52426-focus-is-the-kavanaugh-confirmation-battle-about-to-explode

Another example of how women are "put in their place" and silenced by our corrupt system:  The Real News Network interviews Green Party candidate for governor, Constance Gadell-Newton, on her platform after being barred from participating in the Ohio governor debates.
https://youtu.be/mWlqsNzrfPI

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Press Release: Ohio Supreme Court Ignores Rights, Blocks Citizen Initiative Protecting Lake Erie - Voting rights and Lake Erie disregarded as justices dispute technicalities
 https://celdf.org/2018/09/press-release-ohio-supreme-court-ignores-rights-blocks-citizen-initiative-protecting-lake-erie/

TOLEDO, OH: On Friday, the Ohio Supreme Court blocked from the November ballot a Toledo citizen’s initiative. The Lake Erie Bill of Rights (LEBOR) would have recognized the right of Lake Erie to be healthy and free from pollution that today is killing the Lake and depriving surrounding communities of safe water.

Toledo residents are among eleven million people dependent on Lake Erie for drinking water. Following a 2014 algae bloom that deprived Toledoans of water for three days, community members formed Toledoans for Safe Water. The group requested the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) assist in drafting a bill of rights for Lake Erie as a means to legally protect it. Decades of government regulation have failed to do so. Community members gathered nearly 11,000 signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot.

Over the last 18 months, in addition to blocking the Toledo initiative, the Ohio Supreme Court justices have ruled to keep a number of rights-based initiatives off the ballot that would have protected communities from shale gas drilling and fracking activities. In addition to those justices dissenting from the majority, the remaining justices are disagreeing how to rationalize blocking the people’s right to vote on their own measures.

In Friday’s ruling, a majority made clear the court had made errors in previous decisions regarding these initiatives. Justice Sharon Kennedy concluded, “The public is not under the illusion that we are infallible. There is little harm in admitting that we made a mistake. But recognizing an error in a prior decision is only the first step; sooner or later, we have to rectify it.”

In all of the justices’ machinations, there is but one mention of Lake Erie in a background paragraph. Markie Miller, an organizer with Toledoans for Safe Water, stated, “We the people put in hundreds of volunteer hours collecting nearly 11,000 signatures because we’re alarmed about Lake Erie’s deterioration. We’re apprehensive about the safety of our drinking water. We’re worried about our survival. Our Ohio Supreme Court justices make no mention of any of that in their decision. It is as if Lake Erie and the people are invisible to the court.”

Crystal Jankowski, another organizer with LEBOR, added, “It was devastating to be without water for 3 days in 2014. This is worse. To know that the Lake and my children are at risk because it is legal for the polluters to pollute us, while our own government makes it illegal for us to propose a law to protect the Lake and our children, is beyond devastating. It is the realization that we not only have a water crisis, but we also have a democracy crisis.”

Terry Lodge is a CELDF-affiliated attorney representing the community group. Lodge stated, “There seems to be a ‘ruling class’ divide in the court, yet they all miss the point that the people have the right to directly legislate by initiative. They ignore their own long-standing precedent, which has always been to allow initiatives on the ballot, regardless of constitutionality. No one can interfere with the city council or the state legislature voting on an illegal or unconstitutional bill. It should be the same for the people of the state. It’s clear that our government is afraid to let the people legislate by initiative.”

CELDF is filing a Motion to Reconsider on behalf of community members today, based on a federal judge ruling in Schmitt vs. Husted, Case No. 2:cv-18-966, on September 19th. In that case, two marijuana initiatives kept off the November ballot by the Portage County Board of Elections were ordered on the ballot.

***

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 ***

From the National Domestic Workers Alliance:

I can't stop thinking about Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who courageously came forward to share her story of being sexually assaulted by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. As a survivor, I know how difficult it is to come forward. I believe her. That's why I decided to add my voice to this video.

Watch the video, and co-sign our letter: #DearProfessorFord, we believe you, and we honor your strength.

This nomination process cannot go forward without a full and fair FBI investigation into the case.

The #MeToo movement has given us the courage to demand that survivors be heard and supported. And no matter how powerful -- even those nominated to the highest court in the land -- those who are accused of abuse should be fully investigated.

It's hard to overstate the stakes with this nomination: it's a lifetime appointment that could affect everything we care about: Workers' Rights, Marriage Equality, DACA, Citizens United, Roe vs Wade -- many court cases that have a profound impact on our lives.

Please, watch this video, share it -- and support Dr. Blasey Ford.

Sincerely,

Ai-jen Poo
Director
National Domestic Workers Alliance

 ***

Can you imagine your home is no longer safe because of the horrors of bombs, blockades, or floods? And you’re forced to flee with your family, across land and water, not knowing what’s ahead? That when you finally arrive, you’re ordered to “go back where you came from.” You’re told you are criminal, a burden, unwelcome.

This heartbreaking story is an everyday refugee story in our world. And Trump is making it even worse.

Last night, the Trump administration further dismantled the Refugee Admissions Program by announcing an all-time record low admissions cap of 30,000 for fiscal year 2019. This is WAY below even a bare minimum needed for the program to survive. 

This is unacceptable. And what’s worse is that Trump is required to consult with Congress before setting this cap —but he didn’t. That’s illegal.
I’ll be really blunt: Congress has to grow a spine and step in to stop Trump’s hateful and illegal anti-refugee agenda. But our elected officials will only act if we make them. So that’s where we come in.

Tell Congress: Act immediately to stop Trump from slamming the doors shut on refugees for good. 

The U.S. should be opening our doors to refugees. After all, our failed violence-first foreign policies drive displacement around the globe, from war to climate change. Yet, instead, Trump is barricading our borders to those our own policies harm.

Congress MUST stand with the American people and honor our nation’s aspiration to be a refuge for those in need. If our elected representatives stay silent now, they will enable Donald Trump in slamming shut our nation’s doors for decades to come. And we need to make very sure they know it.

Tell Congress to act immediately and stop Trump from dismantling the life-saving refugee resettlement program.

Refugee and migrant solidarity is one of the biggest anti-war issues of our time. Refugees already face insurmountable obstacles in fleeing the frontlines of war, climate catastrophes, and social and economic inequalities in pursuit of sanctuary and dignity. We must not make this pursuit impossible.

Thank you for working for peace,
Mariam, Tara, Cassandra, and the Win Without War team

***

From the Sierra Club:

We have less than two weeks to stop the anti-environmental provisions of the House Farm Bill in final negotiations with the Senate, which will shape the next five years of food, farming, agricultural and environmental policy.  
 

Tell your Members of Congress to urge House and Senate Conferees to pass a Farm Bill free of anti-environmental riders. With increasing assaults on federal environmental protections from the Trump administration, time is of the essence and we cannot afford to lose bedrock environmental safeguards that regulate toxics and ensure clean, safe food, and drinking water!

A clean bill would promote sustainable agriculture, and support local communities, without making egregious cuts to funding for local food systems, weakening the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) designed to curb hunger, and trampling state and county rights -- including the right to regulate pesticides!

The House Farm Bill is full of anti-environmental provisions that would even gut the Clean Water Act, log away our national forests, harm conservation policies and launch a total attack on the Endangered Species Act.
 

Tell Congress to keep toxic, anti-environmental riders out of the Farm Bill now! We need legislation that puts local farms, communities, and environment first.

Thanks,

Kirin Kennedy

Associate Director for Legislative and Administrative Advocacy

Lands and Wildlife, Sierra Club

***

From RootsAction:

The Trump administration continues to keep children locked up whom it has torn away from their parents.

And the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement routinely denies or limits journalists access to child "detention centers," arguing that it needs to protect the privacy of children.

But professional journalists are capable of reporting on children responsibly, and the government could easily negotiate with them on ways to do so.

If reporters are locked out, the public is denied its right to freedom of the press and the ability to engage in self-governance.

Click here to join RootsAction and a huge coalition in demanding access to these child jails so that the U.S. public can see what is being done with our money and in our name.

Our Message to Office of Refugee Resettlement:

Since May of 2017, the number of migrant children in custody has jumped from 2,400 to 12,800 as of September. The administration’s recent investment in “tent cities,” which provide harsh living conditions for children, is horrifying and unacceptable. The Office of Refugee Resettlement routinely denies or limits journalists access to child detention centers, arguing the need to protect the privacy of children. But professional journalists are capable of reporting on children responsibly. We demand that journalists be given immediate increased access to detention centers―to honor our constitutional right of freedom of the press and to ensure government transparency and accountability. Only through our free press will we begin to understand and be able to address the humanitarian crisis at our southern border.

Add your name now by clicking here.

After signing the petition, please use the tools on the next webpage to share it with your friends.

It Can Be Done (#StopKavanaugh)

Breaking News: The Lake Erie Bill of Rights--the first "rights of nature" citizens' initiative in the US--has been denied ballot access by the Lucas County Board of Elections. Over ten thousand LEBOR petition signatures were gathered by volunteers, submitted and certified by the clerk of council to be put on the city of Toledo November ballot. The appointed Board of Elections memebers--consisting of two Democrats and two Republicans--unanimously voted to keep both the LEBOR and a Toledo jail citizens' initiative off the ballot. Toledoans for Safe Water will be filing a lawsuit to have the Lake Erie Bill of Rights placed on the ballot. For more, read: https://celdf.org/2018/08/press-release-lake-erie-bill-of-rights-blocked-from-november-ballot/

That an appointed board can thwart the democratic process in the year 2018 shows you how far we've fallen into the beginnings of a fascist state. Now more than ever, the two party "duopoly" that is so easily bought off by corporate interests needs to be dissolved. This week's topic (planned weeks earlier) gives us some insight on just how Americans can take back their country from the grip of the corporations who don't care whether we have clean water or not.

Did you know there was once an American Progressive Party? It's better known by its nickname--"The Bull Moose Party." The most famous Bull Moose candidate was Theodore Roosevelt, but the Progressive Party did field other candidates and did win offices across the nation. Read on to learn some more about American third parties. Can they really win? What does a third party vote actually mean in an election? Why do most American voters list themselves as "independent"? Will the Bull Moose raise its head again?

It Can be Done
by Coast Watcher

It’s a phenomenon mostly confined to the United States. Only two parties—the Democrats and the Republicans—dominate American politics and vie for control of the government. Between them they have fielded all the candidates who went on to become President since the 1860s. Why should this be so?

The main reason is the country’s winner-take-all electoral system. Unlike a parliamentary system, in most American states the presidential candidate with the highest percentage of votes gets all the state’s electoral votes. The other "third parties" struggle to win enough votes to remain viable, let alone win a presidential race. Often they face devious tactics from the Democrat and Republican machine that have a cozy little arrangement between themselves to prevent third parties from becoming a threat to their hegemony. For instance, some states have rules that state should any party fail to win at least 5% of the popular vote they are no longer allowed on the ballot in the next election. No country on Earth other than a dictatorship reserves the right to do this to its political opponents.

Third party candidates face other obstacles such as federal campaign finance laws and rules that prevent third party candidates from entering presidential debates. Especially evident in recent times are how third parties face an utter lack of mainstream media attention. If third party candidates do gain the  attention of a mainstream media correspondent, they always face the same tired old questions: “Why are you running at all? Aren’t you taking votes from the Democrat/Republican candidate?” Seldom are they asked about their campaign platform—information voters really want to know. In no other political system—especially not a parliamentary one—are candidates of any party ever asked these insulting questions.

Political analyst and comedian Bill Maher expresses disbelief that Americans would willingly accept only two choices for president: “It’s silly that a country that prides itself on choice allows only two.”

Another phenomenon is the immediate effort the major parties make after the primaries to corral third party supporters and splinter groups and bring them into their own camp. This was seen most recently in the pathetic attempts made by the Democratic Party to round up Bernie Sanders’ supporters following Clinton’s nomination in 2016 after the rigged primaries.

For some reason—possibly related to their fabled "big tent" approach—Democrats seem to think they’re entitled to all votes cast by voters left of center. Progressive voters don't necessarily agree with this assessment. They wish to support true progressive candidates, and dream of a party that meets with their expectations, not a weak approximation of them.
 
It can be done.

It’s when the two major parties fail to take into account the general mood of the

population that third parties really begin to come into their own. Theodore Roosevelt is the most well-known third party candidate in American history as the leader of the Progressive Party or "Bull Moose Party." He actually instituted progressive policy from the White House from 1901 to 1909. Roosevelt’s famous muckraking campaign led to significant improvements in trading standards and industry, improvements that the voting public had cried out for for years.

Reform Party candidate Jesse Ventura served as the 38th governor of Minnesota from 1999 - 2003. His campaign urged voters not to “vote for politics as usual” and was unexpectedly successful, enabling him to defeat both the Democratic and Republican candidates by a narrow margin. After all, in a multi-party race for governor a third party candidate only needs  33% of the total votes cast plus one in order to win.

This is where a lot of Americans will scratch their heads. They don't realize that in all elections there have been (or are) 30 United States Senators, 112 Congress members, 28 state governors, and four major city mayors (plus many more smaller city mayors and other state and local office holders) who were not (or are not) affiliated with either major party. Hundreds of third party officeholders exist at every level, including those from the Green Party, the Libertarian Party, and the Socialist Alternative, among others.

We are witnessing a steady turning away from the "Big Two" parties. The

recent presidential election showed independents far outnumber Democrat and Republican supporters combined. The words socialist and oligarch recently topped the number one searched-for word on the Merriam-Webster dictionary site. The two big parties believe it’s still business as usual and that they can continue to ignore the voters in the quest for ever more money from their corporate paymasters.
 
But change is coming. Perhaps it will be a tough road for third parties, but in the end, the system must bow to the inevitable. The Democratic and Republican parties will no longer dominate American politics. It can be done. It will be done.

Related articles:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/politics-july-dec04-third_parties

https://news.virginia.edu/content/third-party-impact-american-politics

Ranked Choice Voting--Democracy wins! https://youtu.be/eQpDRo-l4eU

BIO: Coast Watcher is patiently waiting for signs of a political revolution in the USA. As a Brit, he has experienced the benefits of a multi-party political system and sees it as a more democratic form of government. He says Americans shouldn't be afraid to vote third party. Show the corrupt establishment who is in charge! Power to the people!

The Green Party candidate running for Ohio governor discusses the vital function to democracy her party performs. (You can learn more about Constance Gadell-Newton by checking out our Constance for Ohio page link on the sidebar.)
https://youtu.be/AB0Bx_Ew6cg

In Bernie's own words--third parties are needed! Watch this video blast from Bernie Sander's past and see how it compares to what he said in a recent interview. You'll also enjoy insights from Nick Brana, leader of Movement for a People's Party, and Jimmy Dore on the topic of what a people's party would look like and what all it could do to bring about a future to believe in.
 
https://youtu.be/m-s8nvKlm54

***

#StopKavanaugh Protests—Nationwide August 26

words and photos by C.A. Matthews

Here are some photos of the Toledo area protest against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Americans aren't exactly happy about what Kavanaugh stands for, and many are not afraid to speak out and demonstrate their displeasure.

When something or someone goes against your better judgment or your morals, do you speak out against it? Do you take action? Why or why not? What have you got to lose by remaining inactive? What have you got to gain by remaining silent?

I wrote about Judge Kavanaugh's nomination a couple of weeks ago on the blog. (Read what I said about him in A Matter of Control.)  I didn't pull any punches on what I thought about his backward stance on women's issues and where he stands on environmental concerns. (Clue: He can't wait to sell off our national parks to private corporations. Say goodbye to Yellowstone and Yosemite!)

If Americans don't speak out and we don't point out the inconsistencies of those in high public office, we'll get what we settle for. Let's not settle for an end to a woman's right to choose by allowing a Kavanaugh court to overturn Roe v. Wade. Let's not settle for further degradation of our environment by allowing the fossil fuel industry and others to frack and pollute at will on our public lands and parks.

Let's stand up for what we believe in. Call your senators today and tell them you don't support Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court. Future generations will thank you.

Here's how to call your senator and how to contact other elected officials:

https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
or call 202-849-7460.

***

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Power to the people and not the corporations!   
  *** 

From Lee Camp: As you know, alternative and independent media is being crushed and suppressed at every turn. Well, I just found out that one of the most important investigative shows is ENDING due to U.S. sanctions. Abby Martin's show "Empire Files" has closed its doors because of complications from the insane U.S. sanctions on Venezuela. So they need our help to continue. If they find enough funding, Abby Martin can continue her phenomenal reporting. You might know her from her previous show "Breaking Set." She has reported first hand from the rubble in Palestine, the jungles of Columbia, and the US-backed violent protests in Venezuela. Her show is honestly what it looks like to be a TRUE journalist - not a corporate stooge. She reports with heart and honesty - and what she says is NOT allowed on corporate airwaves. And just as a side note - Redacted Tonight would not exist without Abby Martin. She believed in me and had me on her show as a guest many times before Redacted started. It was her show and her kindness that allowed me to create Redacted Tonight. CLICK HERE to help via GoFundMe CLICK HERE to help via Patreon Corporate America will NEVER fund the truth. So it's up to you and me. Please share if you think this is important. Keep fighting. - Lee

CLICK HERE TO HELP SAVE ABBY MARTIN'S "EMPIRE FILES"

***

We made history together. On Sunday, August 26, we saw the largest grassroots demonstration ever against a U.S. Supreme Court nominee. From Maine to Alaska and Hawaii, we turned out thousands of folks in coordination with more than 75 partners in all 50 states to fight back against Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination. There were marches, house parties, postcard writing gatherings, and rallies. People made their voices heard online, and many of you kept up the drumbeat by making calls to your senators. It was an incredible day of resistance and as the images poured in from event after event from across the country, I couldn’t help but be struck by the certainty that we are on the side of the future, the side of the people, and the side of core American values. This is one of the most important moments in our lifetimes. Our rights will be under an even greater attack than ever before if Brett Kavanaugh is appointed to the Supreme Court. But as yesterday’s national day of action proved, we are ready to fight back and show our senators that we are paying attention. We are fired up — and we WILL be holding them accountable. We have more work to do, and because of the momentum we saw yesterday, I know that we can win. I know we have what it takes to protect our democracy, our right to control our own bodies and futures, and those of generations to come — but only if we keep up the pressure and work together as powerfully as we did Sunday. We will need your energy and activism to keep making it clear to our senators that the American people will not accept a Supreme Court nominee who would end Roe v. Wade, criminalize abortion, and punish women. We can stop Kavanaugh. We WILL. Together we are unstoppable and capable of anything. In unity, Ilyse Hogue President, NARAL Pro-Choice America P.S. If you are looking for more ways to take action to stop Kavanaugh — check our our activist toolkit today!

***

A preliminary NAFTA renegotiation deal between the United States and Mexico has just been announced.

We know progress was made between the U.S. and Mexico on some key changes we have demanded for decades.

But we also know that the enforceability of the new labor standards to which the countries agreed is still lacking, which is a serious problem that needs to be resolved.

Mainly though, we do not have enough detailed information to determine if this initial U.S.-Mexico deal can be the basis for the real NAFTA replacement we’ve been demanding that could stop NAFTA’s serious, ongoing damage.

Plus, a lot of critical issues are still in play.

Canada has not participated in negotiations since May, so it’s unclear where it stands on the terms agreed to by Mexico and the United States.

Sign the petition to Congress demanding a NAFTA replacement that puts people and the planet before corporate greed.

Add your name now.

As we’ve made clear since Day One, an acceptable deal must remove NAFTA’s job outsourcing incentives.

More American jobs continue to be outsourced to Mexico every week, and already almost one million American jobs are certified by the government as lost to NAFTA (and that’s even an undercount).

A NAFTA replacement must remove corporations’ Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) powers to attack our environmental and health laws before tribunals of three corporate lawyers and obtain unlimited sums of taxpayer awards.

And it must add strong labor and environmental standards with swift and certain enforcement to raise wages. Otherwise, U.S. corporations will keep moving jobs to Mexico to pay workers a pittance, dump toxins and import products back for sale here.

From what we have seen up to this point, it is clear that the administration has made some progress, yet there is more that must be done.

Tell Congress to demand that NAFTA negotiators keep working to get a deal worth supporting.

Sign the petition.

The initial deal that has been agreed to by the U.S. and Mexico is supposed to serve as a guide for when Canada rejoins the talks and negotiators try to hammer out details for a final deal in the coming days.

Any new deal must end NAFTA’s job outsourcing incentives and ISDS tribunals where corporations can attack our laws and add strong environmental and labor terms with swift and certain enforcement to raise wages.

No agreement should be signed or vote held until these standards are met.

So it’s especially crucial that Congress hears our demands.

Take action now.

Keep fighting,

Melanie Foley
Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch