The campaign has been embraced by more than 120 organizations and
coincided with more than fifty rallies and teach-ins across
the U.S., Canada and Mexico last week alone. Nearly six hundred
thousand people have signed petitions or sent emails to
lawmakers, and members of Congress have already received more
than forty thousand phone calls from constituents who oppose Fast
Track.
"When we launched this effort about ten days ago, we had twenty
groups participating -- now we have 120," said Evan Greer,
campaign manager at Fight for the Future, the Internet freedom
group that helped initiate the StopFastTrack.com
effort. "It's time for those in power to read the writing on the
wall; people from across the political spectrum overwhelmingly
oppose anti-democratic Fast Track legislation, and we won't allow
decisions that affect all of us to be made behind closed doors."
See the full list of 120 organizations participating.
See photos from more than fifty protests and events.
Last week a nationwide, bipartisan poll found that voters
oppose fast track authority by more than two to one. The poll
also found that members of Congress who vote to approve Fast
Track -- especially Republicans -- are taking a political risk.
The massive mobilization from Fast Track opponents has clearly
made an impact in Washington, with Senate Majority leader Harry
Reid coming out in opposition to Fast Track, but organizers
caution that the fight is not over. They plan a public petition
delivery in the coming weeks to increase pressure on Congress to
oppose the Fast Track bill.
"With TPP, special interests are gunning for draconian copyright
rules that would entrench Digital Restrictions Management (DRM)
and chill the development of the free "as-in-freedom" software we
need," said John Sullivan, executive director of the Free
Software Foundation, "We're inspired to be part of such a diverse
outcry against the Fast Track. It's clear that people see the
damage that TPP's restrictions would do to freedom and culture."
"The only way we're going to stop the secret corporate power grab
known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership is if we stop Fast
Track. That's why we're proud to stand with the scores of other
organizations who are engaged in this fight," said Becky Bond,
political director of CREDO. "When so many organizations with
diverse backgrounds and concerns stand together, it sends a
powerful message. If you think the American people will allow
Congress to abdicate its responsibility by passing Fast Track,
prepare to be disappointed."
Michael Stumo, CEO of the Coalition for a Prosperous America,
stated: "Our members oppose giving President Obama even more
executive authority through Fast Track. We need a new trade
agenda to balance trade and to prevent further outsourcing our
sovereignty to international institutions. We will be watching
Tea Party caucus members to make sure they do not favor these
global government agreements."
David Cascino, CEO of Thunderclap, stated: "Now that people can
rapidly organize around social media, phone call campaigns and
targeted emails, it's getting increasingly difficult for
politicians to make decisions behind closed doors."
Steve Anderson, executive director of OpenMedia.org said: "We
know that the TPP will make the Internet more expensive,
censored, and policed. That's why hundreds of thousands are
speaking out to stop it being rammed through Congress without a
debate. It's never been more important to pick up the phone and
tell your Member of Congress to stop Fast Tracking a deal that
would criminalize your online activity, invade your privacy, and
cost you money."
"The breadth of opposition to Fast Tracking the TPP in any form
whatsoever shows that the people will not be fooled by rigged
corporate trade agreements. The TPP is so bad that it unites
people in vehement opposition -- entire cities and towns are
already saying that they will not obey laws passed in secret that
will harm them. If Congress moves forward on Fast Track, we
expect growing resistance that will include disruption of
re-election campaigns." said Dr. Margaret Flowers of
PopularResistance.org, an outgrowth of the Occupy Movement.
"Rainforest Action Network seeks to challenge corporate power
where it undermines the interests of people and planet," said
Lindsey Allen, executive director of Rainforest Action
Network (RAN)."The TPP is a profit-driven frontal assault on
democracy and issues core to RAN's work and in a time where we
need every tool necessary to address global climate disruption,
it is unacceptable to use an undemocratic shortcut like Fast
Track to force through the TPP and usurp the interests of
millions."
Communications Workers of America president Larry Cohen
said, "Voters across the political spectrum are energized. They
know this deal affects everybody - small business, workers,
anyone who cares about about the food we eat, the air we breathe,
and the jobs we hold. Americans are asking what kind of future do
we want? We don't want a trillion-dollar trade deficit. We need
to reset our trade policy, so that it works for everyone, not
just big corporations."
"The Obama administration's plan to ram two potentially
devastating international trade agreements through Congress
appears to be slowing down thanks to widespread opposition, but
we're not taking any chances," said Ronnie Cummins International
director of the Organic Consumers Association. "We must stop
trade deals that would weaken U.S. and world food safety
standards, threaten domestic and international food sovereignty
laws, and allow transnational corporations to sue governments for
alleged future lost profits unless the corporations are allowed
to freely peddle their unproven, unsafe goods with reckless
regard for existing food safety laws."
Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, said, "The widespread interest in
"Fast Track" from across the political spectrum is no surprise.
It's only more evidence of what America's workers have known for
a long time: America's workforce deserves better than warmed over
trade deals, which will do nothing to raise wages or reduce our
$540 billion trade deficit. The United States is long overdue
for an overhaul of its trade priorities and trade practices and
that can only happen with an inclusive process that includes all
our voices, not just the disproportionate influence of the 1%."
"Fast Track authority takes democratic process away from our
elected representatives, striking any discussion or debate on
trade agreements in Congress, for example, on the upcoming
Trans-Pacific Partnership," says Carleen Pickard, executive
director of Global Exchange. "Fast Tracking" such an agreement
without substantive discussion about it's impacts is a bad idea".
"Imports increased three times faster than exports since NAFTA took effect,
and our trade deficit is devastating to American workers," said
Teamsters General president Jim Hoffa. "Congress should read
every word of these so-called 'free-trade deals' to make sure
they help American families and to get rid of special deals
inserted by corporate lobbyists."
Elizabeth Warren, MoveOn National TPP team coordinator
said, "MoveOn's TPP team is committed to fighting Fast Track in
Congress. While we long for good news, and it is tempting to be
reassured by Senator Reid's comments, we need to differentiate
between rhetoric and action. His statements could be the opening
salvo in a debate over Democratic amendments to the Baucus bill,
or he could be setting the stage for an alternate version of Fast
Track - traveling under an assumed name - to be sponsored by Ron
Wyden, for example. We must remain focused, and continue
pressuring House members until a wide majority unequivocally
oppose it - on the record - in ANY form."
"Across the country, Sierra Club members and supporters are ready
to stand up for responsible trade that doesn't threaten American
jobs, our air and water, and our climate," said Michael Brune,
Sierra Club executive director. "The Sierra Club strongly opposes
fast track. This bill not only undermines our democracy, it puts
American families and our future at risk."
