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San Diegans Say No to TPP Fast-Track

Activist participation numbered in the fifties as the event got under way
Activist participation numbered in the fifties as the event got under way and grew as members got off work and were able to join the rush-hour rally.  Here, as the rally was winding down, many gathered for a group photo.

Wednesday, May 27, SanDiego350 joined forces with the Sierra Club, Climate Action Campaign, Environmental Health Coalition and others to urge local Congressman Scott Peters to vote against fast-tracking the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement.  Our message: TPP is bad for people, bad for the environment, and bad for the climate.

Rounding a bend on La Jolla Shores Drive, UCSD commuters met SD350 placards and banners.
Rounding a bend on La Jolla Shores Drive, UCSD commuters met SD350 placards and banners.

Underscoring that TPP-climate connection, the backdrop for the rally was world-class climate-research center Scripps Institution of Oceanography, located in Peters’ district.  Activists positioned themselves at a strategic bend on La Jolla Shores Drive, where commuters would come face-to-face with colorful placards and banners, as they wound down the hill from UCSD.  Messages such as “Rep. Peters, Lead on Climate Change”  and “TPP -> Climate Change” elicited waves, thumbs up, and honks of approval from passing cars.

TPP’s negotiating partners include twelve nations that represent 40 percent of the world’s  economy. Environmental groups are concerned because the trade agreement’s dispute resolution provisions and the secrecy surrounding the terms of the agreement will undermine democratic processes needed to protect the environmental, health and labor laws.

While addressing the crowd, Masada turns to engage SD350 members Ashley Mazanec and Dave Engels
While addressing the crowd, Masada turns to engage SD350 members Ashley Mazanec and Dave Engels.  Kali Gochmanosky  catches the scene on video.

SanDiego350’s Masada Disenhouse voiced the concern that “85% of the people writing this deal come from lobbying groups representing massive corporations whose primary concerns are not climate change or the rights of workers.”  Also of grave concern is the secrecy surrounding the trade document: Congress members, who must vote on whether to fast-track the trade deal, may only review the document under highly restricted conditions.

Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Club, Davin Widgerow warned, “TPP would give large multi-national corporations the right to sue governments in private, non-transparent trade tribunals over environmental regulations that corporations allege would reduce their profits.”  Canada was sued under a similar provision in NAFTA and ordered by a tribunal to pay $5 million to Ohio-based S.D. Meyers in a case involving the disposal of toxic waste. Germany is currently being sued for $4.6 billion under an EU trade agreement over its decision to phase out nuclear power.  These payouts to large corporations will ultimately be paid by taxpayers.

Kath Rogers speaks to the crowd.
Kath Rogers gestures to the crowd as she emphasizes local effects of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Kath Rogers, Operations Director for Climate Action Campaign, added that local governments, too, can be subjected to litigation, which will inhibit enforcement of environment and labor laws. The TPP, Rogers predicted, “will make it more difficult for local governments like San Diego to pass their Climate Action Plans,” which under California law they are required to do.  Rogers appealed to Congressman Peters to remember his connection to his community, where he has been a climate action leader.

Peters' Chief of Staff Maryanne Pintar hold a "petition" for a theme of flushing the TPP down the drain.
SD350 participated in other anti-TPP actions.  Here Peters’ Chief of Staff Maryanne Pintar holds a “petition” for a theme of flushing the TPP down the drain.

While the speakers were rallying the crowd, social-media savvy activists tweeted and facebooked photos and messages, according to a plan designed especially for this event. Placards displayed Congressman Peters’ office phone number and active hashtags for passersby.  Especially popular with the activist crowd were selfies with the SIO campus, the seaside town of La Jolla, and the blue Pacific in the background. That spectacular backdrop was a reminder to all of us how important it is to protect our beautiful world from the threat of misguided policies, like the TPP.

The event was a huge group effort, SD350 members showed their generous support of climate action by helping in many ways.  They’re documented here by photographs taken by Bill Avrin, Bonnie Funk and Masada Disenhouse.

Sue Zesky and Hugh Moore paint a banner with letters large enough that passing drivers can easily see their message.
Sue Zesky and Hugh Moore paint a banner with letters large enough that passing drivers can easily see their message.
Emily Weir emcees while Angela Deegan scouts for tweeting opportunities.
Emily Weir emcees while Angela Deegan scouts for tweeting opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SD350's Michael Brackney and Sierra Club's Anelli Ford share their concerns about the fast-tracking the TPP.
SD350’s Michael Brackney and Sierra Club’s Anelli Ford share their concerns about the fast-tracking the TPP.
Volunteers hold placards for Sierra Club's Davin Widgerow. Kali gets his speech on video.
Volunteers hold placards for Sierra Club’s Davin Widgerow. Kali gets his speech on video.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the rally is over, Sue. Masada, Paul and Bill help load up signs and gear.
After the rally is over, Sue. Masada, Paul and Bill help load up signs and gear.

 

Placard-holders silhouetted against the Pacific Ocean remind us that it’s a beautiful world that deserves protection from threats like TPP.

Signholders silhouetted against the ocean.
Signholders silhouetted against the Pacific Ocean.

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