White House Brags about Exporting our Pyramid Schemes to Korea

[beforeyoureyes]

The list of statements of support for the Korea Trade Agreement the White House sent out last night tells you a lot about what you need to know about the trade agreement. Among others on the list are Tom Donohue, whose laundering of foreign money into election coffers had a significant role in the shellacking Democrats took in November. Donohue thinks this deal is great:

This agreement will create thousands of new jobs, advance our national goal of doubling exports in five years, and demonstrate that America is once again ready to lead on trade. The administration has done its part. Now it’s time for the new Congress to make passage of KORUS a top priority in January. We will do everything in our power to round up the votes.

Then there’s John Engler, who for a while as head of the National Association of Manufacturers instituted a policy of refusing to meet with Democrats.

Then there’s the CEOs of credit card nation, Vikram Pandit and Jamie Dimon.

But to me, the most telling endorser of this agreement is Dick DeVos, the CEO of Amway and perennially one of the biggest single funders of the Republican Party. DeVos is thrilled because this will help Amway meet their growth targets.

Like most companies, we support a more competitive playing field. This new trade agreement allows Amway to continue meeting aggressive growth targets, and gives a much needed boost for all export business in Michigan.

So we’re going to push through this trade agreement so Dick DeVos can expand his pyramid scheme, get richer, and funnel that money into the Republican Party.

But then, I guess that’s what Pandit and Dimon have in mind, too.

http://emptywheel.firedoglake.com/2010/12/04/white-house-brags-about-exporting-our-pyramid-schemes-to-korea/

[Brickbat]

1. Embarrassing and sad.

[jaxx]

2. Ho hum, another slam.

The anti press is acting like they know it all. All they really know is how to use hot air words to fire up the rabble.

[ProSense]

3. Evidently, this means the Koreans are

either stupid or have been rendered helpless by this cult figure we call a President.

Edited to add that the trade agreement won the support of Sander Levin

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Over his 20-plus years in the House, Levin has been at the center of free-trade debates, seeking to rework existing agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, while changing how new ones are made.Heflin, Jay, "NAFTA Faces Scrutiny Under Obama" Roll Call, Aug. 25, 2008(2)Heflin, Jay, "NAFTA Faces Scrutiny Under Obama" Roll Call, Aug. 25, 2008 He's proposed legislation to allow for retaliatory measures against foreign countries that engage in unfair trade practices.Kenigsberg, Elizabeth, "Levin Calls For Tighter Enforcement of Trade Deals" CongressNow, March 11, 2009(3)Kenigsberg, Elizabeth, "Levin Calls For Tighter Enforcement of Trade Deals" CongressNow, March 11, 2009

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Representing a district known for its large labor and manufacturing base, Levin has traditionally opposed free- trade policies during his time in the House. During the Clinton years, Levin voted against NAFTA and opposed giving the president fast-track powers during trade negotiations.

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link

Not that it matters to people who think everything the President does is the worst thing ever.

[leftstreet]

4. Another 'Global Capitalist Money Laundering Agreement' passed, eh?

(lulz - Amway)

unbelievable

[jefferson_dem]

5. Per usual, FDL is trying to stir up shit. But... the UAW endorsed the deal.

Hamsher's rag has developed a reputation for opposing achievable progressive policy. This is just another example. Dismiss their bullshit.