Bad news. A trade association representing Google, Facebook, Twitter, and other major tech companies just endorsed the secretive, censorship-spreading Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP). [1]
It’s been almost two months since President Obama signed the Internet-killing Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). That means it could become law anytime now.
The good news is that because of Congress’ brinksmanship, it isn’t likely to happen soon — the bad news is that relying on Congress will only delay the TPP, not kill it for good.
We’ve told you before that routine activism isn’t going to cut it here, that we need to go big. So we’re planning a massive “TPP Roadshow” headlined by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine to help kick the movement into overdrive.
Here’s the plan: we’ll organize a dozen headline-grabbing events in key Congressional districts where local pressure could tip the scales on the final TPP vote. The stops will feature high profile musicians, celebrities, experts, and activists who can help us get our message to more people than ever before, and make sure lawmakers feel the heat.
Our persistent activism delayed Fast Track legislation in the U.S. for so long that the TPP is now on shakier ground than ever.
Recent polls show that the more people learn about the TPP, the less they like it. A massive mobilization like the TPP Roadshow that captures national attention and breaks through the media blackout could be the final straw that makes this terrible deal collapse under its own weight.
If we stop the TPP, it would be the biggest victory for the Internet––and for democracy––in history.
We’ll send a message to corporations everywhere that they can’t use these types of secret negotiations to push for unpopular policies that they know would never pass if debated in the light of day.
Each stop on the TPP roadshow will be carefully selected based on which Congressional districts are most important.
We’ll combine our media savvy and use of cutting edge technology with boots-on-the-ground organizing and coalition building to make sure each event has:
- High profile speakers and performers that help drive large turnouts and generate media coverage that lawmakers can’t ignore
- Representation from the many diverse groups opposing the TPP including free software activists, environmental groups, labor unions, retirees, doctors, librarians, and more, helping reach new audiences and build new alliances
- Training and support for local activist groups working to influence their representatives to vote against the TPP
- A final creative action that grabs headlines and makes it impossible for any member of Congress to hide from their constituents on this issue
We’ve already started mobilizing to make all of this happen. We’ve got the skills and the connections. But if we can’t raise the funds to make it possible, we’re going to have to dramatically scale back the plan.
It’s critical that everyone understands that the TPP is NOT inevitable. We’ve helped spark a massive public outcry over the past year, and it’s still one of the most contentious issues in Congress, facing fierce opposition from both the left and the right.
We CAN stop it. But we need to make sure that the number of people learning about the TPP and taking action is growing every single day.
Thanks for reading. This is one of those issues that gives me chills because it’s so crucial. We’re greatly appreciative of all your support.
For the Internet,
-Evan at Fight for the Future
P.S. Want to help organize the roadshow? There may not be a stop in your town but there’s still plenty to do. Reply to this email if you want to help out, and please do chip in to make the whole thing possible.