TTIP is coming and it has the potential to undermine democratic and human rights. Please pay attention to it as it will affect every aspect of your life.
Linked to TTIP is the Government's line that the NHS won't be privatised but they are including elements of the NHS in TTIP. Why would a private company, driven by profit, invest in a not for profit organisation unless they can make some money out of it? That is privitisation, selling off the NHS, that we pay for, to an organisation that will bump up costs (that we have no choice but to pay) and giving that corporation the right to take the Government to court if any action is deemed as costing them profits (as per the ISDS). Here is the Government document about TTIP:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/311247/bis-14-695-investor-state-dispute-settlement-faqs.pdf
My concern is the fact that our democracy is being eroded and we have no say in the matter. TTIP is being negotiated in secret and whilst they may say that the documentation will be available on line, what exactly are we looking for and how do we know to look for it when we have no idea what is or what has been negotiated on our behalf? Bear in mind this is a negotiation of our rights and the only political party that opposes this is the Green Party (whom I am unlikely to vote for so don't think this is based on my political leanings). This being polling day, this isn't an attempt to sway UK voters on any way, all I want is people to be aware of what is currently happening behind closed doors as it affects the UK, Europe and the US.
We have nowhere near the rights we are entitled to as politicians fritter away our birthrights at every turn, keeping us trampled underfoot, unable to complain or even vote in a fair and democratic manner, manipulated by lies and the press into believing that up is down and black is white, distracted by the minutiae of celebrity and the inconsequential bickering of grown men that should know better as they insult, lie and shout the loudest to drown out any dissent, all the while behind the scenes the real tragedy plays out as secret deals are struck that infect our lives, encouraging the youth to ignore life as they live their real life on their phones, on Facebook and Twitter as they decide their futures based on whatever is spun their way, "sheepled" by the press and peer pressure, creating heroes from zeroes as they look for their rebellion and end up following the Pied Piper as they march happily off the edge of a cliff, subjecting themselves for another 5 years, eradicating still more rights and creating a situation where all that is left is a state that is managed by the wealthiest, for the wealthiest and everyone else should just shut up and accept it, after all, you voted for it...
I still have no idea who I will vote for and the clock is ticking but I will cast a vote.
