It's Prince Spaghetti Day and I'm Trapped Behind a 404 Error Wall

I don't know what's going on with Typepad.  I can't view my blog and neither can other people.  If it weren't for my access to the American Street, my thoughts would be in danger of going unexpressed and we can all agree what a national tragedy that would be. 

Because I operate in hope, I'll link to whatever I post at the Street as I usually do.   But first, here's something I wish I had written from Jude Nagourney Camwell (Iddybud) on CAFTA:

Do you recall the Chapter 11 provision of NAFTA which opens up great financial liability and risk on the part of national governments who subscribe (including our own)? [Bill Moyers has the best explanation] According to the WaPo, CAFTA has the same provision. In a nutshell, this is a democray-snuffer:

"How can a multinational corporation that objects to local environmental, health or safety regulations sue a national government? That license is provided under NAFTA. Once CAFTA is signed, it will provide the same right. In each case, a provision of the agreement allows a foreign corporation to sue a national government for money damages if it believes that the actions of the federal, state or local government in a given country are discriminatory, violate international law or can be considered -- directly or indirectly -- an expropriation of the company's investment. If complying with an environmental regulation makes a project no longer worth the cost, a company can claim that its investment has been expropriated by the state."

In other words, one investor in a foreign company can sue the United States because of an environmental protection law in California - and legally grab YOUR tax dollars while he - a foreigner - is directly attacking your American democracy.

International trade or treason?  You know which answer I'd pick.  Or you would if you could see the blog.

UPDATE: Typepad tore down the wall.  God bless America.

UPDATE: Why hasn't the Pope visited Cindy Sheehan?  Or even expressed support for her cause, which is according to Pope JP II, God's work?

UPDATE: Charles Kernaghan lost his chance to have that Disney biopic made about his adventures in pro-worker crusading.  Tomorrow the House of Mouse is going to have to answer some tough questions about sweatshops in China that are making books for the Happiest Empire on Earth. 

 

Comments

[Matt]

you're back in business!

[Dylan]

Typepad's been having a gread deal of difficulty the past couple of days, but it seems like they might have stuff under control now.

The good news is, if you can get a post published during their downtimes (which hasn't always been successful), the RSS feeds are still working.

[Mick]

Dylan's right--I got you on my feed even tho I couldn't reach the blog.

[Helga Fremlin]

I can read your blog, Robin! And I wonder what clauses are in the FTA which was signed by Americans and Australians recently ..