Globalization, anyone?

“Here's an interesting bit of information I was not aware of about NAFTA. Seems like a de-facto world government is closer than we think...

Investor-to-state dispute resolution allows a foreign corporation wronged by violations of a trade pact to receive compensation from the miscreant nation's treasury. It all sounds quite fair. In practice under NAFTA, corporations have used the system to demolish local governments' environmental and consumer protections. In 1997, a state government in Mexico attempted to stop American operator Metalclad Corp building a toxic waste dump in an ecological preservation zone. A NAFTA disputes panel ordered Mexico to pay $15.6 million (£10.4 million) to Metalclad for delay of its polluting plan.

The most dangerous case comes before a NAFTA panel this week. Loewen Corp, a big Canadian funeral home chain, is deeply unhappy about American tort law. In 1996, a Mississippi jury ruled that Loewen breached a contract and bullied a small operator as part of a schme to monopolize the industry and raise prices. Rather than appeal the verdict to a higher court, Loewen settled for $150 million - then whipped around and demanded the US government refund the sum and then some -- $725 million.

In LOEWEN V. MISSISSIPPI JURY, the Canadian operator demands that a NAFTA panel overturn basic procedures of the US civil justice system as an illegal barrier to trade. While the case is pending on the facts, the disputes panel has accepted jurisdiction. That ruling in effect makes NAFTA, not the US Supreme Court nor our Constitution, the ultimate legal authority of North America. Small wonder that American and European business chiefs are chanting "Disputes Resolution is Great!" outside the walls of Doha, Qatar, as the WTO prepares for the ministerial meeting.”

“Oh yeah, link.”

“Sickening.”

“shucks I can tell you all about the forming of the one world government!...Its MATT! HE AND THE ALIENS ARE BEHIND IT ALL!!! RUN FOR YOUR LIVERS!”

“

World Bank President James Wolfensohn (L) covered with green paint, walks with host Slovenian Minister for Finance Dusan Mramor (R) in Ljubljana March 17, 2004. Wolfensohn and Mramor were attacked on the street in front of the government palace with green paint by anti-globalization protestors. Yahoo! News”

“Wolfendsohn loolks like he's laughing or getting ready to.”

“good throw, violin!”

“I think I see the face of Mary on that guy's forehead.”

“She's the one who threw the paint!”

“Looks like Kermit the Frog blew his cookies all over them!”

“No one said it was easy being green.”

“Or something...

Hmmm.... The passion of the kermit... Hmmm...”

“That's what happens when someone drinks to much green beer.”

“It loooks like Kermit "passioned" right on there faces.”