&gt; <i>continuing to deal in private where even lawmakers are restricted from seeing it can be absolutely nothing other than trying to avoid controversy and public debate</i><p>Indeed, they just don&#x27;t want us little folks to disturb their dealings.<p>They say it&#x27;s a free trade deal of sorts, but <i>actual</i> free trade could be arranged overnight: just stop intervening in trade, and it will be free.<p>I get the feeling that the tone on HN has changed a bit. Are intelligent people finally waking up to doubt their &quot;representatives&#x27;&quot; or governments&#x27; good intentions?<p>It&#x27;s difficult to see how they could make it any clearer that they&#x27;re working against our interests. Going <i>full</i> police state on us would do it, but there&#x27;s not much room in between.