Pull off the trade fast track

Pull off fast track

Check Up blogger Daniel R. Hoffman notes some damaging information coming out about the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, including the potential for less access to affordable medicines ("Self-dealing physicians and a bad trade deal," April 21, Philly.com). But there is even more cause for alarm to those of us in the religious community: The fast-track process means the voices of most people impacted by its provisions will not be heard.

That means less deliberation, feedback, and understanding of possible environmental damage. Rather than fast-track the deal, Congress should carefully review this and all trade agreements and listen to what people have to say.

|Sister Simone Campbell, executive director, NETWORK, A National Catholics Social Justice Lobby, Washington

In-house schools takeover

If State Sen. Lloyd Smucker (R., Lancaster) has his way, the state - which took over the Philadelphia School District 15 years ago - will now proceed to take over itself ("Giving failing schools notice," April 22). That's a fascinating image, but it would make much more sense to focus on the fact that district students lack paper, teachers, and facilities.

|Len Rieser, Philadelphia

Swarthmore energy

Now that they have the full attention of college officials, the Swarthmore protesters should demand that the $200 million to $300 million that could be divested should go to help develop clean-energy alternatives and new technologies ("Swarthmore sit-in ends, faculty backs fossil-fuel divestment," April 21). This may lead to higher costs for students and their families, many of whom accumulated wealth directly and indirectly from fossil fuels. But we will all have to make small sacrifices when it comes to fossil-fuel alternatives.

|Paul F. Geibler, Media, bigg1013@gmail.com

The Swarthmore protest would have had more impact if students had stated the ways they are going to reduce their own energy consumption ("Swarthmore sit-in ends, faculty backs fossil-fuel divestment," April 21). For instance, will any of them be walking home after the semester ends, since most forms of transportation require fossil fuels provided by those villainous companies the Swarthmore students revile?

|D. Craig Blizzard, West Chester, blizzard1000@comcast.net

Council's Brown a leader

Although denied an Inquirer endorsement, City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown has been strong in protecting children and families through consistent, creative leadership on behalf of early-childhood programs, improved schools, exposure to the arts, and initiating and successfully leading the fight for legislation to protect children from lead poisoning ("In with the new," April 19).

|Shelly Yanoff, Philadelphia, shellyyanoff@gmail.com

Tied with a pretzel bow

Someone should investigate Tim Tebow's signing with the Eagles ("Tebow pretzel is a hot seller," April 22). Not only do I smell a baking pretzel, but I sense that his signing was dependent upon the pretzel deal being consummated - or consumed. What's next for the Eagles? Will Herr's be making Kelly chips?

|Bill Dengler, East Greenville, bdengler@wildblue.net