Head in the sand on trade

ISSUE | TRADE

Head in the sand

Robert W. Patterson makes the absurd suggestion that supporting President Obama's trade authorization would "subordinate American democracy, power, and interests to globalist demands" ("On trade bill, Pelosi helps House Republicans," June 18).

First, how would democracy suffer under liberalized trade? Second, more open trade would benefit the economy, not harm it. Third, it's not the interests of the country that would be threatened, but those of members of Congress who accept contributions from labor unions selfishly opposed to open trade. As for globalization, America is not independent and can't hide from the real world.

|Paul Selbst, Philadelphia

ISSUE | PHILLIES

Empty seat in '16?

I've been a Phan since the early 1950s ("Without a plan, Phillies fans have no hope," June 15). But my frustration with today's Phillies has led me to seriously consider not renewing. Losing isn't the problem; it's no forward thinking and no looking ahead.

|Sharon Goldstein, Huntingdon Valley

ISSUE | CURRENCY

Keep Hamilton

A woman's portrait on a denomination of paper currency is an excellent idea and long overdue, but to replace Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill would be historically criminal. Hamilton was responsible for getting the United States started on a foundation of economic stability that we still enjoy today.

Taking Andrew Jackson off the $20 bill makes more sense. Jackson presided over Indian removal and was responsible for the killing of the Second Bank of the United States, which plunged the country into the Panic of 1837 and the ensuing depression. Jackson was no friend of solid economic institutions, and his presence on the twenty has always puzzled me. My vote to replace him goes to Susan B. Anthony.

|Paul M. Graham Sr., Aldan

ISSUE | CITY UPKEEP

Need good foundation for next surge

The irony is inescapable. As parts of Philadelphia crumble, other sections of the city are seeing an influx of new and restored properties. But two years ago, when six people died under a collapsing wall at 22d and Market Streets, we saw the carnage that can occur when work is not done properly.

A recent Inquirer article reminded readers of the death of a 3-year-old girl who was crushed a year later by a security gate that was incorrectly installed ("L&I approved unsafe installation of gate that killed girl at Rita's Water Ice," June 12). And last week, two water mains burst, causing substantial damage.

Philadelphia is an old city; its infrastructure is rotting, and buildings must be rebuilt according to current standards; pipes need to be replaced, lighting improved, streets repaved, signs secured. As we rush to build taller, hold-your-breath buildings, we must shore up the rest of the city to ensure safety for all. Otherwise, we will be building on unfulfilled dreams.

|Susan O. Jaffe, Philadelphia

ISSUE | MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT

Strategy is all there in the history books

As a Vietnam veteran, I am appalled at the Obama administration's inability to understand the lessons of history. Our planless and mindless military meddling in the Middle East continues. The time to get out of such conflicts is now.

|William Raich, Philadelphia

ISSUE | PAPAL PREPARATIONS

Limited transit options make little sense

Septa's plan for Regional Rail and subway service during Pope Francis' visit is poorly thought out and completely unacceptable ("Transit plan for papal visit limits stops," June 17). Running trains from the farthest points on each line favors suburban rather than city residents.

How are people in the neighborhoods supposed to reach Center City? In the Northwest, with which I am most familiar, parking at the Chestnut Hill West station (the only papal-visit station serving all of Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, and Germantown) will be completely inadequate. As for riding SEPTA bus lines that terminate at intermediate stations along the Broad Street Subway, that will not be an option if the trains don't stop there.

These changes will encourage more people to drive into the city, which is exactly what Mayor Nutter hopes to discourage. Eliminating stops at some stations with low ridership, and even consolidating stops on lines where the stations are within reasonable walking distance, would allow SEPTA to run the trains faster, with fewer stops. More public transit, not less, is what is really needed for the pope's visit.

|Bill Cozzens, Philadelphia, william_cozzens@yahoo.com