Carol Coultas’ favorable article May 3 on the Trans-Pacific Partnership was very disappointing. The TPP has dangerous implications for our environment, workers and democracy and we should make our opposition known.

TPP negotiations were influenced by 28 committees, mainly composed of corporate executives or industry lobbyists; 15 of them had no one representing U.S. workers or consumers.

TPP’s infamous investor state dispute settlement provision allows big companies to challenge laws they don’t like, file suits and avoid appeals before industry-friendly arbitration panels – not courts.

This process is already sanctioned under other trade pacts. TransCanada filed a lawsuit under NAFTA seeking $15 billion in damages and a reversal of the U.S. decision to reject its Keystone pipeline. We taxpayers could end up writing huge checks to huge corporations.

After more than five years of secret TPP negotiations, the pressure was on for a “fast track,” no-amendments vote by the U.S. Congress so public education and input could be stymied. That failed and a TPP vote is expected later this year.

This approach of developing worldwide standards does not extend to workers, environmentalists and human rights advocates. TPP undermines our democratic principles and benefits only the multinational companies.

And watch for other pacts still in secret negotiations. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership addresses environmental regulations, climate protections and consumer rights. The Trade in Services Agreement tackles public services such as banking, health care, etc.

Wiser people (e.g., U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren) have warned about such treaties. Negative citizen reaction is widespread in Europe. Most of us are too late in expressing concerns about environmental protection, worker standards, food safety, etc.

Tell our U.S. senators and representatives to vote down TPP and any other pacts interfering with our democratic process. Don’t let big business take over more of our citizen rights and responsibilities.

Carole J. Ansheles

Portland