The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade agreement written by and for the benefit of 600 multinational corporations with virtually no citizen input, will have many negative impacts on Americans.

The TPP would override many of our domestic laws, including on fracking, financial regulation, energy, costs of medicines, food safety, internet freedom and more. TPP will also increase off-shoring of middle-class jobs. If our government passes safety laws that result in lost profits for foreign corporations, it could be subject to huge fines. In short, the TPP takes away our right to self-government (exposethetpp.org).

The Obama Administration has asked for Fast Track authority to push the TPP through Congress. Under Fast Track, normal congressional rules are suspended, amendments are banned and debate is limited. Fast Track allows the President to write legislation to change U.S. laws to conform with the TPP and to sign the TPP before Congress votes on it. This sounds like dictatorial rule, not democracy.

Rep. Jared Polis has not taken a position on Fast Track or TPP. He says he supports transparency for Fast Track and the TPP. But there is no transparency in the TPP. It is secret. The only people who can see it are the corporate advisors and members of Congress who can read it only behind closed doors. We know what is in TPP only because parts have been leaked by WikiLeaks. Fast Track will diminish congressional oversight and any possible future transparency.

Come to a rally today at noon at Congressman Polis’ Boulder office at 1644 Walnut, Boulder, drop by his office Feb.17-20, call him at 303-484-9596 or email him at polis.house.gov. Ask him to oppose Fast Track and represent ordinary people, not rich corporations.

Carolyn Bninski

Boulder