Readers Write (March 10): Exports, EPA, Rush Limbaugh, Vikings stadium, bullying, hockey rules

International trade is proving to be a boon for Minnesota's economy ("Minnesota exports grew by 7.3% in 2011 to $20.3B," Feb. 29).

Last year, congressional Republicans and Democrats came together in a bipartisan manner to pass new progrowth trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. These agreements will open new markets for Minnesota companies to find new customers for their Minnesota-made goods.

The newest opportunity to grow our economy is the Trans-Pacific Partnership. This trade pact would open markets for U.S. goods and services, establish high international trade standards, and promote economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region.

I will continue to work with my colleagues on the House Ways and Means Committee and on both sides of the aisle in the House to make sure that this new partnership is a win-win for Minnesota manufacturing and jobs.

REP. ERIK PAULSEN, Washington, D.C.

The writer, a Republican, represents Minnesota's Third District in the U.S. House.

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There were smog alerts that called for the elderly to stay indoors. Now, 20 years later, it's clear that those news segments will be a regular feature on Minnesota's local news if we don't adopt these proposals quickly.

AARON BLECHERT, MINNEAPOLIS

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I enjoyed Michael Kinsley's opinion piece on Limbaugh, but he was off on a couple of points ("Fully scripted insincerity," March 7). I have no problem with anyone -- liberal, conservative or moderate -- choosing to use or not use a sponsor's product.

People find many ways to vote for or against a person or an ideology. They vote at the ballot box, with their feet and with their pocketbooks. Don Imus rightly got fired for calling a college women's basketball team a derogatory name.

Kinsley has a problem with the self-righteous parade of sponsors dumping Limbaugh. Those sponsors made an economic choice when they sponsored him. When being associated with him became an economic liability, they made a different choice.

There may be an element of hypocrisy in these decisions, but the overriding issue for them is economic. Being associated with Limbaugh will cost them more than it will help them.

JOHN AGA, COTTAGE GROVE

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Do you suppose that some people believe that Limbaugh is actually sincere when he says he's sorry for using inappropriate words in his attack on the female law student who was outlining the necessary health care most women require?

Limbaugh's problems with society run much deeper than we realize, and he seems to become more vicious with his remarks toward women.

CHUCK DAVIDSON, ALBERTVILLE, MINN.

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Please excuse my stupidity. I would ask that a conscientious, moral, ethical and intelligent staff writer at the Star Tribune be allowed to explain to me why so many local politicians are intent on circumventing the Minneapolis charter requiring a referendum vote of approval (or otherwise) regarding the proposed Vikings stadium.

Why is the democratic process being expunged from the city's charter over this matter? Why do our elected politicians wish to deny their constituents a "yea or nay" voice as promised us?

GREG MILLER, PLYMOUTH

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Why are the banks not speaking out against the city and state for giving free money to the Vikings for a new stadium? The banks are missing out on the interest they could earn by lending hundreds of millions of dollars to the Vikings for the project, which is how the stadium should be funded. How can the banking industry thrive if huge public cash giveaways undercut their business?

ROBERT ALBERTI, MINNEAPOLIS

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MIKE MCdonald, St. Paul

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A couple of weeks ago, my son's peewee hockey team played a game in a southern suburb. After the first period, it was obvious the referees were only calling tripping penalties. The game quickly got out of hand, with a couple of "take him out" calls from the stands. Take "him" out they did.

My son spent that night at Children's Hospital suffering from a concussion. While I was tending to my son in the locker room, I noticed an injured player from the other team being helped to a waiting car for what I presume was medical care.

It was a game with horrible officiating. Until the youth referees receive better training and start calling penalties, needless injuries will continue making new rules ineffective.