Tucson Speaks Out: April 7 letters of the day

Re: the March 29 letter “Killing ‘post-birth’ embryos.”

On one aspect, I concur with the letter writer, but I think from a different perspective. Today’s Christianity does seem to embrace the personhood of naturally occurring embryos, but willfully can discard IVF-created embryos. As an orthodox Catholic, I reiterate the Catholic doctrine on any and all, human embryonic life: There are no exceptions to the sanctity of human life post-conception. The different locations of human embryonic life have equal moral value, whether conceived in a mother’s womb or “conceived” in a petri dish.

I cannot defend quasi-Catholics who manufacture exceptions to the Catholic rule of human embryonic life. The Catholic doctrine on fertilized human eggs is universal in the Catholic world. The title “Catholic” originated almost two thousand years ago from the ancient Greek word “katholikos,” meaning universal.

Daniel Pryor

West side

Unconscionable

Trump’s Truth Social public offering (DWAG) opened circa $60 a share. Trump cannot trade his millions of shares for six months. But he can ‘loan’ them out. On April 1, the stock tanked 21%. Here is why. Here is what is going on … short selling. Trump will loan his shares to an investment firm he is in league with to the detriment of investors. The investment firm then borrows Trump’s shares with a contract to return the like number of shares sometime in the future. The firm sells the shares. When there is more selling than buying the stock value goes down. Then, when the stock is believed to be at its lowest value, perhaps in the single digits, the firm buys back a like number of shares and returns them to Trump. Here’s the scam. Trump will share in the profits, leaving the investors with huge losses. Unconscionable.

Jon Langione

Marana

Don’t normalize political violence

Re: the April 1 letter “A cage match.”

Editor,

“I would like to see a cage match, simply a 1½-hour debate between the two of them.” wrote a letter writer referring to Biden and Trump.

Thankfully, most people know the difference between a debate and a cage match. Sadly, too many, including the letter writer do not. Nor does Trump. Do you recall the 2016 Hillary Clinton-Donald Trump debate in which Trump stalked Clinton around the debate stage and invaded her space? I’m sure most people remember the Biden, Trump 2020 debate in which Trump called on a violent, illegal militia to “stand by.”

The nonviolent resolution of differences and the peaceful transfer of power are defining characteristics of our democracy. Trump has repeatedly shown us his disdain for democracy and love of authoritarianism. It’s more than sad seeing letter writers doing the same by conflating debates and cage matches.

Dave Gallagher

Foothills

Why Trump?

I voted for Donald Trump election before last. Maybe his fresh ideas and intentions would be just what our nation needed. Early on, I was pleased but became distraught as his term went on. When Biden became the next president I assumed that I’d seen the last of Trump. But he has refused to concede defeat, badgered, bullied and lied about almost everything. Now he is in court accused of everything this side of starting the Chicago fire. I watched his stock rise and racked my brain to see what I was missing; why do people want him? Then, one day, I had an epiphany. He is not popular despite what he does but because of it. People relish his bullying, antagonizing, refusing to accept anyway but his. He is a gunslinger, the bully that we were all afraid of. He believes he is always right and will make you like it. Love him or hate him, he is real.

Philip Reinecker

East side

City Council proposal about war in Gaza

It is very bewildering and upsetting that the Tucson city council is considering a resolution on the Gaza conflict. I do not feel it is incumbent upon our local government to officially opine and pass any resolution on world international events. But more importantly, I fear that condemning Israel during this very vulnerable time shows poor judgment. It is highly likely that endorsing Hamas will embolden Israel’s enemies can’t create an environment promoting anti-Semitism. I hope that more reasonable leaders will prevail and such a resolution is not passed. Thank you.

Arnold B. Merin, MD

Foothills

Mental health awareness

Later this month will mark the one-year anniversary since our son and brother Dan, a long-time Tucsonan, went missing. His car was found at the Mt. Lemmon Summit trailhead above Ski Valley, but no sign of him has been found since. As we reflect on this challenging period, we wanted to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, partner agencies, and SARA volunteers in their efforts to locate Dan. We are also grateful to the staff at the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) clearinghouse and the resources they have made available to assist in the search. As April turns to May, Mental Health Awareness Month provides us all with an opportunity to reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues. If a friend or family member is showing signs of a mental health problem, offer support by finding out if they are getting the care that they need — and if not, connect them to help.

Peggy and Ken Born

East side

Please contact Sen. Kelly

I am very worried about President Biden’s steadfast support of Israel and Netanyahu and the seriously negative impact it can have on his re-election. Bibi continues to give Joe the finger. I am hoping AZ voters will contact Senator Kelly, asking him to bring his influence to bear to stop our administration from providing ANY further military support to the Israeli government. Many voters are holding Biden responsible for providing bombs and bullets that could further destroy citizens of Gaza. Please send your thoughts to Sen. Kelly at the following link: kelly.senate.gov/contact/contact-form/

Ron Ancell

Oro Valley