Tucson speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Jul. 5, 2024
- Updated
Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Arizona Daily Star.
- Kathy Storrie, Foothills
I was shocked to see Biden's appearance at Thursday's presidential debate. In the first couple of minutes I suspected the "light bulb" wasn't fully on upstairs and fearfully asked "What's wrong with our President?" This is more than a bad night for him. Confidence has sunk to its lowest level.
Kathy Storrie
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jean Israel, SaddleBrooke
It seems we don’t have to worry about Trump being a dictator. We already have one—the Supreme Court. Ignoring precedent , taking away rights, allowing all kinds of ways to kill people., taking huge bribes, not recusing. And they do it with impunity—no consequences, , no checks and balances, no way to appeal. Now they have given Trump almost total immunity. No one is above the law never was true, but now it is laughable.I fear for our democracy.
Jean Israel
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Bruce Joffe, South Tucson
President Biden succeeded in accomplishing good policies for our future, recovering from trump's chaotic disaster.
But, presidents don't get to create and administrate good policies unless they can communicate them well to the public, and debunk the opponent's "policies" and character. Biden failed to do that during the "debate." Repubs will play and replay the debate's many cringe-worthy moments endlessly.
A wise man knows how to see himself. Wise people understand that aging is inevitable and final. Wisdom knows when to step aside, victorious, rather than remain in a final competition that will crush one's reputation into ignominy.
Democratic accomplishments need another standard-bearer who can represent, with vigor, the values and vision our country needs to continue. The threat of losing this election requires putting the good of the country above personal ambition.
Some kindly suggestions to Joe Biden are necessary. The question is: From whom will he listen?
Bruce Joffe
South Tucson
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Anne Mitchell, East side
The Trump-appointed majority on the U.S. Supreme Court just grabbed more power than it has ever had. It overturned a previous decision that said federal agencies should be given discretion on technical issues when Congress has not spoken clearly.
What qualifies as a protein regulated by the FDA? How should Medicare measure a “geographic area” when calculating reimbursements to hospitals? How many parts per million of lead should a polluter be allowed to emit? These arcane issues will no longer be decided by agencies but will be subject to decisions by the non-experts in the court.
This is one of the many reasons we cannot allow Donald Trump to return to the presidency. Lower federal courts led by Trump-appointed judges have upended our judicial system with partisan decisions too. To save our democracy, we must vote for Joe Biden, like it or not.
Anne Mitchell
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Ke Chiang Hsieh, Midtown
Three years in office, you have acted to bring more justice and mercy at home and abroad than any predecessors, especially under the most adverse political climate created by anti-democratic forces near and far. Thus, it is understandable that you want to seek a second term.
Since 2021, it has been clear to me (84-years old retired at 72, before I fail to give my students the best) and others that the burden of your office have slowed you down significantly. Watching your mind drifting during the recent debate broke my heart. I sincerely plead you to have a soul-searching conversation with your confessor or spiritual director (not political advisors) concerning whether you should accept the reality of life and allow the process to produce a worthy successor while time permits. A gracious and magnanimous exit will shine brighter than any star in political history. This will be a spiritual decision for the sake of your soul and the soul of America.
Ke Chiang Hsieh
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
Jette: Wolf in sheep’s clothing
I find it interesting: Mr. Jette has run as a Republican (2012 when running against Barbara LaWall); an independent; now a Democrat and supports the Maga-Republican who lost to Attorney General Kris Mayes.
He receives money from a developer who has given to the anti-abortion movement; on his website he has a proposal to urge women to try adoption, rather than abortion. Mr. Jette was the prosecutor where the defendant shot the man, in the back, running away from the shooter. Mr. Jette could not get a conviction? What kind of trial lawyer is he?
Can Mr. Jette be trusted with protecting our precious native desert from overdevelopment, as he has received money from developers as the County Attorney responsible for this area?
We don’t know enough about Mr. Jette and his motivations. As I voted for Laura Conover in 2020, I will proudly vote for her determination and commitment to make the changes desperately needed to our criminal justice system. Jette is a wolf in sheep’s clothing
Melanie Heavilon
West side
An open letter to President Biden
Three years in office, you have acted to bring more justice and mercy at home and abroad than any predecessors, especially under the most adverse political climate created by anti-democratic forces near and far. Thus, it is understandable that you want to seek a second term.
Since 2021, it has been clear to me (84 years-old, retired at 72, before I fail to give my students the best) and others that the burdens of your office have slowed you down significantly. Watching your mind drifting during the recent debate broke my heart. I sincerely plead you to have a soul-searching conversation with your confessor or spiritual director (not political advisors) concerning whether you should accept the reality of life and allow the process to produce a worthy successor while time permits. A gracious and magnanimous exit will shine brighter than any star in political history. This will be a spiritual decision for the sake of your soul and the soul of America.
Ke Chiang Hsieh
Midtown
State GOP Convention delegates
The situation of the Republican Party in Arizona would be comical if it were not so serious. I know that I represent less than a majority of primary voters when I say that fealty to Donald Trump has destroyed any meaningful idea of a Republican Party in this state, but the fact that those who agreed to the fake elector scheme are pleading innocent rather than plea bargaining shows that the ethical standards are as low as the intelligence level of these individuals.
I was a Goldwater Republican, my first Presidential election; I imagine he is kicking in his grave at the absurdity that the Republican Party in Arizona (and nationally) has become.
John A. Johnson
Foothills
U of A president search
Dear Editor:
So Gov. Hobbs vetoed a bill that would clearly state university faculty’s role in “shared governance.’’ I’m all in favor of faculty having a say in academic offerings, but I can only imagine where faculty goes when they’re asked to make hard decisions about staffing or wage interdepartmental battles – I suspect they head for the hills. As we’ve seen in the past year, running a university isn’t easy and there are plenty of people — including faculty — willing to throw rocks at university leaders. If you really want to see the state’s universities collapse, just put the faculty in charge.
Steven J. Hilton, Arizona Alumni ‘83
Northwest side
Time for a self-check on letters
I have been an Arizona Daily Star subscriber for almost 40 years. In that time I have regularly read the Opinion Page and Letters to the Editor. I have submitted letters and a few Guest Opinions. I make a point of closely reading well written Opinions and Letters expressing views counter to my own. Of late however, we see more and more of the same opinions expressed repeatedly by the same authors, particularly in the Letters section. With no new substantive statements or nuance to their previous submissions. Letters often appear from the same author within a week’s time (or occasionally even two letters published on the SAME day!). No matter the political perspective. Frankly, nobody wants to hear from me/you/anybody that often and certainly not if its repetitive with nothing new to add. Take a breath before you hit send. Maybe call a friend. Take a walk. Or just take a break. See you in the Daily Star.
Paul Simon
Northwest side
Arizona State financial problems
Re: the June 30 letter “Two budget busters responsible for Arizona deficit.”
I noticed in the Star another well-written letter from a regular contributor. The letter writer is notable for her clear analyses of the many problems facing our state caused by the incredibly incompetent Republican-controlled state legislature.
She points out the two most egregious bits of legislation foisted off on us by those mendacious fools:
1. The flat tax that drove the Arizona Treasury from a surplus to a disgusting deficit.
2. The voucher system that gives my tax dollars to all kinds of unregulated schools — many of the religious ilk — and has put us behind an $864 million eight ball (so far).
Thanks to eagle-eyed people like this letter writer, we voters know how to cast a ballot come November.
Right on!
Jerry Helm
Northwest side
Tucson Pops Orchestra
On the evenings of June 29 and 30, the Tucson Pops Orchestra and Chorus performed an Independence Day Celebration in St. Augustine’s Cathedral. I, along with several hundred other people had the pleasure of attending. It was one and a quarter hours without politics, rancor, or a loud voice to be heard. We are so fortunate to live in a community which values the arts. May the Pops continue to “make a beautiful noise” (apologies to Neil Diamond) for many years to come.
Evelyn Shapiro
Oro Valley
Presidential debate reaction
I was shocked to see Biden’s appearance at Thursday’s presidential debate. In the first couple of minutes I suspected the “light bulb” wasn’t fully on upstairs and fearfully asked “What’s wrong with our President?”
This is more than a bad night for him. Confidence has sunk to its lowest level.
Kathy Storrie
Foothills
Supreme Court power grab
The Trump-appointed majority on the U.S. Supreme Court just grabbed more power than it has ever had. It overturned a previous decision that said federal agencies should be given discretion on technical issues when Congress has not spoken clearly.
What qualifies as a protein regulated by the FDA? How should Medicare measure a “geographic area” when calculating reimbursements to hospitals? How many parts per million of lead should a polluter be allowed to emit? These arcane issues will no longer be decided by agencies but will be subject to decisions by the non-experts in the court.
This is one of the many reasons we cannot allow Donald Trump to return to the presidency. Lower federal courts led by Trump-appointed judges have upended our judicial system with partisan decisions too. To save our democracy, we must vote for Joe Biden, like it or not.
Anne Mitchell
East side
Biden: Wisdom knows when to step aside
President Biden succeeded in accomplishing good policies for our future, recovering from Trump’s chaotic disaster.
But, presidents don’t get to create and administrate good policies unless they can communicate them well to the public, and debunk the opponent’s policies and character. Biden failed to do that during the debate. Republicans will play and replay the debate’s many cringe-worthy moments endlessly.
A wise man knows how to see himself. Wise people understand that aging is inevitable and final. Wisdom knows when to step aside, victorious, rather than remain in a final competition that will crush one’s reputation into ignominy.
Democratic accomplishments need another standard-bearer who can represent, with vigor, the values and vision our country needs to continue. The threat of losing this election requires putting the good of the country above personal ambition.
Some kindly suggestions to Joe Biden are necessary. The question is: From whom will he listen?
Bruce Joffe
South Tucson
County Supervisor race
I would vote for Rex Scott for president if I could. Instead, I’ll darken the oval for Rex for County Supervisor and cross my fingers that he’d consider a Presidential run someday. Right now, he is busy serving the people of Pima county as the vice-chair for District 1. I’ve known Rex since the early 90’s when he was my boss at a local public school. He is one of the most rational, conscientious, fair-minded and decent people I’ve ever met and deserves to be re-elected to the board. He understands the connections among all the entities that affect Pima county, especially education, economics, public health and natural resources. A vote for Rex Scott is a wise investment in Pima county’s future.
Anne Fitzsimmons
Northwest side
Supreme Court
It seems we don’t have to worry about Trump being a dictator. We already have one — the Supreme Court. Ignoring precedent, taking away rights, allowing all kinds of ways to kill people, taking huge bribes, not recusing. And they do it with impunity — no consequences, no checks and balances, no way to appeal. Now they have given Trump almost total immunity. No one is above the law never was true, but now it is laughable. I fear for our democracy.
Jean Israel
SaddleBrooke
- Hollace Lyon, SaddleBrooke
With a sad heart, I have concluded that this election will be about party values rather than candidates. Would you rather empower a party that believes in public service, civility, and liberty with responsibility; or one that will deprive some of their freedoms and relieve others of their obligations to the greater good, so that they may wield power over everyone? No one party is 100 percent perfect. Some on both sides of the aisle are self serving, but one party obliges itself to continually cleanse government of corrupt servants. The other applauds and rewards it. One party struggles to bring widely disparate views to the polls in loose unity, while the other fights to suppress diversity of thought, conscience, and heritage. Regardless of the specific candidates, the values their parties represent, and that which will replace them should they not make it through their terms, whether voluntarily or otherwise, are vital.
Hollace Lyon
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mateo Garcia, Northwest side
Now that the Presidential debate has passed and we've seen how Biden is, it should be clear to everyone that Joe Biden is not the one calling the shots. In reality he is not our President. So, I ask, if the man America elected as President is not the President, then who is? And if the man people voted for is not the real President, how can we call that Democracy?
Mateo Garcia
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- John (Jay) Van Echo, PE, West side
So now that crazy has been normalized by SCOTUS, the most powerful court in the world in the most powerful democracy in the world it only seems natural that President Biden should immediately order the United States Department of Justice to incarcerate Mr. Trump for treasonous crimes against the nation. Or for no reason at all. It don't matter. Heck, lets just skip the arrest, the trial, the jury deliberations, the sentencing, and the rule of law, and ship the Donald to the Tower of London. The President, any president will be immune, immune, immune. Or maybe we implore Mr. President to arrest anyone for flying a flag upside down in support of the insurrection or to annoy your neighbor and jail them. The madness ends with a vote for democracy and a vote for President Biden.
John (Jay) Van Echo, PE
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Alison Hughes, Midtown
Folks, please give us a break from stories about Joe Biden’s age, and about former prosecutor Mike Jette’s ill-advised campaign. I’m voting for Biden-Harris and for Laura Conover. And that’s that!
Alison Hughes
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
Biden-Harris/County Attorney
Folks, please give us a break from stories about Joe Biden’s age and about former prosecutor Mike Jette’s ill-advised campaign. I’m voting for Biden-Harris and for Laura Conover. And that’s that!
Alison Hughes
Midtown
Jette’s actions speak louder than words
Candidate Mike Jette says one thing but does another. He says he believes in democratic values, but his contributions to Trump, Ciscomani, and Lake say otherwise. In his recent full-page ad in the Daily Star, Jette painted himself as a pro-choice candidate but his contributions to the “It Goes Too Far” group who actively oppose the Arizona for Abortion Access Act scream otherwise.
A “Democrat” in name only, Jette’s actions speak louder than his duplicitous words. Which begs the question: what else is he lying about?
I am voting for the candidate who is upright and honest about who she is and what she stands for. I am voting for Laura Conover for Pima County Attorney.
Dr. JB Marshall
Oro Valley
We need a new County Attorney
The rate of domestic violence in Arizona is 45% above the national average. Pima County’s rate of intimate partner domestic violence homicides is even higher than Maricopa County’s. Meanwhile, County Attorney Laura Conover has dismantled the system that had been working to reduce domestic violence homicides. Conover withdrew the county attorney’s office from leading a multi-agency domestic violence task force. She withdrew from implementation of sophisticated evidence-based domestic violence protocols. She stopped sending victim advocate staff and volunteers to every domestic violence crime scene to provide crisis advocacy and connect victims with immediate services, such as safe housing. She stopped having a risk assessment performed for all intimate partner domestic violence victims. She declined to prosecute serious physical violence committed against intimate partners as felony crimes, allowing plea agreements to misdemeanors where there is not sufficient supervision on probation. We need a new county attorney to address the scourge of domestic violence. My vote is for Mike Jette.
Carl Zimmerman
Downtown
There’s so much more to Jette
Mike Jette is running for Pima County Attorney. As I’ve gotten to know him, he’s become a hero to me, not just for his football skills but for his great heart.
Mike isn’t one to boast, but he donated a kidney to his brother and was accepted to the Peace Corps with his wife.
He has been a Special Olympics coach, Mock Trial coach, member of the Tucson Museum of Art Board, and President of Tucson Clean and Beautiful. He also served as a crisis advocate for sexual assault victims.
Mike is a solid blue Democrat, just like Gabby Giffords, Mark Kelly and Kris Mayes, who have each had dalliances with the Republican party at one time or another. Mike’s was 12 years ago for a few months. A “nothingburger”.
Mike’s heart, values, dedication and leadership make him an outstanding candidate for Pima County Attorney.
Charles Wantman
Foothills
Conover — no mas
Daily, we read letters telling us how much one side or the other is the better candidate for Pima County Attorney. In one very damming letter, the family tells us that the murderers of their son were let off with probation instead of first- or second-degree murder charges. This cannot be allowed. The PCA office has been reduced by 60% of prosecuting attorneys. They left because of Laura Conover.
There have been other unpardonable transgressions of a similar nature. Simply stated, Ms. Conover must go. Crime in Tucson is an ever-growing problem. We need a prosecutor who takes crime seriously and not one who allows felons to walk our streets with a slap on the wrist. You can be sure they will commit again.
Anyone who has a child knows that such a loss takes an egregious toll on the parents, family and community. Ms. Conover will not fix the problem. Only we can by electing the best candidate, Mike Jette.
Jerry Schuchardt
Foothills
Fireworks, PTSD and pets
On June 30, it started again. Locals blowing off fireworks/firecrackers in our east side neighborhood. It happens EVERY year before the Fourth of July. You are not only upsetting Veterans of Foreign wars, who may be suffering from PTSD, but also upsetting our pets, mostly dogs, I guess.
Our blind, adopted sweetie from PAAC has very good hearing, so thunder, which also bothers him, cannot be controlled by us. BUT, Tucson citizens, the young and the old can and should stop blowing off noise-makers in Tucson and Arizona. Leave that to the professionals!
Saturday night, our dog came and slept with me, and he was shaking and panting for over one hour.
I guess he finally went to sleep. Is this going to happen every night? This ruckus that disturbs the peace? It shouldn’t, but it probably will. Aren’t there laws about this?
Kenneth Unwin
East side
Re-elect Supervisor Scott
Rex Scott has been an outstanding Pima County Supervisor and should be re-elected for the benefit of our community. Supervisor Scott has all the qualities we should look for in elected leaders. He is honest, ethical, intelligent, thoughtful, caring, mature, respectful, professional, prepared, dedicated and productive. He has championed creation of Pima Early Education Program scholarships, promoted more funding to repair and maintain roads, supported The Prosperity Initiative, facilitated enhancements to the economic development strategic plan, promoted common sense gun reform, introduced the measure that resulted in creating the Transition Center outside the jail to facilitate re-entry, and voted to support better wages for county employees. I have found Supervisor Scott to be accessible, friendly to suggestions about ways to improve our county, hard-working, sensible, responsible and proactive. He cares about improving all of Pima County, not just his district. He is the real deal. Give him your vote.
Amelia Cramer
Downtown
Yes! Scott the District 1 Supervisor
Voters in District 1 have the opportunity to re-elect Rex Scott as our supervisor. Rex epitomizes what it means to be a public servant. My experience with Supervisor Scott and his very capable staff has always been positive. He is well-versed on all issues of concern to residents of District 1, and is responsive and timely when matters are brought to his attention. At a time when there is too much hyperbole, lack of respect and honesty in elected officials, Rex is respectful, honest and ethical. As an example, when he announced his intention to run for re-election he conducted all those efforts totally separate from District 1 business. Residents of District 1 will be well served if they vote to re-elect Rex Scott to represent us.
Norie Nelson
Foothills
Conover, the people’s attorney
Three-and-a-half years ago, when Pima County Attorney Laura Conover took office, she inherited the highest homicide rates in Tucson history and a massive backlog of cases stretching back to 2017. After two years of hard work, dedication, and collaboration with law enforcement, she cleared the backlog.
Currently, homicide rates in Pima County are down 36% and armed robbery down 39% from record highs when she took office, outperforming much of the nation.
Conover re-established a fraud and consumer protection unit that has recovered more than $1 million in restitution for Pima County victims.
Also noteworthy, Conover sued to protect women’s abortion rights, promoted humane sentencing for juveniles, created community outreach programs, and brought new attorneys and veteran litigators into the office, and increased efficiency.
Laura Conover has a proven record of bringing justice, safety, and equity to the Pima County Attorney’s office. She deserves your vote.
Jacolyn Marshall
Oro Valley
Supreme Court
So now that crazy has been normalized by SCOTUS, the most powerful court in the world in the most powerful democracy in the world it only seems natural that President Biden should immediately order the United States Department of Justice to incarcerate Mr. Trump for treasonous crimes against the nation. Or for no reason at all. It don’t matter. Heck, let’s just skip the arrest, the trial, the jury deliberations, the sentencing, and the rule of law and ship the Donald to the Tower of London. The President, any president will be immune, immune, immune. Or maybe we implore Mr. President to arrest anyone for flying a flag upside down in support of the insurrection or to annoy your neighbor and jail them. The madness ends with a vote for democracy and a vote for President Biden.
John (Jay) Van Echo, PE
West side
Democracy
Now that the Presidential debate has passed and we’ve seen how President Biden is, it should be clear to everyone that he is not the one calling the shots. In reality, he is not our president. So, I ask, if the man America elected as president is not the president, then who is? And if the man people voted for is not the real president, how can we call that Democracy?
Mateo Garcia
Northwest side
My vote’s for Laura
You know you have pissed off your “betters” when they primary you. The powers that used to be, supported Laura Conover in her first campaign. Now they all support prosecutor Mike Jette. I’m concerned that Jette, and his supporters align more with Arizona’s extreme conservative politics and favor laws originating from the 1800s.
Mike’s ad on Sunday promotes policies similar to Laura, but from a prosecutor’s point of view, backed by right-wing money?
The Supreme Court’s decision regarding homelessness and incarcerating them, for not having a home, leads me to believe we need to keep Laura as county attorney. I believe she would push for alternatives to locking up the homeless. It bothers me to think of our antiquated prisons and jails become more overcrowded just to house homeless at a much higher cost to taxpayers.
I’m going to stick with Laura Conover. She’s a fighter and defender of the people. Under her watch, violent crime has dropped. Four more years!
Larry Robinson
Northwest side
Conover and cash bail
Re: the June 27 article “Conover and cash bail reform” and the June 22 article “Honesty, integrity among elected officials.”
To Rep. Alma Hernandez, now that your attacks on Pima County Attorney Laura Conover and cash bail have been shown to be completely false. I am wondering if you will actually live up to the title of your opinion and issue a public apology to Ms. Conover. Since you are supporting her opponent, I’m not betting on it, but it if you truly believe in “honesty and integrity,” it would be the right thing to do.
Miranda Lopez
Midtown
Party values
With a sad heart, I have concluded that this election will be about party values rather than candidates. Would you rather empower a party that believes in public service, civility, and liberty with responsibility; or one that will deprive some of their freedoms and relieve others of their obligations to the greater good, so that they may wield power over everyone? No one party is 100% perfect. Some on both sides of the aisle are self-serving, but one party obliges itself to continually cleanse government of corrupt servants. The other applauds and rewards it. One party struggles to bring widely disparate views to the polls in loose unity, while the other fights to suppress diversity of thought, conscience, and heritage. Regardless of the specific candidates, the values their parties represent, and that which will replace them should they not make it through their terms, whether voluntarily or otherwise, are vital.
Hollace Lyon
SaddleBrooke
Santa Cruz riverbed trash
This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of riding my bicycle on the Loop alongside the Santa Cruz riverbed. However, what I saw was distressing. The riverbed was strewn with trash. Almost every bush and tree had caught some of the garbage heading downstream. Some of the trash will be biodegradable, but most of it won’t.
I noticed an overabundance of expanded polystyrene drinking cups provided by convenience stores. These cups take around 500 years to degrade in a landfill (longer if buried), but more importantly, can flow out to the ocean, then breakdown into microplastics. Microplastics are harmful to marine life and will take decades or even centuries to breakdown.
My idea for ridding the riverbed of trash is to enlist the help of the people experiencing homelessness. We would need to find those that would like to help, then organize them into teams to collect trash under supervision. Workers would be paid and perhaps move up on waitlist for available housing.
Edward Weil
North side
- Steven Barker, East side
Finally someone has read the Bill of Rights. In case you don't follow the news, Louisiana requires the Ten Commandments be posted in every public school classroom.
Some people think the Bill of Rights calls for the "Separation of Church and State". Well Louisiana says no it doesn't. In fact that phrase can not be found anywhere in our Constitution. I use to think it was a chief justice of the Supreme Court back in 1817 who made that interpretation, but I was wrong. I searched wikipedia and found out it was our 3rd president Thomas Jefferson who came up with the phrase back on January 1, 1801.
No matter who came up with it, "Separation of Church and State" can not be found in our Constitution. To that I say good for you Louisiana. Now let's see how many states will follow their example.
Steven Barker
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Joseph Stanley, Northeast side
To a 96 year old history buff, it’s apparent from our worldwide societal disfunction that history truly does repeat itself. The story of our species is primarily one of warfare, violence, cruelty and oppression. Doubters need only read daily headlines. Each generation spawns its sociopaths and false prophets preying on the vulnerable and gullible to support their own dreams of power and glory. Donald Trump exemplifies this. A baffling paradox pits advances in medicine and science against episodes of inhumanity, such as the Holocaust and endemic systems of slavery over the ages.
The solution to these cycles of violence and oppression appears simple but unattainable today. Heed the lessons of the great moralists, Jesus, Gandhi and King among others, lessons well known but the greatest, the Golden Rule. In a time where nuclear arsenals proliferate these values must be imprinted on our DNA lest the future of the planet itself be at stake.
Joseph Stanley
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Robert Holl, Foothills
Corporations, nonprofit organizations, and PACs, such as the Koch Brothers, spend millions or billions to support candidates and issues of their choice. Much of this money is used to finance ads that spew misinformation and skew the truth, all in the interest of “buying” thousands of votes. Most ordinary citizens have one vote to cast on each candidate or issue and can’t afford to “buy” another’s vote.
Lavish spending became possible in 2010 when SCOTUS ruled against a bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, stating, in the Court’s majority opinion, that prohibiting these deep-pocket, special interest groups from lavishly funding their chosen political candidate or issue would be a violation of the First Amendment. In so ruling, the Court devalued the voice of the “little guy”.
Let’s stop this absurdity and spare us all from exposure to negative and misleading political ads and having to sift through an avalanche of misinformation. Let’s return to government of, by, and for the PEOPLE.
Robert Holl
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Eric Gormally, Oro Valley
There's great nostalgia on the Trump side for the pre-covid economy. The economy had more affordable inflation presumably due to there being less government interference in the private sector, less expansion of the money supply, and less handouts. What is forgotten: production of needed goods and services is the bottomline of any economy. During Covid all three nostalgic principles were countered and countless businesses and production not easily restored were saved. We are paying an inflationary price for some of this, but price gouging is also a factor.
Covid policy isn't the only time the public sector has saved the private sector. Remember the 2008 mortgage meltdown. Without Social Security and Medicare continuing to circulate money through the economy the death knell of deflation and its loss of production may have started ringing. Imagine 2008 if Bush2 had managed to privatize Social Security. The private sector needs the 'handouts' of the public sector especially when boom goes to bust or there is a pandemic.
Eric Gormally
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Barbara Benjamin, Foothills
Congress is discussing legislation that would create a new draft that would also call up women. Frankly, I support the proposed legislation.. However, I wonder if our congressional representatives realize that, with the help of SCOTUS, they have already taken control of women's bodies and now they want to militarily train and arm us? Just asking...
Barbara Benjamin
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dave Bertagnoli, West side
The Republicans have a plan to staff a new Trump administration with Trump Loyalists - project 2025. A few decades ago Marion Barry, then the mayor of Washington DC, used loyalty to him as the sole criteria for hiring, competence be darned. Everyone from police to teachers. It took Washington years and several administrations to clean up the mess. And yes, like Trump, he was popular. Before voting this November, just imagine an entire Federal government full of incompetents. Think Kari Lake as a member of the cabinet. Joe Biden may be old but at least one can't manipulate him just by telling him he's pretty.
Dave Bertagnoli
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Ron Lancaster, North side
Hurricane Trump is a big bag of wind. Still, he has somehow, by spewing continuous hot air at one mob of door mats after another, became a folk hero without ever being anything of the like. His visage is everywhere to be admired. He even has his mug on a mug
The Democrats desperately require a new strategy to deal with this car crash. Trump needs to be mocked and made fun of personally, instead of us wallowing in fret as if there lurks an ogre at the door, “and oh my, there is nothing we can do about it.” Wrong! His ego is a nice target. And he is so ripe for a clown show. First, we need to gird ourselves for a battle of mockery like no other. Hit him where it draws blood, his conceit. And watch what happens.
Ron Lancaster
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Albrecht Classen, Midtown
What a well-founded guest opinion by Gil Shapiro, a concise and insightful analysis of various phenomena in our country (and elsewhere): Trumpism, Evangelicalism, and MAGA. I would like to add some comments from an educator’s perspective since I regularly work with young people. In absolutist regimes, schools serve the purpose of making the young ones into dedicated followers of the leader without any criticism. That’s why the Taliban, e.g., are so opposed to schools at large. They embrace a Manichaean worldview of black and white, of good vs. evil. Evidence is unnecessary and dangerous because the ‘deep state’ represents the devil, and Trump is the new Messiah. He cannot do wrong. Teaching, however, means to help students grow intellectually and also emotionally, and ultimately to gain more knowledge than I have today. The teacher is the critical bridge toward tomorrow, but when religious belief rules, the pathway toward growth and development is blocked. Critical thinking about our leaders is crucial for democracy; the opposite is dictatorship.
Albrecht Classen
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- James Nesci, East side
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry just signed his state’s new law which requires the posting of The Ten Commandments in every public school from kindergarten through university. He said, “If you want to respect the rule of law, you gotta start from the original law given which was Moses. He got his commandments from God.”
Sorry, governor, you’re mistaken.
The Code of Hammurabi, from ancient Babylon in Mesopotamia, was written in about 1754 BCE. That was roughly 300 years before Moses was even born. The Code of Hammurabi is widely known (outside of Louisiana, I suppose) as the earliest and most complete written set of laws in the world ever discovered.
Perhaps the governor should have concentrated on signing substantive laws that actually improve education rather than promoting religious indoctrination.
James Nesci
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Donald Plummer, Northwest side
Thoughts for problems of war, climate and bump stocks
WW II was largely won by Allies, with the USA building more military equipment than the Axis (Germany, Italy and Japan).
NATO is now supplying Ukraine with military equipment to try to do the same thing AND supplying more money than Russia can raise.
AND
How can people be climate change deniers when we have had so many extreme weather events tornadoes, heat extremes, floods and droughts that produce climate migration?
AND
Those that want an AR -15 will want a bump stock.
Donald Plummer
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
World and USA problems
Thoughts for problems of war, climate and bump stocks. WWII was largely won by Allies, with the USA building more military equipment than the Axis (Germany, Italy and Japan).
NATO is now supplying Ukraine with military equipment to try to do the same thing and supplying more money than Russia can raise.
And how can people be climate change deniers when we have had so many extreme weather events tornadoes, heat extremes, floods and droughts that produce climate migration?
And, those that want an AR-15 will want a bump stock.
Donald Plummer
Northwest side
Political signs
I find the proliferation of political signage to be both annoying and confusing. Annoying because the signage makes our streets trashy. Confusing because I find it hard to believe that these signs have much, if any effect on the voting public. Would a voter see a particular candidate’s sign and think to themselves, “Wow, I really like that sign. I’m going to vote for that person?” I’m betting that never happens. These signs might have made more sense years ago when we weren’t being flooded with other forms of media. Now these signs just are a blight in our neighborhoods.
Larry Smith
Northwest side
Loyalty to Trump
The Republicans have a plan to staff a new Trump administration with Trump loyalists — Project 2025. A few decades ago Marion Barry, then the mayor of Washington DC, used loyalty to him as the sole criterion for hiring, competence be darned. Everyone from police to teachers. It took Washington years and several administrations to clean up the mess. And yes, like Trump, he was popular. Before voting this November, just imagine an entire Federal government full of incompetents. Think Kari Lake as a member of the cabinet. Joe Biden may be old but at least one can’t manipulate him just by telling him he’s pretty.
Dave Bertagnoli
West side
Arts live on to speak to us
To the Editor:
I was disappointed to read that the state legislators have allocated such a miniscule amount of their $16.1 billion dollar budget to the Arizona Commission for the Arts — a mere $2 million. Why do politicians always think the arts are expendable? If they knew anything about history, they would realize that the majority of what we can learn about ancient cultures comes from their art — paintings, sculpture, writings, architecture. From ancient Egypt to the Easter Islands, art is what remains to tell us about their people and culture.
The arts deserves a bigger part of our budget, because long after these legislators are forgotten, the creations by Arizona artists will survive to speak to future generations.
Karen Micallef
Oro Valley
Copper vs. water
I have to comment on a recent opinion letter comparing copper to water. The writer was suggesting that one should take a test and go 3 days without using devices with copper and then go 3 days without water. He concluded, although inconvenient, you could go without the devices, but not really without life sustaining water. In this community he fails to understand miserably that without copper you can’t have the water either. Ooops!
Dave Efnor
East side
Original law giver?
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry just signed his state’s new law which requires the posting of The Ten Commandments in every public school from kindergarten through university. He said, “If you want to respect the rule of law, you gotta start from the original law given which was Moses. He got his commandments from God.”
Sorry, governor, you’re mistaken.
The Code of Hammurabi, from ancient Babylon in Mesopotamia, was written in about 1754 BCE. That was roughly 300 years before Moses was even born. The Code of Hammurabi is widely known (outside of Louisiana, I suppose) as the earliest and most complete written set of laws in the world ever discovered.
Perhaps the governor should have concentrated on signing substantive laws that actually improve education rather than promoting religious indoctrination.
James Nesci
East side
Politics and big money
Corporations, nonprofit organizations, and PACs, such as the Koch Brothers, spend millions or billions to support candidates and issues of their choice. Much of this money is used to finance ads that spew misinformation and skew the truth, all in the interest of “buying” thousands of votes. Most ordinary citizens have one vote to cast on each candidate or issue and can’t afford to “buy” another’s vote.
Lavish spending became possible in 2010 when SCOTUS ruled against a bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, stating, in the Court’s majority opinion, that prohibiting these deep-pocket, special interest groups from lavishly funding their chosen political candidate or issue would be a violation of the First Amendment. In so ruling, the Court devalued the voice of the “little guy”.
Let’s stop this absurdity and spare us all from exposure to negative and misleading political ads and having to sift through an avalanche of misinformation. Let’s return to government of, by, and for the PEOPLE.
Robert Holl
Foothills
The devil vs. God
Re: the June 23 article “Have Trump supporters been seduced by the supernatural?”
What a well-founded guest opinion by Gil Shapiro, a concise and insightful analysis of various phenomena in our country (and elsewhere): Trumpism, Evangelicalism, and MAGA. I would like to add some comments from an educator’s perspective since I regularly work with young people. In absolutist regimes, schools serve the purpose of making the young ones into dedicated followers of the leader without any criticism. That’s why the Taliban, e.g., are so opposed to schools at large. They embrace a Manichaean worldview of black and white, of good vs. evil. Evidence is unnecessary and dangerous because the ‘deep state’ represents the devil, and Trump is the new Messiah. He cannot do wrong. Teaching, however, means to help students grow intellectually and also emotionally, and ultimately to gain more knowledge than I have today. The teacher is the critical bridge toward tomorrow, but when religious belief rules, the pathway toward growth and development is blocked. Critical thinking about our leaders is crucial for democracy; the opposite is dictatorship.
Albrecht Classen
Midtown
Drafting women
Congress is discussing legislation that would create a new draft that would also call up women. Frankly, I support the proposed legislation. However, I wonder if our congressional representatives realize that, with the help of SCOTUS, they have already taken control of women’s bodies and now they want to militarily train and arm us? Just asking ...
Barbara Benjamin
Foothills
Pima County importance
People have more faith in local government to get things done. Polls say about 60% for local to lower 30% for federal. Maybe it’s because of partisanship played by members of Congress, working on their next reelection instead of focusing on what their constituents want. Independents do not like that!
It also may be that local government focuses on important things we feel immediately like police protection, roads, zoning issues, water and sewer. And of course the amount of property taxes to pay for those services. I have been impressed with Supervisor Rex Scott and all he does for Pima County. Pima is a huge geographic county in the top 20 in the United States, and has only five supervisors. A lot of geography to cover, and a lot of responsibility. Rex is a leader on the Board, and finds time to assist residents.
Dave Locey
Foothills
It’s the economy — let’s be less stupid
There’s great nostalgia on the Trump side for the pre-COVID economy. The economy had more affordable inflation presumably due to there being less government interference in the private sector, less expansion of the money supply, and less handouts. What is forgotten: production of needed goods and services is the bottom line of any economy. During COVID all three nostalgic principles were countered and countless businesses and production not easily restored were saved. We are paying an inflationary price for some of this, but price gouging is also a factor.
COVID policy isn’t the only time the public sector has saved the private sector. Remember the 2008 mortgage meltdown. Without Social Security and Medicare continuing to circulate money through the economy the death knell of deflation and its loss of production may have started ringing. Imagine 2008 if Bush had managed to privatize Social Security. The private sector needs the ‘handouts’ of the public sector especially when boom goes to bust or there is a pandemic.
Eric Gormally
Oro Valley
Brougle vs Dudash
Re: the June 24 articles “Who represents Arizona teachers?” and “Playbook for Republican faithful this year.”
Well done Jim Brougle! You really had me going for awhile. Then I read it again. I confess I read the Dudash pitch in between. You know the one suggesting that Arizona teachers should dump their union of long standing and joining his. So I googled Freedom Foundation, scrolled down a couple of times and discovered an ad naming some of its big backers: Fox, Federalist Society, WSJ, National Review. Ah ha!
Need I say more?
And an atta boy to the Star for printing these two “contributions” on the same day.
Susan Vonkersburg
Foothills
History repeats itself
To a 96-year-old history buff, it’s apparent from our worldwide societal dysfunction that history truly does repeat itself. The story of our species is primarily one of warfare, violence, cruelty and oppression. Doubters need only read daily headlines. Each generation spawns its sociopaths and false prophets preying on the vulnerable and gullible to support their own dreams of power and glory. Donald Trump exemplifies this. A baffling paradox pits advances in medicine and science against episodes of inhumanity, such as the Holocaust and endemic systems of slavery over the ages.
The solution to these cycles of violence and oppression appears simple but unattainable today. Heed the lessons of the great moralists, Jesus, Gandhi and King among others, lessons well known but the greatest, the Golden Rule. In a time where nuclear arsenals proliferate these values must be imprinted on our DNA lest the future of the planet itself be at stake.
Joseph Stanley
Northeast side
Bag of wind
Hurricane Trump is a big bag of wind. Still, he has somehow, by spewing continuous hot air at one mob of door mats after another, became a folk hero without ever being anything of the like. His visage is everywhere to be admired. He even has his mug on a mug.
The Democrats desperately require a new strategy to deal with this car crash. Trump needs to be mocked and made fun of personally, instead of us wallowing in fret as if there lurks an ogre at the door, “and oh my, there is nothing we can do about it.” Wrong! His ego is a nice target. And he is so ripe for a clown show. First, we need to gird ourselves for a battle of mockery like no other. Hit him where it draws blood, his conceit. And watch what happens.
Ron Lancaster
North side
Eenie Meenie Miney Moe
Preparing to enter the voting booth is different for everyone, is this election is different than others? It seems like we are standing on a precipice. Making the best decision requires just a little homework, putting together a priority list instead of considering which party. It is difficult to admit, but everyone wants a better life, not just a life based on talking points. So, make a list and check it twice so you can decide who is naughty.
What is important to you? Based on the recent murders of our citizens by undocumented immigrants, add closing the border. The rising cost of food is also out of control. People are concerned for their personal safety even walking to the corner. Do you have a credit card bill? The interest cost of the national debt is scary. Add to your list the items that concern you. How would you rank the items in your list and which candidate will fight for you?
Loran Hancock
Northwest side
Finally
Finally someone has read the Bill of Rights. In case you don’t follow the news, Louisiana requires the Ten Commandments be posted in every public school classroom.
Some people think the Bill of Rights calls for the “Separation of Church and State”. Well Louisiana says no it doesn’t. In fact that phrase cannot be found anywhere in our Constitution. I used to think it was a chief justice of the Supreme Court back in 1817 who made that interpretation, but I was wrong. I searched Wikipedia and found out it was our 3rd president Thomas Jefferson who came up with the phrase back on January 1, 1801.
No matter who came up with it, “Separation of Church and State” cannot be found in our Constitution. To that I say good for you Louisiana. Now let’s see how many states will follow their example.
Steven Barker
East side
- Valerie Golembiewski, Southeast side
In response to Greg Lewis, perhaps posting the Golden Rule in every classroom ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.") would be the equitable solution since it satisfies all religions. In addition, I propose the return of the Pledge of Allegiance to classrooms. That way humanity and patriotism are covered.
Valerie Golembiewski
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sally Mayersohn, Northwest side
Today there are more people with health insurance in the United States than ever before. For the first time ever, a month's supply of insulin for seniors is capped at $35 and their annual out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000. Joe’s executive orders now protect reproductive rights throughout the military.
Joe’s infrastructure law has created nearly 1 million new jobs with federal workers
and contractors earning $15 per hour salaries. Our current 4% unemployment rate is the lowest in history.
The list of POSITIVE changes for Americans goes on and on and includes the country’s largest climate plan, gun safety laws, and more protections for veterans.
President Joe Biden promised to work for us, and he has certainly done so.
By the way, "Sleepy Joe" traveled back and forth to Europe three times during the week of June 12th to commemorate D-Day and strengthen partnerships with our allies.
The way I see it, Joe’s not the sleepy one.
Sally Mayersohn
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- John Bingham, Northwest side
Alan Ruiz accuses President Biden of lying seven (7) times about the border in his LTE. I don't believe that Alan is an expert about the border nor are his accusations valid. However, does that really matter? I just have to ask Alan, "have you forgotten that #45 was proven to have said/lied/presented 30,573 falsehoods while in office. So, while Alan believes that Biden is a supposed liar due to the seven things he believes were lies, he forgets that T**** lied on average 20 times a day while he was in office. That didn't bother Alan. Alan also doesn't seem to understand that Congress had a border bill in front of them but because of the serial liar and felon, they voted against the legislation. That's not a lie Alan.
John Bingham
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Philip Reinecker, East side
I believe that many people, including myself, agree that the two candidates for President this year are among the most inept in history. One a doddering, old, individual approaching senility. The other a old, lying cheat and 34 times convicted felon. I ask you, in this wonderful country of 335 million people, with many brilliant, respected leaders are these two the best we could come up with. Please tell me it aint so. I suspect their is no legal way to postpone such an election but wouldn't it be great. Take 2 years to secure better candidates. Surely one or both of them will have died, be in a assisted home or a penitentiary. I'm sick knowing that the 2 parties will go ahead with what they've got hoping that the unintelligent masses, of which I am a part, will allow such distasteful events to carry on.
Philip Reinecker
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Michael Wayne, Midtown
President Biden's physical and mental conditions are getting worse. Last week at a Juneteenth event, the crowd including VP Harris, were clapping and dancing in place to some music, while Biden just stood there motionless with that empty gaze on his eyes. While at the G7 conference in Italy, and parachuting soldiers were landing, Biden seemed to aimlessly wonder off and had to be physically pulled back by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. At the weekend Hollywood gala of rich leftist actors fundraising for Biden, at the closing, former President Obama is seen leading an apparent clueless Biden off the stage. Folks, Biden is in a real physical and cognitive decline. It is rather sad and pitiful to watch, while domestic and foreign leaders act as if everything is ok with him, when knowing it is not, hiding the truth. Anything to get him re-elected, then six months later, a health related resignation is announced, and the very unpopular and incompetent VP Harris becomes President.
Michael Wayne
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Deb Klumpp, Oro Valley
Re: the June 19th letter "Trump Trial". The author wants us to note the complete lack of violence, destruction and rioting by Trump supporters after Trump's trial. Guess they weren't too interested? So they deserve kudos for behaving like normal, civil citizens? Seems the author has total amnesia about the Jan. 6 insurrection, when we watched Trump's supporters carry out a most violent, deadly, horrendous attack on our Capitol because their leader was infuriated he lost the election and wanted to overthrow our government to stay in power. It's amazing how so many Republicans seem to have wiped that shameful day from their memories! Deny it, it doesn't exist. Mr. Stevenson also tries to excuse the right's egregious, violent behavior by bringing up the "horrible behavior that we see again and again from the left". Such as? The abhorrent behavior of Trump supporters on Jan. 6 and their willingness to defend their Messiah using violence and intimidation cannot be erased with excuses, reverse blame, or minimization of their violent acts.
Deb Klumpp
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Salvador Gabaldón, Oro Valley
In signing a new state law mandating the posting of the Ten Commandments in all public-school classrooms, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry referred to Moses as the “original lawgiver.” Though there is no direct archeological evidence for the existence of an individual named Moses, archeologists do have evidence that people from Canaan were enslaved in Egypt around the year 1200 BCE, and that some did in fact escape to freedom. However, we also know that a number of “lawgivers” existed centuries before that time, including Ur-Nammu (2100 BCE) and Hammurabi (1792 BCE). Louisiana students, already inundated with sources of misinformation on social media, would be well advised to take Gov. Landry’s words with a grain of salt.
Salvador Gabaldón
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Frank Parsons, Northeast side
One is immediately impressed by the amount of lying necessary to make Trump competitive...but equally impressive are how many Americans go along with it. It also seems amazing that so many people are willing to trade-in their precious freedom of democracy for the terrible imprisonment of autocracy.
Is it not understanding what we stand to lose? Do we appreciate what each of us has now, of how much we now decide, without direction, because of what we have? Do we appreciate enough the economics and civics necessary to understand the terrible difference between the two?
Under Trump, we won't have those trustworthy facts we're used to using for making choices. Since a lying Trump enabler will be involved somewhere, who knows what truth, or for that matter, reality, is!
An independently elected President and Congress, an independent judiciary, a professional Civil Service...an accountability-for-actions applicable to everyone...all are needed to provide that solid basis making all of us in charge!
NEVER take this for granted!
Frank Parsons
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Fran McNeely, Northeast side
How many of the 10 Commandments does DJT need to break before his supporters say "You're Fired"?
Fran McNeely
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
Biden lied about the border
Re: the June 15 letter “Biden Administration’s lies about the border.”
The letter writer accuses President Biden of lying seven times about the border. I don’t believe that the letter writer is an expert about the border nor are his accusations valid. However, does that really matter? I just have to ask, “have you forgotten that No. 45 was proven to have said/lied/presented 30,573 falsehoods while in office.” So, while the letter writer believes that Biden is a supposed liar due to the seven things he believes were lies, he forgets that Trump lied on average 20 times a day while he was in office. That didn’t bother the letter writer? The letter writer also doesn’t seem to understand that Congress had a border bill in front of them, but because of the serial liar and felon, they voted against the legislation. That’s not a lie.
John Bingham
Northwest side
Asylum seekers are a plus, not a burden
Re: the June 16 article “AZ Star article inadvertently revealed border secret.”
The letter writer appears to want to deny entry to all “migrants being pregnant” and “children with asthma” no matter if they are fleeing torture or extortion. Why? Because if they applied “legally” they would be rejected as future “public charges.” First, asylum seekers come legally per U.S. law whether they enter at a port or between ports. Second, all who enter have sponsors who pledge to provide financial support, either directly or through employment until they have worked for 10 years or become a citizen. It is no secret some who come have medical problems. But not the “millions” the letter writer alludes to.
Sara Busey
Green Valley
Biden getting worse
President Biden’s physical and mental conditions are getting worse. At a Juneteenth event, the crowd, including VP Harris, were clapping and dancing in place to some music, while Biden just stood there motionless with that empty gaze in his eyes. While at the G7 conference in Italy, and parachuting soldiers were landing, Biden seemed to aimlessly wander off and had to be physically pulled back by Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. At the weekend Hollywood gala of rich leftist actors fundraising for Biden, at the closing, former President Obama is seen leading an apparent clueless Biden off the stage. Folks, Biden is in a real physical and cognitive decline. It is rather sad and pitiful to watch, while domestic and foreign leaders act as if everything is ok with him, when knowing it is not, hiding the truth. Anything to get him re-elected, then six months later, a health-related resignation is announced, and the very unpopular and incompetent VP Harris becomes President.
Michael Wayne
Midtown
Why is Robbins still around?
Re: the June 18 article “We don’t care about your opinion of the UA.”
I am not a University of Arizona graduate or an economics major or one with financial savvy. Be that as it may, I simply do not understand why the university president is still around. The person responsible for the budget mess is the one who is going to fix it?
Toni Kane
Oro Valley
Taliban alive and well in Arizona
Dear Governor Hobbs,
Unlike the legislators who physically turned their backs to you when you reached across the aisle for collaboration, there are people out here who actually value fairness and equality.
The bills passed by the Republican majority-who walk in lockstep seemingly without any individual thinking — are the stuff of late-night TV comedy sketches. And those bills would be funny if not for their inherent injustice, vindictiveness and hatred.
Governor, you have withstood a tsunami of hate and revenge in a State with no shortage of either. Without your courageous actions, Arizona would be way beyond a late-night TV joke; we would be living in a Taliban-like government mindset where some ideological code of conduct is forced upon us with real-world consequences for stepping out of line.
Cannot imagine the intense pressure you face to stand up to the daily assault on our true freedoms that spew from this Legislature.
Governor Hobbs, we will not turn our backs on you!
Rick Rappaport
Oro Valley
The critical element — truth
One is immediately impressed by the amount of lying necessary to make Trump competitive ... but equally impressive are how many Americans go along with it. It also seems amazing that so many people are willing to trade in their precious freedom of democracy for the terrible imprisonment of autocracy.
Is it not understanding what we stand to lose? Do we appreciate what each of us has now, of how much we now decide, without direction, because of what we have? Do we appreciate enough the economics and civics necessary to understand the terrible difference between the two?
Under Trump, we won’t have those trustworthy facts we’re used to using for making choices. Since a lying Trump enabler will be involved somewhere, who knows what truth, or for that matter, reality, is!
An independently elected President and Congress, an independent judiciary, a professional Civil Service ... an accountability-for-actions applicable to everyone ... all are needed to provide that solid basis making all of us in charge!
NEVER take this for granted!
Frank Parsons
Northeast side
Water bill vetoes
Kudos to Governor Hobbs for respecting Arizona’s Groundwater Act by vetoing five ill-advised bills that do nothing to replenish Arizona’s limited underground aquifer.
Developers and homeowners, look to Tucson’s own Water Management Group for vision and practical ideas on water use. WMG has a living lab which demonstrates rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store the precious rain that falls on each home, apartment building and business rooftop.
We know about low-flow showers and toilets. Composting toilets could really reduce water use! Check out composting toilets at Watershed Management’s living lab!
Bea Quiroga
Midtown
When are you fired?
How many of the 10 Commandments does DJT need to break before his supporters say, “You’re Fired”?
Fran McNeely
Northeast side
Presidential election
I believe that many people, including myself, agree that the two candidates for President this year are among the most inept in history. One a doddering, old, individual approaching senility. The other a old, lying cheat and 34 times convicted felon. I ask you, in this wonderful country of 335 million people, with many brilliant, respected leaders are these two the best we could come up with. Please tell me it ain’t so. I suspect there is no legal way to postpone such an election, but wouldn’t it be great. Take two years to secure better candidates. Surely one or both of them will have died, be in a assisted home or a penitentiary. I’m sick knowing that the two parties will go ahead with what they’ve got, hoping that the unintelligent masses, of which I am a part, will allow such distasteful events to carry on.
Philip Reinecker
East side
Jan. 6 amnesia
Re: the June 19 letter “Trump trial.”
The author wants us to note the complete lack of violence, destruction and rioting by Trump supporters after Trump’s trial. Guess they weren’t too interested? So they deserve kudos for behaving like normal, civil citizens? Seems the author has total amnesia about the Jan. 6 insurrection, when we watched Trump’s supporters carry out a most violent, deadly, horrendous attack on our Capitol because their leader was infuriated he lost the election and wanted to overthrow our government to stay in power. It’s amazing how so many Republicans seem to have wiped that shameful day from their memories! Deny it, it doesn’t exist. The letter writer also tries to excuse the right’s egregious, violent behavior by bringing up the “horrible behavior that we see again and again from the left.” Such as? The abhorrent behavior of Trump supporters on Jan. 6 and their willingness to defend their Messiah using violence and intimidation cannot be erased with excuses, reverse blame, or minimization of their violent acts.
Deb Klumpp
Oro Valley
Moses not ‘original lawgiver’
In signing a new state law mandating the posting of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry referred to Moses as the “original lawgiver.” Though there is no direct archeological evidence for the existence of an individual named Moses, archeologists do have evidence that people from Canaan were enslaved in Egypt around the year 1200 BCE and that some did in fact escape to freedom. However, we also know that a number of “lawgivers” existed centuries before that time, including Ur-Nammu (2100 BCE) and Hammurabi (1792 BCE). Louisiana students, already inundated with sources of misinformation on social media, would be well advised to take Gov. Landry’s words with a grain of salt.
Salvador Gabaldón
Oro Valley
Jette is the best candidate
People who become prosecutors want to help foster community safety, support victims and try those charged with a crime. I recently talked with Mike Jette, who is running for Pima County Attorney challenging Laura Conover. Mike is soft-spoken, respectful, committed to fairness and humble in his effort to be chosen to lead the Pima County Attorney’s Office. He has studied the operation of the agency and believes that he can make a difference in terms of reestablishing a competent team that will make good charging decisions and provide mentoring and training for new prosecutors. He has a good plan to restaff the office, will evaluate office policies and build community trust by ensuring that habitual criminals are prosecuted appropriately, and young first-time offenders are treated reasonably. He will be forthright in evaluating the crime and history of the accused, proactive in caring for his staff, crime victims and their families and protecting the constitutional rights of the accused. He is smart and collaborative and is worthy of our votes.
Richard Harper
Northeast side
Road rage incidents
As a generally law-abiding/ good driver, I find the continual incidents of road rage shootings unnerving. I’m disgusted that violent residents are “encouraged” by the gun lobby and certain politicians to settle their grievances with weapons. Enough is enough! No more voting for politicians who ignore the issue or hide behind a jaded view of the 2nd Amendment.
Steve Poe
Midtown
Joe delivers for us
Today there are more people with health insurance in the United States than ever before. For the first time ever, a month’s supply of insulin for seniors is capped at $35 and their annual out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000. Joe’s executive orders now protect reproductive rights throughout the military.
Joe’s infrastructure law has created nearly 1 million new jobs with federal workers and contractors earning $15 per hour salaries. Our current 4% unemployment rate is the lowest in history.
The list of positive changes for Americans goes on and on and includes the country’s largest climate plan, gun safety laws, and more protections for veterans.
President Joe Biden promised to work for us, and he has certainly done so.
By the way, “Sleepy Joe” traveled back and forth to Europe three times during the week of June 12th to commemorate D-Day and strengthen partnerships with our allies.
The way I see it, Joe’s not the sleepy one.
Sally Mayersohn
Northwest side
Ten Commandments
Re: the June 26 letter “Commandments and beatitudes.”
In response to the letter writer, perhaps posting the Golden Rule in every classroom (“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”) would be the equitable solution since it satisfies all religions. In addition, I propose the return of the Pledge of Allegiance to classrooms. That way humanity and patriotism are covered.
Valerie Golembiewski
Southeast side
Vote for Soto for Board of Supervisors
As a long-time resident and voter in Pima County, I’ve never written a letter supporting a candidate — until now. Edgar Soto’s candidacy for the Pima County Board of Supervisors compels me to break that pattern.
During my nearly decade-long tenure as an instructor at Pima Community College’s Desert Vista campus, I had the privilege of interacting with Edgar. His actions as an administrator consistently demonstrated compassion, collaboration, and understanding. Whether engaging with staff, faculty, or students, Edgar’s positive impact was undeniable. He has made PCC a better, more effective college our entre community can be proud of.
I believe these qualities will serve our community well on the Board of Supervisors. Join me in voting for Edgar Soto in the upcoming primary and general elections. Let’s bring positive change to District 3!
Howard Weiss
Midtown
Adopt sane sustainable policies
Re: the June 21 article “Adopt sane sustainable policies.”
Thank you, Arizona Daily Star, for printing Don Dorschner’s editorial.
Like other well-written letters, I wish to add my support for Mr. Dorschner’s analysis. It is time to adopt “sane sustainable policies” with emphasis on “the common good” rather than the “entitled few,” And the time to support these policies is now. Our and future generations’ sustainability are at risk.
Dale Gehring
Midtown
- Christy Daniels, Northwest side
A recent poll conducted by McKinsey & Co.'s Mobility Consumer Pulse found that in America, 46% of current owners of Electric Vehicles (EV) were "very unlikely" to buy another one and were ready to switch back to gasoline powered vehicles. The reasons cited were lack of charging stations, costs of ownership, and concerns about long distance driving. In 2021 Biden signed an Infrastructure bill that provided billions of tax payer money to build 500,000 EV chargers across the country by 2030. Thus far, fewer than ten federally funded charges have been built. The Biden climate agenda rushed the sale of EVs to the public via $7,000 government taxpayer money buying incentives. Also, their EPA restrictive tail pipe emission mandates set to kick in a couple years from now will essentially eliminate gasoline and and diesel fueled vehicles. What should have happened was building the charging systems first, then pushing for sales of EVs. But the radical left wing climate activists running the White House could not wait.
Christy Daniels
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Shaki Johnson, East side
I read a lot of Democrat letters saying what will happen if Trump is re-elected President. The non-sense ranges from him acting as a dictator, Hitler, and putting his opponents in jail. Here are some realistic outcomes if Biden is re-elected. He will immediately lift his Executive Order on the border and again open it to millions more to illegally enter the country and become future Democrat voters. He will pass his multi-trillion dollar Build Back Better legislation that will once again cause inflation to skyrocket. He will continue to placate and appease Iran. He will end the bi-partisan passed 2005 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Firearms Act that if repealed, would put firearms manufacturers out of business. He will continue federal dictates supporting biological males participating in women's sports, discriminatory DEI, enact bans on semi-automatic rifles and pistols that will turn millions of current lawful owners into criminals. And he will put into overdrive the EPA enacting more punitive and costly CO2 regulations.
Shaki Johnson
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Cesar Krauss, Nogales
Managing a chronic condition brings forth a lot of challenges, but I’d never expect there to be so many hoops to jump through when it comes to getting my medication. I suffer from a severe form of psoriasis and follow a stringent treatment regimen that includes a combination of light therapies, retinoids, and a specific drug called methotrexate.
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are middlemen who work to connect patients with pharmacies that have the medications they need. However, because of their outsized power in determining where patients can go, they have become increasingly abusive at the expense of both patients like me and the local pharmacies that we’ve long gone to.
PBMs have only increased my stress thanks to their corrupt practices, and I’m eager to see Arizona’s lawmakers take the issue of PBM reform seriously.
Sincerely,
Cesar Krauss
Cesar Krauss
Nogales
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jack Walters, Northeast side
Thirty one of the forty six who stormed the building have had all charges dropped. Nine others were offered plea deals which were rejected out of unity with the others. They were released based on lack of evidence of committing property damage. They were wearing masks and blocked surveillance cameras.
. Anyone who was found in the building is guilty. That is what happened to the January Six people inside the Capital.
We saw them breaking in Hamilton Hall, destroying furnishings, barricading rooms and fighting with police. They also held janitors hostage.
This is the Manhattan District attorney department that spent millions convicting Trump. It seems that Alvin Bragg has priorities on who gets convicted.
How would you feel if you were one of the police officers who were doing battle with them acting on orders to clear the building only to see charges dropped?
Jack Walters
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Don Ries, Southeast side
The media pits those banning abortion against a group for abortions. No one is for abortion, but many of us know that every woman should have the right to an abortion when she and or her doctor decide that is needed. I believe all people would be happier if there were no abortions. The real question is, what is the most effective way to reduce the number of abortions? A ban is only for the poor, the rich can travel in or out of the country for an abortion. More effective is to have only planned pregnancies. Those who want a child don’t have abortions barring medical complications. Contraception, family planning, maternal health care, infant care and nutrition, and support for parents will reduce the need for abortions far better than any ban. Who do you want your doctor to consult when your daughter or wife has an emergency during pregnancy, another doctor or a lawyer?
Don Ries
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Robert Gavlak, Midtown
Feeling the time is ripe, the Louisiana legislature has boldly thrown down the gauntlet in yet another challenge to the First Amendment by mandating that the Ten Commandments be displayed in all public classrooms. In normal times this insanely conspicuous violation of the establishment clause would be deftly rejected out of hand, since the first four entries on this list explicitly reference religious, and not moral precepts and are effectively nothing more than an ecclesiastical preamble to the following six common sense ethical guidelines.
We may divine that the source of this timely audacity lies in the predominantly religious persuasion of the current Supreme Court that is well on its way to dismantling piecemeal many of our greatest egalitarian traditions. The precedence being systematically established through its mounting record of iconoclastic rulings is a virtual invitation to all unorthodox non-secular challenges.
As it pertains to maximally enduring social consequence, an eventual reestablishment of sensible equilibrium on the court may well be the highest priority in deciding the next presidency.
Robert Gavlak
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Thad Appelman, Northwest side
Re: June 14 article: “DOJ slams Phoenix police over civil rights violations”. It saddens me to hear this in 2024. We formed a brutal police system to deal with runaway slaves; it persists today. And not just Phoenix, I have been victim of Tucson’s goon squad, pulled out of bed at 2AM, beaten, jailed in a cell with no mattress on the springs. And I’m white but dared try to inquire if having a gun jammed in my face during a traffic stop was OK with TPD. Maybe too many secret cultural police laws that makes them look more like a gang than a valid form of law enforcement
Thad Appelman
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
Brutal cops
Re: the June 14 article “DOJ slams Phoenix police over civil rights violations.”
It saddens me to hear this in 2024. We formed a brutal police system to deal with runaway slaves; it persists today. And not just Phoenix, I have been victim of Tucson’s goon squad, pulled out of bed at 2 a.m., beaten, jailed in a cell with no mattress on the springs. And I’m white but dared try to inquire if having a gun jammed in my face during a traffic stop was OK with TPD. Maybe too many secret cultural police laws that makes them look more like a gang than a valid form of law enforcement.
Thad Appelman
Northwest side
Two budget busters responsible for Arizona deficit
Re: the June 16 article “Blame income-tax cuts for Arizona deficit.”
Thanks to Tim Steller for featuring one budget buster causing Arizona’s deficit: the implementation of the GOP’s flat tax. We went from a budget surplus to our current budget catastrophe. The GOP ignored warnings that implementing a flat tax would put us in a huge deficit.
The other budget buster that continues to drive our budget into unsustainability was the GOP expansion of the ESA program (vouchers). It now has a price tag of $864 million.
Major cuts to infrastructure, universities, low-income schools, natural resources, and vital services and programs are unacceptable. Arizona cannot continue to thrive on bare-bones budgets and continued fiscal irresponsibility.
Both the flat tax rate and the expansion of the ESA program are responsible for Arizona’s $1.5 billion deficit. Both programs primarily benefit the wealthy amongst us. Astonishingly there is no movement on fixing our tax structure. And the ESA program continues on with zero transparency or accountability with no guardrails on student account balances now sitting at $175 million.
Kathy Krucker
Midtown
Get the middlemen out of our pharmacies
Managing a chronic condition brings forth a lot of challenges, but I’d never expect there to be so many hoops to jump through when it comes to getting my medication. I suffer from a severe form of psoriasis and follow a stringent treatment regimen that includes a combination of light therapies, retinoids, and a specific drug called methotrexate.
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are middlemen who work to connect patients with pharmacies that have the medications they need. However, because of their outsized power in determining where patients can go, they have become increasingly abusive at the expense of both patients like me and the local pharmacies that we’ve long gone to.
PBMs have only increased my stress thanks to their corrupt practices, and I’m eager to see Arizona’s lawmakers take the issue of PBM reform seriously.
Sincerely,
Cesar Krauss
Nogales
Why not the Six Commandments?
Feeling the time is ripe, the Louisiana Legislature has boldly thrown down the gauntlet in yet another challenge to the First Amendment by mandating that the Ten Commandments be displayed in all public classrooms. In normal times, this insanely conspicuous violation of the establishment clause would be deftly rejected out of hand, since the first four entries on this list explicitly reference religious, and not moral precepts and are effectively nothing more than an ecclesiastical preamble to the following six common sense ethical guidelines.
We may divine that the source of this timely audacity lies in the predominantly religious persuasion of the current Supreme Court that is well on its way to dismantling piecemeal many of our greatest egalitarian traditions. The precedence being systematically established through its mounting record of iconoclastic rulings is a virtual invitation to all unorthodox non-secular challenges.
As it pertains to maximally enduring social consequence, an eventual reestablishment of sensible equilibrium on the court may well be the highest priority in deciding the next presidency.
Robert Gavlak
Midtown
On abortion
The media pits those banning abortion against a group for abortions.
No one is for abortion, but many of us know that every woman should have the right to an abortion when she and or her doctor decide that is needed. I believe all people would be happier if there were no abortions. The real question is, what is the most effective way to reduce the number of abortions? A ban is only for the poor, the rich can travel in or out of the country for an abortion. More effective is to have only planned pregnancies.
Those who want a child don’t have abortions, barring medical complications. Contraception, family planning, maternal health care, infant care and nutrition, and support for parents will reduce the need for abortions far better than any ban. Who do you want your doctor to consult when your daughter or wife has an emergency during pregnancy, another doctor or a lawyer?
Don Ries
Southeast side
Short-term bumps?
With all due respect to the writer of the letter in support of UA President Robbins, and the ad signed by his supporters, the reference to short-term bumps in the road is very insensitive to those of us grieving the loss of Dr. Thomas Meixner, my son-in-law, and beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, professor and colleague in the amazing Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department.
Jocelyn Cotter
Midtown
Charges dropped for rioters
Thirty-one of the 46 who stormed Hamilton Hall of Columbia University have had all charges dropped. Nine others were offered plea deals, which were rejected out of unity with the others. They were released based on lack of evidence of committing property damage. They were wearing masks and blocked surveillance cameras.
Anyone who was found in the building is guilty. That is what happened to the Jan. 6 people inside the Capitol.
We saw them breaking into Hamilton Hall, destroying furnishings, barricading rooms and fighting with police. They also held janitors hostage.
This is the Manhattan District attorney department that spent millions convicting Trump. It seems that Alvin Bragg has priorities on who gets convicted.
How would you feel if you were one of the police officers who were doing battle with them acting on orders to clear the building only to see charges dropped?
Jack Walters
Northeast side
Plastic pellets, manufactured microplastics
Growing up in Tucson, I was always taught that we do not have water to spare, so we must take any type of water pollution seriously. The good news: In April, the Environmental Protection Agency announced funding to clean up PFAS-contaminated water in Tucson. The bad news: there’s a new threat to our waterways, plastic pellets.
Many common plastic products are made from small pellets, which are regularly dumped and spilled into waterways by companies that make, use, or transport them. Once there, they can become little poison pills by absorbing and transporting toxic chemicals including DDT, mercury, and PFAS. Those toxins make their way into our systems when we drink water or eat fish contaminated by these pesky pellets.
As a student of environmental studies and an intern at Environment America, national office of Environment Arizona, I am calling on Representative Ciscomani, Senator Kelly, and Senator Sinema to support the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act which will ban the discharge of plastic pellets into our waterways.
Camille Beaulieu
Foothills
Endorsing Soto
I spent 30 years in the Marana Unified School District, the last eight as Superintendent. I understand the importance of the Supervisor’s position as it affects the lives of our children.
The Marana school district is a better place because of the caring of a lifelong friend of the District, Sharon Bronson. I have no doubt that Mr. Edgar Soto will continue the support and caring that the District has had and now enjoys.
Mr. Soto cares about Tucson. As a star athlete, successful coach, and currently the leader of the Desert Vista Campus of Pima Community College, Mr. Soto has exhibited the leadership skills necessary to represent the constituents of District 3 in Pima County. Organizing, budgeting, facilitating, and leading the Desert Vista Community College is an important responsibility. He has excelled in this endeavor and enjoys the support of the students, parents, and community. He understands the importance of educating all members of our community.
As a member of the Pima Community College Board of Governors, I have watched him rise from coach to District Athletic Director to Campus Vice President. His commitment, devotion, and leadership skills have been validated by the College’s administration.
While Mr. Soto has worked diligently at the college level, he has also been instrumental in the economic development of our county and state. He has connected himself with several community members to establish a vision for Southern Arizona’s economic future.
When you meet Edgar, first you will see his smile and receive a handshake. He will instill in you a feeling that he cares. He cares about people and their plight to make their lives and their family’s lives better. There’s no doubt that he would bring this optimistic, caring, and committed attitude with him to make the Pima County Board of Supervisors more successful.
Edgar Soto cares and is a winner. I hope you’ll join me in supporting him as he moves forward in this endeavor. Elect Edgar Soto for Pima County Board of Supervisors District 3!
Dr. Wade McLean
Foothills
If Biden is re-elected
I read a lot of Democrat letters saying what will happen if Donald Trump is re-elected President. The nonsense ranges from him acting as a dictator, Hitler, and putting his opponents in jail.
Here are some realistic outcomes if President Biden is re-elected. He will immediately lift his Executive Order on the border and again open it to millions more to illegally enter the country and become future Democrat voters. He will pass his multi-trillion dollar Build Back Better legislation that will once again cause inflation to skyrocket. He will continue to placate and appease Iran. He will end the bipartisan passed 2005 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Firearms Act that if repealed, would put firearms manufacturers out of business. He will continue federal dictates supporting biological males participating in women’s sports, discriminatory DEI, enact bans on semi-automatic rifles and pistols that will turn millions of current lawful owners into criminals. And he will put into overdrive the EPA, enacting more punitive and costly CO2 regulations.
Shaki Johnson
East side
Local athlete deserves better coverage
After watching a stellar performance by Delaney Schell in the Women’s 10-meter platform individual event, imagine my disappointment with the coverage given by our local paper. Delaney is a local gem, representing the the U of A, local diving clubs, and will again be competing in two events at the Paris Olympics.
Not only that, she just completed a rigorous graduate program, and was named an All-American athlete, which also allowed the University to create a new therapy room for students with communication needs. In all of this, she’s been gracious and humble. With greater focus for women athletes nationally, it would be nice to include more local personalities.
Susan Essington
Southwest side
Poll: 46% of EV owners want to switch back
A recent poll conducted by McKinsey & Co.’s Mobility Consumer Pulse found that in America, 46% of current owners of Electric Vehicles (EV) were “very unlikely” to buy another one and were ready to switch back to gasoline-powered vehicles.
The reasons cited were lack of charging stations, costs of ownership and concerns about long-distance driving. In 2021, President Biden signed an Infrastructure bill that provided billions of taxpayer money to build 500,000 EV chargers across the country by 2030. Thus far, fewer than 10 federally funded charges have been built.
The Biden climate agenda rushed the sale of EVs to the public via $7,000 government taxpayer money buying incentives. Also, their EPA restrictive tail pipe emission mandates set to kick in a couple years from now will essentially eliminate gasoline and and diesel-fueled vehicles.
What should have happened was building the charging systems first, then pushing for sales of EVs. But the radical left-wing climate activists running the White House could not wait.
Christy Daniels
Northwest side
- Priya Sundareshan, East side
Arizona, we are at a crossroads. As a member of the state Senate, I have had a front row seat to the Republicans’ efforts to chip away at our rights.
School choice, voting rights, and our reproductive rights have all been under attack.
It goes beyond the Legislature. This November we have Kari Lake at the top of our ballot, who, on the day that Roe was overturned, said “nothing can wipe the smile off my face today.”
Kari Lake called the 1864 ban a “great” law. She encouraged local sheriffs to enforce it. To try to jail women.
This November, must flip the legislature blue. We must pass the Arizonans for Abortion Access initiative to safeguard reproductive freedom.
Our opponents have made it clear they will not hesitate to strip away our rights, but we will not back down.
By voting for Ruben Gallego and supporting Democratic candidates in the legislature, we can fight back and secure a future where reproductive rights are protected.
Priya Sundareshan
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- David Pearse, Foothills
Gil Shapiro accuses Trump supporters of "supernatural beliefs," and although he talks about "that pesky need for evidence or proof," he offers none to support his supernatural belief charge. As for facts: inflation remained under 2% under Trump but ballooned to 9% under Biden. Illegal Southern border crossings under Biden exceed 6.4 million, more than four times than under Trump. Wages outpaced inflation under Trump, the opposite of Biden. Currently, 36% of Americans rate the economy as poor and another 41% rate it as "only fair."
So although Mr. Shapiro would like to portray belief in Trump as "supernatural beliefs," we see there are sound reasons for supporting Mr. Trump over Mr. Biden. Perhaps next time, Mr. Shapiro can include some "evidence and proof" in his attacks on Trump, rather than resorting to ad hominem attacks with no proof offered whatsoever.
David Pearse
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Scott Lukomski, Northeast side
While the catalogue of Donald Trump's lies and fabrication is vast, his most recent claim to have been tortured while being booked at the Fulton County Courthouse is absurd. Does he really expect people to believe that while surrounded by his secret service guards he was abused and/or tormented?
It's hard to believe that someone who wants to run our country can spew such lunacy. Unfortunately, there are millions of people who will believe this assertion simply because it comes from his mouth. And send him more money.
I wonder if the folks at the Fulton County Courthouse can sue for slander?
But I guess it's just another example of the verbal diarrhea that free flows from Trump.
Scott Lukomski
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheldon Metz, Northeast side
Amendment 1 - Congress is prohibited from establishing a religion or interfering with religious freedom, free speech, or the right of citizens to petition the government to settle their grievances in a PEACEFUL manner.
No religious affiliation will be required to hold office in the U.S. government, as is proposed by the previous candidate's PROJECT 2025.
The Constitution, U.S. laws, and Treaties shall be "the supreme law of the land," BINDING on every judge in every state, including Texas and the Fifth Circuit in Louisiana. If you don’t like the rules, quit, but don’t shoot children.
A maniac has disrupted the way of life we’ve enjoyed and in which we've been relatively safe. His fear-inducing falsehoods have forced neighbors to buy guns to defend themselves against neighbors they’ve known for years.
His three appointments to SCOTUS has hurt us with seemingly innocuous decisions. He spews hate and people hear him. Now hear us.
Before voting read, Project 2025 online. That's his real agenda.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Spencer Elliott, Oro Valley
For those with a strong stomach, I suggest reading Project 2025, a guide to the next conservative administration. Its authors are particularly grateful to have the help of dedicated members of The Heritage Foundation’s management and policy teams. I think it would be more honest if the Heritage Foundation changed its name to the Hemorrhage Foundation. Implementing this manifesto would drain the lifeblood from our democracy and replace it with the formaldehyde of theocracy. Vote like our freedoms depend on it; it does.
Spencer Elliott
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Ramina Izaak, Sahuarita
Dear editor,
I’ve been on a combination of antidepressant medications for over a decade. With this medication, I’m able to feel normal almost instantly every morning I take it.
But whenever I miss my medication, I get terrible headaches, and it takes a few days to get readjusted. I take generic medication to save on costs, but even their prices have increased in recent years. After doing some research, I found out that a big reason for this is the presence of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in our drug marketplace.
PBMs are unchecked middlemen that control 80% of all treatments on the market. This means they have a disproportionate grip on access to medication, and they frequently abuse their power to send patients to specific pharmacies that give them more cash back in rebates, hurting patients’ well-being.
Patients shouldn’t be left at the whims of shady middlemen, and the DRUG Act ensures that will no longer be the case.
Sincerely,
Ramina Isaac
Ramina Izaak
Sahuarita
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Steve Rasmussen, Foothills
Re: the letter on June 24 titled “Presidential Race”, I found the logic to be suspect. The author says, “ But between Hurricane Hillary, Incompetent Joe and Felon Donald, I'll take the felon any day”. But Donald is more than just felonious; he’s a fascist and a sociopath. Once people have accepted the Trump brand, it seems that no amount of facts can dissuade them from his product. Rationalizing the support for such a flawed man is the harbinger of fascism. Author Jason Stanley has said that fascism is the politics of “us vs them”. This is exactly what Trump has been selling since 2015. The “them” must be overpowered and marginalized so that a one party system can be established, free of the so called evil left. Many of the MAGA acolytes I’ve spoken with, want a one party system. This is what authoritarianism is all about. Our Founders would not be amused.
Steve Rasmussen
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Linda Schaub, Southeast side
The following is taken from an article Published by E.J.Antoni: This needs to read! The monthly mortgage payment on a median price home has more than doubled since President Biden took office, rising 119.5%! Yet Biden continues to push for even more of what created this mess: trillions of dollars in new government spending. His latest proposed budget would set yet another record for government spending, even exceeding anything America has seen during wars, recessions, or Covid.
But all this government spending must be paid for, one way or another. The Biden administration has chosen to use the hidden tax of inflation to cover their budget shortfalls, resulting in a veritable cost-of-living crisis across America, with housing costs playing a large role. To be clear, this is not a matter of politics but policy. Congressional Republicans and Democrats alike have been complicit in facilitating the Biden’s administration’s big-government agenda which has resulted in the present cost-of-living crisis.
Linda Schaub
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Gusher Adams, North side
Laken Riley was a nursing student in Georgia. She was brutally murdered by a Venezuelan man, who had entered the country illegally and was released from custody. Rachel Morin, a mother of 5 children, was brutally raped and murdered in August 2023, by a man illegally in the country from El Salvador, where he fled from being wanted for murder. He was recently arrested in Maryland. He is also a suspect in an attack of a 9 year old girl in Los Angeles. Joycelyn Nungaray, a 12 year old girl, was raped, strangled to death and dumped in a creek under a bridge by 2 Venezuelan men here illegally. In New York City, Samaritans came to rescue of a two 13 year old girls, who had been tied up in a park and raped by a man from Ecuador, who had entered illegally. In Missouri, State Troopers stopped a vehicle with 5 illegal aliens accused of kidnapping a 14 year old girl. Biden's open border policies caused these horrific crimes.
Gusher Adams
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
PAC-12 conference of champions
“The PAC-12 Conference of Champions.” UCLA and NBA Champion Bill Walton uttered those words in a joyful manner often during his back-up host appearances on televised basketball games and at other times. Now unfortunately, both big Bill and his beloved Conference of Champions are now consigned to the letters of history. Both will be missed.
Robert Hennkens
Marana
PBMs are unchecked and are hurting us
Dear editor,
I’ve been on a combination of antidepressant medications for over a decade. With this medication, I’m able to feel normal almost instantly every morning I take it.
But whenever I miss my medication, I get terrible headaches, and it takes a few days to get readjusted. I take generic medication to save on costs, but even their prices have increased in recent years. After doing some research, I found out that a big reason for this is the presence of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in our drug marketplace.
PBMs are the unchecked middlemen that control 80% of all treatments on the market. This means they have a disproportionate grip on access to medication, and they frequently abuse their power to send patients to specific pharmacies that give them more cash back in rebates, hurting patients’ well-being.
Patients shouldn’t be left at the whims of shady middlemen, and the DRUG Act ensures that will no longer be the case.
Sincerely,
Ramina Izaak
Sahuarita
Stick to the three Rs
Re: the June 20 article “Unfounded fear of social emotional learning and DEI.”
A microcosm of DEI has just played out in Grangeville, Idaho concerning DEI for public school students in K-5 grades. At Grangeville’s open school board meeting, one man defended Amplify DEI’s mission statement: “We help teachers craft rigorous learning experiences that reflect the diverse histories, culture, and identities their students bring to the classroom.”
But a concerned parent speaks differently of that rhetoric: “Amplify sexualizes and desensitizes children, undermines traditional values, as well as parents and their parental rights, refers children to harmful resources and violates natural age appropriateness. It (Amplify) does not represent true diversity and equity and is especially skewed towards non-Christian beliefs.”
The problem is it may take generations for the truth of this issue to be realized. Experimenting on grades K-5 on social themes is not the role of public schools. Stick to the three R’s: reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic.
Daniel Pryor
West side
Hear us, not him! Read Project 2025
Amendment 1 — Congress is prohibited from establishing a religion or interfering with religious freedom, free speech, or the right of citizens to petition the government to settle their grievances in a peaceful manner.
No religious affiliation will be required to hold office in the U.S. government, as is proposed by the previous candidate’s Project 2025.
The Constitution, U.S. laws, and treaties shall be “the supreme law of the land,” binding on every judge in every state, including Texas and the Fifth Circuit in Louisiana. If you don’t like the rules, quit, but don’t shoot children.
A maniac has disrupted the way of life we’ve enjoyed and in which we’ve been relatively safe. His fear-inducing falsehoods have forced neighbors to buy guns to defend themselves against neighbors they’ve known for years.
His three appointments to SCOTUS have hurt us with seemingly innocuous decisions. He spews hate and people hear him. Now hear us.
Before voting, read Project 2025 online. That’s his real agenda.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Choose Ruben Gallego over Kari Lake
The future of reproductive freedom in Arizona is up for grabs this November.
We have two options: Kari Lake, who said, “nothing can wipe the smile off my face” when Roe v. Wade was overturned, or Ruben Gallego, who said he was “enraged” by the Dobbs ruling.
In April, reproductive rights went from being a national nightmare to Arizona’s reality.
When the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that the Dobbs decision allowed the dormant ban, buried deep in Arizona law and passed in 1864 before Arizona was even a state, to now be enforceable, Kari Lake rejoiced.
She called it a “great law,” complained when Democrats temporarily paused its enforcement, and begged sheriffs to throw women and doctors in jail for providing basic healthcare.
Ruben Gallego disagreed. He said the ban was “devastating news for Arizona women, whose rights have been set back 160 years.”
Who do you trust more to determine our future on reproductive rights? I think it’s clear that the answer is Ruben Gallego.
Marion Weber
Northwest side
I-11 and climate change
Local government leaders, and not just “environmentalists,” have realized for decades that the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert attracts millions of visitors — and their money — to Tucson every year. Representatives at all levels of government have for decades protected the home of Saguaro National Park, Ironwood Forest National Monument, and Tucson Mountains Park, with Pima County’s Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan.
Why is Governor Hobbs now ignoring decades of precedence and making preparations to accommodate more CO2-spewing cars and trucks for decades to come when everyone else on the planet is working toward burning less fossil fuels? Those who still deny the science of human-caused climate change are either ignorant, incredibly greedy, or both. We should be planning ways to move goods from Mexico more efficiently — maybe by rail, but not truck — and using the right-of-way that largely already exists along the I-10 and I-19 corridor.
Mike Cardwell
West side
Rapes, murders thanks to Biden border policy
Laken Riley was a nursing student in Georgia. She was brutally murdered by a Venezuelan man, who had entered the country illegally and was released from custody. Rachel Morin, a mother of five children, was brutally raped and murdered in August 2023, by a man illegally in the country from El Salvador, where he fled from being wanted for murder. He was recently arrested in Maryland. He is also a suspect in an attack of a nine-year-old girl in Los Angeles. Joycelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl, was raped, strangled to death and dumped in a creek under a bridge by two Venezuelan men here illegally. In New York City, Samaritans came to the rescue of two 13-year-old girls, who had been tied up in a park and raped by a man from Ecuador, who had entered illegally. In Missouri, state troopers stopped a vehicle with 5 undocumented accused of kidnapping a 14-year-old girl. Biden’s open border policies caused these horrific crimes.
Gusher Adams
North side
Biden’s budget
The following is taken from an article published by E.J.Antoni: This needs to read! The monthly mortgage payment on a median price home has more than doubled since President Biden took office, rising 119.5%! Yet Biden continues to push for even more of what created this mess: trillions of dollars in new government spending. His latest proposed budget would set yet another record for government spending, even exceeding anything America has seen during wars, recessions, or COVID.
But all this government spending must be paid for, one way or another. The Biden administration has chosen to use the hidden tax of inflation to cover their budget shortfalls, resulting in a veritable cost-of-living crisis across America, with housing costs playing a large role. To be clear, this is not a matter of politics but policy. Congressional Republicans and Democrats alike have been complicit in facilitating the Biden’s administration’s big-government agenda which has resulted in the present cost-of-living crisis.
Linda Schaub
Southeast side
Rationalizing fascism
Re: the June 24 letter “Presidential race.”
I found the logic of this letter to be suspect. The author says, “But between Hurricane Hillary, Incompetent Joe and Felon Donald, I’ll take the felon any day”. But Donald is more than just felon, he’s a fascist and a sociopath. Once people have accepted the Trump brand, it seems that no amount of facts can dissuade them from his product. Rationalizing the support for such a flawed man is the harbinger of fascism. Author Jason Stanley has said that fascism is the politics of “us vs them.” This is exactly what Trump has been selling since 2015. The “them” must be overpowered and marginalized so that a one-party system can be established, free of the so-called evil left. Many of the MAGA acolytes I’ve spoken with, want a one-party system. This is what authoritarianism is all about. Our Founders would not be amused.
Steve Rasmussen
Foothills
Name change
For those with a strong stomach, I suggest reading Project 2025, a guide to the next conservative administration. Its authors are particularly grateful to have the help of dedicated members of The Heritage Foundation’s management and policy teams. I think it would be more honest if the Heritage Foundation changed its name to the Hemorrhage Foundation. Implementing this manifesto would drain the lifeblood from our democracy and replace it with the formaldehyde of theocracy. Vote like our freedom depends on it; it does.
Spencer Elliott
Oro Valley
Trump tortures us
While the catalogue of Donald Trump’s lies and fabrication is vast, his most recent claim to have been tortured while being booked at the Fulton County Courthouse is absurd. Does he really expect people to believe that while surrounded by his secret service guards he was abused and/or tormented?
It’s hard to believe that someone who wants to run our country can spew such lunacy. Unfortunately, there are millions of people who will believe this assertion simply because it comes from his mouth. And send him more money.
I wonder if the folks at the Fulton County Courthouse can sue for slander?
But I guess it’s just another example of the verbal diarrhea that free flows from Trump.
Scott Lukomski
Northeast side
Hooray for Delaney
We should celebrate and get behind Delaney Schnell, who is going to her second Olympics in the incredibly hard sport of platform diving. Not only is she one of the best in the world but she is a terrific person, both sweet and kind. I used to dive at the U of A with her and I knew she would go far.
Her parents did a fantastic job and must be thrilled.
Robert McNeil
Midtown
Reply to Gil Shapiro op ed of 6/23/24
Re: the June 23 article “Have Trump supporters been seduced by the supernatural?”
Gil Shapiro accuses Trump supporters of “supernatural beliefs,” and although he talks about “that pesky need for evidence or proof,” he offers none to support his supernatural belief charge. As for facts: inflation remained under 2% under Trump but ballooned to 9% under Biden. Illegal Southern border crossings under Biden exceed 6.4 million, more than four times than under Trump. Wages outpaced inflation under Trump, the opposite of Biden. Currently, 36% of Americans rate the economy as poor and another 41% rate it as “only fair.”
So although Mr. Shapiro would like to portray belief in Trump as “supernatural beliefs,” we see there are sound reasons for supporting Mr. Trump over Mr. Biden. Perhaps next time, Mr. Shapiro can include some “evidence and proof” in his attacks on Trump, rather than resorting to ad hominem attacks with no proof offered whatsoever.
David Pearse
Foothills
Arizona needs Gallego
Arizona, we are at a crossroads. As a member of the state Senate, I have had a front-row seat to the Republicans’ efforts to chip away at our rights.
School choice, voting rights, and our reproductive rights have all been under attack.
It goes beyond the Legislature. This November we have Kari Lake at the top of our ballot, who, on the day that Roe was overturned, said “nothing can wipe the smile off my face today.”
Kari Lake called the 1864 ban a “great” law. She encouraged local sheriffs to enforce it. To try to jail women.
This November we must flip the Legislature blue. We must pass the Arizonans for Abortion Access initiative to safeguard reproductive freedom.
Our opponents have made it clear they will not hesitate to strip away our rights, but we will not back down.
By voting for Ruben Gallego and supporting Democratic candidates in the legislature, we can fight back and secure a future where reproductive rights are protected.
Priya Sundareshan
East side
- Updated
Life sentences
Typically, it is a judge who declares a life sentence in court, but Arizona’s GOP legislators want to change this to giving lifelong terms to judges. Realizing that Justices Clint Bolick and Kathryn King will likely be removed from their positions due to their recent rulings on abortion, Republicans are trying to change the rules. The result would be life sentences as judges rather than allowing voters to select appropriate judicial choices every four years as is the current procedure. If approved, the six-year term now would change to permanent placement as a judge, a procedure with which voters cannot abide. Certainly, the Dude would not.
I urge all voters to reject this inane notion and reject the illogical and inane Republican scheme.
Roger Shanley
East side
Constitution wording
Re: the July 2 letter “Finally.”
The letter’s author correctly writes that the phrase “Separation of Church and State” cannot be found in the Constitution. However, the First Amendment’s phrase “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…” is the foundation for the concept of separation of church and state in the United States. It’s known as the Establishment Clause. While the words “separation of church and state” aren’t explicitly written in the Constitution, this clause is interpreted as requiring the government to stay out of matters of religion. The Supreme Court has used these two parts of the First Amendment to determine many cases regarding the separation of church and state throughout U.S. history.
Louisiana’s law requiring posting the Ten Commandments in school classrooms is simply an attempt by the Christian right to impose their religion on the general public. Another part of the First Amendment, the Free Exercise Clause, protects the right of individuals to practice their religion freely. This prevents a state from injecting religious beliefs into the public schools.
Leonard Thurman
West side
Why I back Biden
This is in response to those who feel President Biden should retire. At this late date, nothing short of a miracle would enable a younger Democratic candidate to raise the funds, make the needed pitch, and get voters to unit behind him/her between now and November. If Dean Phillips and RFK, Jr. couldn’t do it, what makes anyone think it will happen within the next four months? Like it or not, Biden represents our best — if not only — chance of beating Donald Trump. If by some miracle Republican leadership were to succeed in getting rid of Trump and turning over their nomination to someone who at least understands what democracy is, nothing would make this Democrat happier. That’s the one event that might finally convince Biden to take a well-deserved retirement. However, I’m not holding my breath. Unless or until Trump disappears for good, I stand by Biden.
Cynthia Coan
East side
No need to vote anymore
All Americans that witnessed the events on that fateful day Jan. 6, 2021, know that the convicted felon ex-president attempted to overthrow our government. The consequence of the SCOTUS decision on presidential immunity would allow (if re-elected) the convicted felon ex-president to re-construct our country’s way of governing and install himself as dictator.
Ironic isn’t it? He failed in his takeover attempt through violence. But he succeeded in positioning himself for a possible takeover using the very court designed to protect our citizenry. In this decision, SCOTUS has bestowed the tyrannical power of a dictator to a twice -impeached, convicted felon ex-president. And the MAGA Republicans accuse the administration of operating as a banana republic.
A DT election will have, I believe, a disruptive affect throughout the world. To what extent? I cannot say. To those who might believe otherwise, I offer a thought: be careful what you vote for this November, because like DT said “after November, you won’t need to vote anymore”.
Ernest Saccani
Foothills
Words matter
As an African American, I was taken aback when I read that a candidate for Justice of the Peace, Michael Buglewicz, used the word “colored” to describe the African American community. He did this at a recent candidate’s forum put on by the NAACP. The n-word, negro and colored are words from an era of legal discrimination against African Americans, during which I grew up. After the Civil Rights Movement ended the Jim Crow laws, my community wanted to be called Black or African American. The fact that a candidate for judicial office does not know that is troubling. I support Judge Charlene Pesqueira for reelection because as a Latina woman, she has experienced discrimination herself and has the sensitivity not use words like “colored” to describe my community and respects everyone who comes before her. They say justice is blind. Justice should also be color blind.
Gary Harrison
Southeast side
Nobody is above the law
The whole world agrees that nobody is above the law. The World Court exists to bring dictators, murderers and the worst of the worst international criminals to justice. Trump has said if he is elected again he would seek revenge on those he thinks are against him and stifle journalists who don’t portray him favorably. Republicans are compiling a list of government workers who they think are against Trump. The corrupt, conservative Justices on the Supreme Court have granted Trump immunity from committing acts against these people. The whole world believes that no person is above the law. Only four men on our Supreme Court see differently.
Daniel Poryanda
Southeast side
Hurricane Trump
Re: the July 2 letter “Bag of wind.”
Many, many kudos to the writer of the letter. He hit the nail on the head on how Trump should be treated. Joe Biden (and all Dems) need to stop treating this human mistake as if he were a serious person — he is NOT. He IS, however, a threat to the nation and to the world. Treating him like the ignorant, infantile, self-serving, thin-skinned sociopath that he is will be far more effective than engaging in the exhausting task of trying to refute the diarrhea of lies that flows nonstop from his silly mouth. Just make fun of the fool that he is — I mean, who brings up prowess at golf at a Presidential Debate?! Barack Obama made public fun of Trump years ago, and DJT is still fuming over it. Looks like it works!
Hope Gastelum
East side
Primary blindness
I just received a card in the mail urging me to vote for Rachel Jones and Cory McGarr on July 30. The ad did not say if this was a primary or general election, nor did it say which party they belong to. In the primary you can only vote in one party’s primary. If you are registered as an independent, you must choose which ballot to receive. It would be nice to know which to ask for if you support them. They want to “arrest and deport all illegal aliens”. There are no aliens in the country, only human beings. If you remove 11 million or more immigrants, who will fix your roof, harvest the fruits and vegetables you eat, process the meat you enjoy, or care for loved ones in so many medical facilities? Not all such workers are undocumented, but enough are that the economic fallout would be devastating.
Donald Ries
Southeast side
The Establishment Clause
Re: the July 2 letter “Finally.”
A recent letter writer endorsing the Louisiana legislature’s insertion of the Ten Commandments into all public school classrooms was correct that the words “separation of church and state” do not appear in the U.S. Constitution. That’s because the phrase is a constitutional concept, not a quote.
It reflects the intent of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause that begins with, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…” The clause prohibits governmental entities from favoring one religion over another or giving preference to religious groups over non-religious groups.
There are at least three versions of the Ten Commandments — Catholic/Lutheran, Jewish, and Protestant/Reformed traditions. Requiring a specific version be posted in public spaces privileges one religion over others, a violation of the Establishment Clause.
I believe Louisiana’s state-approved endorsement of the Protestant version of the Ten Commandments will be overturned. Thankfully, the Constitution is still the law of the land. For now.
Judi Moreillon
Northeast side
County Attorney
I see the local race for County Attorney has attracted a lot of attention. This appears to be due to the very different views of the role of a County Attorney. Barbara LaWall’s view of justice appeared to be to provide vengeance for victims. Laura Conover’s view appears to be to minimize future criminal activity.
Faux Democrat Mike Jette appears to share LaWall’s view of the office. The choice seems clear. Do you want the County Attorney to be an advocate for vengeance or for a better society?
Steven Brown
Midtown
TEP/ACC lethargy & profit
Re: the July 3 article “$55M in federal funding to help southern Arizona co-ops store power.”
The ADS/Wichner article on how cooperative utilities are utilizing federal funds to invest in solar and energy storage so that … “ they don’t have to buy or generate elsewhere, getting the most that they can out of those investment and saving members money” … raises the question as to why Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) is not accessing those funds to establish much more local solar and energy storage-demand management systems to achieve the consequent improvements in costs, reliability and deliver benefits to their CAPTIVE ratepayers provided by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC).
Perhaps it’s because TEP is an Investor-Owned Utility owned by a Canadian Corporation, Management Performance incentives paid to promote shareholder dividends have a higher priority than cost and rate reductions, and because the rate and profit structure supported by current ACC Commissioners provides no incentives to reduce costs and rates while improving reliability?
Terry Finefrock
Foothills
Hey Democrats, draft Liz Cheney!
That’s right! The Democratic Party should draft Liz Cheney to be their Presidential Candidate in 2024. For all the criticism of Party first at the expense of our democracy under a second Trump term, Democrats can fix that by sacrificing a little bit of their own Party first agenda by sponsoring a strong candidate to overwhelm Trump. That strong candidate is Liz Cheney.
Liz Cheney will draw disaffected Republicans into the picture. Democratic voters will not have a stronger alternative. Trump will be toast! With a little “Country over Party” mentality, Democrats could negate the MAGA movement and reinstate the two-party system that made up American democracy for the past 240 years!
George Kalman
SaddleBrooke
Conover has more sophisticated approach
Re: the July 3 article “No more disinformation and misinformation.”
I admit, I have been a little confused about all of the back-and-forth about Pima County Attorney Laura Conover. But Nina Trasoff and Ron Barber cemented my general feeling that the criticisms of Conover were coming from people who believe that “tough on crime“ is the only response to any crime perpetrated by any person. This country needs to get past its punitive mindset. This knee-jerk reaction when we’re dealing with crimes of poverty and/or people who are mentally ill, addicted, young or unhoused is costly, unproductive and simply creating more people who are more resentful and angry at the institutions meant to protect citizens. This is not creating people better able to live peacefully and productively in society. Laura Conover seems to embrace a more nuanced approach to crime than those simple-minded folks who think punishment is always the answer. She has my vote.
Maggy Zanger
Midtown
Recycling and H2O
Re: the June 28 letter “Recycling but saving H2O.”
Good Lord: haven’t we been through this enough times already, with the pearl clutching dilemma about wasting our precious water cleaning plastic items for recycling? No, you don’t need to hear from experts about this. Just read your water bill and apply some common sense.
1. Seven gallons of clean water is being delivered to your home for 2 cents.
2. Most times recyclables can be cleaned in the same water after the dishes.
3. The few ounces of water to rinse is costing nearly nothing.
4. This water enters the sewer system and is mostly recycled itself.
Lastly, remember, AZ agriculture is using hundreds of millions of gallons of water continuously, making your savings infinitesimally small. Clean your recycling!
Gary Susko
Midtown
- George Kalman, SaddleBrooke
That's right! The Democratic Party should draft Liz Chaney to be their Presidential Candidate in 2024. For all the criticism of Party first at the expense of our democracy under a second Trump term, Democrats can fix that by sacrificing a little bit of their own Party first agenda by sponsoring a strong candidate to overwhelm Trump. That strong candidate is Liz Chaney.
Liz Chaney will draw disaffected Republicans into the picture. Democratic voters will not have a stronger alternative. Trump will be toast! With a little "Country over Party" mentality, Democrats could negate the MAGA movement and reinstate the two-party system that made up American democracy for the past 240 years!
George Kalman
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Daniel Poryanda, Southeast side
The whole world agrees that nobody is above the law. The World Court exsists to bring dictators,murderers and the worst of the worst international criminals to justice. Trump has said if he is elected again he would seek revenge on those he thinks are against him and stifle journalists who don't portray him favorably. Republicans are compiling a list of government workers who they think are against Trump. The corrupt,conservative Justices on the Supreme Court have granted Trump immunity from committing acts against these people. The whole world believes that no person is above the law. Only four men on our Supreme Court see differently.
Daniel Poryanda
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Hope Gastelum, East side
Many, many kudos to the writer of the letter titled "Bag of Wind" (7/2/24). He hit the nail on the head on how Trump should be treated. Joe Biden (and all Dems) need to stop treating this human mistake as if he were a serious person - he is NOT. He IS, however, a threat to the nation and to the world. Treating him like the ignorant, infantile, self-serving, thin-skinned sociopath that he is will be far more effective than engaging in the exhausting task of trying to refute the diarrhea of lies that flows nonstop from his silly mouth. Just make fun of the fool that he is - I mean, who brings up prowess at golf at a Presidential Debate?! Barack Obama made public fun of Trump years ago, and DJT is still fuming over it. Looks like it works!
Hope Gastelum
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Judi Moreillon, Northeast side
A recent letter writer endorsing the Louisiana legislature’s insertion of the Ten Commandments into all public school classrooms was correct that the words “separation of church and state” do not appear in the US Constitution. That’s because the phrase is a constitutional concept, not a quote.
It reflects the intent of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause that begins with, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…” The clause prohibits governmental entities from favoring one religion over another or giving preference to religious groups over non-religious groups.
There are at least three versions of the Ten Commandments—Catholic/Lutheran, Jewish, and Protestant/Reformed traditions. Requiring a specific version be posted in public spaces privileges one religion over others, a violation of the Establishment Clause.
I believe Louisiana’s state-approved endorsement of the Protestant version of the Ten Commandments will be overturned. Thankfully, the Constitution is still the law of the land. For now.
Judi Moreillon
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Ernest Saccani, Foothills
All Americans that witnessed he events on that fateful day January 6, 2021, know that the convicted felon ex-president attempted to overthrow our government. The consequence of the SCOTUS decision on presidential immunity would allow (if re-elected) the convicted felon ex-president to re-construct our country's way of governing and install himself as dictator.
Ironic isn't it? He failed in his takeover attempt through violence. But he succeeded in positioning himself for a possible takeover using the very court designed to protect our citizenry. In this decision, SCOTUS has bestowed the tyrannical power of a dictator to a twice -impeached, convicted felon ex-president. And the MAGA Republicans accuse the administration of operating as a banana republic.
A DT election will have, I believe, a disruptive affect throughout the world. To what extent? I cannot say. To those who might believe otherwise, I offer a thought: be careful what you vote for this November, because like DT said "after November, you won't need to vote anymore".
Ernest Saccani
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Leonard Thurman, West side
The letter's author correctly writes that the phrase "Separation of Church and State" cannot be found in the Constitution. However, the First Amendment's phrase "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..." is the foundation for the concept of separation of church and state in the United States. It's known as the Establishment Clause. While the words "separation of church and state" aren't explicitly written in the Constitution, this clause is interpreted as requiring the government to stay out of matters of religion. The Supreme Court has used these two parts of the First Amendment to determine many cases regarding the separation of church and state throughout U.S. history.
Louisiana's law requiring posting the Ten Commandments in school classrooms is simply an attempt by the Christian right to impose their religion on the general public. Another part of the First Amendment, the Free Exercise Clause, protects the right of individuals to practice their religion freely. This prevents a state from injecting religious beliefs into the public schools.
Leonard Thurman
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Cynthia Coan, East side
This is in response to those who feel President Biden should retire. At this late date, nothing short of a miracle would enable a younger Democratic candidate to raise the funds, make the needed pitch, and get voters to unit behind him/her between now and November. If Dean Phillips and RFK, Jr. couldn't do it, what makes anyone think it will happen within the next four months? Like it or not, Biden represents our best -- if not only -- chance of beating Donald Trump. If by some miracle Republican leadership were to succeed in getting rid of Trump and turning over their nomination to someone who at least understands what democracy is, nothing would make this Democrat happier. That's the one event that might finally convince Biden to take a well-deserved retirement. However, I'm not holding my breath. Unless or until Trump disappears for good, I stand by Biden.
Cynthia Coan
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
More like this...
- Kathy Storrie, Foothills
I was shocked to see Biden's appearance at Thursday's presidential debate. In the first couple of minutes I suspected the "light bulb" wasn't fully on upstairs and fearfully asked "What's wrong with our President?" This is more than a bad night for him. Confidence has sunk to its lowest level.
Kathy Storrie
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jean Israel, SaddleBrooke
It seems we don’t have to worry about Trump being a dictator. We already have one—the Supreme Court. Ignoring precedent , taking away rights, allowing all kinds of ways to kill people., taking huge bribes, not recusing. And they do it with impunity—no consequences, , no checks and balances, no way to appeal. Now they have given Trump almost total immunity. No one is above the law never was true, but now it is laughable.I fear for our democracy.
Jean Israel
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Bruce Joffe, South Tucson
President Biden succeeded in accomplishing good policies for our future, recovering from trump's chaotic disaster.
But, presidents don't get to create and administrate good policies unless they can communicate them well to the public, and debunk the opponent's "policies" and character. Biden failed to do that during the "debate." Repubs will play and replay the debate's many cringe-worthy moments endlessly.
A wise man knows how to see himself. Wise people understand that aging is inevitable and final. Wisdom knows when to step aside, victorious, rather than remain in a final competition that will crush one's reputation into ignominy.
Democratic accomplishments need another standard-bearer who can represent, with vigor, the values and vision our country needs to continue. The threat of losing this election requires putting the good of the country above personal ambition.
Some kindly suggestions to Joe Biden are necessary. The question is: From whom will he listen?
Bruce Joffe
South Tucson
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Anne Mitchell, East side
The Trump-appointed majority on the U.S. Supreme Court just grabbed more power than it has ever had. It overturned a previous decision that said federal agencies should be given discretion on technical issues when Congress has not spoken clearly.
What qualifies as a protein regulated by the FDA? How should Medicare measure a “geographic area” when calculating reimbursements to hospitals? How many parts per million of lead should a polluter be allowed to emit? These arcane issues will no longer be decided by agencies but will be subject to decisions by the non-experts in the court.
This is one of the many reasons we cannot allow Donald Trump to return to the presidency. Lower federal courts led by Trump-appointed judges have upended our judicial system with partisan decisions too. To save our democracy, we must vote for Joe Biden, like it or not.
Anne Mitchell
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Ke Chiang Hsieh, Midtown
Three years in office, you have acted to bring more justice and mercy at home and abroad than any predecessors, especially under the most adverse political climate created by anti-democratic forces near and far. Thus, it is understandable that you want to seek a second term.
Since 2021, it has been clear to me (84-years old retired at 72, before I fail to give my students the best) and others that the burden of your office have slowed you down significantly. Watching your mind drifting during the recent debate broke my heart. I sincerely plead you to have a soul-searching conversation with your confessor or spiritual director (not political advisors) concerning whether you should accept the reality of life and allow the process to produce a worthy successor while time permits. A gracious and magnanimous exit will shine brighter than any star in political history. This will be a spiritual decision for the sake of your soul and the soul of America.
Ke Chiang Hsieh
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Jette: Wolf in sheep’s clothing
I find it interesting: Mr. Jette has run as a Republican (2012 when running against Barbara LaWall); an independent; now a Democrat and supports the Maga-Republican who lost to Attorney General Kris Mayes.
He receives money from a developer who has given to the anti-abortion movement; on his website he has a proposal to urge women to try adoption, rather than abortion. Mr. Jette was the prosecutor where the defendant shot the man, in the back, running away from the shooter. Mr. Jette could not get a conviction? What kind of trial lawyer is he?
Can Mr. Jette be trusted with protecting our precious native desert from overdevelopment, as he has received money from developers as the County Attorney responsible for this area?
We don’t know enough about Mr. Jette and his motivations. As I voted for Laura Conover in 2020, I will proudly vote for her determination and commitment to make the changes desperately needed to our criminal justice system. Jette is a wolf in sheep’s clothing
Melanie Heavilon
West side
An open letter to President Biden
Three years in office, you have acted to bring more justice and mercy at home and abroad than any predecessors, especially under the most adverse political climate created by anti-democratic forces near and far. Thus, it is understandable that you want to seek a second term.
Since 2021, it has been clear to me (84 years-old, retired at 72, before I fail to give my students the best) and others that the burdens of your office have slowed you down significantly. Watching your mind drifting during the recent debate broke my heart. I sincerely plead you to have a soul-searching conversation with your confessor or spiritual director (not political advisors) concerning whether you should accept the reality of life and allow the process to produce a worthy successor while time permits. A gracious and magnanimous exit will shine brighter than any star in political history. This will be a spiritual decision for the sake of your soul and the soul of America.
Ke Chiang Hsieh
Midtown
State GOP Convention delegates
The situation of the Republican Party in Arizona would be comical if it were not so serious. I know that I represent less than a majority of primary voters when I say that fealty to Donald Trump has destroyed any meaningful idea of a Republican Party in this state, but the fact that those who agreed to the fake elector scheme are pleading innocent rather than plea bargaining shows that the ethical standards are as low as the intelligence level of these individuals.
I was a Goldwater Republican, my first Presidential election; I imagine he is kicking in his grave at the absurdity that the Republican Party in Arizona (and nationally) has become.
John A. Johnson
Foothills
U of A president search
Dear Editor:
So Gov. Hobbs vetoed a bill that would clearly state university faculty’s role in “shared governance.’’ I’m all in favor of faculty having a say in academic offerings, but I can only imagine where faculty goes when they’re asked to make hard decisions about staffing or wage interdepartmental battles – I suspect they head for the hills. As we’ve seen in the past year, running a university isn’t easy and there are plenty of people — including faculty — willing to throw rocks at university leaders. If you really want to see the state’s universities collapse, just put the faculty in charge.
Steven J. Hilton, Arizona Alumni ‘83
Northwest side
Time for a self-check on letters
I have been an Arizona Daily Star subscriber for almost 40 years. In that time I have regularly read the Opinion Page and Letters to the Editor. I have submitted letters and a few Guest Opinions. I make a point of closely reading well written Opinions and Letters expressing views counter to my own. Of late however, we see more and more of the same opinions expressed repeatedly by the same authors, particularly in the Letters section. With no new substantive statements or nuance to their previous submissions. Letters often appear from the same author within a week’s time (or occasionally even two letters published on the SAME day!). No matter the political perspective. Frankly, nobody wants to hear from me/you/anybody that often and certainly not if its repetitive with nothing new to add. Take a breath before you hit send. Maybe call a friend. Take a walk. Or just take a break. See you in the Daily Star.
Paul Simon
Northwest side
Arizona State financial problems
Re: the June 30 letter “Two budget busters responsible for Arizona deficit.”
I noticed in the Star another well-written letter from a regular contributor. The letter writer is notable for her clear analyses of the many problems facing our state caused by the incredibly incompetent Republican-controlled state legislature.
She points out the two most egregious bits of legislation foisted off on us by those mendacious fools:
1. The flat tax that drove the Arizona Treasury from a surplus to a disgusting deficit.
2. The voucher system that gives my tax dollars to all kinds of unregulated schools — many of the religious ilk — and has put us behind an $864 million eight ball (so far).
Thanks to eagle-eyed people like this letter writer, we voters know how to cast a ballot come November.
Right on!
Jerry Helm
Northwest side
Tucson Pops Orchestra
On the evenings of June 29 and 30, the Tucson Pops Orchestra and Chorus performed an Independence Day Celebration in St. Augustine’s Cathedral. I, along with several hundred other people had the pleasure of attending. It was one and a quarter hours without politics, rancor, or a loud voice to be heard. We are so fortunate to live in a community which values the arts. May the Pops continue to “make a beautiful noise” (apologies to Neil Diamond) for many years to come.
Evelyn Shapiro
Oro Valley
Presidential debate reaction
I was shocked to see Biden’s appearance at Thursday’s presidential debate. In the first couple of minutes I suspected the “light bulb” wasn’t fully on upstairs and fearfully asked “What’s wrong with our President?”
This is more than a bad night for him. Confidence has sunk to its lowest level.
Kathy Storrie
Foothills
Supreme Court power grab
The Trump-appointed majority on the U.S. Supreme Court just grabbed more power than it has ever had. It overturned a previous decision that said federal agencies should be given discretion on technical issues when Congress has not spoken clearly.
What qualifies as a protein regulated by the FDA? How should Medicare measure a “geographic area” when calculating reimbursements to hospitals? How many parts per million of lead should a polluter be allowed to emit? These arcane issues will no longer be decided by agencies but will be subject to decisions by the non-experts in the court.
This is one of the many reasons we cannot allow Donald Trump to return to the presidency. Lower federal courts led by Trump-appointed judges have upended our judicial system with partisan decisions too. To save our democracy, we must vote for Joe Biden, like it or not.
Anne Mitchell
East side
Biden: Wisdom knows when to step aside
President Biden succeeded in accomplishing good policies for our future, recovering from Trump’s chaotic disaster.
But, presidents don’t get to create and administrate good policies unless they can communicate them well to the public, and debunk the opponent’s policies and character. Biden failed to do that during the debate. Republicans will play and replay the debate’s many cringe-worthy moments endlessly.
A wise man knows how to see himself. Wise people understand that aging is inevitable and final. Wisdom knows when to step aside, victorious, rather than remain in a final competition that will crush one’s reputation into ignominy.
Democratic accomplishments need another standard-bearer who can represent, with vigor, the values and vision our country needs to continue. The threat of losing this election requires putting the good of the country above personal ambition.
Some kindly suggestions to Joe Biden are necessary. The question is: From whom will he listen?
Bruce Joffe
South Tucson
County Supervisor race
I would vote for Rex Scott for president if I could. Instead, I’ll darken the oval for Rex for County Supervisor and cross my fingers that he’d consider a Presidential run someday. Right now, he is busy serving the people of Pima county as the vice-chair for District 1. I’ve known Rex since the early 90’s when he was my boss at a local public school. He is one of the most rational, conscientious, fair-minded and decent people I’ve ever met and deserves to be re-elected to the board. He understands the connections among all the entities that affect Pima county, especially education, economics, public health and natural resources. A vote for Rex Scott is a wise investment in Pima county’s future.
Anne Fitzsimmons
Northwest side
Supreme Court
It seems we don’t have to worry about Trump being a dictator. We already have one — the Supreme Court. Ignoring precedent, taking away rights, allowing all kinds of ways to kill people, taking huge bribes, not recusing. And they do it with impunity — no consequences, no checks and balances, no way to appeal. Now they have given Trump almost total immunity. No one is above the law never was true, but now it is laughable. I fear for our democracy.
Jean Israel
SaddleBrooke
- Hollace Lyon, SaddleBrooke
With a sad heart, I have concluded that this election will be about party values rather than candidates. Would you rather empower a party that believes in public service, civility, and liberty with responsibility; or one that will deprive some of their freedoms and relieve others of their obligations to the greater good, so that they may wield power over everyone? No one party is 100 percent perfect. Some on both sides of the aisle are self serving, but one party obliges itself to continually cleanse government of corrupt servants. The other applauds and rewards it. One party struggles to bring widely disparate views to the polls in loose unity, while the other fights to suppress diversity of thought, conscience, and heritage. Regardless of the specific candidates, the values their parties represent, and that which will replace them should they not make it through their terms, whether voluntarily or otherwise, are vital.
Hollace Lyon
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mateo Garcia, Northwest side
Now that the Presidential debate has passed and we've seen how Biden is, it should be clear to everyone that Joe Biden is not the one calling the shots. In reality he is not our President. So, I ask, if the man America elected as President is not the President, then who is? And if the man people voted for is not the real President, how can we call that Democracy?
Mateo Garcia
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- John (Jay) Van Echo, PE, West side
So now that crazy has been normalized by SCOTUS, the most powerful court in the world in the most powerful democracy in the world it only seems natural that President Biden should immediately order the United States Department of Justice to incarcerate Mr. Trump for treasonous crimes against the nation. Or for no reason at all. It don't matter. Heck, lets just skip the arrest, the trial, the jury deliberations, the sentencing, and the rule of law, and ship the Donald to the Tower of London. The President, any president will be immune, immune, immune. Or maybe we implore Mr. President to arrest anyone for flying a flag upside down in support of the insurrection or to annoy your neighbor and jail them. The madness ends with a vote for democracy and a vote for President Biden.
John (Jay) Van Echo, PE
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Alison Hughes, Midtown
Folks, please give us a break from stories about Joe Biden’s age, and about former prosecutor Mike Jette’s ill-advised campaign. I’m voting for Biden-Harris and for Laura Conover. And that’s that!
Alison Hughes
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Biden-Harris/County Attorney
Folks, please give us a break from stories about Joe Biden’s age and about former prosecutor Mike Jette’s ill-advised campaign. I’m voting for Biden-Harris and for Laura Conover. And that’s that!
Alison Hughes
Midtown
Jette’s actions speak louder than words
Candidate Mike Jette says one thing but does another. He says he believes in democratic values, but his contributions to Trump, Ciscomani, and Lake say otherwise. In his recent full-page ad in the Daily Star, Jette painted himself as a pro-choice candidate but his contributions to the “It Goes Too Far” group who actively oppose the Arizona for Abortion Access Act scream otherwise.
A “Democrat” in name only, Jette’s actions speak louder than his duplicitous words. Which begs the question: what else is he lying about?
I am voting for the candidate who is upright and honest about who she is and what she stands for. I am voting for Laura Conover for Pima County Attorney.
Dr. JB Marshall
Oro Valley
We need a new County Attorney
The rate of domestic violence in Arizona is 45% above the national average. Pima County’s rate of intimate partner domestic violence homicides is even higher than Maricopa County’s. Meanwhile, County Attorney Laura Conover has dismantled the system that had been working to reduce domestic violence homicides. Conover withdrew the county attorney’s office from leading a multi-agency domestic violence task force. She withdrew from implementation of sophisticated evidence-based domestic violence protocols. She stopped sending victim advocate staff and volunteers to every domestic violence crime scene to provide crisis advocacy and connect victims with immediate services, such as safe housing. She stopped having a risk assessment performed for all intimate partner domestic violence victims. She declined to prosecute serious physical violence committed against intimate partners as felony crimes, allowing plea agreements to misdemeanors where there is not sufficient supervision on probation. We need a new county attorney to address the scourge of domestic violence. My vote is for Mike Jette.
Carl Zimmerman
Downtown
There’s so much more to Jette
Mike Jette is running for Pima County Attorney. As I’ve gotten to know him, he’s become a hero to me, not just for his football skills but for his great heart.
Mike isn’t one to boast, but he donated a kidney to his brother and was accepted to the Peace Corps with his wife.
He has been a Special Olympics coach, Mock Trial coach, member of the Tucson Museum of Art Board, and President of Tucson Clean and Beautiful. He also served as a crisis advocate for sexual assault victims.
Mike is a solid blue Democrat, just like Gabby Giffords, Mark Kelly and Kris Mayes, who have each had dalliances with the Republican party at one time or another. Mike’s was 12 years ago for a few months. A “nothingburger”.
Mike’s heart, values, dedication and leadership make him an outstanding candidate for Pima County Attorney.
Charles Wantman
Foothills
Conover — no mas
Daily, we read letters telling us how much one side or the other is the better candidate for Pima County Attorney. In one very damming letter, the family tells us that the murderers of their son were let off with probation instead of first- or second-degree murder charges. This cannot be allowed. The PCA office has been reduced by 60% of prosecuting attorneys. They left because of Laura Conover.
There have been other unpardonable transgressions of a similar nature. Simply stated, Ms. Conover must go. Crime in Tucson is an ever-growing problem. We need a prosecutor who takes crime seriously and not one who allows felons to walk our streets with a slap on the wrist. You can be sure they will commit again.
Anyone who has a child knows that such a loss takes an egregious toll on the parents, family and community. Ms. Conover will not fix the problem. Only we can by electing the best candidate, Mike Jette.
Jerry Schuchardt
Foothills
Fireworks, PTSD and pets
On June 30, it started again. Locals blowing off fireworks/firecrackers in our east side neighborhood. It happens EVERY year before the Fourth of July. You are not only upsetting Veterans of Foreign wars, who may be suffering from PTSD, but also upsetting our pets, mostly dogs, I guess.
Our blind, adopted sweetie from PAAC has very good hearing, so thunder, which also bothers him, cannot be controlled by us. BUT, Tucson citizens, the young and the old can and should stop blowing off noise-makers in Tucson and Arizona. Leave that to the professionals!
Saturday night, our dog came and slept with me, and he was shaking and panting for over one hour.
I guess he finally went to sleep. Is this going to happen every night? This ruckus that disturbs the peace? It shouldn’t, but it probably will. Aren’t there laws about this?
Kenneth Unwin
East side
Re-elect Supervisor Scott
Rex Scott has been an outstanding Pima County Supervisor and should be re-elected for the benefit of our community. Supervisor Scott has all the qualities we should look for in elected leaders. He is honest, ethical, intelligent, thoughtful, caring, mature, respectful, professional, prepared, dedicated and productive. He has championed creation of Pima Early Education Program scholarships, promoted more funding to repair and maintain roads, supported The Prosperity Initiative, facilitated enhancements to the economic development strategic plan, promoted common sense gun reform, introduced the measure that resulted in creating the Transition Center outside the jail to facilitate re-entry, and voted to support better wages for county employees. I have found Supervisor Scott to be accessible, friendly to suggestions about ways to improve our county, hard-working, sensible, responsible and proactive. He cares about improving all of Pima County, not just his district. He is the real deal. Give him your vote.
Amelia Cramer
Downtown
Yes! Scott the District 1 Supervisor
Voters in District 1 have the opportunity to re-elect Rex Scott as our supervisor. Rex epitomizes what it means to be a public servant. My experience with Supervisor Scott and his very capable staff has always been positive. He is well-versed on all issues of concern to residents of District 1, and is responsive and timely when matters are brought to his attention. At a time when there is too much hyperbole, lack of respect and honesty in elected officials, Rex is respectful, honest and ethical. As an example, when he announced his intention to run for re-election he conducted all those efforts totally separate from District 1 business. Residents of District 1 will be well served if they vote to re-elect Rex Scott to represent us.
Norie Nelson
Foothills
Conover, the people’s attorney
Three-and-a-half years ago, when Pima County Attorney Laura Conover took office, she inherited the highest homicide rates in Tucson history and a massive backlog of cases stretching back to 2017. After two years of hard work, dedication, and collaboration with law enforcement, she cleared the backlog.
Currently, homicide rates in Pima County are down 36% and armed robbery down 39% from record highs when she took office, outperforming much of the nation.
Conover re-established a fraud and consumer protection unit that has recovered more than $1 million in restitution for Pima County victims.
Also noteworthy, Conover sued to protect women’s abortion rights, promoted humane sentencing for juveniles, created community outreach programs, and brought new attorneys and veteran litigators into the office, and increased efficiency.
Laura Conover has a proven record of bringing justice, safety, and equity to the Pima County Attorney’s office. She deserves your vote.
Jacolyn Marshall
Oro Valley
Supreme Court
So now that crazy has been normalized by SCOTUS, the most powerful court in the world in the most powerful democracy in the world it only seems natural that President Biden should immediately order the United States Department of Justice to incarcerate Mr. Trump for treasonous crimes against the nation. Or for no reason at all. It don’t matter. Heck, let’s just skip the arrest, the trial, the jury deliberations, the sentencing, and the rule of law and ship the Donald to the Tower of London. The President, any president will be immune, immune, immune. Or maybe we implore Mr. President to arrest anyone for flying a flag upside down in support of the insurrection or to annoy your neighbor and jail them. The madness ends with a vote for democracy and a vote for President Biden.
John (Jay) Van Echo, PE
West side
Democracy
Now that the Presidential debate has passed and we’ve seen how President Biden is, it should be clear to everyone that he is not the one calling the shots. In reality, he is not our president. So, I ask, if the man America elected as president is not the president, then who is? And if the man people voted for is not the real president, how can we call that Democracy?
Mateo Garcia
Northwest side
My vote’s for Laura
You know you have pissed off your “betters” when they primary you. The powers that used to be, supported Laura Conover in her first campaign. Now they all support prosecutor Mike Jette. I’m concerned that Jette, and his supporters align more with Arizona’s extreme conservative politics and favor laws originating from the 1800s.
Mike’s ad on Sunday promotes policies similar to Laura, but from a prosecutor’s point of view, backed by right-wing money?
The Supreme Court’s decision regarding homelessness and incarcerating them, for not having a home, leads me to believe we need to keep Laura as county attorney. I believe she would push for alternatives to locking up the homeless. It bothers me to think of our antiquated prisons and jails become more overcrowded just to house homeless at a much higher cost to taxpayers.
I’m going to stick with Laura Conover. She’s a fighter and defender of the people. Under her watch, violent crime has dropped. Four more years!
Larry Robinson
Northwest side
Conover and cash bail
Re: the June 27 article “Conover and cash bail reform” and the June 22 article “Honesty, integrity among elected officials.”
To Rep. Alma Hernandez, now that your attacks on Pima County Attorney Laura Conover and cash bail have been shown to be completely false. I am wondering if you will actually live up to the title of your opinion and issue a public apology to Ms. Conover. Since you are supporting her opponent, I’m not betting on it, but it if you truly believe in “honesty and integrity,” it would be the right thing to do.
Miranda Lopez
Midtown
Party values
With a sad heart, I have concluded that this election will be about party values rather than candidates. Would you rather empower a party that believes in public service, civility, and liberty with responsibility; or one that will deprive some of their freedoms and relieve others of their obligations to the greater good, so that they may wield power over everyone? No one party is 100% perfect. Some on both sides of the aisle are self-serving, but one party obliges itself to continually cleanse government of corrupt servants. The other applauds and rewards it. One party struggles to bring widely disparate views to the polls in loose unity, while the other fights to suppress diversity of thought, conscience, and heritage. Regardless of the specific candidates, the values their parties represent, and that which will replace them should they not make it through their terms, whether voluntarily or otherwise, are vital.
Hollace Lyon
SaddleBrooke
Santa Cruz riverbed trash
This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of riding my bicycle on the Loop alongside the Santa Cruz riverbed. However, what I saw was distressing. The riverbed was strewn with trash. Almost every bush and tree had caught some of the garbage heading downstream. Some of the trash will be biodegradable, but most of it won’t.
I noticed an overabundance of expanded polystyrene drinking cups provided by convenience stores. These cups take around 500 years to degrade in a landfill (longer if buried), but more importantly, can flow out to the ocean, then breakdown into microplastics. Microplastics are harmful to marine life and will take decades or even centuries to breakdown.
My idea for ridding the riverbed of trash is to enlist the help of the people experiencing homelessness. We would need to find those that would like to help, then organize them into teams to collect trash under supervision. Workers would be paid and perhaps move up on waitlist for available housing.
Edward Weil
North side
- Steven Barker, East side
Finally someone has read the Bill of Rights. In case you don't follow the news, Louisiana requires the Ten Commandments be posted in every public school classroom.
Some people think the Bill of Rights calls for the "Separation of Church and State". Well Louisiana says no it doesn't. In fact that phrase can not be found anywhere in our Constitution. I use to think it was a chief justice of the Supreme Court back in 1817 who made that interpretation, but I was wrong. I searched wikipedia and found out it was our 3rd president Thomas Jefferson who came up with the phrase back on January 1, 1801.
No matter who came up with it, "Separation of Church and State" can not be found in our Constitution. To that I say good for you Louisiana. Now let's see how many states will follow their example.
Steven Barker
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Joseph Stanley, Northeast side
To a 96 year old history buff, it’s apparent from our worldwide societal disfunction that history truly does repeat itself. The story of our species is primarily one of warfare, violence, cruelty and oppression. Doubters need only read daily headlines. Each generation spawns its sociopaths and false prophets preying on the vulnerable and gullible to support their own dreams of power and glory. Donald Trump exemplifies this. A baffling paradox pits advances in medicine and science against episodes of inhumanity, such as the Holocaust and endemic systems of slavery over the ages.
The solution to these cycles of violence and oppression appears simple but unattainable today. Heed the lessons of the great moralists, Jesus, Gandhi and King among others, lessons well known but the greatest, the Golden Rule. In a time where nuclear arsenals proliferate these values must be imprinted on our DNA lest the future of the planet itself be at stake.
Joseph Stanley
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Robert Holl, Foothills
Corporations, nonprofit organizations, and PACs, such as the Koch Brothers, spend millions or billions to support candidates and issues of their choice. Much of this money is used to finance ads that spew misinformation and skew the truth, all in the interest of “buying” thousands of votes. Most ordinary citizens have one vote to cast on each candidate or issue and can’t afford to “buy” another’s vote.
Lavish spending became possible in 2010 when SCOTUS ruled against a bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, stating, in the Court’s majority opinion, that prohibiting these deep-pocket, special interest groups from lavishly funding their chosen political candidate or issue would be a violation of the First Amendment. In so ruling, the Court devalued the voice of the “little guy”.
Let’s stop this absurdity and spare us all from exposure to negative and misleading political ads and having to sift through an avalanche of misinformation. Let’s return to government of, by, and for the PEOPLE.
Robert Holl
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Eric Gormally, Oro Valley
There's great nostalgia on the Trump side for the pre-covid economy. The economy had more affordable inflation presumably due to there being less government interference in the private sector, less expansion of the money supply, and less handouts. What is forgotten: production of needed goods and services is the bottomline of any economy. During Covid all three nostalgic principles were countered and countless businesses and production not easily restored were saved. We are paying an inflationary price for some of this, but price gouging is also a factor.
Covid policy isn't the only time the public sector has saved the private sector. Remember the 2008 mortgage meltdown. Without Social Security and Medicare continuing to circulate money through the economy the death knell of deflation and its loss of production may have started ringing. Imagine 2008 if Bush2 had managed to privatize Social Security. The private sector needs the 'handouts' of the public sector especially when boom goes to bust or there is a pandemic.
Eric Gormally
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Barbara Benjamin, Foothills
Congress is discussing legislation that would create a new draft that would also call up women. Frankly, I support the proposed legislation.. However, I wonder if our congressional representatives realize that, with the help of SCOTUS, they have already taken control of women's bodies and now they want to militarily train and arm us? Just asking...
Barbara Benjamin
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dave Bertagnoli, West side
The Republicans have a plan to staff a new Trump administration with Trump Loyalists - project 2025. A few decades ago Marion Barry, then the mayor of Washington DC, used loyalty to him as the sole criteria for hiring, competence be darned. Everyone from police to teachers. It took Washington years and several administrations to clean up the mess. And yes, like Trump, he was popular. Before voting this November, just imagine an entire Federal government full of incompetents. Think Kari Lake as a member of the cabinet. Joe Biden may be old but at least one can't manipulate him just by telling him he's pretty.
Dave Bertagnoli
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Ron Lancaster, North side
Hurricane Trump is a big bag of wind. Still, he has somehow, by spewing continuous hot air at one mob of door mats after another, became a folk hero without ever being anything of the like. His visage is everywhere to be admired. He even has his mug on a mug
The Democrats desperately require a new strategy to deal with this car crash. Trump needs to be mocked and made fun of personally, instead of us wallowing in fret as if there lurks an ogre at the door, “and oh my, there is nothing we can do about it.” Wrong! His ego is a nice target. And he is so ripe for a clown show. First, we need to gird ourselves for a battle of mockery like no other. Hit him where it draws blood, his conceit. And watch what happens.
Ron Lancaster
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Albrecht Classen, Midtown
What a well-founded guest opinion by Gil Shapiro, a concise and insightful analysis of various phenomena in our country (and elsewhere): Trumpism, Evangelicalism, and MAGA. I would like to add some comments from an educator’s perspective since I regularly work with young people. In absolutist regimes, schools serve the purpose of making the young ones into dedicated followers of the leader without any criticism. That’s why the Taliban, e.g., are so opposed to schools at large. They embrace a Manichaean worldview of black and white, of good vs. evil. Evidence is unnecessary and dangerous because the ‘deep state’ represents the devil, and Trump is the new Messiah. He cannot do wrong. Teaching, however, means to help students grow intellectually and also emotionally, and ultimately to gain more knowledge than I have today. The teacher is the critical bridge toward tomorrow, but when religious belief rules, the pathway toward growth and development is blocked. Critical thinking about our leaders is crucial for democracy; the opposite is dictatorship.
Albrecht Classen
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- James Nesci, East side
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry just signed his state’s new law which requires the posting of The Ten Commandments in every public school from kindergarten through university. He said, “If you want to respect the rule of law, you gotta start from the original law given which was Moses. He got his commandments from God.”
Sorry, governor, you’re mistaken.
The Code of Hammurabi, from ancient Babylon in Mesopotamia, was written in about 1754 BCE. That was roughly 300 years before Moses was even born. The Code of Hammurabi is widely known (outside of Louisiana, I suppose) as the earliest and most complete written set of laws in the world ever discovered.
Perhaps the governor should have concentrated on signing substantive laws that actually improve education rather than promoting religious indoctrination.
James Nesci
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Donald Plummer, Northwest side
Thoughts for problems of war, climate and bump stocks
WW II was largely won by Allies, with the USA building more military equipment than the Axis (Germany, Italy and Japan).
NATO is now supplying Ukraine with military equipment to try to do the same thing AND supplying more money than Russia can raise.
AND
How can people be climate change deniers when we have had so many extreme weather events tornadoes, heat extremes, floods and droughts that produce climate migration?
AND
Those that want an AR -15 will want a bump stock.
Donald Plummer
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
World and USA problems
Thoughts for problems of war, climate and bump stocks. WWII was largely won by Allies, with the USA building more military equipment than the Axis (Germany, Italy and Japan).
NATO is now supplying Ukraine with military equipment to try to do the same thing and supplying more money than Russia can raise.
And how can people be climate change deniers when we have had so many extreme weather events tornadoes, heat extremes, floods and droughts that produce climate migration?
And, those that want an AR-15 will want a bump stock.
Donald Plummer
Northwest side
Political signs
I find the proliferation of political signage to be both annoying and confusing. Annoying because the signage makes our streets trashy. Confusing because I find it hard to believe that these signs have much, if any effect on the voting public. Would a voter see a particular candidate’s sign and think to themselves, “Wow, I really like that sign. I’m going to vote for that person?” I’m betting that never happens. These signs might have made more sense years ago when we weren’t being flooded with other forms of media. Now these signs just are a blight in our neighborhoods.
Larry Smith
Northwest side
Loyalty to Trump
The Republicans have a plan to staff a new Trump administration with Trump loyalists — Project 2025. A few decades ago Marion Barry, then the mayor of Washington DC, used loyalty to him as the sole criterion for hiring, competence be darned. Everyone from police to teachers. It took Washington years and several administrations to clean up the mess. And yes, like Trump, he was popular. Before voting this November, just imagine an entire Federal government full of incompetents. Think Kari Lake as a member of the cabinet. Joe Biden may be old but at least one can’t manipulate him just by telling him he’s pretty.
Dave Bertagnoli
West side
Arts live on to speak to us
To the Editor:
I was disappointed to read that the state legislators have allocated such a miniscule amount of their $16.1 billion dollar budget to the Arizona Commission for the Arts — a mere $2 million. Why do politicians always think the arts are expendable? If they knew anything about history, they would realize that the majority of what we can learn about ancient cultures comes from their art — paintings, sculpture, writings, architecture. From ancient Egypt to the Easter Islands, art is what remains to tell us about their people and culture.
The arts deserves a bigger part of our budget, because long after these legislators are forgotten, the creations by Arizona artists will survive to speak to future generations.
Karen Micallef
Oro Valley
Copper vs. water
I have to comment on a recent opinion letter comparing copper to water. The writer was suggesting that one should take a test and go 3 days without using devices with copper and then go 3 days without water. He concluded, although inconvenient, you could go without the devices, but not really without life sustaining water. In this community he fails to understand miserably that without copper you can’t have the water either. Ooops!
Dave Efnor
East side
Original law giver?
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry just signed his state’s new law which requires the posting of The Ten Commandments in every public school from kindergarten through university. He said, “If you want to respect the rule of law, you gotta start from the original law given which was Moses. He got his commandments from God.”
Sorry, governor, you’re mistaken.
The Code of Hammurabi, from ancient Babylon in Mesopotamia, was written in about 1754 BCE. That was roughly 300 years before Moses was even born. The Code of Hammurabi is widely known (outside of Louisiana, I suppose) as the earliest and most complete written set of laws in the world ever discovered.
Perhaps the governor should have concentrated on signing substantive laws that actually improve education rather than promoting religious indoctrination.
James Nesci
East side
Politics and big money
Corporations, nonprofit organizations, and PACs, such as the Koch Brothers, spend millions or billions to support candidates and issues of their choice. Much of this money is used to finance ads that spew misinformation and skew the truth, all in the interest of “buying” thousands of votes. Most ordinary citizens have one vote to cast on each candidate or issue and can’t afford to “buy” another’s vote.
Lavish spending became possible in 2010 when SCOTUS ruled against a bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, stating, in the Court’s majority opinion, that prohibiting these deep-pocket, special interest groups from lavishly funding their chosen political candidate or issue would be a violation of the First Amendment. In so ruling, the Court devalued the voice of the “little guy”.
Let’s stop this absurdity and spare us all from exposure to negative and misleading political ads and having to sift through an avalanche of misinformation. Let’s return to government of, by, and for the PEOPLE.
Robert Holl
Foothills
The devil vs. God
Re: the June 23 article “Have Trump supporters been seduced by the supernatural?”
What a well-founded guest opinion by Gil Shapiro, a concise and insightful analysis of various phenomena in our country (and elsewhere): Trumpism, Evangelicalism, and MAGA. I would like to add some comments from an educator’s perspective since I regularly work with young people. In absolutist regimes, schools serve the purpose of making the young ones into dedicated followers of the leader without any criticism. That’s why the Taliban, e.g., are so opposed to schools at large. They embrace a Manichaean worldview of black and white, of good vs. evil. Evidence is unnecessary and dangerous because the ‘deep state’ represents the devil, and Trump is the new Messiah. He cannot do wrong. Teaching, however, means to help students grow intellectually and also emotionally, and ultimately to gain more knowledge than I have today. The teacher is the critical bridge toward tomorrow, but when religious belief rules, the pathway toward growth and development is blocked. Critical thinking about our leaders is crucial for democracy; the opposite is dictatorship.
Albrecht Classen
Midtown
Drafting women
Congress is discussing legislation that would create a new draft that would also call up women. Frankly, I support the proposed legislation. However, I wonder if our congressional representatives realize that, with the help of SCOTUS, they have already taken control of women’s bodies and now they want to militarily train and arm us? Just asking ...
Barbara Benjamin
Foothills
Pima County importance
People have more faith in local government to get things done. Polls say about 60% for local to lower 30% for federal. Maybe it’s because of partisanship played by members of Congress, working on their next reelection instead of focusing on what their constituents want. Independents do not like that!
It also may be that local government focuses on important things we feel immediately like police protection, roads, zoning issues, water and sewer. And of course the amount of property taxes to pay for those services. I have been impressed with Supervisor Rex Scott and all he does for Pima County. Pima is a huge geographic county in the top 20 in the United States, and has only five supervisors. A lot of geography to cover, and a lot of responsibility. Rex is a leader on the Board, and finds time to assist residents.
Dave Locey
Foothills
It’s the economy — let’s be less stupid
There’s great nostalgia on the Trump side for the pre-COVID economy. The economy had more affordable inflation presumably due to there being less government interference in the private sector, less expansion of the money supply, and less handouts. What is forgotten: production of needed goods and services is the bottom line of any economy. During COVID all three nostalgic principles were countered and countless businesses and production not easily restored were saved. We are paying an inflationary price for some of this, but price gouging is also a factor.
COVID policy isn’t the only time the public sector has saved the private sector. Remember the 2008 mortgage meltdown. Without Social Security and Medicare continuing to circulate money through the economy the death knell of deflation and its loss of production may have started ringing. Imagine 2008 if Bush had managed to privatize Social Security. The private sector needs the ‘handouts’ of the public sector especially when boom goes to bust or there is a pandemic.
Eric Gormally
Oro Valley
Brougle vs Dudash
Re: the June 24 articles “Who represents Arizona teachers?” and “Playbook for Republican faithful this year.”
Well done Jim Brougle! You really had me going for awhile. Then I read it again. I confess I read the Dudash pitch in between. You know the one suggesting that Arizona teachers should dump their union of long standing and joining his. So I googled Freedom Foundation, scrolled down a couple of times and discovered an ad naming some of its big backers: Fox, Federalist Society, WSJ, National Review. Ah ha!
Need I say more?
And an atta boy to the Star for printing these two “contributions” on the same day.
Susan Vonkersburg
Foothills
History repeats itself
To a 96-year-old history buff, it’s apparent from our worldwide societal dysfunction that history truly does repeat itself. The story of our species is primarily one of warfare, violence, cruelty and oppression. Doubters need only read daily headlines. Each generation spawns its sociopaths and false prophets preying on the vulnerable and gullible to support their own dreams of power and glory. Donald Trump exemplifies this. A baffling paradox pits advances in medicine and science against episodes of inhumanity, such as the Holocaust and endemic systems of slavery over the ages.
The solution to these cycles of violence and oppression appears simple but unattainable today. Heed the lessons of the great moralists, Jesus, Gandhi and King among others, lessons well known but the greatest, the Golden Rule. In a time where nuclear arsenals proliferate these values must be imprinted on our DNA lest the future of the planet itself be at stake.
Joseph Stanley
Northeast side
Bag of wind
Hurricane Trump is a big bag of wind. Still, he has somehow, by spewing continuous hot air at one mob of door mats after another, became a folk hero without ever being anything of the like. His visage is everywhere to be admired. He even has his mug on a mug.
The Democrats desperately require a new strategy to deal with this car crash. Trump needs to be mocked and made fun of personally, instead of us wallowing in fret as if there lurks an ogre at the door, “and oh my, there is nothing we can do about it.” Wrong! His ego is a nice target. And he is so ripe for a clown show. First, we need to gird ourselves for a battle of mockery like no other. Hit him where it draws blood, his conceit. And watch what happens.
Ron Lancaster
North side
Eenie Meenie Miney Moe
Preparing to enter the voting booth is different for everyone, is this election is different than others? It seems like we are standing on a precipice. Making the best decision requires just a little homework, putting together a priority list instead of considering which party. It is difficult to admit, but everyone wants a better life, not just a life based on talking points. So, make a list and check it twice so you can decide who is naughty.
What is important to you? Based on the recent murders of our citizens by undocumented immigrants, add closing the border. The rising cost of food is also out of control. People are concerned for their personal safety even walking to the corner. Do you have a credit card bill? The interest cost of the national debt is scary. Add to your list the items that concern you. How would you rank the items in your list and which candidate will fight for you?
Loran Hancock
Northwest side
Finally
Finally someone has read the Bill of Rights. In case you don’t follow the news, Louisiana requires the Ten Commandments be posted in every public school classroom.
Some people think the Bill of Rights calls for the “Separation of Church and State”. Well Louisiana says no it doesn’t. In fact that phrase cannot be found anywhere in our Constitution. I used to think it was a chief justice of the Supreme Court back in 1817 who made that interpretation, but I was wrong. I searched Wikipedia and found out it was our 3rd president Thomas Jefferson who came up with the phrase back on January 1, 1801.
No matter who came up with it, “Separation of Church and State” cannot be found in our Constitution. To that I say good for you Louisiana. Now let’s see how many states will follow their example.
Steven Barker
East side
- Valerie Golembiewski, Southeast side
In response to Greg Lewis, perhaps posting the Golden Rule in every classroom ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.") would be the equitable solution since it satisfies all religions. In addition, I propose the return of the Pledge of Allegiance to classrooms. That way humanity and patriotism are covered.
Valerie Golembiewski
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sally Mayersohn, Northwest side
Today there are more people with health insurance in the United States than ever before. For the first time ever, a month's supply of insulin for seniors is capped at $35 and their annual out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000. Joe’s executive orders now protect reproductive rights throughout the military.
Joe’s infrastructure law has created nearly 1 million new jobs with federal workers
and contractors earning $15 per hour salaries. Our current 4% unemployment rate is the lowest in history.
The list of POSITIVE changes for Americans goes on and on and includes the country’s largest climate plan, gun safety laws, and more protections for veterans.
President Joe Biden promised to work for us, and he has certainly done so.
By the way, "Sleepy Joe" traveled back and forth to Europe three times during the week of June 12th to commemorate D-Day and strengthen partnerships with our allies.
The way I see it, Joe’s not the sleepy one.
Sally Mayersohn
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- John Bingham, Northwest side
Alan Ruiz accuses President Biden of lying seven (7) times about the border in his LTE. I don't believe that Alan is an expert about the border nor are his accusations valid. However, does that really matter? I just have to ask Alan, "have you forgotten that #45 was proven to have said/lied/presented 30,573 falsehoods while in office. So, while Alan believes that Biden is a supposed liar due to the seven things he believes were lies, he forgets that T**** lied on average 20 times a day while he was in office. That didn't bother Alan. Alan also doesn't seem to understand that Congress had a border bill in front of them but because of the serial liar and felon, they voted against the legislation. That's not a lie Alan.
John Bingham
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Philip Reinecker, East side
I believe that many people, including myself, agree that the two candidates for President this year are among the most inept in history. One a doddering, old, individual approaching senility. The other a old, lying cheat and 34 times convicted felon. I ask you, in this wonderful country of 335 million people, with many brilliant, respected leaders are these two the best we could come up with. Please tell me it aint so. I suspect their is no legal way to postpone such an election but wouldn't it be great. Take 2 years to secure better candidates. Surely one or both of them will have died, be in a assisted home or a penitentiary. I'm sick knowing that the 2 parties will go ahead with what they've got hoping that the unintelligent masses, of which I am a part, will allow such distasteful events to carry on.
Philip Reinecker
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Michael Wayne, Midtown
President Biden's physical and mental conditions are getting worse. Last week at a Juneteenth event, the crowd including VP Harris, were clapping and dancing in place to some music, while Biden just stood there motionless with that empty gaze on his eyes. While at the G7 conference in Italy, and parachuting soldiers were landing, Biden seemed to aimlessly wonder off and had to be physically pulled back by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. At the weekend Hollywood gala of rich leftist actors fundraising for Biden, at the closing, former President Obama is seen leading an apparent clueless Biden off the stage. Folks, Biden is in a real physical and cognitive decline. It is rather sad and pitiful to watch, while domestic and foreign leaders act as if everything is ok with him, when knowing it is not, hiding the truth. Anything to get him re-elected, then six months later, a health related resignation is announced, and the very unpopular and incompetent VP Harris becomes President.
Michael Wayne
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Deb Klumpp, Oro Valley
Re: the June 19th letter "Trump Trial". The author wants us to note the complete lack of violence, destruction and rioting by Trump supporters after Trump's trial. Guess they weren't too interested? So they deserve kudos for behaving like normal, civil citizens? Seems the author has total amnesia about the Jan. 6 insurrection, when we watched Trump's supporters carry out a most violent, deadly, horrendous attack on our Capitol because their leader was infuriated he lost the election and wanted to overthrow our government to stay in power. It's amazing how so many Republicans seem to have wiped that shameful day from their memories! Deny it, it doesn't exist. Mr. Stevenson also tries to excuse the right's egregious, violent behavior by bringing up the "horrible behavior that we see again and again from the left". Such as? The abhorrent behavior of Trump supporters on Jan. 6 and their willingness to defend their Messiah using violence and intimidation cannot be erased with excuses, reverse blame, or minimization of their violent acts.
Deb Klumpp
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Salvador Gabaldón, Oro Valley
In signing a new state law mandating the posting of the Ten Commandments in all public-school classrooms, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry referred to Moses as the “original lawgiver.” Though there is no direct archeological evidence for the existence of an individual named Moses, archeologists do have evidence that people from Canaan were enslaved in Egypt around the year 1200 BCE, and that some did in fact escape to freedom. However, we also know that a number of “lawgivers” existed centuries before that time, including Ur-Nammu (2100 BCE) and Hammurabi (1792 BCE). Louisiana students, already inundated with sources of misinformation on social media, would be well advised to take Gov. Landry’s words with a grain of salt.
Salvador Gabaldón
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Frank Parsons, Northeast side
One is immediately impressed by the amount of lying necessary to make Trump competitive...but equally impressive are how many Americans go along with it. It also seems amazing that so many people are willing to trade-in their precious freedom of democracy for the terrible imprisonment of autocracy.
Is it not understanding what we stand to lose? Do we appreciate what each of us has now, of how much we now decide, without direction, because of what we have? Do we appreciate enough the economics and civics necessary to understand the terrible difference between the two?
Under Trump, we won't have those trustworthy facts we're used to using for making choices. Since a lying Trump enabler will be involved somewhere, who knows what truth, or for that matter, reality, is!
An independently elected President and Congress, an independent judiciary, a professional Civil Service...an accountability-for-actions applicable to everyone...all are needed to provide that solid basis making all of us in charge!
NEVER take this for granted!
Frank Parsons
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Biden lied about the border
Re: the June 15 letter “Biden Administration’s lies about the border.”
The letter writer accuses President Biden of lying seven times about the border. I don’t believe that the letter writer is an expert about the border nor are his accusations valid. However, does that really matter? I just have to ask, “have you forgotten that No. 45 was proven to have said/lied/presented 30,573 falsehoods while in office.” So, while the letter writer believes that Biden is a supposed liar due to the seven things he believes were lies, he forgets that Trump lied on average 20 times a day while he was in office. That didn’t bother the letter writer? The letter writer also doesn’t seem to understand that Congress had a border bill in front of them, but because of the serial liar and felon, they voted against the legislation. That’s not a lie.
John Bingham
Northwest side
Asylum seekers are a plus, not a burden
Re: the June 16 article “AZ Star article inadvertently revealed border secret.”
The letter writer appears to want to deny entry to all “migrants being pregnant” and “children with asthma” no matter if they are fleeing torture or extortion. Why? Because if they applied “legally” they would be rejected as future “public charges.” First, asylum seekers come legally per U.S. law whether they enter at a port or between ports. Second, all who enter have sponsors who pledge to provide financial support, either directly or through employment until they have worked for 10 years or become a citizen. It is no secret some who come have medical problems. But not the “millions” the letter writer alludes to.
Sara Busey
Green Valley
Biden getting worse
President Biden’s physical and mental conditions are getting worse. At a Juneteenth event, the crowd, including VP Harris, were clapping and dancing in place to some music, while Biden just stood there motionless with that empty gaze in his eyes. While at the G7 conference in Italy, and parachuting soldiers were landing, Biden seemed to aimlessly wander off and had to be physically pulled back by Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. At the weekend Hollywood gala of rich leftist actors fundraising for Biden, at the closing, former President Obama is seen leading an apparent clueless Biden off the stage. Folks, Biden is in a real physical and cognitive decline. It is rather sad and pitiful to watch, while domestic and foreign leaders act as if everything is ok with him, when knowing it is not, hiding the truth. Anything to get him re-elected, then six months later, a health-related resignation is announced, and the very unpopular and incompetent VP Harris becomes President.
Michael Wayne
Midtown
Why is Robbins still around?
Re: the June 18 article “We don’t care about your opinion of the UA.”
I am not a University of Arizona graduate or an economics major or one with financial savvy. Be that as it may, I simply do not understand why the university president is still around. The person responsible for the budget mess is the one who is going to fix it?
Toni Kane
Oro Valley
Taliban alive and well in Arizona
Dear Governor Hobbs,
Unlike the legislators who physically turned their backs to you when you reached across the aisle for collaboration, there are people out here who actually value fairness and equality.
The bills passed by the Republican majority-who walk in lockstep seemingly without any individual thinking — are the stuff of late-night TV comedy sketches. And those bills would be funny if not for their inherent injustice, vindictiveness and hatred.
Governor, you have withstood a tsunami of hate and revenge in a State with no shortage of either. Without your courageous actions, Arizona would be way beyond a late-night TV joke; we would be living in a Taliban-like government mindset where some ideological code of conduct is forced upon us with real-world consequences for stepping out of line.
Cannot imagine the intense pressure you face to stand up to the daily assault on our true freedoms that spew from this Legislature.
Governor Hobbs, we will not turn our backs on you!
Rick Rappaport
Oro Valley
The critical element — truth
One is immediately impressed by the amount of lying necessary to make Trump competitive ... but equally impressive are how many Americans go along with it. It also seems amazing that so many people are willing to trade in their precious freedom of democracy for the terrible imprisonment of autocracy.
Is it not understanding what we stand to lose? Do we appreciate what each of us has now, of how much we now decide, without direction, because of what we have? Do we appreciate enough the economics and civics necessary to understand the terrible difference between the two?
Under Trump, we won’t have those trustworthy facts we’re used to using for making choices. Since a lying Trump enabler will be involved somewhere, who knows what truth, or for that matter, reality, is!
An independently elected President and Congress, an independent judiciary, a professional Civil Service ... an accountability-for-actions applicable to everyone ... all are needed to provide that solid basis making all of us in charge!
NEVER take this for granted!
Frank Parsons
Northeast side
Water bill vetoes
Kudos to Governor Hobbs for respecting Arizona’s Groundwater Act by vetoing five ill-advised bills that do nothing to replenish Arizona’s limited underground aquifer.
Developers and homeowners, look to Tucson’s own Water Management Group for vision and practical ideas on water use. WMG has a living lab which demonstrates rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store the precious rain that falls on each home, apartment building and business rooftop.
We know about low-flow showers and toilets. Composting toilets could really reduce water use! Check out composting toilets at Watershed Management’s living lab!
Bea Quiroga
Midtown
When are you fired?
How many of the 10 Commandments does DJT need to break before his supporters say, “You’re Fired”?
Fran McNeely
Northeast side
Presidential election
I believe that many people, including myself, agree that the two candidates for President this year are among the most inept in history. One a doddering, old, individual approaching senility. The other a old, lying cheat and 34 times convicted felon. I ask you, in this wonderful country of 335 million people, with many brilliant, respected leaders are these two the best we could come up with. Please tell me it ain’t so. I suspect there is no legal way to postpone such an election, but wouldn’t it be great. Take two years to secure better candidates. Surely one or both of them will have died, be in a assisted home or a penitentiary. I’m sick knowing that the two parties will go ahead with what they’ve got, hoping that the unintelligent masses, of which I am a part, will allow such distasteful events to carry on.
Philip Reinecker
East side
Jan. 6 amnesia
Re: the June 19 letter “Trump trial.”
The author wants us to note the complete lack of violence, destruction and rioting by Trump supporters after Trump’s trial. Guess they weren’t too interested? So they deserve kudos for behaving like normal, civil citizens? Seems the author has total amnesia about the Jan. 6 insurrection, when we watched Trump’s supporters carry out a most violent, deadly, horrendous attack on our Capitol because their leader was infuriated he lost the election and wanted to overthrow our government to stay in power. It’s amazing how so many Republicans seem to have wiped that shameful day from their memories! Deny it, it doesn’t exist. The letter writer also tries to excuse the right’s egregious, violent behavior by bringing up the “horrible behavior that we see again and again from the left.” Such as? The abhorrent behavior of Trump supporters on Jan. 6 and their willingness to defend their Messiah using violence and intimidation cannot be erased with excuses, reverse blame, or minimization of their violent acts.
Deb Klumpp
Oro Valley
Moses not ‘original lawgiver’
In signing a new state law mandating the posting of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry referred to Moses as the “original lawgiver.” Though there is no direct archeological evidence for the existence of an individual named Moses, archeologists do have evidence that people from Canaan were enslaved in Egypt around the year 1200 BCE and that some did in fact escape to freedom. However, we also know that a number of “lawgivers” existed centuries before that time, including Ur-Nammu (2100 BCE) and Hammurabi (1792 BCE). Louisiana students, already inundated with sources of misinformation on social media, would be well advised to take Gov. Landry’s words with a grain of salt.
Salvador Gabaldón
Oro Valley
Jette is the best candidate
People who become prosecutors want to help foster community safety, support victims and try those charged with a crime. I recently talked with Mike Jette, who is running for Pima County Attorney challenging Laura Conover. Mike is soft-spoken, respectful, committed to fairness and humble in his effort to be chosen to lead the Pima County Attorney’s Office. He has studied the operation of the agency and believes that he can make a difference in terms of reestablishing a competent team that will make good charging decisions and provide mentoring and training for new prosecutors. He has a good plan to restaff the office, will evaluate office policies and build community trust by ensuring that habitual criminals are prosecuted appropriately, and young first-time offenders are treated reasonably. He will be forthright in evaluating the crime and history of the accused, proactive in caring for his staff, crime victims and their families and protecting the constitutional rights of the accused. He is smart and collaborative and is worthy of our votes.
Richard Harper
Northeast side
Road rage incidents
As a generally law-abiding/ good driver, I find the continual incidents of road rage shootings unnerving. I’m disgusted that violent residents are “encouraged” by the gun lobby and certain politicians to settle their grievances with weapons. Enough is enough! No more voting for politicians who ignore the issue or hide behind a jaded view of the 2nd Amendment.
Steve Poe
Midtown
Joe delivers for us
Today there are more people with health insurance in the United States than ever before. For the first time ever, a month’s supply of insulin for seniors is capped at $35 and their annual out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000. Joe’s executive orders now protect reproductive rights throughout the military.
Joe’s infrastructure law has created nearly 1 million new jobs with federal workers and contractors earning $15 per hour salaries. Our current 4% unemployment rate is the lowest in history.
The list of positive changes for Americans goes on and on and includes the country’s largest climate plan, gun safety laws, and more protections for veterans.
President Joe Biden promised to work for us, and he has certainly done so.
By the way, “Sleepy Joe” traveled back and forth to Europe three times during the week of June 12th to commemorate D-Day and strengthen partnerships with our allies.
The way I see it, Joe’s not the sleepy one.
Sally Mayersohn
Northwest side
Ten Commandments
Re: the June 26 letter “Commandments and beatitudes.”
In response to the letter writer, perhaps posting the Golden Rule in every classroom (“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”) would be the equitable solution since it satisfies all religions. In addition, I propose the return of the Pledge of Allegiance to classrooms. That way humanity and patriotism are covered.
Valerie Golembiewski
Southeast side
Vote for Soto for Board of Supervisors
As a long-time resident and voter in Pima County, I’ve never written a letter supporting a candidate — until now. Edgar Soto’s candidacy for the Pima County Board of Supervisors compels me to break that pattern.
During my nearly decade-long tenure as an instructor at Pima Community College’s Desert Vista campus, I had the privilege of interacting with Edgar. His actions as an administrator consistently demonstrated compassion, collaboration, and understanding. Whether engaging with staff, faculty, or students, Edgar’s positive impact was undeniable. He has made PCC a better, more effective college our entre community can be proud of.
I believe these qualities will serve our community well on the Board of Supervisors. Join me in voting for Edgar Soto in the upcoming primary and general elections. Let’s bring positive change to District 3!
Howard Weiss
Midtown
Adopt sane sustainable policies
Re: the June 21 article “Adopt sane sustainable policies.”
Thank you, Arizona Daily Star, for printing Don Dorschner’s editorial.
Like other well-written letters, I wish to add my support for Mr. Dorschner’s analysis. It is time to adopt “sane sustainable policies” with emphasis on “the common good” rather than the “entitled few,” And the time to support these policies is now. Our and future generations’ sustainability are at risk.
Dale Gehring
Midtown
- Christy Daniels, Northwest side
A recent poll conducted by McKinsey & Co.'s Mobility Consumer Pulse found that in America, 46% of current owners of Electric Vehicles (EV) were "very unlikely" to buy another one and were ready to switch back to gasoline powered vehicles. The reasons cited were lack of charging stations, costs of ownership, and concerns about long distance driving. In 2021 Biden signed an Infrastructure bill that provided billions of tax payer money to build 500,000 EV chargers across the country by 2030. Thus far, fewer than ten federally funded charges have been built. The Biden climate agenda rushed the sale of EVs to the public via $7,000 government taxpayer money buying incentives. Also, their EPA restrictive tail pipe emission mandates set to kick in a couple years from now will essentially eliminate gasoline and and diesel fueled vehicles. What should have happened was building the charging systems first, then pushing for sales of EVs. But the radical left wing climate activists running the White House could not wait.
Christy Daniels
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Shaki Johnson, East side
I read a lot of Democrat letters saying what will happen if Trump is re-elected President. The non-sense ranges from him acting as a dictator, Hitler, and putting his opponents in jail. Here are some realistic outcomes if Biden is re-elected. He will immediately lift his Executive Order on the border and again open it to millions more to illegally enter the country and become future Democrat voters. He will pass his multi-trillion dollar Build Back Better legislation that will once again cause inflation to skyrocket. He will continue to placate and appease Iran. He will end the bi-partisan passed 2005 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Firearms Act that if repealed, would put firearms manufacturers out of business. He will continue federal dictates supporting biological males participating in women's sports, discriminatory DEI, enact bans on semi-automatic rifles and pistols that will turn millions of current lawful owners into criminals. And he will put into overdrive the EPA enacting more punitive and costly CO2 regulations.
Shaki Johnson
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Cesar Krauss, Nogales
Managing a chronic condition brings forth a lot of challenges, but I’d never expect there to be so many hoops to jump through when it comes to getting my medication. I suffer from a severe form of psoriasis and follow a stringent treatment regimen that includes a combination of light therapies, retinoids, and a specific drug called methotrexate.
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are middlemen who work to connect patients with pharmacies that have the medications they need. However, because of their outsized power in determining where patients can go, they have become increasingly abusive at the expense of both patients like me and the local pharmacies that we’ve long gone to.
PBMs have only increased my stress thanks to their corrupt practices, and I’m eager to see Arizona’s lawmakers take the issue of PBM reform seriously.
Sincerely,
Cesar Krauss
Cesar Krauss
Nogales
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jack Walters, Northeast side
Thirty one of the forty six who stormed the building have had all charges dropped. Nine others were offered plea deals which were rejected out of unity with the others. They were released based on lack of evidence of committing property damage. They were wearing masks and blocked surveillance cameras.
. Anyone who was found in the building is guilty. That is what happened to the January Six people inside the Capital.
We saw them breaking in Hamilton Hall, destroying furnishings, barricading rooms and fighting with police. They also held janitors hostage.
This is the Manhattan District attorney department that spent millions convicting Trump. It seems that Alvin Bragg has priorities on who gets convicted.
How would you feel if you were one of the police officers who were doing battle with them acting on orders to clear the building only to see charges dropped?
Jack Walters
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Don Ries, Southeast side
The media pits those banning abortion against a group for abortions. No one is for abortion, but many of us know that every woman should have the right to an abortion when she and or her doctor decide that is needed. I believe all people would be happier if there were no abortions. The real question is, what is the most effective way to reduce the number of abortions? A ban is only for the poor, the rich can travel in or out of the country for an abortion. More effective is to have only planned pregnancies. Those who want a child don’t have abortions barring medical complications. Contraception, family planning, maternal health care, infant care and nutrition, and support for parents will reduce the need for abortions far better than any ban. Who do you want your doctor to consult when your daughter or wife has an emergency during pregnancy, another doctor or a lawyer?
Don Ries
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Robert Gavlak, Midtown
Feeling the time is ripe, the Louisiana legislature has boldly thrown down the gauntlet in yet another challenge to the First Amendment by mandating that the Ten Commandments be displayed in all public classrooms. In normal times this insanely conspicuous violation of the establishment clause would be deftly rejected out of hand, since the first four entries on this list explicitly reference religious, and not moral precepts and are effectively nothing more than an ecclesiastical preamble to the following six common sense ethical guidelines.
We may divine that the source of this timely audacity lies in the predominantly religious persuasion of the current Supreme Court that is well on its way to dismantling piecemeal many of our greatest egalitarian traditions. The precedence being systematically established through its mounting record of iconoclastic rulings is a virtual invitation to all unorthodox non-secular challenges.
As it pertains to maximally enduring social consequence, an eventual reestablishment of sensible equilibrium on the court may well be the highest priority in deciding the next presidency.
Robert Gavlak
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Thad Appelman, Northwest side
Re: June 14 article: “DOJ slams Phoenix police over civil rights violations”. It saddens me to hear this in 2024. We formed a brutal police system to deal with runaway slaves; it persists today. And not just Phoenix, I have been victim of Tucson’s goon squad, pulled out of bed at 2AM, beaten, jailed in a cell with no mattress on the springs. And I’m white but dared try to inquire if having a gun jammed in my face during a traffic stop was OK with TPD. Maybe too many secret cultural police laws that makes them look more like a gang than a valid form of law enforcement
Thad Appelman
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Brutal cops
Re: the June 14 article “DOJ slams Phoenix police over civil rights violations.”
It saddens me to hear this in 2024. We formed a brutal police system to deal with runaway slaves; it persists today. And not just Phoenix, I have been victim of Tucson’s goon squad, pulled out of bed at 2 a.m., beaten, jailed in a cell with no mattress on the springs. And I’m white but dared try to inquire if having a gun jammed in my face during a traffic stop was OK with TPD. Maybe too many secret cultural police laws that makes them look more like a gang than a valid form of law enforcement.
Thad Appelman
Northwest side
Two budget busters responsible for Arizona deficit
Re: the June 16 article “Blame income-tax cuts for Arizona deficit.”
Thanks to Tim Steller for featuring one budget buster causing Arizona’s deficit: the implementation of the GOP’s flat tax. We went from a budget surplus to our current budget catastrophe. The GOP ignored warnings that implementing a flat tax would put us in a huge deficit.
The other budget buster that continues to drive our budget into unsustainability was the GOP expansion of the ESA program (vouchers). It now has a price tag of $864 million.
Major cuts to infrastructure, universities, low-income schools, natural resources, and vital services and programs are unacceptable. Arizona cannot continue to thrive on bare-bones budgets and continued fiscal irresponsibility.
Both the flat tax rate and the expansion of the ESA program are responsible for Arizona’s $1.5 billion deficit. Both programs primarily benefit the wealthy amongst us. Astonishingly there is no movement on fixing our tax structure. And the ESA program continues on with zero transparency or accountability with no guardrails on student account balances now sitting at $175 million.
Kathy Krucker
Midtown
Get the middlemen out of our pharmacies
Managing a chronic condition brings forth a lot of challenges, but I’d never expect there to be so many hoops to jump through when it comes to getting my medication. I suffer from a severe form of psoriasis and follow a stringent treatment regimen that includes a combination of light therapies, retinoids, and a specific drug called methotrexate.
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are middlemen who work to connect patients with pharmacies that have the medications they need. However, because of their outsized power in determining where patients can go, they have become increasingly abusive at the expense of both patients like me and the local pharmacies that we’ve long gone to.
PBMs have only increased my stress thanks to their corrupt practices, and I’m eager to see Arizona’s lawmakers take the issue of PBM reform seriously.
Sincerely,
Cesar Krauss
Nogales
Why not the Six Commandments?
Feeling the time is ripe, the Louisiana Legislature has boldly thrown down the gauntlet in yet another challenge to the First Amendment by mandating that the Ten Commandments be displayed in all public classrooms. In normal times, this insanely conspicuous violation of the establishment clause would be deftly rejected out of hand, since the first four entries on this list explicitly reference religious, and not moral precepts and are effectively nothing more than an ecclesiastical preamble to the following six common sense ethical guidelines.
We may divine that the source of this timely audacity lies in the predominantly religious persuasion of the current Supreme Court that is well on its way to dismantling piecemeal many of our greatest egalitarian traditions. The precedence being systematically established through its mounting record of iconoclastic rulings is a virtual invitation to all unorthodox non-secular challenges.
As it pertains to maximally enduring social consequence, an eventual reestablishment of sensible equilibrium on the court may well be the highest priority in deciding the next presidency.
Robert Gavlak
Midtown
On abortion
The media pits those banning abortion against a group for abortions.
No one is for abortion, but many of us know that every woman should have the right to an abortion when she and or her doctor decide that is needed. I believe all people would be happier if there were no abortions. The real question is, what is the most effective way to reduce the number of abortions? A ban is only for the poor, the rich can travel in or out of the country for an abortion. More effective is to have only planned pregnancies.
Those who want a child don’t have abortions, barring medical complications. Contraception, family planning, maternal health care, infant care and nutrition, and support for parents will reduce the need for abortions far better than any ban. Who do you want your doctor to consult when your daughter or wife has an emergency during pregnancy, another doctor or a lawyer?
Don Ries
Southeast side
Short-term bumps?
With all due respect to the writer of the letter in support of UA President Robbins, and the ad signed by his supporters, the reference to short-term bumps in the road is very insensitive to those of us grieving the loss of Dr. Thomas Meixner, my son-in-law, and beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, professor and colleague in the amazing Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department.
Jocelyn Cotter
Midtown
Charges dropped for rioters
Thirty-one of the 46 who stormed Hamilton Hall of Columbia University have had all charges dropped. Nine others were offered plea deals, which were rejected out of unity with the others. They were released based on lack of evidence of committing property damage. They were wearing masks and blocked surveillance cameras.
Anyone who was found in the building is guilty. That is what happened to the Jan. 6 people inside the Capitol.
We saw them breaking into Hamilton Hall, destroying furnishings, barricading rooms and fighting with police. They also held janitors hostage.
This is the Manhattan District attorney department that spent millions convicting Trump. It seems that Alvin Bragg has priorities on who gets convicted.
How would you feel if you were one of the police officers who were doing battle with them acting on orders to clear the building only to see charges dropped?
Jack Walters
Northeast side
Plastic pellets, manufactured microplastics
Growing up in Tucson, I was always taught that we do not have water to spare, so we must take any type of water pollution seriously. The good news: In April, the Environmental Protection Agency announced funding to clean up PFAS-contaminated water in Tucson. The bad news: there’s a new threat to our waterways, plastic pellets.
Many common plastic products are made from small pellets, which are regularly dumped and spilled into waterways by companies that make, use, or transport them. Once there, they can become little poison pills by absorbing and transporting toxic chemicals including DDT, mercury, and PFAS. Those toxins make their way into our systems when we drink water or eat fish contaminated by these pesky pellets.
As a student of environmental studies and an intern at Environment America, national office of Environment Arizona, I am calling on Representative Ciscomani, Senator Kelly, and Senator Sinema to support the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act which will ban the discharge of plastic pellets into our waterways.
Camille Beaulieu
Foothills
Endorsing Soto
I spent 30 years in the Marana Unified School District, the last eight as Superintendent. I understand the importance of the Supervisor’s position as it affects the lives of our children.
The Marana school district is a better place because of the caring of a lifelong friend of the District, Sharon Bronson. I have no doubt that Mr. Edgar Soto will continue the support and caring that the District has had and now enjoys.
Mr. Soto cares about Tucson. As a star athlete, successful coach, and currently the leader of the Desert Vista Campus of Pima Community College, Mr. Soto has exhibited the leadership skills necessary to represent the constituents of District 3 in Pima County. Organizing, budgeting, facilitating, and leading the Desert Vista Community College is an important responsibility. He has excelled in this endeavor and enjoys the support of the students, parents, and community. He understands the importance of educating all members of our community.
As a member of the Pima Community College Board of Governors, I have watched him rise from coach to District Athletic Director to Campus Vice President. His commitment, devotion, and leadership skills have been validated by the College’s administration.
While Mr. Soto has worked diligently at the college level, he has also been instrumental in the economic development of our county and state. He has connected himself with several community members to establish a vision for Southern Arizona’s economic future.
When you meet Edgar, first you will see his smile and receive a handshake. He will instill in you a feeling that he cares. He cares about people and their plight to make their lives and their family’s lives better. There’s no doubt that he would bring this optimistic, caring, and committed attitude with him to make the Pima County Board of Supervisors more successful.
Edgar Soto cares and is a winner. I hope you’ll join me in supporting him as he moves forward in this endeavor. Elect Edgar Soto for Pima County Board of Supervisors District 3!
Dr. Wade McLean
Foothills
If Biden is re-elected
I read a lot of Democrat letters saying what will happen if Donald Trump is re-elected President. The nonsense ranges from him acting as a dictator, Hitler, and putting his opponents in jail.
Here are some realistic outcomes if President Biden is re-elected. He will immediately lift his Executive Order on the border and again open it to millions more to illegally enter the country and become future Democrat voters. He will pass his multi-trillion dollar Build Back Better legislation that will once again cause inflation to skyrocket. He will continue to placate and appease Iran. He will end the bipartisan passed 2005 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Firearms Act that if repealed, would put firearms manufacturers out of business. He will continue federal dictates supporting biological males participating in women’s sports, discriminatory DEI, enact bans on semi-automatic rifles and pistols that will turn millions of current lawful owners into criminals. And he will put into overdrive the EPA, enacting more punitive and costly CO2 regulations.
Shaki Johnson
East side
Local athlete deserves better coverage
After watching a stellar performance by Delaney Schell in the Women’s 10-meter platform individual event, imagine my disappointment with the coverage given by our local paper. Delaney is a local gem, representing the the U of A, local diving clubs, and will again be competing in two events at the Paris Olympics.
Not only that, she just completed a rigorous graduate program, and was named an All-American athlete, which also allowed the University to create a new therapy room for students with communication needs. In all of this, she’s been gracious and humble. With greater focus for women athletes nationally, it would be nice to include more local personalities.
Susan Essington
Southwest side
Poll: 46% of EV owners want to switch back
A recent poll conducted by McKinsey & Co.’s Mobility Consumer Pulse found that in America, 46% of current owners of Electric Vehicles (EV) were “very unlikely” to buy another one and were ready to switch back to gasoline-powered vehicles.
The reasons cited were lack of charging stations, costs of ownership and concerns about long-distance driving. In 2021, President Biden signed an Infrastructure bill that provided billions of taxpayer money to build 500,000 EV chargers across the country by 2030. Thus far, fewer than 10 federally funded charges have been built.
The Biden climate agenda rushed the sale of EVs to the public via $7,000 government taxpayer money buying incentives. Also, their EPA restrictive tail pipe emission mandates set to kick in a couple years from now will essentially eliminate gasoline and and diesel-fueled vehicles.
What should have happened was building the charging systems first, then pushing for sales of EVs. But the radical left-wing climate activists running the White House could not wait.
Christy Daniels
Northwest side
- Priya Sundareshan, East side
Arizona, we are at a crossroads. As a member of the state Senate, I have had a front row seat to the Republicans’ efforts to chip away at our rights.
School choice, voting rights, and our reproductive rights have all been under attack.
It goes beyond the Legislature. This November we have Kari Lake at the top of our ballot, who, on the day that Roe was overturned, said “nothing can wipe the smile off my face today.”
Kari Lake called the 1864 ban a “great” law. She encouraged local sheriffs to enforce it. To try to jail women.
This November, must flip the legislature blue. We must pass the Arizonans for Abortion Access initiative to safeguard reproductive freedom.
Our opponents have made it clear they will not hesitate to strip away our rights, but we will not back down.
By voting for Ruben Gallego and supporting Democratic candidates in the legislature, we can fight back and secure a future where reproductive rights are protected.
Priya Sundareshan
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- David Pearse, Foothills
Gil Shapiro accuses Trump supporters of "supernatural beliefs," and although he talks about "that pesky need for evidence or proof," he offers none to support his supernatural belief charge. As for facts: inflation remained under 2% under Trump but ballooned to 9% under Biden. Illegal Southern border crossings under Biden exceed 6.4 million, more than four times than under Trump. Wages outpaced inflation under Trump, the opposite of Biden. Currently, 36% of Americans rate the economy as poor and another 41% rate it as "only fair."
So although Mr. Shapiro would like to portray belief in Trump as "supernatural beliefs," we see there are sound reasons for supporting Mr. Trump over Mr. Biden. Perhaps next time, Mr. Shapiro can include some "evidence and proof" in his attacks on Trump, rather than resorting to ad hominem attacks with no proof offered whatsoever.
David Pearse
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Scott Lukomski, Northeast side
While the catalogue of Donald Trump's lies and fabrication is vast, his most recent claim to have been tortured while being booked at the Fulton County Courthouse is absurd. Does he really expect people to believe that while surrounded by his secret service guards he was abused and/or tormented?
It's hard to believe that someone who wants to run our country can spew such lunacy. Unfortunately, there are millions of people who will believe this assertion simply because it comes from his mouth. And send him more money.
I wonder if the folks at the Fulton County Courthouse can sue for slander?
But I guess it's just another example of the verbal diarrhea that free flows from Trump.
Scott Lukomski
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheldon Metz, Northeast side
Amendment 1 - Congress is prohibited from establishing a religion or interfering with religious freedom, free speech, or the right of citizens to petition the government to settle their grievances in a PEACEFUL manner.
No religious affiliation will be required to hold office in the U.S. government, as is proposed by the previous candidate's PROJECT 2025.
The Constitution, U.S. laws, and Treaties shall be "the supreme law of the land," BINDING on every judge in every state, including Texas and the Fifth Circuit in Louisiana. If you don’t like the rules, quit, but don’t shoot children.
A maniac has disrupted the way of life we’ve enjoyed and in which we've been relatively safe. His fear-inducing falsehoods have forced neighbors to buy guns to defend themselves against neighbors they’ve known for years.
His three appointments to SCOTUS has hurt us with seemingly innocuous decisions. He spews hate and people hear him. Now hear us.
Before voting read, Project 2025 online. That's his real agenda.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Spencer Elliott, Oro Valley
For those with a strong stomach, I suggest reading Project 2025, a guide to the next conservative administration. Its authors are particularly grateful to have the help of dedicated members of The Heritage Foundation’s management and policy teams. I think it would be more honest if the Heritage Foundation changed its name to the Hemorrhage Foundation. Implementing this manifesto would drain the lifeblood from our democracy and replace it with the formaldehyde of theocracy. Vote like our freedoms depend on it; it does.
Spencer Elliott
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Ramina Izaak, Sahuarita
Dear editor,
I’ve been on a combination of antidepressant medications for over a decade. With this medication, I’m able to feel normal almost instantly every morning I take it.
But whenever I miss my medication, I get terrible headaches, and it takes a few days to get readjusted. I take generic medication to save on costs, but even their prices have increased in recent years. After doing some research, I found out that a big reason for this is the presence of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in our drug marketplace.
PBMs are unchecked middlemen that control 80% of all treatments on the market. This means they have a disproportionate grip on access to medication, and they frequently abuse their power to send patients to specific pharmacies that give them more cash back in rebates, hurting patients’ well-being.
Patients shouldn’t be left at the whims of shady middlemen, and the DRUG Act ensures that will no longer be the case.
Sincerely,
Ramina Isaac
Ramina Izaak
Sahuarita
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Steve Rasmussen, Foothills
Re: the letter on June 24 titled “Presidential Race”, I found the logic to be suspect. The author says, “ But between Hurricane Hillary, Incompetent Joe and Felon Donald, I'll take the felon any day”. But Donald is more than just felonious; he’s a fascist and a sociopath. Once people have accepted the Trump brand, it seems that no amount of facts can dissuade them from his product. Rationalizing the support for such a flawed man is the harbinger of fascism. Author Jason Stanley has said that fascism is the politics of “us vs them”. This is exactly what Trump has been selling since 2015. The “them” must be overpowered and marginalized so that a one party system can be established, free of the so called evil left. Many of the MAGA acolytes I’ve spoken with, want a one party system. This is what authoritarianism is all about. Our Founders would not be amused.
Steve Rasmussen
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Linda Schaub, Southeast side
The following is taken from an article Published by E.J.Antoni: This needs to read! The monthly mortgage payment on a median price home has more than doubled since President Biden took office, rising 119.5%! Yet Biden continues to push for even more of what created this mess: trillions of dollars in new government spending. His latest proposed budget would set yet another record for government spending, even exceeding anything America has seen during wars, recessions, or Covid.
But all this government spending must be paid for, one way or another. The Biden administration has chosen to use the hidden tax of inflation to cover their budget shortfalls, resulting in a veritable cost-of-living crisis across America, with housing costs playing a large role. To be clear, this is not a matter of politics but policy. Congressional Republicans and Democrats alike have been complicit in facilitating the Biden’s administration’s big-government agenda which has resulted in the present cost-of-living crisis.
Linda Schaub
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Gusher Adams, North side
Laken Riley was a nursing student in Georgia. She was brutally murdered by a Venezuelan man, who had entered the country illegally and was released from custody. Rachel Morin, a mother of 5 children, was brutally raped and murdered in August 2023, by a man illegally in the country from El Salvador, where he fled from being wanted for murder. He was recently arrested in Maryland. He is also a suspect in an attack of a 9 year old girl in Los Angeles. Joycelyn Nungaray, a 12 year old girl, was raped, strangled to death and dumped in a creek under a bridge by 2 Venezuelan men here illegally. In New York City, Samaritans came to rescue of a two 13 year old girls, who had been tied up in a park and raped by a man from Ecuador, who had entered illegally. In Missouri, State Troopers stopped a vehicle with 5 illegal aliens accused of kidnapping a 14 year old girl. Biden's open border policies caused these horrific crimes.
Gusher Adams
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
PAC-12 conference of champions
“The PAC-12 Conference of Champions.” UCLA and NBA Champion Bill Walton uttered those words in a joyful manner often during his back-up host appearances on televised basketball games and at other times. Now unfortunately, both big Bill and his beloved Conference of Champions are now consigned to the letters of history. Both will be missed.
Robert Hennkens
Marana
PBMs are unchecked and are hurting us
Dear editor,
I’ve been on a combination of antidepressant medications for over a decade. With this medication, I’m able to feel normal almost instantly every morning I take it.
But whenever I miss my medication, I get terrible headaches, and it takes a few days to get readjusted. I take generic medication to save on costs, but even their prices have increased in recent years. After doing some research, I found out that a big reason for this is the presence of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in our drug marketplace.
PBMs are the unchecked middlemen that control 80% of all treatments on the market. This means they have a disproportionate grip on access to medication, and they frequently abuse their power to send patients to specific pharmacies that give them more cash back in rebates, hurting patients’ well-being.
Patients shouldn’t be left at the whims of shady middlemen, and the DRUG Act ensures that will no longer be the case.
Sincerely,
Ramina Izaak
Sahuarita
Stick to the three Rs
Re: the June 20 article “Unfounded fear of social emotional learning and DEI.”
A microcosm of DEI has just played out in Grangeville, Idaho concerning DEI for public school students in K-5 grades. At Grangeville’s open school board meeting, one man defended Amplify DEI’s mission statement: “We help teachers craft rigorous learning experiences that reflect the diverse histories, culture, and identities their students bring to the classroom.”
But a concerned parent speaks differently of that rhetoric: “Amplify sexualizes and desensitizes children, undermines traditional values, as well as parents and their parental rights, refers children to harmful resources and violates natural age appropriateness. It (Amplify) does not represent true diversity and equity and is especially skewed towards non-Christian beliefs.”
The problem is it may take generations for the truth of this issue to be realized. Experimenting on grades K-5 on social themes is not the role of public schools. Stick to the three R’s: reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic.
Daniel Pryor
West side
Hear us, not him! Read Project 2025
Amendment 1 — Congress is prohibited from establishing a religion or interfering with religious freedom, free speech, or the right of citizens to petition the government to settle their grievances in a peaceful manner.
No religious affiliation will be required to hold office in the U.S. government, as is proposed by the previous candidate’s Project 2025.
The Constitution, U.S. laws, and treaties shall be “the supreme law of the land,” binding on every judge in every state, including Texas and the Fifth Circuit in Louisiana. If you don’t like the rules, quit, but don’t shoot children.
A maniac has disrupted the way of life we’ve enjoyed and in which we’ve been relatively safe. His fear-inducing falsehoods have forced neighbors to buy guns to defend themselves against neighbors they’ve known for years.
His three appointments to SCOTUS have hurt us with seemingly innocuous decisions. He spews hate and people hear him. Now hear us.
Before voting, read Project 2025 online. That’s his real agenda.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Choose Ruben Gallego over Kari Lake
The future of reproductive freedom in Arizona is up for grabs this November.
We have two options: Kari Lake, who said, “nothing can wipe the smile off my face” when Roe v. Wade was overturned, or Ruben Gallego, who said he was “enraged” by the Dobbs ruling.
In April, reproductive rights went from being a national nightmare to Arizona’s reality.
When the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that the Dobbs decision allowed the dormant ban, buried deep in Arizona law and passed in 1864 before Arizona was even a state, to now be enforceable, Kari Lake rejoiced.
She called it a “great law,” complained when Democrats temporarily paused its enforcement, and begged sheriffs to throw women and doctors in jail for providing basic healthcare.
Ruben Gallego disagreed. He said the ban was “devastating news for Arizona women, whose rights have been set back 160 years.”
Who do you trust more to determine our future on reproductive rights? I think it’s clear that the answer is Ruben Gallego.
Marion Weber
Northwest side
I-11 and climate change
Local government leaders, and not just “environmentalists,” have realized for decades that the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert attracts millions of visitors — and their money — to Tucson every year. Representatives at all levels of government have for decades protected the home of Saguaro National Park, Ironwood Forest National Monument, and Tucson Mountains Park, with Pima County’s Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan.
Why is Governor Hobbs now ignoring decades of precedence and making preparations to accommodate more CO2-spewing cars and trucks for decades to come when everyone else on the planet is working toward burning less fossil fuels? Those who still deny the science of human-caused climate change are either ignorant, incredibly greedy, or both. We should be planning ways to move goods from Mexico more efficiently — maybe by rail, but not truck — and using the right-of-way that largely already exists along the I-10 and I-19 corridor.
Mike Cardwell
West side
Rapes, murders thanks to Biden border policy
Laken Riley was a nursing student in Georgia. She was brutally murdered by a Venezuelan man, who had entered the country illegally and was released from custody. Rachel Morin, a mother of five children, was brutally raped and murdered in August 2023, by a man illegally in the country from El Salvador, where he fled from being wanted for murder. He was recently arrested in Maryland. He is also a suspect in an attack of a nine-year-old girl in Los Angeles. Joycelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl, was raped, strangled to death and dumped in a creek under a bridge by two Venezuelan men here illegally. In New York City, Samaritans came to the rescue of two 13-year-old girls, who had been tied up in a park and raped by a man from Ecuador, who had entered illegally. In Missouri, state troopers stopped a vehicle with 5 undocumented accused of kidnapping a 14-year-old girl. Biden’s open border policies caused these horrific crimes.
Gusher Adams
North side
Biden’s budget
The following is taken from an article published by E.J.Antoni: This needs to read! The monthly mortgage payment on a median price home has more than doubled since President Biden took office, rising 119.5%! Yet Biden continues to push for even more of what created this mess: trillions of dollars in new government spending. His latest proposed budget would set yet another record for government spending, even exceeding anything America has seen during wars, recessions, or COVID.
But all this government spending must be paid for, one way or another. The Biden administration has chosen to use the hidden tax of inflation to cover their budget shortfalls, resulting in a veritable cost-of-living crisis across America, with housing costs playing a large role. To be clear, this is not a matter of politics but policy. Congressional Republicans and Democrats alike have been complicit in facilitating the Biden’s administration’s big-government agenda which has resulted in the present cost-of-living crisis.
Linda Schaub
Southeast side
Rationalizing fascism
Re: the June 24 letter “Presidential race.”
I found the logic of this letter to be suspect. The author says, “But between Hurricane Hillary, Incompetent Joe and Felon Donald, I’ll take the felon any day”. But Donald is more than just felon, he’s a fascist and a sociopath. Once people have accepted the Trump brand, it seems that no amount of facts can dissuade them from his product. Rationalizing the support for such a flawed man is the harbinger of fascism. Author Jason Stanley has said that fascism is the politics of “us vs them.” This is exactly what Trump has been selling since 2015. The “them” must be overpowered and marginalized so that a one-party system can be established, free of the so-called evil left. Many of the MAGA acolytes I’ve spoken with, want a one-party system. This is what authoritarianism is all about. Our Founders would not be amused.
Steve Rasmussen
Foothills
Name change
For those with a strong stomach, I suggest reading Project 2025, a guide to the next conservative administration. Its authors are particularly grateful to have the help of dedicated members of The Heritage Foundation’s management and policy teams. I think it would be more honest if the Heritage Foundation changed its name to the Hemorrhage Foundation. Implementing this manifesto would drain the lifeblood from our democracy and replace it with the formaldehyde of theocracy. Vote like our freedom depends on it; it does.
Spencer Elliott
Oro Valley
Trump tortures us
While the catalogue of Donald Trump’s lies and fabrication is vast, his most recent claim to have been tortured while being booked at the Fulton County Courthouse is absurd. Does he really expect people to believe that while surrounded by his secret service guards he was abused and/or tormented?
It’s hard to believe that someone who wants to run our country can spew such lunacy. Unfortunately, there are millions of people who will believe this assertion simply because it comes from his mouth. And send him more money.
I wonder if the folks at the Fulton County Courthouse can sue for slander?
But I guess it’s just another example of the verbal diarrhea that free flows from Trump.
Scott Lukomski
Northeast side
Hooray for Delaney
We should celebrate and get behind Delaney Schnell, who is going to her second Olympics in the incredibly hard sport of platform diving. Not only is she one of the best in the world but she is a terrific person, both sweet and kind. I used to dive at the U of A with her and I knew she would go far.
Her parents did a fantastic job and must be thrilled.
Robert McNeil
Midtown
Reply to Gil Shapiro op ed of 6/23/24
Re: the June 23 article “Have Trump supporters been seduced by the supernatural?”
Gil Shapiro accuses Trump supporters of “supernatural beliefs,” and although he talks about “that pesky need for evidence or proof,” he offers none to support his supernatural belief charge. As for facts: inflation remained under 2% under Trump but ballooned to 9% under Biden. Illegal Southern border crossings under Biden exceed 6.4 million, more than four times than under Trump. Wages outpaced inflation under Trump, the opposite of Biden. Currently, 36% of Americans rate the economy as poor and another 41% rate it as “only fair.”
So although Mr. Shapiro would like to portray belief in Trump as “supernatural beliefs,” we see there are sound reasons for supporting Mr. Trump over Mr. Biden. Perhaps next time, Mr. Shapiro can include some “evidence and proof” in his attacks on Trump, rather than resorting to ad hominem attacks with no proof offered whatsoever.
David Pearse
Foothills
Arizona needs Gallego
Arizona, we are at a crossroads. As a member of the state Senate, I have had a front-row seat to the Republicans’ efforts to chip away at our rights.
School choice, voting rights, and our reproductive rights have all been under attack.
It goes beyond the Legislature. This November we have Kari Lake at the top of our ballot, who, on the day that Roe was overturned, said “nothing can wipe the smile off my face today.”
Kari Lake called the 1864 ban a “great” law. She encouraged local sheriffs to enforce it. To try to jail women.
This November we must flip the Legislature blue. We must pass the Arizonans for Abortion Access initiative to safeguard reproductive freedom.
Our opponents have made it clear they will not hesitate to strip away our rights, but we will not back down.
By voting for Ruben Gallego and supporting Democratic candidates in the legislature, we can fight back and secure a future where reproductive rights are protected.
Priya Sundareshan
East side
Life sentences
Typically, it is a judge who declares a life sentence in court, but Arizona’s GOP legislators want to change this to giving lifelong terms to judges. Realizing that Justices Clint Bolick and Kathryn King will likely be removed from their positions due to their recent rulings on abortion, Republicans are trying to change the rules. The result would be life sentences as judges rather than allowing voters to select appropriate judicial choices every four years as is the current procedure. If approved, the six-year term now would change to permanent placement as a judge, a procedure with which voters cannot abide. Certainly, the Dude would not.
I urge all voters to reject this inane notion and reject the illogical and inane Republican scheme.
Roger Shanley
East side
Constitution wording
Re: the July 2 letter “Finally.”
The letter’s author correctly writes that the phrase “Separation of Church and State” cannot be found in the Constitution. However, the First Amendment’s phrase “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…” is the foundation for the concept of separation of church and state in the United States. It’s known as the Establishment Clause. While the words “separation of church and state” aren’t explicitly written in the Constitution, this clause is interpreted as requiring the government to stay out of matters of religion. The Supreme Court has used these two parts of the First Amendment to determine many cases regarding the separation of church and state throughout U.S. history.
Louisiana’s law requiring posting the Ten Commandments in school classrooms is simply an attempt by the Christian right to impose their religion on the general public. Another part of the First Amendment, the Free Exercise Clause, protects the right of individuals to practice their religion freely. This prevents a state from injecting religious beliefs into the public schools.
Leonard Thurman
West side
Why I back Biden
This is in response to those who feel President Biden should retire. At this late date, nothing short of a miracle would enable a younger Democratic candidate to raise the funds, make the needed pitch, and get voters to unit behind him/her between now and November. If Dean Phillips and RFK, Jr. couldn’t do it, what makes anyone think it will happen within the next four months? Like it or not, Biden represents our best — if not only — chance of beating Donald Trump. If by some miracle Republican leadership were to succeed in getting rid of Trump and turning over their nomination to someone who at least understands what democracy is, nothing would make this Democrat happier. That’s the one event that might finally convince Biden to take a well-deserved retirement. However, I’m not holding my breath. Unless or until Trump disappears for good, I stand by Biden.
Cynthia Coan
East side
No need to vote anymore
All Americans that witnessed the events on that fateful day Jan. 6, 2021, know that the convicted felon ex-president attempted to overthrow our government. The consequence of the SCOTUS decision on presidential immunity would allow (if re-elected) the convicted felon ex-president to re-construct our country’s way of governing and install himself as dictator.
Ironic isn’t it? He failed in his takeover attempt through violence. But he succeeded in positioning himself for a possible takeover using the very court designed to protect our citizenry. In this decision, SCOTUS has bestowed the tyrannical power of a dictator to a twice -impeached, convicted felon ex-president. And the MAGA Republicans accuse the administration of operating as a banana republic.
A DT election will have, I believe, a disruptive affect throughout the world. To what extent? I cannot say. To those who might believe otherwise, I offer a thought: be careful what you vote for this November, because like DT said “after November, you won’t need to vote anymore”.
Ernest Saccani
Foothills
Words matter
As an African American, I was taken aback when I read that a candidate for Justice of the Peace, Michael Buglewicz, used the word “colored” to describe the African American community. He did this at a recent candidate’s forum put on by the NAACP. The n-word, negro and colored are words from an era of legal discrimination against African Americans, during which I grew up. After the Civil Rights Movement ended the Jim Crow laws, my community wanted to be called Black or African American. The fact that a candidate for judicial office does not know that is troubling. I support Judge Charlene Pesqueira for reelection because as a Latina woman, she has experienced discrimination herself and has the sensitivity not use words like “colored” to describe my community and respects everyone who comes before her. They say justice is blind. Justice should also be color blind.
Gary Harrison
Southeast side
Nobody is above the law
The whole world agrees that nobody is above the law. The World Court exists to bring dictators, murderers and the worst of the worst international criminals to justice. Trump has said if he is elected again he would seek revenge on those he thinks are against him and stifle journalists who don’t portray him favorably. Republicans are compiling a list of government workers who they think are against Trump. The corrupt, conservative Justices on the Supreme Court have granted Trump immunity from committing acts against these people. The whole world believes that no person is above the law. Only four men on our Supreme Court see differently.
Daniel Poryanda
Southeast side
Hurricane Trump
Re: the July 2 letter “Bag of wind.”
Many, many kudos to the writer of the letter. He hit the nail on the head on how Trump should be treated. Joe Biden (and all Dems) need to stop treating this human mistake as if he were a serious person — he is NOT. He IS, however, a threat to the nation and to the world. Treating him like the ignorant, infantile, self-serving, thin-skinned sociopath that he is will be far more effective than engaging in the exhausting task of trying to refute the diarrhea of lies that flows nonstop from his silly mouth. Just make fun of the fool that he is — I mean, who brings up prowess at golf at a Presidential Debate?! Barack Obama made public fun of Trump years ago, and DJT is still fuming over it. Looks like it works!
Hope Gastelum
East side
Primary blindness
I just received a card in the mail urging me to vote for Rachel Jones and Cory McGarr on July 30. The ad did not say if this was a primary or general election, nor did it say which party they belong to. In the primary you can only vote in one party’s primary. If you are registered as an independent, you must choose which ballot to receive. It would be nice to know which to ask for if you support them. They want to “arrest and deport all illegal aliens”. There are no aliens in the country, only human beings. If you remove 11 million or more immigrants, who will fix your roof, harvest the fruits and vegetables you eat, process the meat you enjoy, or care for loved ones in so many medical facilities? Not all such workers are undocumented, but enough are that the economic fallout would be devastating.
Donald Ries
Southeast side
The Establishment Clause
Re: the July 2 letter “Finally.”
A recent letter writer endorsing the Louisiana legislature’s insertion of the Ten Commandments into all public school classrooms was correct that the words “separation of church and state” do not appear in the U.S. Constitution. That’s because the phrase is a constitutional concept, not a quote.
It reflects the intent of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause that begins with, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…” The clause prohibits governmental entities from favoring one religion over another or giving preference to religious groups over non-religious groups.
There are at least three versions of the Ten Commandments — Catholic/Lutheran, Jewish, and Protestant/Reformed traditions. Requiring a specific version be posted in public spaces privileges one religion over others, a violation of the Establishment Clause.
I believe Louisiana’s state-approved endorsement of the Protestant version of the Ten Commandments will be overturned. Thankfully, the Constitution is still the law of the land. For now.
Judi Moreillon
Northeast side
County Attorney
I see the local race for County Attorney has attracted a lot of attention. This appears to be due to the very different views of the role of a County Attorney. Barbara LaWall’s view of justice appeared to be to provide vengeance for victims. Laura Conover’s view appears to be to minimize future criminal activity.
Faux Democrat Mike Jette appears to share LaWall’s view of the office. The choice seems clear. Do you want the County Attorney to be an advocate for vengeance or for a better society?
Steven Brown
Midtown
TEP/ACC lethargy & profit
Re: the July 3 article “$55M in federal funding to help southern Arizona co-ops store power.”
The ADS/Wichner article on how cooperative utilities are utilizing federal funds to invest in solar and energy storage so that … “ they don’t have to buy or generate elsewhere, getting the most that they can out of those investment and saving members money” … raises the question as to why Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) is not accessing those funds to establish much more local solar and energy storage-demand management systems to achieve the consequent improvements in costs, reliability and deliver benefits to their CAPTIVE ratepayers provided by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC).
Perhaps it’s because TEP is an Investor-Owned Utility owned by a Canadian Corporation, Management Performance incentives paid to promote shareholder dividends have a higher priority than cost and rate reductions, and because the rate and profit structure supported by current ACC Commissioners provides no incentives to reduce costs and rates while improving reliability?
Terry Finefrock
Foothills
Hey Democrats, draft Liz Cheney!
That’s right! The Democratic Party should draft Liz Cheney to be their Presidential Candidate in 2024. For all the criticism of Party first at the expense of our democracy under a second Trump term, Democrats can fix that by sacrificing a little bit of their own Party first agenda by sponsoring a strong candidate to overwhelm Trump. That strong candidate is Liz Cheney.
Liz Cheney will draw disaffected Republicans into the picture. Democratic voters will not have a stronger alternative. Trump will be toast! With a little “Country over Party” mentality, Democrats could negate the MAGA movement and reinstate the two-party system that made up American democracy for the past 240 years!
George Kalman
SaddleBrooke
Conover has more sophisticated approach
Re: the July 3 article “No more disinformation and misinformation.”
I admit, I have been a little confused about all of the back-and-forth about Pima County Attorney Laura Conover. But Nina Trasoff and Ron Barber cemented my general feeling that the criticisms of Conover were coming from people who believe that “tough on crime“ is the only response to any crime perpetrated by any person. This country needs to get past its punitive mindset. This knee-jerk reaction when we’re dealing with crimes of poverty and/or people who are mentally ill, addicted, young or unhoused is costly, unproductive and simply creating more people who are more resentful and angry at the institutions meant to protect citizens. This is not creating people better able to live peacefully and productively in society. Laura Conover seems to embrace a more nuanced approach to crime than those simple-minded folks who think punishment is always the answer. She has my vote.
Maggy Zanger
Midtown
Recycling and H2O
Re: the June 28 letter “Recycling but saving H2O.”
Good Lord: haven’t we been through this enough times already, with the pearl clutching dilemma about wasting our precious water cleaning plastic items for recycling? No, you don’t need to hear from experts about this. Just read your water bill and apply some common sense.
1. Seven gallons of clean water is being delivered to your home for 2 cents.
2. Most times recyclables can be cleaned in the same water after the dishes.
3. The few ounces of water to rinse is costing nearly nothing.
4. This water enters the sewer system and is mostly recycled itself.
Lastly, remember, AZ agriculture is using hundreds of millions of gallons of water continuously, making your savings infinitesimally small. Clean your recycling!
Gary Susko
Midtown
- George Kalman, SaddleBrooke
That's right! The Democratic Party should draft Liz Chaney to be their Presidential Candidate in 2024. For all the criticism of Party first at the expense of our democracy under a second Trump term, Democrats can fix that by sacrificing a little bit of their own Party first agenda by sponsoring a strong candidate to overwhelm Trump. That strong candidate is Liz Chaney.
Liz Chaney will draw disaffected Republicans into the picture. Democratic voters will not have a stronger alternative. Trump will be toast! With a little "Country over Party" mentality, Democrats could negate the MAGA movement and reinstate the two-party system that made up American democracy for the past 240 years!
George Kalman
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Daniel Poryanda, Southeast side
The whole world agrees that nobody is above the law. The World Court exsists to bring dictators,murderers and the worst of the worst international criminals to justice. Trump has said if he is elected again he would seek revenge on those he thinks are against him and stifle journalists who don't portray him favorably. Republicans are compiling a list of government workers who they think are against Trump. The corrupt,conservative Justices on the Supreme Court have granted Trump immunity from committing acts against these people. The whole world believes that no person is above the law. Only four men on our Supreme Court see differently.
Daniel Poryanda
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Hope Gastelum, East side
Many, many kudos to the writer of the letter titled "Bag of Wind" (7/2/24). He hit the nail on the head on how Trump should be treated. Joe Biden (and all Dems) need to stop treating this human mistake as if he were a serious person - he is NOT. He IS, however, a threat to the nation and to the world. Treating him like the ignorant, infantile, self-serving, thin-skinned sociopath that he is will be far more effective than engaging in the exhausting task of trying to refute the diarrhea of lies that flows nonstop from his silly mouth. Just make fun of the fool that he is - I mean, who brings up prowess at golf at a Presidential Debate?! Barack Obama made public fun of Trump years ago, and DJT is still fuming over it. Looks like it works!
Hope Gastelum
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Judi Moreillon, Northeast side
A recent letter writer endorsing the Louisiana legislature’s insertion of the Ten Commandments into all public school classrooms was correct that the words “separation of church and state” do not appear in the US Constitution. That’s because the phrase is a constitutional concept, not a quote.
It reflects the intent of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause that begins with, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…” The clause prohibits governmental entities from favoring one religion over another or giving preference to religious groups over non-religious groups.
There are at least three versions of the Ten Commandments—Catholic/Lutheran, Jewish, and Protestant/Reformed traditions. Requiring a specific version be posted in public spaces privileges one religion over others, a violation of the Establishment Clause.
I believe Louisiana’s state-approved endorsement of the Protestant version of the Ten Commandments will be overturned. Thankfully, the Constitution is still the law of the land. For now.
Judi Moreillon
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Ernest Saccani, Foothills
All Americans that witnessed he events on that fateful day January 6, 2021, know that the convicted felon ex-president attempted to overthrow our government. The consequence of the SCOTUS decision on presidential immunity would allow (if re-elected) the convicted felon ex-president to re-construct our country's way of governing and install himself as dictator.
Ironic isn't it? He failed in his takeover attempt through violence. But he succeeded in positioning himself for a possible takeover using the very court designed to protect our citizenry. In this decision, SCOTUS has bestowed the tyrannical power of a dictator to a twice -impeached, convicted felon ex-president. And the MAGA Republicans accuse the administration of operating as a banana republic.
A DT election will have, I believe, a disruptive affect throughout the world. To what extent? I cannot say. To those who might believe otherwise, I offer a thought: be careful what you vote for this November, because like DT said "after November, you won't need to vote anymore".
Ernest Saccani
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Leonard Thurman, West side
The letter's author correctly writes that the phrase "Separation of Church and State" cannot be found in the Constitution. However, the First Amendment's phrase "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..." is the foundation for the concept of separation of church and state in the United States. It's known as the Establishment Clause. While the words "separation of church and state" aren't explicitly written in the Constitution, this clause is interpreted as requiring the government to stay out of matters of religion. The Supreme Court has used these two parts of the First Amendment to determine many cases regarding the separation of church and state throughout U.S. history.
Louisiana's law requiring posting the Ten Commandments in school classrooms is simply an attempt by the Christian right to impose their religion on the general public. Another part of the First Amendment, the Free Exercise Clause, protects the right of individuals to practice their religion freely. This prevents a state from injecting religious beliefs into the public schools.
Leonard Thurman
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Cynthia Coan, East side
This is in response to those who feel President Biden should retire. At this late date, nothing short of a miracle would enable a younger Democratic candidate to raise the funds, make the needed pitch, and get voters to unit behind him/her between now and November. If Dean Phillips and RFK, Jr. couldn't do it, what makes anyone think it will happen within the next four months? Like it or not, Biden represents our best -- if not only -- chance of beating Donald Trump. If by some miracle Republican leadership were to succeed in getting rid of Trump and turning over their nomination to someone who at least understands what democracy is, nothing would make this Democrat happier. That's the one event that might finally convince Biden to take a well-deserved retirement. However, I'm not holding my breath. Unless or until Trump disappears for good, I stand by Biden.
Cynthia Coan
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
The Mount Rushmore of Arizona Wildcats men's basketball players
