Tucson speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Feb. 26, 2021
- Updated
Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Arizona Daily Star.
- Karen Harris, Northwest side
- Updated
A writer recently stated that the she left the Democratic Party because they were haters. As a grassroots volunteer and active member of the Democratic Party I have yet to work alongside a hater. The people I know are too busy advocating for election reform, women’s rights, affordable healthcare, living wages, quality public education, environmental protections, humane treatment of immigrants, and racial equality. They give endless hours of their personal time. There is no room for hate because they stay focused on changes that will benefit all citizens and protect our democratic processes. Members of different political parties may not see eye to eye on every issue, but hate accomplishes nothing.
Karen Harris
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Scott McKinzie, Northeast side
- Updated
I fully support a $15 minimum wage, but I strongly disagree with Patricia Eisenberg's contention that a $35 minimum wage is required because that would result in a sound budget for a parent living in an average apartment.
A minimum wage is intended to provide minimum support, enough to protect someone from dire circumstances. It is not intended to enable someone to support children and live independently in moderate accommodations. In order to achieve that goal, you need the help of the other parent or a job that pays more than minimum wage. Until then, you can delay having a family and/or share your home with others.
Scott McKinzie
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Valerie Golembiewski, Southeast side
- Updated
Will 2020 be remembered as the Year of Waiting?
We waited to get tested for COVID-19. We waited to get vaccinated, to vote, to be buried. We waited for food, water, toilet paper...we are still waiting.
Will 2020 be the year noted for the deaths of innocent minority people and the half-million COVID fatalities?
2020 will be the year of chaos in politics. A twice impeached president. Mob rule in Washington, D.C.
It could also be remembered as an almost apocalyptic weather year. Bitter cold. Scorching heat. Floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes.
2020 was the year we learned to do without, to be alone, to be isolated. We learned to live with virtual schooling, working, and worshiping. We became pioneers in a not so brave new world.
We lost old friends and made new ones, and discovered new heroes.
What will you remember about 2020?
Valerie Golembiewski
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- John Covert, East side
- Updated
Democrats have a one vote margin in the Senate and their hold on the House is only slightly more solid. There will be a midterm election in just two years that could put both of these Democratic majorities in jeopardy.
The only way for Democrats to keep—or even expand—their majorities is to show voters they have used these two years productively to enact legislation that provides tangible benefits to the American people. Voters fully expect Democrats to deliver on their promises regarding the pandemic, economic stimulus, climate change, and the environment
Unfortunately, Mitch McConnell and Republicans will do everything they can to block Democratic accomplishments. They will use the filibuster shamelessly to try to keep Democrats from enacting anything. That is why this relic of the past needs to be eliminated.
I urge our Senior Senator, Krysten Sinema, to join with other Democrats to eliminate the filibuster and allow them to do what voters elected them to do.
John Covert
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Pat McElreath, Northwest side
- Updated
Re: USPS PostMaster slowwing down mail delivery.
Based upon my most recent experiences, I have already seen a dramatic decrease in first class mailings. After going to my local Tucson post office and paying for extra stamps for a letter to my aunt in Connecticut, it took that correspondence 14 days to arrive in Waterford, Connecticut. Yesterday I received a first class card from my brother in New London, Connecticut which was posted six days ago, arriving here on February 22nd. At Christmas I spent money shipping a priority package which I was told would take 2 days; it took 5 days.
The dramatic slow down has begun. I am an avid supporter of the USPS, and I vote through the mail, as many of my family and friends do. We should be very concerned with this issue.
Pat McEreath
Tucson
Pat McElreath
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Wendy Anderson, Foothills
- Updated
Is Campaign Finance a Black Hole?
The 2020 elections are over right? So why am I still getting requests for donations from political parties and elected officials? Were my campaign contributions put to good use or were they just sucked into a bottomless Black Hole?
Our political system is warped by big money donations. The cost of the 2020 elections set new records reaching $14 billion.
We can plug this wasteful Black Hole by urging Congress to pass a constitutional amendment allowing states to restrict campaign spending. This is not a partisan issue- all elected officials must spend inordinate amounts of time raising money. Then they must serve their donors instead of serving constituents!
Contact your Reps. Debbie Lesko and Andy Biggs, and Sens. Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema plus your state and local representatives! Urge them to support a bill to pass a constitutional amendment to limit money spent to influence elections
Wendy Anderson
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- David Pearse, Foothills
- Updated
A letter writer discussing the minimum wage, says that "low income workers, a single parent with two children, for example, can't live on" the minimum wage. Actually, a single person can live on the minimum wage, since the poverty level for a single person is $12,760 and, as the writer points out, a minimum wage worker working full time would make $15,080 a year. As for the single parent with two children, he or she wouldn't be able to live on the minimum wage, again as the writer points out.
The solution there is not to become a single parent with two children while trying to exist on the minimum wage. The solution is to have children only after you get educated and get married, not to have taxpayers support you and your two children.
David Pearse
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Bill Blaine, Marana
- Updated
Narcissism is the pursuit of gratification from vanity or egotistic admiration of one’s idealized self image and attributes. Isn’t that what Fareed Zakaria did in his column in Republican fringe groups? He didn’t mention Antifa, BLM, Occupy or Move On on the Democratic fringe. Isn’t that why the “incursion” into the Capitol is called an”armed insurrection"? Isn’t that what the PC and cancel culture is all about? Self aggrandizement seems to be a growing part of American culture. We were a lot better when we were more introspective!
Bill Blaine
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
Is campaign finance a black hole?
The 2020 elections are over right? So why am I still getting requests for donations from political parties and elected officials? Were my campaign contributions put to good use or were they just sucked into a bottomless black hole?
Our political system is warped by big money donations. The cost of the 2020 elections set new records, reaching $14 billion.
We can plug this wasteful black hole by urging Congress to pass a constitutional amendment allowing states to restrict campaign spending. This is not a partisan issue, all elected officials must spend inordinate amounts of time raising money. Then they must serve their donors instead of serving constituents!
Contact Reps. Debbie Lesko and Andy Biggs, and Sens. Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, plus your state and local representatives. Urge them to support a bill to pass a constitutional amendment to limit money spent to influence elections
Wendy Anderson
Foothills
Sen. Sinema, help eliminate the filibuster
Democrats have a slight advantage in the Senate and their hold on the House is only slightly more solid. There will be a midterm election in just two years that could put both of these Democratic majorities in jeopardy.
The only way for Democrats to keep — or even expand — their majorities is to show voters they have used these two years productively to enact legislation that provides tangible benefits to the American people. Voters fully expect Democrats to deliver on their promises regarding the pandemic, economic stimulus, climate change and the environment
Unfortunately, Mitch McConnell and Republicans will do everything they can to block Democratic accomplishments. They will use the filibuster shamelessly to try to keep Democrats from enacting anything. That is why this relic of the past needs to be eliminated.
I urge our senior senator, Kyrsten Sinema, to join with other Democrats to eliminate the filibuster and allow them to do what voters elected them to do.
John Covert
East side
Free speech
for pots and kettles
Re: the Feb. 23 letter “Free speech — but only for some?”
I am not sure who they were alluding too, but talk about the pot calling the kettle black. And I reference the seven Senate Republicans facing censure in their home states’ for voting to impeach Donald Trump for his roll in helping to incite the capital insurrection.
Incidentally, the House of Representatives should have included in their charges Trump’s attempt at threatening election officials in all the contested states, but that is another matter. Why are Senate and House members not allowed to vote their conscience and do what is morally right?
Apparently both parties have the tradition of trapping their members to vote the party line. We need to do away with the two- party system and make everyone run as an independent.
Joe Malberg
Marana
Conservative thought is not being censored
Conservative political thought is not being censored. George F. Will, as conservative a commentator as there is, has free and easy access to any and all media platforms.
When Donald Trump relentlessly repeats that, in spite of the rigorous conclusions of the election officials in all 50 states, he won the election, or when a media company repeatedly tells its viewers that Barack Obama was not born in the U.S., those are not debates about political philosophy. They are examples of mass brainwashing.
When media companies broadcast allegations that, contrary to all evidence, a voting machine company and a software company changed Americans’ votes, that is not a debate about political philosophy. It is a case about to be litigated as alleged, damaging defamation.
Media companies are not censoring political thought. They are struggling to find ways to avoid being used for mass brainwashing and defamation.
Brooks Keenan
Oro Valley
What is Biden doing about border issues?
Re: the Feb. 23 article “US Border Patrol officials start releasing migrants into Yuma.”
The Arizona Daily Star had an article stating that Yuma and other border crossing locations are experiencing a new influx of migrants and are finding their facilities overwhelmed. With COVID-19 being a complicating factor, how can this problem be addressed?
The new administration attacked the Trump administration relentlessly regarding its policies towards asylum seekers, and while I can see that many practices seem heartless, I wonder how this very serious issue can be addressed in both a humane and practical manner?
Patricia Ridinger
Northwest side
Lessons about living on minimum wage
Re: the Feb. 23 letter “Minimum wage history lesson.”
The letter writer says that “low-income workers, a single parent with two children, for example, can’t live on” the minimum wage. Actually, a single person can live on the minimum wage, since the poverty level for a single person is $12,760 and, as Mr. Peck points out, a minimum wage worker working full-time would make $15,080 a year.
As for the single parent with two children, he or she wouldn’t be able to live on the minimum wage, again as the letter writer points out. The solution there is not to become a single parent with two children while trying to exist on the minimum wage. The solution is to have children only after you get educated and get married, not to have taxpayers support you and your two single children.
David Pearse
Foothills
Get rid of people who make Tucson ugly
I am a native of Tucson, I was always proud of the fact that we had a beautiful city, but not anymore.
This city looks like one big garbage dump to those visitors driving through our city on I-10 or through city streets. Riverbeds full of trash and camps of homeless people in almost every corner of our city. God-fearing Tucsonans like myself think that it’s time we cleaned up our own house before welcoming undocumented immigrants into our fold.
We have plenty of locals that need help first. Many residents over the age of 75 still haven’t even got there COVID-19 shot yet, and are not scheduled until middle of March for their first one. Any and all people entering our country undocumented at this time should be getting medically cleared to do so, along with DNA samples and fingerprinting taken.
Time for a better mayor, city council members, Pima County administrator and county supervisors who care about us.
Dave Mattausch
North side
Postal Service problems persist
Based upon my most recent experiences, I have seen a dramatic decrease in first-class mailings. After going to my local Tucson post office and paying for extra stamps for a letter to my aunt in Connecticut, it took that correspondence 14 days to arrive in Waterford.
Yesterday, I received a first- class card from my brother in New London, Connecticut, which was posted six days ago, arriving here on Feb. 22. At Christmas I spent money shipping a priority package which I was told would take two days; it took five days.
The dramatic slow down has begun. I am an avid supporter of the USPS, and I vote through the mail, as many of my family and friends do. We should be very concerned with this issue.
Pat McElreath
Northwest side
City deserves thanks for roadside cleanup
Thank you, city of Tucson, for cleaning the roadside along Fairland Stravenue, between Olsen Avenue and Edmundson Avenue. This road borders the Union Pacific Railroad siding and the Pueblo Gardens neighborhood.
The furniture, trash, construction refuse and even dead animals were eyesores and nuisances. Signs erected warning of fines for dumping seemed to have little effect on the litterers. Those placards were often damaged or destroyed.
I hope this new look will endure and help dissuade further debasement of this roadway in my neighborhood. Good job!
Kevin Heiderman
South side
Making abortion illegal won’t end it
Re: the Feb. 25 article “Bill to outlaw genetic abnormality abortions advances.”
I strongly oppose Senate Bill 1457 and urge this bill be rejected. Making abortion illegal will not end abortion, it will only make it more dangerous. More women will die.
Instead, I urge Arizona lawmakers to treat women as rational actors who are fully capable of making difficult decisions on their own. If Arizona really intends to “protect women,” fully empower them and respect their decisions.
Robbie Brewington
Sierra Vista
2020 really was something
Will 2020 be remembered as the Year of Waiting?
We waited to get tested for COVID-19. We waited to get vaccinated, to vote, to be buried. We waited for food, water, toilet paper … we are still waiting.
Will 2020 be the year noted for the deaths of innocent minority people and the half-million COVID fatalities?
2020 will be the year of chaos in politics. A twice-impeached president. Mob rule in Washington, D.C.
It could also be remembered as an almost apocalyptic weather year. Bitter cold. Scorching heat. Floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes.
2020 was the year we learned to do without, to be alone, to be isolated. We learned to live with virtual schooling, working and worshiping. We became pioneers in a not so brave new world.
We lost old friends and made new ones, and discovered new heroes.
What will you remember about 2020?
Valerie Golembiewski
Southeast side
No room for hate in this Dem’s party
A writer recently stated that she left the Democratic Party because they were haters. As a grassroots volunteer and active member of the Democratic Party, I have yet to work alongside a hater.
The people I know are too busy advocating for election reform, women’s rights, affordable health-care, living wages, quality public education, environmental protections, humane treatment of immigrants and racial equality. They give endless hours of their personal time.
There is no room for hate because they stay focused on changes that will benefit all citizens and protect our democratic processes. Members of different political parties may not see eye-to-eye on every issue, but hate accomplishes nothing.
Karen Harris
Northwest side
Restore voter confidence by telling the truth
Re: the Feb. 24 letter “How Republicans can restore voter confidence.”
I respect and laud the author’s suggestion that, instead of pushing for voter restriction laws to restore voter confidence, Republicans could simply tell the truth about the “Big Lie”: Arizona and other elections were free and fair, with no proof of extensive fraud. This is confirmed by vast numbers of Republican election officials, Trump’s Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice, along with his attorney general, as well as Supreme Court justices (many appointed by Trump) and judges in 60-plus court cases.
At first I thought the writer was a bit naïve, since Arizona Republicans are actually using “voter confidence” as a red herring. Their true intent is to get GOP candidates elected by making it harder for targeted groups to vote.
Then I realized this is the exact, real truth she exposed! Right on! Those interested in truth do not favor voter suppression.
Adrienne Kleiboemer
Foothills
You need to plan better on minimum wage
Re: the Feb. 25 letter “Minimum wage doesn’t pay the rent.”
I fully support a $15 minimum wage, but I strongly disagree with the letter writer’s contention that a $35 minimum wage is required because that would result in a sound budget for a parent living in an average apartment.
A minimum wage is intended to provide minimum support, enough to protect someone from dire circumstances. It is not intended to enable someone to support children and live independently in moderate accommodations.
In order to achieve that goal, you need the help of the other parent or a job that pays more than minimum wage. Until then, you can delay having a family and/or share your home with others.
Scott McKinzie
Northeast side
- Don Weaver, Midtown
- Updated
Consider this generalization: It seems that we as a nation are continuing to be mean-spirited and ugly when it comes to voicing our opinions about others, especially when they’re not like-minded. Consider this specific: A public adversary to a nationally recognized radio personality took his final shot at him upon his death with the following: “may he rest in piss.” Don’t you have to wonder at times where the evil side of our nature is leading us, politically or socially? emedy? Deal in truths.
Take Edwin Markham’s (1852-1940) poem to heart. “There is a destiny that makes us brothers (written before PC), None goes his way alone. All that we send into the life of others comes back into our own. I care not what his temples or creeds. One thing holds firm and fast. That into his fateful leap of days and deeds. The soul of man is cast.”
Don Weaver
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Richard C Peddy, East side
- Updated
Apparently David Fitzimmons cannot see the irony of his insipid cartoon published on February 25th. In it, he depicts Uncle Sam bowing before a memorial which clumsily states "Here rests in eternal shame the unknown outcome if America had Followed Science."
Hello? Millions upon millions of Americans are eagerly following "science" and taking part in a grand experiment on their bodies and future health with vaccines that are only now being tested, with themselves as lab rats. All this with no safety approval(only emergency authorization) from ANY health agency, and zero recourse should they become injured or die.
If that's not following science, frighteningly, blindly or otherwise, I don't know what is. Perhaps in a few years Fitzimmons can draw another cartoon to memorialize those who willingly volunteered themselves as crash dummies for big pharma.
Richard C Peddy
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- patricia ridinger, Northwest side
- Updated
Today's AZ Daily Star has an article stating that Yuma and other border crossing locations are experiencing a new influx or migrants and are finding their facilities overwhelmed. With Covid being a complicating factor, how can this problem be addressed? The new administration attacked the Trump administration relentlessly regarding its policies towards asylum seekers, and while I can see that many practices seem heartless, I wonder how this very serious issue can be addressed in both a humane and practical manner.
Patricia Ridinger
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Paul Lauritzen, Northwest side
- Updated
I hope Kyrsten Sinema will reconsider her position on the filibuster, at least as to the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. At least 33 state legislatures, including our own, are considering bills making it harder to vote.
In Arizona, Republicans are trying to require that mail-in ballots be notarized. How available are notaries to Native American voters? They provided Biden and Kelly their margin of victory. Do Democrats think they can win without them?
THIRTY-TWO other states are trying the same or worse. The Voting Rights Act will not pass if it can be filibustered. It may be THE most important legislation this Sen. Sinema will ever consider.
The filibuster must be limited or ended.
Paul Lauritzen
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- John Thomas, SaddleBrooke
- Updated
I'm sure everyone is aware of the rapidly increase of gasoline prices. While I firmly believe that we need to do as much as possible to reduce green houses gases, the reality is that we still rely on 75% fossil fuels for energy. Biden's decision to stop all oil production from federal lands is the reason . He not only eliminated a lot of oil production, but also eliminated US jobs. He would rather send the jobs and money to the middle eastern countries. I can't wait until gasoline prices go back to $4.00 a barrel.
John Thomas
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Greg Zath, Oro Valley
- Updated
Regarding today's opinion piece "What would a Trump presidential library look like". I envision a closet with one shelf with one book on it entitled
"There's a Sucker Born Every Minute" by P.T. Barnum. The bookends, gold plated of course, would consist of a ketchup bottle and a diet Coke can. Those were the words he lived by and his favorite foods. It would be funded with other folks money.
Greg Zath
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Joe Malberg, Marana
- Updated
I couldn't help but notice one of the submitted letters published Feb.23rd about the Democratic party's attempt to muzzle someone's free speech. I am not sure who they were alluding too but talking about the pot calling the kettle black. And I reference the senate Republicans censuring seven of their members for voting to impeach Trump for his roll in helping to incite the capital insurrection. Incidentally, the House should have included in their charges Trump's attempt at threating election officials in all the contested states, but that is another matter. Why are Senate and house members not allowed to vote their conscience and do what is morally right. Apparently both parties have the tradition of trapping their members to vote the party line. We need to do away with the two party system and make everyone run as an Independent.
Joe Malberg
Marana
fe. 23rd
Joe Malberg
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Brooks Keenan, Oro Valley
- Updated
Conservative political thought is not being censored. George F. Will, as conservative a commentator as there is, has free and easy access to any and all media platforms.
When Donald Trump relentlessly repeats that, in spite of the rigorous conclusions of the election officials in all 50 states, he won the election, or when a media company repeatedly tells its viewers that Barack Obama was not born in the USA, those are not debates about political philosophy. They are examples of mass brainwashing.
When media companies broadcast allegations that, contrary to all evidence, a voting machine company and a software company changed Americans’ votes, that is not a debate about political philosophy. It is a case about to be litigated as alleged, damaging defamation.
Media companies are not censoring political thought. They are struggling to find ways to avoid being used for mass brainwashing and defamation.
Brooks Keenan
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- John Falzone, East side
- Updated
I am somewhat confused about the government's apparent rush to be Ultra Green. I recall many warnings over the years that our National power grid and power generation abilities were woefully inadequate and basically held together with band-aids and the investment necessary to fix these issues mind boggling and would make major changes to our tax and spending priorities necessary. Also recent history where much of California is sweating in darkness when too many people turn on their air conditioners. And now much of Texas is in darkness with no running water because their grid as well as their supposed state of the art windmills froze up due to snow and cold. But we are apparently rushing ahead with plans to replace hundreds of thousands of government cars with vehicles that need to be plugged into the questionable grid to charge. Further we are rushing to make electric vehicles more or less the only choice for the country as a whole without answering the supply and distribution questions first.
John Falzone
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
Going green,
but at what cost?
I am somewhat confused about the government’s apparent rush to be ultra-green. I recall many warnings over the years that our national power grid and power generation abilities were woefully inadequate and basically held together with band-aids and the investment necessary to fix these issues would be mind-boggling and would make major changes to our tax and spending priorities necessary.
But we are apparently rushing ahead with plans to replace hundreds of thousands of government cars with vehicles that need to be plugged into the questionable grid to charge.
Further, we are rushing to make electric vehicles more or less the only choice for the country as a whole without answering the supply and distribution questions first.
John Falzone
East side
Stop the rot
at its roots
Arizona Legislative District 11 needs to cure a bad situation. State Rep. Mark Finchem is getting bad marks by association for his links with the Oath Keepers and a trip to Washington, D.C., for a violent visit at the Capitol. He has earned bad marks.
The ethics chairwoman in the House has refused to open an investigation. The GOP is refusing to censor members who are over the line, while censoring the members with high standards.
We have a diseased rot in government and need a cure. Good citizens must find a cure.
Maybe the organization Run For Something has our elixir. Check out the site at runforsomething.net. We deserve better; now demand better. Stop the rot.
Kenn Block
Oro Valley
Chaplik’s pandering
threatens public health
House Bill 2770 is not a “simple” bill, as described by one of its sponsors, Rep. Joseph Chaplik, but rather a simple-minded bill.
Business owners have suffered financially from the pandemic, but this bill removing the current city or county requirement for mask use and allowing businesses to determine mask use of employees and customers would ignore this proven method for preventing the spread of the pandemic.
Financial assistance for businesses should be addressed in pandemic relief legislation rather than Chaplik’s bill, which panders to a narrow-minded, selfish mindset, allowing the comfort for self over the safety of all.
Roger Shanley
East side
Minimum wage doesn’t pay the rent
Recently, a letter suggested that a person earning minimum wage would make $15,000 per year, above the federal poverty level. So no problem! But ...
Even small apartments now rent for $1,000 per month, leaving about $3,000 yearly to cover food, transportation, utilities and clothing. And the average U.S. rent is $1,419 per month, as of 2018.
For rent to be one-fourth of income, you would need an income of $5,676/month, $35.47/hour. Federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour. That’s for non-tipped employees. For tipped employees, it’s $2.13 per hour.
I invite you to imagine yourself in this situation, with children, during this pandemic.
Patricia Eisenberg
Midtown
Phone companies
are gouging us
Re: the Feb. 21 article “New 5G poles don’t belong in front of Tucsonans’ homes.”
Tim Stellers’ column on 5G poles nicely highlighted a lack of ability to address an obvious intrusion into people’s lives. Phone companies can seemingly do whatever they want with unlimited budgets.
The current (and immoral) price gouging of U.S. phone companies has created a net annual profit of over $30 billion for Verizon alone in 2017 (from a gross revenue of $126 billion). Other Western nations regulate this utility.
In Europe, where food, clothing, rent and almost every retail item costs much more than in the U.S., cell service has been kept low with government oversight. About half that of the U.S.
Having a cellphone has become a necessity. People could pay an extra $5 a year for a commission to reduce bills by $25 to $50 each month. This fee would also help regulate tower placements.
How did we ever allow these outrageous fees on calls that cost providers only pennies?
Pericles Wyatt
Downtown
Protect your
right to vote
Your right to vote is the cornerstone of democracy, a government of, by and for the people. However, since their session began mid-January, our state legislators have already proposed bills restricting voting and obstructing our elections. These bills include requiring mail-in ballots to be notarized and hand-delivered, increasing voter ID requirements, requiring mandatory purging of voter rolls, requiring in-person voter registration in government buildings, and allowing legislators access to private voter information, among others.
Protect voting rights by urging your members of Congress to support the “For the People Act” (House Res. 1) which would prevent voter suppression. It would do this by establishing automatic voter registration, allowing same-day registration, forbidding improper purging of voter rolls, preventing racial and partisan gerrymandering, and providing public funding for elections to reduce corporate influence.
Also, the “John Lewis Voting Rights Act” (H.R. 4) would require states with a history of voter suppression to receive preclearance before making changes to their voting processes, including widespread poll closures and prohibitive voting requirements.
Diana Alexander
Oro Valley
Arizona’s democracy is under assault
This year, our Republican-led Arizona Legislature introduced more voter suppression bills and other legislation intended to reduce Arizonans’ participation in Democracy. This intensified effort to restrict voting is no doubt fueled by frustrated Republican efforts to overturn our 2020 presidential election results.
The bills would impose unreasonable burdens, confusion, and/or penalties on those who register voters, vote by mail, support citizens initiatives and administer elections. If passed, these laws would obstruct voter engagement and ease the majority party’s ability to change election rules and possibly results.
Regardless of party affiliation, I know that most Arizonans hold dear our system of government that is for the people and by the people. Yet, our legislature appears not to respect these values. Please contact your state legislators, especially those who are Republican, and urge them to reject all voter suppression bills. And when voting in future elections, know which candidates support your right to vote.
Elizabeth Lyons
Midtown
A library with all the best words
Re: the Feb. 22 article “What would a Trump presidential library look like?”
I envision a closet with one shelf with one book on it is titled “There’s a Sucker Born Every Minute” by P.T. Barnum.
The bookends, gold-plated of course, would consist of a ketchup bottle and a Diet Coke can. Those were the words he lived by and his favorite foods. It would be funded with other folks’ money.
Greg Zath
Oro Valley
Caring people make good things possible
Some would say that our country is “torn apart by issues and divisions.”
For those that feel strongly on this issue, take the time to visit the VA Hospital, Tucson Medical Center and other COVID-19 inoculation centers. You will find an army of volunteers busy assisting inoculations efforts. Yes, even in our recent snow.
They are banded together by one common goal: Keep the shot line moving. Once again, volunteers have recognized a need and have stepped forward. They are direct examples of when we pull together, good things happen!
Keith Connolly
Northeast side
Gas prices betray Biden’s energy policy
I’m sure everyone is aware of the rapid increase of gasoline prices. While I firmly believe that we need to do as much as possible to reduce greenhouses gases, the reality is that we still rely on about 75% fossil fuels for energy, according to Pew Research Center.
Joe Biden’s decision to stop all oil production from federal lands is the reason. He not only eliminated a lot of oil production, but also eliminated U.S. jobs. He would rather send the jobs and money to Middle Eastern countries. I can’t wait until gasoline prices go back to $4 a barrel.
John Thomas
SaddleBrooke
Republicans must stop appealing to fear, racism
Dear Gov. Doug Ducey,
As a lifelong Democrat and progressive liberal my advice is sincere. I respect Republicans like John McCain, Barry Goldwater, Dwight Eisenhower, and William F. Buckley because I believe their positions were based on support for the Constitution and the American people.
Your party needs to return to a position of respect. Then we can effectively reach across the aisle and reach positive compromises.
Supporting those who advocate for America as a white, Christian country will not earn you that respect. That position is based on fear, racism, xenophobia and a desire to retain voters at all costs.
I am comfortable living and working in communities that are diverse. I feel more confident in the future of the United States in a global economy. I find myself learning more about myself, my country and my world.
Margaret Fusari
West side
Wear your masks
or lose my business
Re: the Feb. 20 article “Arizona bill would allow businesses to ignore city, county mask mandates.”
House Bill 2770 would allow business owners to decide whether to enforce mask mandates for their employees and customers, “a move supporters say promotes freedom.”
I would like to suggest that those same business owners be required to post a sign at the door (large enough to see) so that those of us who don’t want to be in a place where people are not wearing masks can exercise our freedom to not patronize those businesses.
Pamela Harlan
North side
- David Steinberg, Northwest side
- Updated
Re: the Feb. 21 article "With Limbaugh gone, conservatism needs new voice."
I just read Michael Ryan’s tribute to Rush Limbaugh in the Sunday Star. What a load of crap! Ryan describes Limbaugh as a little too “tart” and “acerbic” for his taste (though he basically approved of his act). Tart and acerbic? How about hateful, slanderous and mendacious?
Global warming is a hoax? Covid 19 is just the common cold? Hillary Clinton murdered her secret lover,
Vince Foster? Calling the then 12 year-old Chelsea Clinton a dog on his TV show?
What does the above (and thousands of similar rants) have to do with patriotism, let alone anything resembling the “wit and wisdom” that Ryan credits him with?
One more point—Ryan condemns “. . .the cult of personality that has all but taken over American politics.”
It’s clearly not American politics as a whole, but the Republican Party alone that has surrendered to Trumpmania.
David Steinberg
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Patricia Eisenberg, Midtown
- Updated
Recently a letter suggested that a person earning minimum wage would make $15,000 per year, above the federal poverty level. So no problem! But -
The smallest apartments now rent for $1,000/month, leaving $3000 yearly to cover food, transportation, utilities, clothing.
And the average US rent is $1419/month.
For rent to be 1/4 of income, you would need an income of $5676/month, $35.47/hour.
Federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour. That’s for non-tipped employees. For tipped employees, it’s $2.13 per hour.
I invite you to imagine yourself in this situation, with children, during this pandemic.
As a country, we need to raise the minimum wage. When President Franklin Roosevelt introduced it, he said it was intended to be a living wage. Maybe it was a living wage in the 1930's, but it certainly isn't now.
Patricia Eisenberg
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Debra Jackley, Midtown
- Updated
I was a registered Democrat for 35 years until I began to see how radicalized the party became. I've watched Nancy Pelosi spew her venom against the POTUS and withhold stimulus payments to Americans because of her hated of Donald Trump. AOC calling for taking names and going after anyone who voted for Trump and more. Trump voters have been called white supremacists, deplorables, racists, liars, xenophobes, fascists and all sorts of terrible things. They have been threatened simply because the Democratic Party has labeled them as such and encouraged this type of action. This is not the America I know and remember. But, maybe it no longer exists. The America I knew was a much more loving country where everyone was entitled to their opinions and beliefs. Not just those of one side and called a racist for have an opinion contrary to the Democratic ideology. The 74 million people Trump supporters are not all white supremacists, etc. as they have been called. Please, stop all the HATE now!
Debra Jackley
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- David Steinberg, Northwest side
- Updated
A letter in the Star of Feb. 19 praises Sen. Kristen Sinema for her “principled stand” for supporting keeping the filibuster rule in the Senate and opposing the minimum wage increase.
Since these two positions are fully in line with the Republican agenda, I ask what “principles” Sen. Sinema is upholding. Betraying her supporters, perhaps? Sinema’s position on these two crucial issues is exactly the same as Martha McSally supported.
Silly me, I thought Sinema was a Democrat! I guess there were actually two Republicans on the ballot for senator in 2018!
David Steinberg
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dale Keyes, Downtown
- Updated
Yesterday's full page political insert in the Star questioning whether Senator Sinema will "fight for us" raises several questions. First, who paid for it? Down at the bottom in small letters: "Paid for by Moveon". That's a name associated with the Democratic Party so we have to assume that our State Democratic Party is criticizing Democratic Senator Sinema. Why? Sinema has demonstrated that she doesn't always reflect the party line. For example, she said she would weigh all the evidence before deciding whether ex-President Trump was guilty, and she currently is not in favor of eliminating the Senate filibuster rules. I applaud her for taking independent and principled stands on these issues.
As a registered Democrat, I deplore our Party demanding complete allegiance. This is just like the Republican Party censoring Republican politicians who voted against Trump and his policies!
Dale Keyes
Downtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
Zoo tried
to pull a fast one
The Reid Park Zoo and Barnum Hill issue has its pros and cons, but the key question is whether the ballot Propositions 203, which very narrowly passed, was properly worded so voters would realize the full implications of their vote.
Only recently did the zoo’s intent to take over Barnum Hill become generally known. Many voters, who are now protesters, have stated they would have voted differently had they realized what was at stake. The Save the Heart of Reid Park protest group immediately sprung up and now has over 25,000 petition signatures.
The zoo was the party that initiated and was to benefit from Prop. 203. Whether intentionally or negligently, the zoo failed in its duty to present to voters in a clear way its plan to take over Barnum Hill and pond. Nor should it be allowed to do so given the circumstances and facts.
Robert Lenoir
Downtown
Zoo has been
upfront about plans
Reid Park Zoo is a wonderful destination to enjoy amazing animals, connect with nature and learn about wildlife. Our zoo is great, but it can be even better! I fully support its expansion project, “Pathway to Asia,” which will give everyone new opportunities for learning, exploring and discovering even more exciting, majestic and endangered animals.
From the very beginning of the master plan, zoo officials have been very transparent and have given many opportunities for input from all Tucson residents. The designs for this project have been completed, and changes to the project now would cost millions of taxpayer dollars, wasted money! It is so unfortunate that misinformation has created a group which opposes this rare opportunity for our zoo to reach its full potential.
I urge everyone to support the Reid Park Zoo expansion project to proceed as submitted.
Francine Champoux
Northeast side
Sinema, McSally indistinguishable
Re: the Feb. 19 letter “Sinema is rising above the fray.”
This letter writer praises Sen. Kyrsten Sinema for her “principled stand” for supporting keeping the filibuster rule in the Senate and opposing the minimum wage increase.
Since these two positions are fully in line with the Republican agenda, I ask what “principles” Sen. Sinema is upholding? Betraying her supporters, perhaps? Sinema’s position on these two crucial issues is exactly the same as Martha McSally supported.
Silly me, I thought Sinema was a Democrat! I guess there were actually two Republicans on the ballot for senator in 2018!
David Steinberg
Northwest side
Stop the hate, Democrats
I was a registered Democrat for 35 years until I began to see how radicalized the party became. I’ve watched Nancy Pelosi spew her venom against the President of the United States and withhold stimulus payments to Americans because of her hatred of Donald Trump. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calling for taking names and denying anyone who worked for Trump employment and more.
Trump voters have been called white supremacists, deplorables, racists, liars, xenophobes, fascists and all sorts of terrible things. They have been threatened simply because the Democratic Party has labeled them as such and encouraged this type of action.
This is not the America I know and remember. But maybe it no longer exists. The America I knew was a much more loving country where everyone was entitled to their opinions and beliefs, not just those of one side.
You’re called a racist for having an opinion contrary to the Democratic ideology. The 74 million people who are Trump supporters are not all white supremacists, as they have been called. Please, stop all the hate now!
Debra Jackley
Midtown
Vaccine appointments are hard to come by
More and more letters appear that effusively praise the process of actually receiving the COVID-19 vaccinations. That’s fine, but it is not so easy to actually get an appointment for a vaccination.
Now the state has opened a mass vaccination site at the University of Arizona, while Pima County could not, even before the severe weather, get enough vaccine doses from the state and has had to cancel appointments. Why is the state opening a site before the county has enough doses to fully function? This confusing effort is robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Now, people age 65 will also be able to fruitlessly attempt to get nonavailable appointments before anyone has enough doses to support this expanded effort. This confusing mess may cause some people, who may be skeptical about getting vaccinated to begin with, to lose hope and just give up on getting the shots.
Gov. Doug Ducey, would you manage an ice cream parlor this way?
Ronald Pelech
Midtown
The real Rush
was a cad
Re: the Feb. 21 article “With Limbaugh gone, conservatism needs new voice.”
I just read Michael Ryan’s tribute to Rush Limbaugh in the Sunday, Feb. 21 Daily Star. What a load! Ryan describes Limbaugh as a little too “tart” and “acerbic” for his taste (though he basically approved of his act). Tart and acerbic? How about hateful, slanderous and mendacious?
Global warming is a hoax? COVID-19 is just the common cold? Hillary Clinton murdered her secret lover, Vince Foster? Calling the then 12-year-old Chelsea Clinton a dog on his TV show?
What does the above (and thousands of similar rants) have to do with patriotism, let alone anything resembling the “wit and wisdom” that Ryan credits him with?
One more point — Ryan condemns “the cult of personality that has all but taken over American politics.”
It’s clearly not American politics as a whole, but the Republican Party alone that has surrendered to Trumpmania.
David Steinberg
Northwest side
Rep. Chaplik gets masks all wrong
Re: the Feb. 20 article “Arizona bill would allow businesses to ignore city, county mask mandates.”
One of the things we have learned by now is that masks prevent spread of disease, especially when we have an airborne virus. We have regional studies and international studies that show that masks work. Yet the Republicans continue to press for their anti-science provision that masks are repressive and constitute a burden to our freedom.
Rep. Joseph Chaplik’s statement that masks are demeaning is just straight wrong. There is nothing demeaning about helping your neighbors avoid the potentially deadly virus.
Thomas Walsh
Northeast side
Child poverty
is the priciest of all
Re: the Feb. 22 letter “You know what’s expensive? Poverty.”
This letter reminded me of something written by James Baldwin nearly 60 years ago. Baldwin wrote that anyone who has struggled with poverty knows how expensive it is to be poor.
It was true then, it’s distressingly still true now, especially so as relates to what our children in poverty face.
Michael Price
Midtown
Criticism of Sinema unwarranted
The Sunday, Feb. 21, full-page political insert in the Daily Star questioning whether Sen. Sinema will “fight for us” raises several questions. First, who paid for it? Down at the bottom in small letters: “Paid for by Moveon.” That’s a name associated with the Democratic Party, so we have to assume that our state Democratic Party is criticizing Democratic Sen. Sinema.
Why? Sinema has demonstrated that she doesn’t always reflect the party line. For example, she said she would weigh all the evidence before deciding whether ex-President Trump was guilty, and she currently is not in favor of eliminating the Senate filibuster rules. I applaud her for taking independent and principled stands on these issues.
As a registered Democrat, I deplore our party demanding complete allegiance. This is just like the Republican Party censoring Republican politicians who voted against Trump and his policies!
Dale Keyes
Downtown
How Republicans can
restore voter confidence
Arizona’s Republican lawmakers lead the nation in proposing laws that would restrict and suppress our ability to vote. They claim these laws are needed to restore public confidence because many voters believe Donald Trump’s false assertions that President Joe Biden won the 2020 election due to widespread fraud.
Rather than permanently stain the Republican Party as being a tool of voter suppression, there is a better way to restore election confidence. Tell the truth.
Say simply and clearly that Donald Trump was lying when he claimed the election was rigged. Say that the courts found, and evidence shows, that we had a free and fair election.
The best way to restore voter confidence in our election system is to tell the truth.
Thea Chalow
Oro Valley
Vaccine distribution
isn’t aboveboard
It seems every day we get to read a letter from a lucky recipient crowing they enjoyed getting a COVID-19 vaccine. My view is that the Arizona vaccine distribution appears to be a corrupt debacle.
At this point, a significant portion of the population cannot get a vaccine for many months, if ever. The Pima County supply seems to change unpredictably on a daily basis.
These supply variations along with other circumstantial evidence suggests that much of the state vaccine supply is being misappropriated inequitably to connected people of questionable eligibility.
As a public service, the Star should have one of their excellent investigative reporters like Tim Steller look into how Arizona is really handling the vaccine supply and who is getting it.
Jeff Edwards
West side
Ducey sees a false Republican future
I’m glad Gov. Doug Ducey is hopeful about the Republican Party in the future. I, on the other hand, hold the Republicans to account.
Using the term “Grand Old Party” is ridiculous. If a political party in the United States of America cannot succeed in governing our country justly with laws that benefit the whole country, then you need to rethink your approach.
Can’t your votes be about including everyone in the process of better government? We all must make compromises in our lives. Politics and governing should be no different.
Every law passed should be an improvement involving thoughtful and compassionate compromise. All I see today are attempts to block and override the will of the people.
Our Arizona Legislature has been busy writing and working on passing laws to restrict voter participation. Perhaps they are looking forward to 2024, when they can override the will of the people’s choice?
Joyce Harrison
East side
- Barbara Moore, East side
- Updated
I agree that the national debt requires attention. I support a quick revocation of the tax cuts passed by republicans which gave us a $1.7 trillion dollar deficit before the pandemic. The tax cuts which went to the rich and to corporations did not do much for the economy. History has shown the conservative republican trickle down myth has caused serious economic crises and it is democratic administrations have to dig us out.
$15/hr minimum wage has nothing to do with the national debt as the writer is trying to portray. I pay more income taxes than Amazon or many of the billionaires and I suggest that hardworking people should earn at least $15/hr.
Barbara Moore
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- David Pearse, Foothills
- Updated
Though Mr. Pickrell, talking about climate change, maintains that "global warming is probably the most dire ongoing threat to human civilization," most Americans don't take his claim seriously, as they now buy 70% of their automobiles as gas guzzling SUVs or trucks rather than gas sipping compacts and sedans.
America has reduced its carbon footprint more than any other nation in the world basically due to fracking and natural gas replacing coal as our main source of energy. Our costs for energy are thus half those of Europe, which gives us a huge advantage in manufacturing. But Mr. Pickrell would have us give up this advantage.
Finally, Mr. Pickrell doesn't tell us that global warming is indeed global, and that any further reductions in greenhouse gasses here will be more than offset by continued expansion of coal power plants in both China and India.
David Pearse
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Michael Ullery, Midtown
- Updated
For clarification, I am not a Ted C. fan. He is a hypocrite and has shown that he is not above the convenient falsehood, I should be happy that he is being roasted in frigid Texas. However, I wonder what do his critics think he should be doing? Is the Senate involved in boiling snow? Burning stacks of worthless paper? Maybe they are passing an act that prohibits cold temperatures. None of these activities are happening.
There is a crisis happening in Texas, and the best use of his time is spending time with his family.
However, I do hope that the next time his hypocrisy happens, and it will, perhaps some of these critics will be armed and ready to roast him.
Michael Ullery
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Barbara Moore, East side
- Updated
I would suggest that Senator Sinema would do a better job by doing something for AZ. I applaud her vote for the sanctity of our Republic. Now I think she should get on board with $15./hr minimum wage and eliminating the filibuster. If she obstructs the Covid Relief bill and allows the derailing of the democrat's agenda, I 'll have words to describe her, but it is not "perfect."
Barbara Moore
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Terri Hicks, Northwest side
- Updated
As a life-long Democrat, I am concerned about cancelling 50k in student loan debt for Americans -that's how we get in trouble. I agree that student loan debt continues to burden those seeking to further their education. I also know that “giving away the farm” is not the answer. Proposed relief would be provided to everyone, which would disproportionately benefit the well-to-do, as they tend to use their loans for education at institutions that are more expensive, unlike those who are going to a state or community college who tend to need to borrow more for living expenses while they pursue their education. Instead, provide relief using a sliding scale capping at 10k; the higher the income the less relief is necessary. Cap the interest to 3% and reduce the amount of monthly payments. Base payments on annual income; lower income equals lower payment. Exchange community service/work in an underserved area/field for a reduction in debt. Doing this would make it more equitable for all.
Terri Hicks
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Charles Shultheis, Sahuarita
- Updated
Re: the Feb. 12 letter "If $15 is too much, who is to blame?."
The letter writer wrote that “a doubling of the minimum wage does not mean the cost of your hamburger must double.” It seems the author left out discussion of some items. A rise in the minimum wage to $15 is only a 25% rise to Arizona’s $12 minimum but he doesn’t consider an equivalent rise in business costs such as rent, raw materials, utilities, insurance, maintenance and advertising. What about the additional costs of raising wages of other employees who have advanced from $10 an hour to near $15? Employers will raise the pay of experienced employees above that of the newbies! In AZ, we can expect the cost of most everything to rise by up to 25% with a 25% rise in minimum wage. What about AZ’s many folks on fixed incomes? What about the resultant significant economic inflation? Want a raise? Earn it by learning (education, experience and hard work)!
Charles Shultheis
Sahuarita
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Bruce Dockter, West side
- Updated
Ethics is a system of moral principles concerned with what is good for individuals and society. The Apostle Paul is considered by many to be the church leader most responsible for ethical development within the church. Our political leaders no longer appear to use ethical principles when making decisions. Decisions are made for political or personal advantage unaware of what is happening in the Nation beyond their office windows. Some of the principles of St. Paul that I no longer see evidence of are “Maintain unity and peace; Speak Truth, not falsehood; Be kind to one another.” We must insist that ethical standards be part of the lexicon for our elected leaders and that decisions are made based on what is good for individuals and society, not what is good for personal or political expediency.
Bruce Dockter
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Harry Peck, retired lawyer, Tubac
- Updated
Re: the Feb. 15 letter "Lift yourself to a higher wage."
I smile reading "letters to the editor" when I find one, written by a self styled "conservative" stating what "liberals" think, describing a view that "liberals" have never held.
In this letter, the writer shows ignorance of the history of the minimum wage. Hancock's "simple fact" that the minimum wage was never intended to be a living wage is untrue and unrelated to the facts of its inception. On the contrary, the idea of a minimum wage was always "one on which laborers could live" and dates from the early 1800's.
It did not become law in this country until 1938 when FDR, after contending with "conservatives" and the courts, established it. Now the federal minimum is $7.25/hr ($15,080/yr). Low income workers, a single parent with two children, for example, can't live on that amount. That is the actual reason we "radical" liberals want it increased. The letter writer proves some study is needed before writing a letter to the editor.
Harry Peck, retired lawyer
Tubac
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Kevin Marschke, Oro Valley
- Updated
The Republican Congress has showed the level they have allowed the bar to sink to. For the second impeachment of Donald Trump, these "Trumplicans" tell us that if you vote against the would be Autocrat, you will be censured. But if Trump incites a riot and insurrection, as he did on January 6, 2021, nothing happens. The excuse for not doing anything for the first impeachment was not that Trump was innocent, it was that he was President. The excuse for not doing anything on the second impeachment was not that he was innocent, it was that he no longer President. Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham need to hope that Donald Trump does not treat them like he did the rioters whom he incited and stormed the Capitol. He awarded these dupes by completely ignoring them when they needed him. If Cruz and Graham get the same, it couldn't happen to two nicer guys.
Kevin Marschke
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Pudge Johnson, Oro Valley
- Updated
The 1st amendment provides for free, unfettered speech for all and is the basic foundation of a working democracy. For the last year, citizens expressing views contrary to the Democratic Party have been and are continuing to be muzzled and punished for their views. It appears that the Democratic Party’s mantra is “Free speech for me, but not for thee.” As history has demonstrated, political winds can change rapidly and a significant change may well occur in 2022. If that change does happen, with the precedents that have been set in the last year, can you imagine the tit-for-tat, and the retribution that will surely occur to all of those who have committed similar offensives of contrary speech. But what is even more astonishing is that the STAR, whose very foundation and livelihood are singularly dependent on the concept of free speech. is not horrified and outspoken regarding the strangulation of contrary speech that does not meet the party line.
Pudge Johnson
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
Reid Park and zoo can both benefit
Re: the Feb. 14 article “Small group should not derail zoo improvements.”
I can’t thank you enough for your op-ed about the ongoing zoo improvements and imminent expansion. What a Valentine’s present to all of us who cherish our Reid Park and zoo! I have always had trouble finding the right words to present in a letter to the editor, so let me just cheat and echo everything these guys just said in their piece.
I want to encourage everyone to give his or her opinions and ideas for future park improvements — come to study sessions, or send in your thoughts. With some real teamwork, we can all help not only the zoo but the park become better than ever! Check out the zoo website while you’re at it and see all of the incredible drawings and illustrations of the zoo improvements. An improved park and zoo should make all of us even more proud to be a Tucsonan!
Larry Holcomb
Foothills
Free speech — but only for some?
The First Amendment provides for free, unfettered speech for all and is the basic foundation of a working democracy.
For the last year, citizens expressing views contrary to the Democratic Party have been and are continuing to be muzzled and punished for their views. It appears that the Democratic Party’s mantra is “Free speech for me, but not for thee.”
As history has demonstrated, political winds can change rapidly, and a significant change may well occur in 2022. If that change does happen, with the precedents that have been set in the last year, can you imagine the tit-for-tat, and the retribution that will surely occur to all of those who have committed similar offensives of contrary speech.
But what is even more astonishing is that the Star, whose very foundation and livelihood are singularly dependent on the concept of free speech is not horrified and outspoken regarding the strangulation of contrary speech that does not meet the party line.
Pudge Johnson
Oro Valley
The Republican bar is set so low
The Republican Congress has showed the level they have allowed the bar to sink to. For the second impeachment of Donald Trump, these “Trumplicans” tell us that if you vote against the would-be Autocrat, you will be censured. But if Trump incites a riot and insurrection, as he did on Jan. 6, 2021, nothing happens.
The excuse for not doing anything for the first impeachment was not that Trump was innocent, it was that he was president. The excuse for not doing anything on the second impeachment was not that he was innocent, it was that he no longer was president.
Senators Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham need to hope that Donald Trump does not treat them like he did the rioters whom he incited to storm the Capitol. He awarded these dupes by completely ignoring them when they needed him.
If Cruz and Graham get the same, it couldn’t happen to two nicer guys.
Kevin Marschke
Oro Valley
Minimum wage history lesson
Re: the Feb. 15 letter “Lift yourself to a higher wage.”
I smile reading “letters to the editor” when I find one, written by a self-styled “conservative,” stating what “liberals” think, describing a view that “liberals” have never held.
In this letter, the writer shows ignorance of the history of the minimum wage. Hancock’s “simple fact” that the minimum wage was never intended to be a living wage is untrue and unrelated to the facts of its inception. On the contrary, the idea of a minimum wage was always “one on which laborers could live” and dates from the early 1800s.
It did not become law in this country until 1938 when FDR, after contending with “conservatives” and the courts, established it. Now the federal minimum is $7.25/hr ($15,080/yr). Low-income workers, a single parent with two children, for example, can’t live on that amount. That is the actual reason we “radical” liberals want it increased. The letter writer proves some study is needed before writing a letter to the editor.
Harry Peck
Tubac
Ethics not used by political leaders
Ethics is a system of moral principles concerned with what is good for individuals and society. The Apostle Paul is considered by many to be the church leader most responsible for ethical development within the church.
Our political leaders no longer appear to use ethical principles when making decisions. Decisions are made for political or personal advantage unaware of what is happening in the nation beyond their office windows.
Some of the principles of St. Paul that I no longer see evidence of are “maintain unity and peace; speak truth, not falsehood; be kind to one another.”
We must insist that ethical standards be part of the lexicon for our elected leaders and that decisions are made based on what is good for individuals and society, not what is good for personal or political expediency.
Bruce Dockter
West side
$15 minimum wage is not as easy as it sounds
Re: the Feb. 12 letter “If $15 is too much, who is to blame?”
The letter writer wrote that “a doubling of the minimum wage does not mean the cost of your hamburger must double.” It seems the author left out discussion of some items.
A rise in the minimum wage to $15 is only a 25% rise to Arizona’s $12 minimum, but he doesn’t consider an equivalent rise in business costs such as rent, raw materials, utilities, insurance, maintenance and advertising.
What about the additional costs of raising wages of other employees who have advanced from $10 an hour to near $15? Employers will raise the pay of experienced employees above that of the newbies!
In Arizona, we can expect the cost of most everything to rise by up to 25% with a 25% rise in minimum wage. What about AZ’s many folks on fixed incomes? What about the resultant significant economic inflation? Want a raise? Earn it by learning (education, experience and hard work)!
Charles Shultheis
Sahuarita
Zoo expansion is a big mistake
My fiancé and I visited Barnum Hill and the duck ponds on Valentine’s Day for the first time. It was filled with families, couples picnicking, dogs playing … and no one playing video games!
They were outside, in the fresh air, laughing, frolicking and being joyful. It was a wonderful sight indeed.
It is my opinion that taking away Barnum Hill and the duck ponds and waterfall would be an egregious error to our city park. Considering job loss, the COVID pandemic, rent problems, working from home, school upheaval, removing a place of family solace would be an egregious error.
There has to be a Plan B for the 3½-acre “Pathway to Asia” exhibit. We saw empty ball fields. Perhaps they can be repurposed. If they are not immediately adjacent to the zoo, a gondola could be built.
I agree that zoo upgrades are both beneficial and vital, but city planners need to remember that our residents need free recreation to continue family togetherness.
Karen Kos
Oro Valley
Why is sex education such a sensitive topic?
Re: the Feb. 18 article “Bill seeks more restrictions on sex education in Ariz. schools.”
When it comes to education, why should sex be a sensitive topic? As Sen. Marsh stated, it’s about human growth and development. It’s also about safety and health.
A parent(s) has the right to protect his/her child and so does the school.
If we deny our child the opportunity to learn about human sexuality in our schools, the less informed, less safe, and less healthy they will be. Let’s not equate protection with ignorance.
If anyone is qualified to teach our child responsibility about sex, our schools are our best resource. When it comes to morality and judgement, let’s leave that to the parents.
Tim O’Connor
Southwest side
Citizen science at its best
Tucson has a lot of wonderful science/STEM/STEAM opportunities, and one of the best is with the Reid Park Zoo.
More than 15,000 school children visit Reid Park Zoo every year, and it’s free! Students travel from all over the southwest to visit our zoo, and, if you’ve been at the zoo during one of these events, you have seen firsthand the excitement and enthusiasm on all these young faces.
Some will be inspired to pursue careers in wildlife biology, conservation, sustainable living, and, yes, even art. We need science illustrators, too.
But most importantly, zoo staff are educating a new generation of citizen-scientists who will understand and appreciate the complexities of our natural world.
I wholeheartedly support Reid Park Zoo’s master plan to expand its conservation and educational missions.
Terie Thompson
East side
- Barbara Moore, East side
- Updated
The writer of the opinion calling President Biden a dictator has failed to draw a distinction between the content and goals of the previous orders and Biden's. If nothing else, I feel that I might live through this pandemic because President Biden is writing executive orders that are competent and relevant.
Barbara Moore
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jeffrey McConnell, West side
- Updated
Dr. Moncef Slaoui, head WH Task Force Warp Speed vaccine development effort delivered two unbelievably successful covid vaccines into the arms of Americans in an incredibly short ten months time.
Dr. Anthony Fauci chief of the NIH Laboratory of Immunoregulation devoted that time to promoting himself daily, non-stop on network TV to explain why these vaccines would take much longer to develop and why they may not work.
With the change in administration, we read that Slaoui is now chief scientific officer of a start-up pharmaceutical working on hemophilia, cancer and kidney disease immunology and Fauci is the chief medical adviser to the new president. In this role, the Pontificator-in-Chief is telling us that America will not get back to normal until Christmas 2021.
Before I believe him, I'm going to check with Dr. Slaoui.
Jeffrey McConnell
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Kevin Kaatz, Oro Valley
- Updated
Today's edition featured a front page hack piece on the life of Rush Limbaugh, with no attempt whatsoever to highlight the significant influence he has been in talk radio and conservative politics the last few decades. I couldn't help but think that if he had been a liberal talk show host, the Associated Press and the rest of the liberal biased media would have been declaring him Saint Rush. In the letters section, a writer praised Sen. Sinema for her ethics, professionalism, dignity, and seriousness, apparently for voting in lock step like every other Democrat to convict Trump. If Sinema had concluded, like most Republicans, that the Senate didn't have the constitutional authority to convict Trump since he was no longer holding office, that same writer would have spewed the venom of Trump hatred like most of the letters you publish and called for Sinema to be voted out of office.
Kevin Kaatz
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Janet C. Pipes, Northwest side
- Updated
J Blakeson wrote (and directed) I Care a Lot after he was inspired by real news stories of professional guardians in America and a "legal loophole" they exploited. ... So the story started there. I sat and wrote it on my own and very quickly it formed into what is now I Care a Lot." (quote)
This movie closely matches our case. Our Order for Protection states in the margin that we could not go to "Law Enforcement or Government Agencies" with our information or face ten years in prison. I had worked at the U.S. Attorneys Office, I had been a District Court Clerk, and I had worked for criminal defense attorneys. Nothing prepared me for the crime of professional guardianship fraud.
Janet C. Pipes
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- George Yost, Vail
- Updated
Trump’s impeachment defense lawyers in their fine suits could just as well have chanted Mary had a Little Lamb while performing a Hairy-Legs Kick Line for the Senate. Actually, they didn’t do too much more than that, but it was enough that enough Republican senators could say “Yup. Yup. I’m convinced. The boy is as innocent as the driven snow.”
One of those was Ted Cruz. I read that more than half of his college graduating class, class of ’92, has signed a petition condemning his actions. At least two other petitions, among the general alumni, have attracted hundreds of signatures denouncing him. At least one calls for the university to rescind his degree. Not only is he the most despised person in the Senate, he now can proudly claim the title of the most despised person among his own college classmates.
George Yost
Vail
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Morton Cederbaum, Green Valley
- Updated
President Biden is advocating a $15 minimum wage, but he and his administration have not done a good job of articulating the details. If properly explained, it won't be the frightening ruination of small businesses that many fear. Increases will be gradual, beginning with $9.50 and rising annually until they reach the goal. inflation will offset part of the impact. Some marginal companies will fail, but that has always been part of our economic system. Others will thrive. On the other hand, I believe that all federal employees and all employees of companies with federal contracts should immediately receive $15 an hour minimum. I realize that there will be a few exemptions, but wiser people than I will work them out. We should never again have a twelve year hiatus between increases in the minimum wage. Social security is tied to inflation, so why not wages?
Morton Cederbaum
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Beth Isabelle, Northeast side
- Updated
Re: the Feb. 15 article "If kids are our most precious resource, we should say it with cash."
Poverty today or productive citizens tomorrow? Our nation’s price for child poverty is more than any price tag towards a solution.
Robin Abcarian: “Child poverty is expensive. It costs the nation an estimated $800 billion to $1.1 trillion annually in terms of lost adult productivity, the increased costs of crime, and health care… “
Today’s children: tomorrow’s scientists, taxpayers, future members of America’s military. Development of future vaccines; the tax base for infrastructure, schools and public health departments; defense of our country - all depend upon today’s children, tomorrow’s workers.
Not only decency, but selfishness, should move us. Many of us will be alive in the next decades. If child poverty continues to grow, a bleaker future awaits in a nation with a poorer, less educated population. Help each child in poverty today to fulfill their potential and our own lives will benefit.
Beth Isabelle
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Rafael Polo, Oro Valley
- Updated
For more than 200 years, Americans have become accustomed to the idea that government existed by consent of the governed. That is, that people created government, that they did it by written contract. That the contract comprised fundamental law, that government must be subject to limitations required for the security of the rights of the people, that the contracted rights of the people were enumerated in the Bill of Rights.
With the apparent consent of the current Democrat administration, our Constitution is under attack. Democrat propaganda attacks people’s morale by promoting defeatism. The purpose is to deliver truths mixed with half-truths, false rumors, and deliberate libels dropped on people that have done nothing wrong. Propaganda spreads like wildfire, like the flu in every unsuspecting home. Since the average person believes most easily what they want to think, propaganda must always be directed to stir emotion.
People half-informed are eager to hear more and are easy targets for the distributors of propaganda to reach innocent and unsuspecting people.
Rafael Polo
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Paul Rees, Northwest side
- Updated
There are principled Republicans and there are Trump Republicans. The first believe in rule of law and are guided by moral values. Think Barry Goldwater, John McKain. They believe in democracy, oppose voter suppression, and violent, meritless attempts to overthrow legitimately elected presidents. A founder of the Federalist Society concluded the second impeachment was constitutional. Die-hard Republicans concluded votes to acquit were votes for a lie.
Trump Republicans believe in the cult of a selfish, dishonest, venal, wannabe dictator, obeying that losing president's demands. Think Kelli Ward. They give wackadoodles like Marjorie Taylor Greene standing ovations.
They give free passes to those who attack our Capitol. They support pardons for convicted felons like Roger Stone. Trump Senators under oath to "do impartial justice" in connection with the impeachment trial wouldn't watch the horror of the insurrection, leaving their chambers, doodling, otherwise. Some "jurors" met with one side's attorneys! Like "Proud Boys" they "stood back and stood by" their leader.
American voters will deliver their verdict in two years.
Paul Rees
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Anant Pathak, Foothills
- Updated
The letter published on Friday ,described what republicans stand for. The republicans of the last 4 years is a different story. They separated children from families, said there were good people on both sides, supported the insurrection in DC, and wanted to fight by combat! They supported the representative from Georgia, who wanted to hang Pelosi, and supported the president during the impeachment proceedings. A senator also said that the insurrection in DC was not bad, because no fire arms were used. Five people died, and fire arms were used. They did not let President Obama nominate a supreme court judge, while Trump was allowed to do the same. Republicans used their family to run the government, were in cahoots with Putin. The president let his Vice president be in danger because he would not change the votes. He wanted to add extra voted in Georgia elections. Republicans in Arizona wanted the power to change the votes if they did not like them.
This is what the republicans are today!
Anant Pathak
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mary Jo Swartzberg, SaddleBrooke
- Updated
In the wake of Rush Limbaugh’s death, a video has re-surfaced of him mocking Michael J. Fox, who has suffered from Parkinson’s Disease for several years. It has not escaped anyone’s attention that Limbaugh, and our former POTUS, as well as other high-profile people in the spotlight, use their “podiums” to mock and make fun of others. It is important for all adult bullies to know that schools across the country have launched anti-bullying campaigns in recent years to stem student-to-student bullying in classroom settings. Perhaps an adult anti-bullying curriculum for adults who feel the inclination to denigrate others is in order.
Mary Jo Swartzberg
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
Excitement over UA basketball teams
Re: the Feb. 13 article “Freshmen appearing to have fun, freedom — and a future at UA.”
It’s great pulling for Adia Barnes and her special, national title-contending team. Watching Coach Sean Miller loosen the reins and let this squad play a little more free this season is almost as good as seeing us go into the postseason, knowing we’d likely lose two or three undeveloped freshmen to all the hype.
Tucson’s and UA’s teams are playing hard and learning to be better. Let’s finish strong this season, support the women for a potential title run, and have both teams come back, intact, next year with experience.
Hunter Williams
West side
Trump’s rhetoric proved catastrophic for police
The violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6 has been noted as “the worst day of injuries for police since 9/11.” Reports by the House managers during the Senate trial and the media have shown a brutal pattern of violence.
These include: loss of finger parts, brain injuries, unconsciousness, bruises, lacerations, concussions, rib fractures, burns, heart attack, injuries from stun guns, irritated lungs, eye damage, PTSD, COVID, (alleged) homicide and suicide. It’s reported 138 officers were injured. Officers who were Iraq War vets stated the riot was scarier than their time in combat.
The cause of death of Brian Sicknick, the Capitol Police officer who died after the riot, is unclear ,and an autopsy hasn’t been made public.
On that day, while tragedy piled on top of tragedy, President Donald Trump told the violent rioters, “We love you. You’re very special.”
As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus noted, “A man’s character is his fate.”
Linda Dugan
Midtown
Acquittal was
predetermined
Donald Trump’s impeachment defense lawyers, in their fine suits, could just as well have chanted “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” while performing a Hairy-Legs Kick Line for the Senate. Actually, they didn’t do too much more than that, but it was enough that enough Republican senators could say “Yup. Yup. I’m convinced. The boy is as innocent as the driven snow.”
George Yost
Vail
Another call to launch conservation plan
Conservation of Arizona’s land and water is critical for many reasons. First, the climate crisis is a serious threat to all life on earth, and land and water conservation at local and regional levels is one essential way to address this threat collectively. Arizona’s lands provide critical habitat for numerous, diverse species of wildlife and flora, some of which are found nowhere else on earth.
Land conservation is necessary to protect and sustain our watersheds which support all life in Arizona. Our lands are sacred to Arizona’s Indigenous populations who have inhabited the region for thousands of years.
Conservation of these lands helps to preserve our cultural heritage. Finally, Arizona is stunningly beautiful, offering spectacular panoramas enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for outdoor recreation, artistic expression and contemplation.
For these reasons, I ask that Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly support the Biden administration’s 30x30 conservation plan to protect 30% of Arizona’s land and water resources by 2030.
Maura Mack
Midtown
What Republicans actually stand for
Re: the Feb. 12 letter “This is what Republicans stand for.”
The letter writer described what Republicans stand for. The Republicans of the last four years are a different story. They separated children from families, said there were good people on both sides, supported the insurrection in Washington, D.C., and wanted to fight by combat.
They supported the representative from Georgia, who supported the execution of Nancy Pelosi, and supported the president during both impeachment proceedings.
They did not let former President Barack Obama nominate a Supreme Court judge, while Donald Trump was allowed to do the same. Republicans used their families to run the government, and were possibly in cahoots with Vladimir Putin.
Trump let his vice president be in danger because he would not change the votes. He wanted to add extra votes in Georgia’s elections. Republicans in Arizona wanted the power to change the votes if they did not like them.
This is what the Republicans are today!
Anant Pathak
Foothills
Arizona’s legislators need adult in the room
Karen Fann and all the Arizona legislators holding office before the election, according to her, had the sole authority to supervise the election.
Should they be responsible if there were any irregularities? Should they have been readily able to answer the thousands of constituent questions gotten by doing their supervision before the election? Do these thousands of questions really exist and not originate from one robot?
Has Ms. Fann or any legislator sought legal counsel to determine the legality of Maricopa County’s position before or even after threatening arrest for contempt? The more she and others in our state government push to audit Maricopa procedures and results, the more they seemingly admit they failed to ensure we had a fair election and failed to do their jobs. They should resign allowing us to find competent representation.
Since the pre-election polls, including Fox News’ prediction of a narrow Joe Biden win, what is the surprise result? A surprise and questionable outcome would have been a landslide win for Trump.
Clarence Johnson
Oro Valley
Too much cruelty
in chicken farming
It is past time for us to recognize that factory farming is an inherently cruel process. Feelings, including fear and pain, are inherent in all life forms. They are in the genes to facilitate survival. Whether it is aversion to pain and suffering, or affection for mates or offspring, feelings are therefore the vital reason to maintain life.
In the case of factory farming of chickens, anybody who has kept chickens knows that they can be afraid, feel pain, and enjoy their relationships with each other and familiar people in their surroundings. Being kept in a 1-foot-square cage for life is unbearably cruel. Imagine yourself in a 4-square-foot cage for your entire life.
The Arizona Legislature should accelerate passage and implementation of HB 2525 for cage-free chickens. Tell them so. Enough.
Roger McManus
Midtown
Beware of Democrats and big government
For more than 200 years, Americans have become accustomed to the idea that government existed by consent of the governed. That is, that people created government, that they did it by written contract. That the contract comprised fundamental law, that government must be subject to limitations required for the security of the rights of the people, that the contracted rights of the people were enumerated in the Bill of Rights.
With the apparent consent of the current Democratic administration, our Constitution is under attack. Democratic propaganda attacks people’s morale by promoting defeatism. The purpose is to deliver truths mixed with half-truths, false rumors, and deliberate libels dropped on people that have done nothing wrong.
Propaganda spreads like wildfire, like the flu, in every unsuspecting home. Since the average person believes most easily what they want to think, propaganda must always be directed to stir emotion.
People half-informed are eager to hear more and are easy targets for the distributors of propaganda to reach innocent and unsuspecting people.
Rafael Polo
Oro Valley
You know what’s expensive? Poverty
Re: the Feb. 15 article “If kids are our most precious resource, we should say it with cash.”
Poverty today or productive citizens tomorrow? Our nation’s price for child poverty is more than any price tag towards a solution.
Robin Abcarian, opinion columnist for the Los Angeles Times: “Child poverty is expensive. It costs the nation an estimated $800 billion to $1.1 trillion annually in terms of lost adult productivity, the increased costs of crime, and health care.”
Today’s children: tomorrow’s scientists, taxpayers, future members of America’s military, developers of future vaccines. Also include the tax base for infrastructure, schools and public health departments, defense of our country — all depend upon today’s children, tomorrow’s workers.
Not only decency, but selfishness, should move us. Many of us will be alive in the next decades. If child poverty continues to grow, a bleaker future awaits in a nation with a poorer, less educated population. Help each child in poverty today to fulfill their potential and our own lives will benefit.
Beth Isabelle
Northeast side
Three cheers
for Carondelet
Re: the Feb. 17 article “Business Awards Earned in Southern Arizona”
Congratulations to Carondelet St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s Hospitals for their “A” rating with Leapfrog Group. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Kudos to all staff for safe and ongoing commitment patient care.
Joyce Harrison
East side
President must
spell out wage hike
President Joe Biden is advocating a $15 minimum wage, but he and his administration have not done a good job of articulating the details. If properly explained, it won’t be the frightening ruination of small businesses that many fear. Increases will be gradual, beginning with $9.50 and rising annually until they reach the goal in 2025. Inflation will offset part of the impact.
Some marginal companies will fail, but that has always been part of our economic system. Others will thrive.
On the other hand, I believe that all federal employees and all employees of companies with federal contracts should immediately receive $15 an hour minimum. I realize that there will be a few exemptions, but wiser people than I will work them out.
We should never again have a 12-year hiatus between increases in the minimum wage. Social Security is tied to inflation, so why not wages?
Morton Cederbaum
Green Valley
- Mel Brinkley, Downtown
Uung to the tune of Rick James' "Super Freak."
He was a very sleazy prez,
The kind that doesn't like a brother.
He did not let his disciples down,
With his January tweet.
He likes the Proud Boys and the Klan.
He says that they’re his all time favorite.
When they searched in every room
For his own Veep, he had us on our knees.
He said it would be wild, wow.
He was fond of Q Anon.
It was the wettest of wet dreams
For all of the white supremes.
That prep was pretty sleazy.
That prez’s a super creep.
I’d really like to bash him,
If we meet up on the street.
He's Alt Right, he's Alt Right
That prez’s Alt Right you see, yeah.
With his bronzer and combover.
He was very mean to all his beauty queens.
Such a sleazy scene.
He spewed more fake news
Than all of Putin’s cyber crews.
Told us to insert sunlight, bleach, a Goya bean,
And hydroxychloroquine.
While quarantining in a limousine.
Mel Brinkley
Downtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Virginia Gethmann, Northeast side
- Updated
The sycophants of the former occupant of the White House, insisting that it won, are whistling past the grave yard. In no fair contest is 57- 43 a win. Those who are addicted to this person might remember, addiction generally ends in a bad outcome.
There is still a majority of sane, caring, compassionate, and yes, patriotic people in this country who are unwilling to watch this democracy fail. They vote, they are not afraid, they are more then willing to speak out and they have resources to help reasonable candidates become representatives to the Congress. We are not surrendering this country to hate. Ever.
Virginia GETHMANN
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
More like this...
- Karen Harris, Northwest side
A writer recently stated that the she left the Democratic Party because they were haters. As a grassroots volunteer and active member of the Democratic Party I have yet to work alongside a hater. The people I know are too busy advocating for election reform, women’s rights, affordable healthcare, living wages, quality public education, environmental protections, humane treatment of immigrants, and racial equality. They give endless hours of their personal time. There is no room for hate because they stay focused on changes that will benefit all citizens and protect our democratic processes. Members of different political parties may not see eye to eye on every issue, but hate accomplishes nothing.
Karen Harris
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Scott McKinzie, Northeast side
I fully support a $15 minimum wage, but I strongly disagree with Patricia Eisenberg's contention that a $35 minimum wage is required because that would result in a sound budget for a parent living in an average apartment.
A minimum wage is intended to provide minimum support, enough to protect someone from dire circumstances. It is not intended to enable someone to support children and live independently in moderate accommodations. In order to achieve that goal, you need the help of the other parent or a job that pays more than minimum wage. Until then, you can delay having a family and/or share your home with others.
Scott McKinzie
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Valerie Golembiewski, Southeast side
Will 2020 be remembered as the Year of Waiting?
We waited to get tested for COVID-19. We waited to get vaccinated, to vote, to be buried. We waited for food, water, toilet paper...we are still waiting.
Will 2020 be the year noted for the deaths of innocent minority people and the half-million COVID fatalities?
2020 will be the year of chaos in politics. A twice impeached president. Mob rule in Washington, D.C.
It could also be remembered as an almost apocalyptic weather year. Bitter cold. Scorching heat. Floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes.
2020 was the year we learned to do without, to be alone, to be isolated. We learned to live with virtual schooling, working, and worshiping. We became pioneers in a not so brave new world.
We lost old friends and made new ones, and discovered new heroes.
What will you remember about 2020?
Valerie Golembiewski
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- John Covert, East side
Democrats have a one vote margin in the Senate and their hold on the House is only slightly more solid. There will be a midterm election in just two years that could put both of these Democratic majorities in jeopardy.
The only way for Democrats to keep—or even expand—their majorities is to show voters they have used these two years productively to enact legislation that provides tangible benefits to the American people. Voters fully expect Democrats to deliver on their promises regarding the pandemic, economic stimulus, climate change, and the environment
Unfortunately, Mitch McConnell and Republicans will do everything they can to block Democratic accomplishments. They will use the filibuster shamelessly to try to keep Democrats from enacting anything. That is why this relic of the past needs to be eliminated.
I urge our Senior Senator, Krysten Sinema, to join with other Democrats to eliminate the filibuster and allow them to do what voters elected them to do.
John Covert
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Pat McElreath, Northwest side
Re: USPS PostMaster slowwing down mail delivery.
Based upon my most recent experiences, I have already seen a dramatic decrease in first class mailings. After going to my local Tucson post office and paying for extra stamps for a letter to my aunt in Connecticut, it took that correspondence 14 days to arrive in Waterford, Connecticut. Yesterday I received a first class card from my brother in New London, Connecticut which was posted six days ago, arriving here on February 22nd. At Christmas I spent money shipping a priority package which I was told would take 2 days; it took 5 days.
The dramatic slow down has begun. I am an avid supporter of the USPS, and I vote through the mail, as many of my family and friends do. We should be very concerned with this issue.
Pat McEreath
Tucson
Pat McElreath
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Wendy Anderson, Foothills
Is Campaign Finance a Black Hole?
The 2020 elections are over right? So why am I still getting requests for donations from political parties and elected officials? Were my campaign contributions put to good use or were they just sucked into a bottomless Black Hole?
Our political system is warped by big money donations. The cost of the 2020 elections set new records reaching $14 billion.
We can plug this wasteful Black Hole by urging Congress to pass a constitutional amendment allowing states to restrict campaign spending. This is not a partisan issue- all elected officials must spend inordinate amounts of time raising money. Then they must serve their donors instead of serving constituents!
Contact your Reps. Debbie Lesko and Andy Biggs, and Sens. Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema plus your state and local representatives! Urge them to support a bill to pass a constitutional amendment to limit money spent to influence elections
Wendy Anderson
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- David Pearse, Foothills
A letter writer discussing the minimum wage, says that "low income workers, a single parent with two children, for example, can't live on" the minimum wage. Actually, a single person can live on the minimum wage, since the poverty level for a single person is $12,760 and, as the writer points out, a minimum wage worker working full time would make $15,080 a year. As for the single parent with two children, he or she wouldn't be able to live on the minimum wage, again as the writer points out.
The solution there is not to become a single parent with two children while trying to exist on the minimum wage. The solution is to have children only after you get educated and get married, not to have taxpayers support you and your two children.
David Pearse
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Bill Blaine, Marana
Narcissism is the pursuit of gratification from vanity or egotistic admiration of one’s idealized self image and attributes. Isn’t that what Fareed Zakaria did in his column in Republican fringe groups? He didn’t mention Antifa, BLM, Occupy or Move On on the Democratic fringe. Isn’t that why the “incursion” into the Capitol is called an”armed insurrection"? Isn’t that what the PC and cancel culture is all about? Self aggrandizement seems to be a growing part of American culture. We were a lot better when we were more introspective!
Bill Blaine
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Is campaign finance a black hole?
The 2020 elections are over right? So why am I still getting requests for donations from political parties and elected officials? Were my campaign contributions put to good use or were they just sucked into a bottomless black hole?
Our political system is warped by big money donations. The cost of the 2020 elections set new records, reaching $14 billion.
We can plug this wasteful black hole by urging Congress to pass a constitutional amendment allowing states to restrict campaign spending. This is not a partisan issue, all elected officials must spend inordinate amounts of time raising money. Then they must serve their donors instead of serving constituents!
Contact Reps. Debbie Lesko and Andy Biggs, and Sens. Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, plus your state and local representatives. Urge them to support a bill to pass a constitutional amendment to limit money spent to influence elections
Wendy Anderson
Foothills
Sen. Sinema, help eliminate the filibuster
Democrats have a slight advantage in the Senate and their hold on the House is only slightly more solid. There will be a midterm election in just two years that could put both of these Democratic majorities in jeopardy.
The only way for Democrats to keep — or even expand — their majorities is to show voters they have used these two years productively to enact legislation that provides tangible benefits to the American people. Voters fully expect Democrats to deliver on their promises regarding the pandemic, economic stimulus, climate change and the environment
Unfortunately, Mitch McConnell and Republicans will do everything they can to block Democratic accomplishments. They will use the filibuster shamelessly to try to keep Democrats from enacting anything. That is why this relic of the past needs to be eliminated.
I urge our senior senator, Kyrsten Sinema, to join with other Democrats to eliminate the filibuster and allow them to do what voters elected them to do.
John Covert
East side
Free speech
for pots and kettles
Re: the Feb. 23 letter “Free speech — but only for some?”
I am not sure who they were alluding too, but talk about the pot calling the kettle black. And I reference the seven Senate Republicans facing censure in their home states’ for voting to impeach Donald Trump for his roll in helping to incite the capital insurrection.
Incidentally, the House of Representatives should have included in their charges Trump’s attempt at threatening election officials in all the contested states, but that is another matter. Why are Senate and House members not allowed to vote their conscience and do what is morally right?
Apparently both parties have the tradition of trapping their members to vote the party line. We need to do away with the two- party system and make everyone run as an independent.
Joe Malberg
Marana
Conservative thought is not being censored
Conservative political thought is not being censored. George F. Will, as conservative a commentator as there is, has free and easy access to any and all media platforms.
When Donald Trump relentlessly repeats that, in spite of the rigorous conclusions of the election officials in all 50 states, he won the election, or when a media company repeatedly tells its viewers that Barack Obama was not born in the U.S., those are not debates about political philosophy. They are examples of mass brainwashing.
When media companies broadcast allegations that, contrary to all evidence, a voting machine company and a software company changed Americans’ votes, that is not a debate about political philosophy. It is a case about to be litigated as alleged, damaging defamation.
Media companies are not censoring political thought. They are struggling to find ways to avoid being used for mass brainwashing and defamation.
Brooks Keenan
Oro Valley
What is Biden doing about border issues?
Re: the Feb. 23 article “US Border Patrol officials start releasing migrants into Yuma.”
The Arizona Daily Star had an article stating that Yuma and other border crossing locations are experiencing a new influx of migrants and are finding their facilities overwhelmed. With COVID-19 being a complicating factor, how can this problem be addressed?
The new administration attacked the Trump administration relentlessly regarding its policies towards asylum seekers, and while I can see that many practices seem heartless, I wonder how this very serious issue can be addressed in both a humane and practical manner?
Patricia Ridinger
Northwest side
Lessons about living on minimum wage
Re: the Feb. 23 letter “Minimum wage history lesson.”
The letter writer says that “low-income workers, a single parent with two children, for example, can’t live on” the minimum wage. Actually, a single person can live on the minimum wage, since the poverty level for a single person is $12,760 and, as Mr. Peck points out, a minimum wage worker working full-time would make $15,080 a year.
As for the single parent with two children, he or she wouldn’t be able to live on the minimum wage, again as the letter writer points out. The solution there is not to become a single parent with two children while trying to exist on the minimum wage. The solution is to have children only after you get educated and get married, not to have taxpayers support you and your two single children.
David Pearse
Foothills
Get rid of people who make Tucson ugly
I am a native of Tucson, I was always proud of the fact that we had a beautiful city, but not anymore.
This city looks like one big garbage dump to those visitors driving through our city on I-10 or through city streets. Riverbeds full of trash and camps of homeless people in almost every corner of our city. God-fearing Tucsonans like myself think that it’s time we cleaned up our own house before welcoming undocumented immigrants into our fold.
We have plenty of locals that need help first. Many residents over the age of 75 still haven’t even got there COVID-19 shot yet, and are not scheduled until middle of March for their first one. Any and all people entering our country undocumented at this time should be getting medically cleared to do so, along with DNA samples and fingerprinting taken.
Time for a better mayor, city council members, Pima County administrator and county supervisors who care about us.
Dave Mattausch
North side
Postal Service problems persist
Based upon my most recent experiences, I have seen a dramatic decrease in first-class mailings. After going to my local Tucson post office and paying for extra stamps for a letter to my aunt in Connecticut, it took that correspondence 14 days to arrive in Waterford.
Yesterday, I received a first- class card from my brother in New London, Connecticut, which was posted six days ago, arriving here on Feb. 22. At Christmas I spent money shipping a priority package which I was told would take two days; it took five days.
The dramatic slow down has begun. I am an avid supporter of the USPS, and I vote through the mail, as many of my family and friends do. We should be very concerned with this issue.
Pat McElreath
Northwest side
City deserves thanks for roadside cleanup
Thank you, city of Tucson, for cleaning the roadside along Fairland Stravenue, between Olsen Avenue and Edmundson Avenue. This road borders the Union Pacific Railroad siding and the Pueblo Gardens neighborhood.
The furniture, trash, construction refuse and even dead animals were eyesores and nuisances. Signs erected warning of fines for dumping seemed to have little effect on the litterers. Those placards were often damaged or destroyed.
I hope this new look will endure and help dissuade further debasement of this roadway in my neighborhood. Good job!
Kevin Heiderman
South side
Making abortion illegal won’t end it
Re: the Feb. 25 article “Bill to outlaw genetic abnormality abortions advances.”
I strongly oppose Senate Bill 1457 and urge this bill be rejected. Making abortion illegal will not end abortion, it will only make it more dangerous. More women will die.
Instead, I urge Arizona lawmakers to treat women as rational actors who are fully capable of making difficult decisions on their own. If Arizona really intends to “protect women,” fully empower them and respect their decisions.
Robbie Brewington
Sierra Vista
2020 really was something
Will 2020 be remembered as the Year of Waiting?
We waited to get tested for COVID-19. We waited to get vaccinated, to vote, to be buried. We waited for food, water, toilet paper … we are still waiting.
Will 2020 be the year noted for the deaths of innocent minority people and the half-million COVID fatalities?
2020 will be the year of chaos in politics. A twice-impeached president. Mob rule in Washington, D.C.
It could also be remembered as an almost apocalyptic weather year. Bitter cold. Scorching heat. Floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes.
2020 was the year we learned to do without, to be alone, to be isolated. We learned to live with virtual schooling, working and worshiping. We became pioneers in a not so brave new world.
We lost old friends and made new ones, and discovered new heroes.
What will you remember about 2020?
Valerie Golembiewski
Southeast side
No room for hate in this Dem’s party
A writer recently stated that she left the Democratic Party because they were haters. As a grassroots volunteer and active member of the Democratic Party, I have yet to work alongside a hater.
The people I know are too busy advocating for election reform, women’s rights, affordable health-care, living wages, quality public education, environmental protections, humane treatment of immigrants and racial equality. They give endless hours of their personal time.
There is no room for hate because they stay focused on changes that will benefit all citizens and protect our democratic processes. Members of different political parties may not see eye-to-eye on every issue, but hate accomplishes nothing.
Karen Harris
Northwest side
Restore voter confidence by telling the truth
Re: the Feb. 24 letter “How Republicans can restore voter confidence.”
I respect and laud the author’s suggestion that, instead of pushing for voter restriction laws to restore voter confidence, Republicans could simply tell the truth about the “Big Lie”: Arizona and other elections were free and fair, with no proof of extensive fraud. This is confirmed by vast numbers of Republican election officials, Trump’s Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice, along with his attorney general, as well as Supreme Court justices (many appointed by Trump) and judges in 60-plus court cases.
At first I thought the writer was a bit naïve, since Arizona Republicans are actually using “voter confidence” as a red herring. Their true intent is to get GOP candidates elected by making it harder for targeted groups to vote.
Then I realized this is the exact, real truth she exposed! Right on! Those interested in truth do not favor voter suppression.
Adrienne Kleiboemer
Foothills
You need to plan better on minimum wage
Re: the Feb. 25 letter “Minimum wage doesn’t pay the rent.”
I fully support a $15 minimum wage, but I strongly disagree with the letter writer’s contention that a $35 minimum wage is required because that would result in a sound budget for a parent living in an average apartment.
A minimum wage is intended to provide minimum support, enough to protect someone from dire circumstances. It is not intended to enable someone to support children and live independently in moderate accommodations.
In order to achieve that goal, you need the help of the other parent or a job that pays more than minimum wage. Until then, you can delay having a family and/or share your home with others.
Scott McKinzie
Northeast side
- Don Weaver, Midtown
Consider this generalization: It seems that we as a nation are continuing to be mean-spirited and ugly when it comes to voicing our opinions about others, especially when they’re not like-minded. Consider this specific: A public adversary to a nationally recognized radio personality took his final shot at him upon his death with the following: “may he rest in piss.” Don’t you have to wonder at times where the evil side of our nature is leading us, politically or socially? emedy? Deal in truths.
Take Edwin Markham’s (1852-1940) poem to heart. “There is a destiny that makes us brothers (written before PC), None goes his way alone. All that we send into the life of others comes back into our own. I care not what his temples or creeds. One thing holds firm and fast. That into his fateful leap of days and deeds. The soul of man is cast.”
Don Weaver
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Richard C Peddy, East side
Apparently David Fitzimmons cannot see the irony of his insipid cartoon published on February 25th. In it, he depicts Uncle Sam bowing before a memorial which clumsily states "Here rests in eternal shame the unknown outcome if America had Followed Science."
Hello? Millions upon millions of Americans are eagerly following "science" and taking part in a grand experiment on their bodies and future health with vaccines that are only now being tested, with themselves as lab rats. All this with no safety approval(only emergency authorization) from ANY health agency, and zero recourse should they become injured or die.
If that's not following science, frighteningly, blindly or otherwise, I don't know what is. Perhaps in a few years Fitzimmons can draw another cartoon to memorialize those who willingly volunteered themselves as crash dummies for big pharma.
Richard C Peddy
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- patricia ridinger, Northwest side
Today's AZ Daily Star has an article stating that Yuma and other border crossing locations are experiencing a new influx or migrants and are finding their facilities overwhelmed. With Covid being a complicating factor, how can this problem be addressed? The new administration attacked the Trump administration relentlessly regarding its policies towards asylum seekers, and while I can see that many practices seem heartless, I wonder how this very serious issue can be addressed in both a humane and practical manner.
Patricia Ridinger
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Paul Lauritzen, Northwest side
I hope Kyrsten Sinema will reconsider her position on the filibuster, at least as to the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. At least 33 state legislatures, including our own, are considering bills making it harder to vote.
In Arizona, Republicans are trying to require that mail-in ballots be notarized. How available are notaries to Native American voters? They provided Biden and Kelly their margin of victory. Do Democrats think they can win without them?
THIRTY-TWO other states are trying the same or worse. The Voting Rights Act will not pass if it can be filibustered. It may be THE most important legislation this Sen. Sinema will ever consider.
The filibuster must be limited or ended.
Paul Lauritzen
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- John Thomas, SaddleBrooke
I'm sure everyone is aware of the rapidly increase of gasoline prices. While I firmly believe that we need to do as much as possible to reduce green houses gases, the reality is that we still rely on 75% fossil fuels for energy. Biden's decision to stop all oil production from federal lands is the reason . He not only eliminated a lot of oil production, but also eliminated US jobs. He would rather send the jobs and money to the middle eastern countries. I can't wait until gasoline prices go back to $4.00 a barrel.
John Thomas
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Greg Zath, Oro Valley
Regarding today's opinion piece "What would a Trump presidential library look like". I envision a closet with one shelf with one book on it entitled
"There's a Sucker Born Every Minute" by P.T. Barnum. The bookends, gold plated of course, would consist of a ketchup bottle and a diet Coke can. Those were the words he lived by and his favorite foods. It would be funded with other folks money.
Greg Zath
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Joe Malberg, Marana
I couldn't help but notice one of the submitted letters published Feb.23rd about the Democratic party's attempt to muzzle someone's free speech. I am not sure who they were alluding too but talking about the pot calling the kettle black. And I reference the senate Republicans censuring seven of their members for voting to impeach Trump for his roll in helping to incite the capital insurrection. Incidentally, the House should have included in their charges Trump's attempt at threating election officials in all the contested states, but that is another matter. Why are Senate and house members not allowed to vote their conscience and do what is morally right. Apparently both parties have the tradition of trapping their members to vote the party line. We need to do away with the two party system and make everyone run as an Independent.
Joe Malberg
Marana
fe. 23rd
Joe Malberg
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Brooks Keenan, Oro Valley
Conservative political thought is not being censored. George F. Will, as conservative a commentator as there is, has free and easy access to any and all media platforms.
When Donald Trump relentlessly repeats that, in spite of the rigorous conclusions of the election officials in all 50 states, he won the election, or when a media company repeatedly tells its viewers that Barack Obama was not born in the USA, those are not debates about political philosophy. They are examples of mass brainwashing.
When media companies broadcast allegations that, contrary to all evidence, a voting machine company and a software company changed Americans’ votes, that is not a debate about political philosophy. It is a case about to be litigated as alleged, damaging defamation.
Media companies are not censoring political thought. They are struggling to find ways to avoid being used for mass brainwashing and defamation.
Brooks Keenan
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- John Falzone, East side
I am somewhat confused about the government's apparent rush to be Ultra Green. I recall many warnings over the years that our National power grid and power generation abilities were woefully inadequate and basically held together with band-aids and the investment necessary to fix these issues mind boggling and would make major changes to our tax and spending priorities necessary. Also recent history where much of California is sweating in darkness when too many people turn on their air conditioners. And now much of Texas is in darkness with no running water because their grid as well as their supposed state of the art windmills froze up due to snow and cold. But we are apparently rushing ahead with plans to replace hundreds of thousands of government cars with vehicles that need to be plugged into the questionable grid to charge. Further we are rushing to make electric vehicles more or less the only choice for the country as a whole without answering the supply and distribution questions first.
John Falzone
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Going green,
but at what cost?
I am somewhat confused about the government’s apparent rush to be ultra-green. I recall many warnings over the years that our national power grid and power generation abilities were woefully inadequate and basically held together with band-aids and the investment necessary to fix these issues would be mind-boggling and would make major changes to our tax and spending priorities necessary.
But we are apparently rushing ahead with plans to replace hundreds of thousands of government cars with vehicles that need to be plugged into the questionable grid to charge.
Further, we are rushing to make electric vehicles more or less the only choice for the country as a whole without answering the supply and distribution questions first.
John Falzone
East side
Stop the rot
at its roots
Arizona Legislative District 11 needs to cure a bad situation. State Rep. Mark Finchem is getting bad marks by association for his links with the Oath Keepers and a trip to Washington, D.C., for a violent visit at the Capitol. He has earned bad marks.
The ethics chairwoman in the House has refused to open an investigation. The GOP is refusing to censor members who are over the line, while censoring the members with high standards.
We have a diseased rot in government and need a cure. Good citizens must find a cure.
Maybe the organization Run For Something has our elixir. Check out the site at runforsomething.net. We deserve better; now demand better. Stop the rot.
Kenn Block
Oro Valley
Chaplik’s pandering
threatens public health
House Bill 2770 is not a “simple” bill, as described by one of its sponsors, Rep. Joseph Chaplik, but rather a simple-minded bill.
Business owners have suffered financially from the pandemic, but this bill removing the current city or county requirement for mask use and allowing businesses to determine mask use of employees and customers would ignore this proven method for preventing the spread of the pandemic.
Financial assistance for businesses should be addressed in pandemic relief legislation rather than Chaplik’s bill, which panders to a narrow-minded, selfish mindset, allowing the comfort for self over the safety of all.
Roger Shanley
East side
Minimum wage doesn’t pay the rent
Recently, a letter suggested that a person earning minimum wage would make $15,000 per year, above the federal poverty level. So no problem! But ...
Even small apartments now rent for $1,000 per month, leaving about $3,000 yearly to cover food, transportation, utilities and clothing. And the average U.S. rent is $1,419 per month, as of 2018.
For rent to be one-fourth of income, you would need an income of $5,676/month, $35.47/hour. Federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour. That’s for non-tipped employees. For tipped employees, it’s $2.13 per hour.
I invite you to imagine yourself in this situation, with children, during this pandemic.
Patricia Eisenberg
Midtown
Phone companies
are gouging us
Re: the Feb. 21 article “New 5G poles don’t belong in front of Tucsonans’ homes.”
Tim Stellers’ column on 5G poles nicely highlighted a lack of ability to address an obvious intrusion into people’s lives. Phone companies can seemingly do whatever they want with unlimited budgets.
The current (and immoral) price gouging of U.S. phone companies has created a net annual profit of over $30 billion for Verizon alone in 2017 (from a gross revenue of $126 billion). Other Western nations regulate this utility.
In Europe, where food, clothing, rent and almost every retail item costs much more than in the U.S., cell service has been kept low with government oversight. About half that of the U.S.
Having a cellphone has become a necessity. People could pay an extra $5 a year for a commission to reduce bills by $25 to $50 each month. This fee would also help regulate tower placements.
How did we ever allow these outrageous fees on calls that cost providers only pennies?
Pericles Wyatt
Downtown
Protect your
right to vote
Your right to vote is the cornerstone of democracy, a government of, by and for the people. However, since their session began mid-January, our state legislators have already proposed bills restricting voting and obstructing our elections. These bills include requiring mail-in ballots to be notarized and hand-delivered, increasing voter ID requirements, requiring mandatory purging of voter rolls, requiring in-person voter registration in government buildings, and allowing legislators access to private voter information, among others.
Protect voting rights by urging your members of Congress to support the “For the People Act” (House Res. 1) which would prevent voter suppression. It would do this by establishing automatic voter registration, allowing same-day registration, forbidding improper purging of voter rolls, preventing racial and partisan gerrymandering, and providing public funding for elections to reduce corporate influence.
Also, the “John Lewis Voting Rights Act” (H.R. 4) would require states with a history of voter suppression to receive preclearance before making changes to their voting processes, including widespread poll closures and prohibitive voting requirements.
Diana Alexander
Oro Valley
Arizona’s democracy is under assault
This year, our Republican-led Arizona Legislature introduced more voter suppression bills and other legislation intended to reduce Arizonans’ participation in Democracy. This intensified effort to restrict voting is no doubt fueled by frustrated Republican efforts to overturn our 2020 presidential election results.
The bills would impose unreasonable burdens, confusion, and/or penalties on those who register voters, vote by mail, support citizens initiatives and administer elections. If passed, these laws would obstruct voter engagement and ease the majority party’s ability to change election rules and possibly results.
Regardless of party affiliation, I know that most Arizonans hold dear our system of government that is for the people and by the people. Yet, our legislature appears not to respect these values. Please contact your state legislators, especially those who are Republican, and urge them to reject all voter suppression bills. And when voting in future elections, know which candidates support your right to vote.
Elizabeth Lyons
Midtown
A library with all the best words
Re: the Feb. 22 article “What would a Trump presidential library look like?”
I envision a closet with one shelf with one book on it is titled “There’s a Sucker Born Every Minute” by P.T. Barnum.
The bookends, gold-plated of course, would consist of a ketchup bottle and a Diet Coke can. Those were the words he lived by and his favorite foods. It would be funded with other folks’ money.
Greg Zath
Oro Valley
Caring people make good things possible
Some would say that our country is “torn apart by issues and divisions.”
For those that feel strongly on this issue, take the time to visit the VA Hospital, Tucson Medical Center and other COVID-19 inoculation centers. You will find an army of volunteers busy assisting inoculations efforts. Yes, even in our recent snow.
They are banded together by one common goal: Keep the shot line moving. Once again, volunteers have recognized a need and have stepped forward. They are direct examples of when we pull together, good things happen!
Keith Connolly
Northeast side
Gas prices betray Biden’s energy policy
I’m sure everyone is aware of the rapid increase of gasoline prices. While I firmly believe that we need to do as much as possible to reduce greenhouses gases, the reality is that we still rely on about 75% fossil fuels for energy, according to Pew Research Center.
Joe Biden’s decision to stop all oil production from federal lands is the reason. He not only eliminated a lot of oil production, but also eliminated U.S. jobs. He would rather send the jobs and money to Middle Eastern countries. I can’t wait until gasoline prices go back to $4 a barrel.
John Thomas
SaddleBrooke
Republicans must stop appealing to fear, racism
Dear Gov. Doug Ducey,
As a lifelong Democrat and progressive liberal my advice is sincere. I respect Republicans like John McCain, Barry Goldwater, Dwight Eisenhower, and William F. Buckley because I believe their positions were based on support for the Constitution and the American people.
Your party needs to return to a position of respect. Then we can effectively reach across the aisle and reach positive compromises.
Supporting those who advocate for America as a white, Christian country will not earn you that respect. That position is based on fear, racism, xenophobia and a desire to retain voters at all costs.
I am comfortable living and working in communities that are diverse. I feel more confident in the future of the United States in a global economy. I find myself learning more about myself, my country and my world.
Margaret Fusari
West side
Wear your masks
or lose my business
Re: the Feb. 20 article “Arizona bill would allow businesses to ignore city, county mask mandates.”
House Bill 2770 would allow business owners to decide whether to enforce mask mandates for their employees and customers, “a move supporters say promotes freedom.”
I would like to suggest that those same business owners be required to post a sign at the door (large enough to see) so that those of us who don’t want to be in a place where people are not wearing masks can exercise our freedom to not patronize those businesses.
Pamela Harlan
North side
- David Steinberg, Northwest side
Re: the Feb. 21 article "With Limbaugh gone, conservatism needs new voice."
I just read Michael Ryan’s tribute to Rush Limbaugh in the Sunday Star. What a load of crap! Ryan describes Limbaugh as a little too “tart” and “acerbic” for his taste (though he basically approved of his act). Tart and acerbic? How about hateful, slanderous and mendacious?
Global warming is a hoax? Covid 19 is just the common cold? Hillary Clinton murdered her secret lover,
Vince Foster? Calling the then 12 year-old Chelsea Clinton a dog on his TV show?
What does the above (and thousands of similar rants) have to do with patriotism, let alone anything resembling the “wit and wisdom” that Ryan credits him with?
One more point—Ryan condemns “. . .the cult of personality that has all but taken over American politics.”
It’s clearly not American politics as a whole, but the Republican Party alone that has surrendered to Trumpmania.
David Steinberg
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Patricia Eisenberg, Midtown
Recently a letter suggested that a person earning minimum wage would make $15,000 per year, above the federal poverty level. So no problem! But -
The smallest apartments now rent for $1,000/month, leaving $3000 yearly to cover food, transportation, utilities, clothing.
And the average US rent is $1419/month.
For rent to be 1/4 of income, you would need an income of $5676/month, $35.47/hour.
Federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour. That’s for non-tipped employees. For tipped employees, it’s $2.13 per hour.
I invite you to imagine yourself in this situation, with children, during this pandemic.
As a country, we need to raise the minimum wage. When President Franklin Roosevelt introduced it, he said it was intended to be a living wage. Maybe it was a living wage in the 1930's, but it certainly isn't now.
Patricia Eisenberg
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Debra Jackley, Midtown
I was a registered Democrat for 35 years until I began to see how radicalized the party became. I've watched Nancy Pelosi spew her venom against the POTUS and withhold stimulus payments to Americans because of her hated of Donald Trump. AOC calling for taking names and going after anyone who voted for Trump and more. Trump voters have been called white supremacists, deplorables, racists, liars, xenophobes, fascists and all sorts of terrible things. They have been threatened simply because the Democratic Party has labeled them as such and encouraged this type of action. This is not the America I know and remember. But, maybe it no longer exists. The America I knew was a much more loving country where everyone was entitled to their opinions and beliefs. Not just those of one side and called a racist for have an opinion contrary to the Democratic ideology. The 74 million people Trump supporters are not all white supremacists, etc. as they have been called. Please, stop all the HATE now!
Debra Jackley
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- David Steinberg, Northwest side
A letter in the Star of Feb. 19 praises Sen. Kristen Sinema for her “principled stand” for supporting keeping the filibuster rule in the Senate and opposing the minimum wage increase.
Since these two positions are fully in line with the Republican agenda, I ask what “principles” Sen. Sinema is upholding. Betraying her supporters, perhaps? Sinema’s position on these two crucial issues is exactly the same as Martha McSally supported.
Silly me, I thought Sinema was a Democrat! I guess there were actually two Republicans on the ballot for senator in 2018!
David Steinberg
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dale Keyes, Downtown
Yesterday's full page political insert in the Star questioning whether Senator Sinema will "fight for us" raises several questions. First, who paid for it? Down at the bottom in small letters: "Paid for by Moveon". That's a name associated with the Democratic Party so we have to assume that our State Democratic Party is criticizing Democratic Senator Sinema. Why? Sinema has demonstrated that she doesn't always reflect the party line. For example, she said she would weigh all the evidence before deciding whether ex-President Trump was guilty, and she currently is not in favor of eliminating the Senate filibuster rules. I applaud her for taking independent and principled stands on these issues.
As a registered Democrat, I deplore our Party demanding complete allegiance. This is just like the Republican Party censoring Republican politicians who voted against Trump and his policies!
Dale Keyes
Downtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Zoo tried
to pull a fast one
The Reid Park Zoo and Barnum Hill issue has its pros and cons, but the key question is whether the ballot Propositions 203, which very narrowly passed, was properly worded so voters would realize the full implications of their vote.
Only recently did the zoo’s intent to take over Barnum Hill become generally known. Many voters, who are now protesters, have stated they would have voted differently had they realized what was at stake. The Save the Heart of Reid Park protest group immediately sprung up and now has over 25,000 petition signatures.
The zoo was the party that initiated and was to benefit from Prop. 203. Whether intentionally or negligently, the zoo failed in its duty to present to voters in a clear way its plan to take over Barnum Hill and pond. Nor should it be allowed to do so given the circumstances and facts.
Robert Lenoir
Downtown
Zoo has been
upfront about plans
Reid Park Zoo is a wonderful destination to enjoy amazing animals, connect with nature and learn about wildlife. Our zoo is great, but it can be even better! I fully support its expansion project, “Pathway to Asia,” which will give everyone new opportunities for learning, exploring and discovering even more exciting, majestic and endangered animals.
From the very beginning of the master plan, zoo officials have been very transparent and have given many opportunities for input from all Tucson residents. The designs for this project have been completed, and changes to the project now would cost millions of taxpayer dollars, wasted money! It is so unfortunate that misinformation has created a group which opposes this rare opportunity for our zoo to reach its full potential.
I urge everyone to support the Reid Park Zoo expansion project to proceed as submitted.
Francine Champoux
Northeast side
Sinema, McSally indistinguishable
Re: the Feb. 19 letter “Sinema is rising above the fray.”
This letter writer praises Sen. Kyrsten Sinema for her “principled stand” for supporting keeping the filibuster rule in the Senate and opposing the minimum wage increase.
Since these two positions are fully in line with the Republican agenda, I ask what “principles” Sen. Sinema is upholding? Betraying her supporters, perhaps? Sinema’s position on these two crucial issues is exactly the same as Martha McSally supported.
Silly me, I thought Sinema was a Democrat! I guess there were actually two Republicans on the ballot for senator in 2018!
David Steinberg
Northwest side
Stop the hate, Democrats
I was a registered Democrat for 35 years until I began to see how radicalized the party became. I’ve watched Nancy Pelosi spew her venom against the President of the United States and withhold stimulus payments to Americans because of her hatred of Donald Trump. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calling for taking names and denying anyone who worked for Trump employment and more.
Trump voters have been called white supremacists, deplorables, racists, liars, xenophobes, fascists and all sorts of terrible things. They have been threatened simply because the Democratic Party has labeled them as such and encouraged this type of action.
This is not the America I know and remember. But maybe it no longer exists. The America I knew was a much more loving country where everyone was entitled to their opinions and beliefs, not just those of one side.
You’re called a racist for having an opinion contrary to the Democratic ideology. The 74 million people who are Trump supporters are not all white supremacists, as they have been called. Please, stop all the hate now!
Debra Jackley
Midtown
Vaccine appointments are hard to come by
More and more letters appear that effusively praise the process of actually receiving the COVID-19 vaccinations. That’s fine, but it is not so easy to actually get an appointment for a vaccination.
Now the state has opened a mass vaccination site at the University of Arizona, while Pima County could not, even before the severe weather, get enough vaccine doses from the state and has had to cancel appointments. Why is the state opening a site before the county has enough doses to fully function? This confusing effort is robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Now, people age 65 will also be able to fruitlessly attempt to get nonavailable appointments before anyone has enough doses to support this expanded effort. This confusing mess may cause some people, who may be skeptical about getting vaccinated to begin with, to lose hope and just give up on getting the shots.
Gov. Doug Ducey, would you manage an ice cream parlor this way?
Ronald Pelech
Midtown
The real Rush
was a cad
Re: the Feb. 21 article “With Limbaugh gone, conservatism needs new voice.”
I just read Michael Ryan’s tribute to Rush Limbaugh in the Sunday, Feb. 21 Daily Star. What a load! Ryan describes Limbaugh as a little too “tart” and “acerbic” for his taste (though he basically approved of his act). Tart and acerbic? How about hateful, slanderous and mendacious?
Global warming is a hoax? COVID-19 is just the common cold? Hillary Clinton murdered her secret lover, Vince Foster? Calling the then 12-year-old Chelsea Clinton a dog on his TV show?
What does the above (and thousands of similar rants) have to do with patriotism, let alone anything resembling the “wit and wisdom” that Ryan credits him with?
One more point — Ryan condemns “the cult of personality that has all but taken over American politics.”
It’s clearly not American politics as a whole, but the Republican Party alone that has surrendered to Trumpmania.
David Steinberg
Northwest side
Rep. Chaplik gets masks all wrong
Re: the Feb. 20 article “Arizona bill would allow businesses to ignore city, county mask mandates.”
One of the things we have learned by now is that masks prevent spread of disease, especially when we have an airborne virus. We have regional studies and international studies that show that masks work. Yet the Republicans continue to press for their anti-science provision that masks are repressive and constitute a burden to our freedom.
Rep. Joseph Chaplik’s statement that masks are demeaning is just straight wrong. There is nothing demeaning about helping your neighbors avoid the potentially deadly virus.
Thomas Walsh
Northeast side
Child poverty
is the priciest of all
Re: the Feb. 22 letter “You know what’s expensive? Poverty.”
This letter reminded me of something written by James Baldwin nearly 60 years ago. Baldwin wrote that anyone who has struggled with poverty knows how expensive it is to be poor.
It was true then, it’s distressingly still true now, especially so as relates to what our children in poverty face.
Michael Price
Midtown
Criticism of Sinema unwarranted
The Sunday, Feb. 21, full-page political insert in the Daily Star questioning whether Sen. Sinema will “fight for us” raises several questions. First, who paid for it? Down at the bottom in small letters: “Paid for by Moveon.” That’s a name associated with the Democratic Party, so we have to assume that our state Democratic Party is criticizing Democratic Sen. Sinema.
Why? Sinema has demonstrated that she doesn’t always reflect the party line. For example, she said she would weigh all the evidence before deciding whether ex-President Trump was guilty, and she currently is not in favor of eliminating the Senate filibuster rules. I applaud her for taking independent and principled stands on these issues.
As a registered Democrat, I deplore our party demanding complete allegiance. This is just like the Republican Party censoring Republican politicians who voted against Trump and his policies!
Dale Keyes
Downtown
How Republicans can
restore voter confidence
Arizona’s Republican lawmakers lead the nation in proposing laws that would restrict and suppress our ability to vote. They claim these laws are needed to restore public confidence because many voters believe Donald Trump’s false assertions that President Joe Biden won the 2020 election due to widespread fraud.
Rather than permanently stain the Republican Party as being a tool of voter suppression, there is a better way to restore election confidence. Tell the truth.
Say simply and clearly that Donald Trump was lying when he claimed the election was rigged. Say that the courts found, and evidence shows, that we had a free and fair election.
The best way to restore voter confidence in our election system is to tell the truth.
Thea Chalow
Oro Valley
Vaccine distribution
isn’t aboveboard
It seems every day we get to read a letter from a lucky recipient crowing they enjoyed getting a COVID-19 vaccine. My view is that the Arizona vaccine distribution appears to be a corrupt debacle.
At this point, a significant portion of the population cannot get a vaccine for many months, if ever. The Pima County supply seems to change unpredictably on a daily basis.
These supply variations along with other circumstantial evidence suggests that much of the state vaccine supply is being misappropriated inequitably to connected people of questionable eligibility.
As a public service, the Star should have one of their excellent investigative reporters like Tim Steller look into how Arizona is really handling the vaccine supply and who is getting it.
Jeff Edwards
West side
Ducey sees a false Republican future
I’m glad Gov. Doug Ducey is hopeful about the Republican Party in the future. I, on the other hand, hold the Republicans to account.
Using the term “Grand Old Party” is ridiculous. If a political party in the United States of America cannot succeed in governing our country justly with laws that benefit the whole country, then you need to rethink your approach.
Can’t your votes be about including everyone in the process of better government? We all must make compromises in our lives. Politics and governing should be no different.
Every law passed should be an improvement involving thoughtful and compassionate compromise. All I see today are attempts to block and override the will of the people.
Our Arizona Legislature has been busy writing and working on passing laws to restrict voter participation. Perhaps they are looking forward to 2024, when they can override the will of the people’s choice?
Joyce Harrison
East side
- Barbara Moore, East side
I agree that the national debt requires attention. I support a quick revocation of the tax cuts passed by republicans which gave us a $1.7 trillion dollar deficit before the pandemic. The tax cuts which went to the rich and to corporations did not do much for the economy. History has shown the conservative republican trickle down myth has caused serious economic crises and it is democratic administrations have to dig us out.
$15/hr minimum wage has nothing to do with the national debt as the writer is trying to portray. I pay more income taxes than Amazon or many of the billionaires and I suggest that hardworking people should earn at least $15/hr.
Barbara Moore
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- David Pearse, Foothills
Though Mr. Pickrell, talking about climate change, maintains that "global warming is probably the most dire ongoing threat to human civilization," most Americans don't take his claim seriously, as they now buy 70% of their automobiles as gas guzzling SUVs or trucks rather than gas sipping compacts and sedans.
America has reduced its carbon footprint more than any other nation in the world basically due to fracking and natural gas replacing coal as our main source of energy. Our costs for energy are thus half those of Europe, which gives us a huge advantage in manufacturing. But Mr. Pickrell would have us give up this advantage.
Finally, Mr. Pickrell doesn't tell us that global warming is indeed global, and that any further reductions in greenhouse gasses here will be more than offset by continued expansion of coal power plants in both China and India.
David Pearse
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Michael Ullery, Midtown
For clarification, I am not a Ted C. fan. He is a hypocrite and has shown that he is not above the convenient falsehood, I should be happy that he is being roasted in frigid Texas. However, I wonder what do his critics think he should be doing? Is the Senate involved in boiling snow? Burning stacks of worthless paper? Maybe they are passing an act that prohibits cold temperatures. None of these activities are happening.
There is a crisis happening in Texas, and the best use of his time is spending time with his family.
However, I do hope that the next time his hypocrisy happens, and it will, perhaps some of these critics will be armed and ready to roast him.
Michael Ullery
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Barbara Moore, East side
I would suggest that Senator Sinema would do a better job by doing something for AZ. I applaud her vote for the sanctity of our Republic. Now I think she should get on board with $15./hr minimum wage and eliminating the filibuster. If she obstructs the Covid Relief bill and allows the derailing of the democrat's agenda, I 'll have words to describe her, but it is not "perfect."
Barbara Moore
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Terri Hicks, Northwest side
As a life-long Democrat, I am concerned about cancelling 50k in student loan debt for Americans -that's how we get in trouble. I agree that student loan debt continues to burden those seeking to further their education. I also know that “giving away the farm” is not the answer. Proposed relief would be provided to everyone, which would disproportionately benefit the well-to-do, as they tend to use their loans for education at institutions that are more expensive, unlike those who are going to a state or community college who tend to need to borrow more for living expenses while they pursue their education. Instead, provide relief using a sliding scale capping at 10k; the higher the income the less relief is necessary. Cap the interest to 3% and reduce the amount of monthly payments. Base payments on annual income; lower income equals lower payment. Exchange community service/work in an underserved area/field for a reduction in debt. Doing this would make it more equitable for all.
Terri Hicks
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Charles Shultheis, Sahuarita
Re: the Feb. 12 letter "If $15 is too much, who is to blame?."
The letter writer wrote that “a doubling of the minimum wage does not mean the cost of your hamburger must double.” It seems the author left out discussion of some items. A rise in the minimum wage to $15 is only a 25% rise to Arizona’s $12 minimum but he doesn’t consider an equivalent rise in business costs such as rent, raw materials, utilities, insurance, maintenance and advertising. What about the additional costs of raising wages of other employees who have advanced from $10 an hour to near $15? Employers will raise the pay of experienced employees above that of the newbies! In AZ, we can expect the cost of most everything to rise by up to 25% with a 25% rise in minimum wage. What about AZ’s many folks on fixed incomes? What about the resultant significant economic inflation? Want a raise? Earn it by learning (education, experience and hard work)!
Charles Shultheis
Sahuarita
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Bruce Dockter, West side
Ethics is a system of moral principles concerned with what is good for individuals and society. The Apostle Paul is considered by many to be the church leader most responsible for ethical development within the church. Our political leaders no longer appear to use ethical principles when making decisions. Decisions are made for political or personal advantage unaware of what is happening in the Nation beyond their office windows. Some of the principles of St. Paul that I no longer see evidence of are “Maintain unity and peace; Speak Truth, not falsehood; Be kind to one another.” We must insist that ethical standards be part of the lexicon for our elected leaders and that decisions are made based on what is good for individuals and society, not what is good for personal or political expediency.
Bruce Dockter
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Harry Peck, retired lawyer, Tubac
Re: the Feb. 15 letter "Lift yourself to a higher wage."
I smile reading "letters to the editor" when I find one, written by a self styled "conservative" stating what "liberals" think, describing a view that "liberals" have never held.
In this letter, the writer shows ignorance of the history of the minimum wage. Hancock's "simple fact" that the minimum wage was never intended to be a living wage is untrue and unrelated to the facts of its inception. On the contrary, the idea of a minimum wage was always "one on which laborers could live" and dates from the early 1800's.
It did not become law in this country until 1938 when FDR, after contending with "conservatives" and the courts, established it. Now the federal minimum is $7.25/hr ($15,080/yr). Low income workers, a single parent with two children, for example, can't live on that amount. That is the actual reason we "radical" liberals want it increased. The letter writer proves some study is needed before writing a letter to the editor.
Harry Peck, retired lawyer
Tubac
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Kevin Marschke, Oro Valley
The Republican Congress has showed the level they have allowed the bar to sink to. For the second impeachment of Donald Trump, these "Trumplicans" tell us that if you vote against the would be Autocrat, you will be censured. But if Trump incites a riot and insurrection, as he did on January 6, 2021, nothing happens. The excuse for not doing anything for the first impeachment was not that Trump was innocent, it was that he was President. The excuse for not doing anything on the second impeachment was not that he was innocent, it was that he no longer President. Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham need to hope that Donald Trump does not treat them like he did the rioters whom he incited and stormed the Capitol. He awarded these dupes by completely ignoring them when they needed him. If Cruz and Graham get the same, it couldn't happen to two nicer guys.
Kevin Marschke
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Pudge Johnson, Oro Valley
The 1st amendment provides for free, unfettered speech for all and is the basic foundation of a working democracy. For the last year, citizens expressing views contrary to the Democratic Party have been and are continuing to be muzzled and punished for their views. It appears that the Democratic Party’s mantra is “Free speech for me, but not for thee.” As history has demonstrated, political winds can change rapidly and a significant change may well occur in 2022. If that change does happen, with the precedents that have been set in the last year, can you imagine the tit-for-tat, and the retribution that will surely occur to all of those who have committed similar offensives of contrary speech. But what is even more astonishing is that the STAR, whose very foundation and livelihood are singularly dependent on the concept of free speech. is not horrified and outspoken regarding the strangulation of contrary speech that does not meet the party line.
Pudge Johnson
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Reid Park and zoo can both benefit
Re: the Feb. 14 article “Small group should not derail zoo improvements.”
I can’t thank you enough for your op-ed about the ongoing zoo improvements and imminent expansion. What a Valentine’s present to all of us who cherish our Reid Park and zoo! I have always had trouble finding the right words to present in a letter to the editor, so let me just cheat and echo everything these guys just said in their piece.
I want to encourage everyone to give his or her opinions and ideas for future park improvements — come to study sessions, or send in your thoughts. With some real teamwork, we can all help not only the zoo but the park become better than ever! Check out the zoo website while you’re at it and see all of the incredible drawings and illustrations of the zoo improvements. An improved park and zoo should make all of us even more proud to be a Tucsonan!
Larry Holcomb
Foothills
Free speech — but only for some?
The First Amendment provides for free, unfettered speech for all and is the basic foundation of a working democracy.
For the last year, citizens expressing views contrary to the Democratic Party have been and are continuing to be muzzled and punished for their views. It appears that the Democratic Party’s mantra is “Free speech for me, but not for thee.”
As history has demonstrated, political winds can change rapidly, and a significant change may well occur in 2022. If that change does happen, with the precedents that have been set in the last year, can you imagine the tit-for-tat, and the retribution that will surely occur to all of those who have committed similar offensives of contrary speech.
But what is even more astonishing is that the Star, whose very foundation and livelihood are singularly dependent on the concept of free speech is not horrified and outspoken regarding the strangulation of contrary speech that does not meet the party line.
Pudge Johnson
Oro Valley
The Republican bar is set so low
The Republican Congress has showed the level they have allowed the bar to sink to. For the second impeachment of Donald Trump, these “Trumplicans” tell us that if you vote against the would-be Autocrat, you will be censured. But if Trump incites a riot and insurrection, as he did on Jan. 6, 2021, nothing happens.
The excuse for not doing anything for the first impeachment was not that Trump was innocent, it was that he was president. The excuse for not doing anything on the second impeachment was not that he was innocent, it was that he no longer was president.
Senators Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham need to hope that Donald Trump does not treat them like he did the rioters whom he incited to storm the Capitol. He awarded these dupes by completely ignoring them when they needed him.
If Cruz and Graham get the same, it couldn’t happen to two nicer guys.
Kevin Marschke
Oro Valley
Minimum wage history lesson
Re: the Feb. 15 letter “Lift yourself to a higher wage.”
I smile reading “letters to the editor” when I find one, written by a self-styled “conservative,” stating what “liberals” think, describing a view that “liberals” have never held.
In this letter, the writer shows ignorance of the history of the minimum wage. Hancock’s “simple fact” that the minimum wage was never intended to be a living wage is untrue and unrelated to the facts of its inception. On the contrary, the idea of a minimum wage was always “one on which laborers could live” and dates from the early 1800s.
It did not become law in this country until 1938 when FDR, after contending with “conservatives” and the courts, established it. Now the federal minimum is $7.25/hr ($15,080/yr). Low-income workers, a single parent with two children, for example, can’t live on that amount. That is the actual reason we “radical” liberals want it increased. The letter writer proves some study is needed before writing a letter to the editor.
Harry Peck
Tubac
Ethics not used by political leaders
Ethics is a system of moral principles concerned with what is good for individuals and society. The Apostle Paul is considered by many to be the church leader most responsible for ethical development within the church.
Our political leaders no longer appear to use ethical principles when making decisions. Decisions are made for political or personal advantage unaware of what is happening in the nation beyond their office windows.
Some of the principles of St. Paul that I no longer see evidence of are “maintain unity and peace; speak truth, not falsehood; be kind to one another.”
We must insist that ethical standards be part of the lexicon for our elected leaders and that decisions are made based on what is good for individuals and society, not what is good for personal or political expediency.
Bruce Dockter
West side
$15 minimum wage is not as easy as it sounds
Re: the Feb. 12 letter “If $15 is too much, who is to blame?”
The letter writer wrote that “a doubling of the minimum wage does not mean the cost of your hamburger must double.” It seems the author left out discussion of some items.
A rise in the minimum wage to $15 is only a 25% rise to Arizona’s $12 minimum, but he doesn’t consider an equivalent rise in business costs such as rent, raw materials, utilities, insurance, maintenance and advertising.
What about the additional costs of raising wages of other employees who have advanced from $10 an hour to near $15? Employers will raise the pay of experienced employees above that of the newbies!
In Arizona, we can expect the cost of most everything to rise by up to 25% with a 25% rise in minimum wage. What about AZ’s many folks on fixed incomes? What about the resultant significant economic inflation? Want a raise? Earn it by learning (education, experience and hard work)!
Charles Shultheis
Sahuarita
Zoo expansion is a big mistake
My fiancé and I visited Barnum Hill and the duck ponds on Valentine’s Day for the first time. It was filled with families, couples picnicking, dogs playing … and no one playing video games!
They were outside, in the fresh air, laughing, frolicking and being joyful. It was a wonderful sight indeed.
It is my opinion that taking away Barnum Hill and the duck ponds and waterfall would be an egregious error to our city park. Considering job loss, the COVID pandemic, rent problems, working from home, school upheaval, removing a place of family solace would be an egregious error.
There has to be a Plan B for the 3½-acre “Pathway to Asia” exhibit. We saw empty ball fields. Perhaps they can be repurposed. If they are not immediately adjacent to the zoo, a gondola could be built.
I agree that zoo upgrades are both beneficial and vital, but city planners need to remember that our residents need free recreation to continue family togetherness.
Karen Kos
Oro Valley
Why is sex education such a sensitive topic?
Re: the Feb. 18 article “Bill seeks more restrictions on sex education in Ariz. schools.”
When it comes to education, why should sex be a sensitive topic? As Sen. Marsh stated, it’s about human growth and development. It’s also about safety and health.
A parent(s) has the right to protect his/her child and so does the school.
If we deny our child the opportunity to learn about human sexuality in our schools, the less informed, less safe, and less healthy they will be. Let’s not equate protection with ignorance.
If anyone is qualified to teach our child responsibility about sex, our schools are our best resource. When it comes to morality and judgement, let’s leave that to the parents.
Tim O’Connor
Southwest side
Citizen science at its best
Tucson has a lot of wonderful science/STEM/STEAM opportunities, and one of the best is with the Reid Park Zoo.
More than 15,000 school children visit Reid Park Zoo every year, and it’s free! Students travel from all over the southwest to visit our zoo, and, if you’ve been at the zoo during one of these events, you have seen firsthand the excitement and enthusiasm on all these young faces.
Some will be inspired to pursue careers in wildlife biology, conservation, sustainable living, and, yes, even art. We need science illustrators, too.
But most importantly, zoo staff are educating a new generation of citizen-scientists who will understand and appreciate the complexities of our natural world.
I wholeheartedly support Reid Park Zoo’s master plan to expand its conservation and educational missions.
Terie Thompson
East side
- Barbara Moore, East side
The writer of the opinion calling President Biden a dictator has failed to draw a distinction between the content and goals of the previous orders and Biden's. If nothing else, I feel that I might live through this pandemic because President Biden is writing executive orders that are competent and relevant.
Barbara Moore
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jeffrey McConnell, West side
Dr. Moncef Slaoui, head WH Task Force Warp Speed vaccine development effort delivered two unbelievably successful covid vaccines into the arms of Americans in an incredibly short ten months time.
Dr. Anthony Fauci chief of the NIH Laboratory of Immunoregulation devoted that time to promoting himself daily, non-stop on network TV to explain why these vaccines would take much longer to develop and why they may not work.
With the change in administration, we read that Slaoui is now chief scientific officer of a start-up pharmaceutical working on hemophilia, cancer and kidney disease immunology and Fauci is the chief medical adviser to the new president. In this role, the Pontificator-in-Chief is telling us that America will not get back to normal until Christmas 2021.
Before I believe him, I'm going to check with Dr. Slaoui.
Jeffrey McConnell
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Kevin Kaatz, Oro Valley
Today's edition featured a front page hack piece on the life of Rush Limbaugh, with no attempt whatsoever to highlight the significant influence he has been in talk radio and conservative politics the last few decades. I couldn't help but think that if he had been a liberal talk show host, the Associated Press and the rest of the liberal biased media would have been declaring him Saint Rush. In the letters section, a writer praised Sen. Sinema for her ethics, professionalism, dignity, and seriousness, apparently for voting in lock step like every other Democrat to convict Trump. If Sinema had concluded, like most Republicans, that the Senate didn't have the constitutional authority to convict Trump since he was no longer holding office, that same writer would have spewed the venom of Trump hatred like most of the letters you publish and called for Sinema to be voted out of office.
Kevin Kaatz
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Janet C. Pipes, Northwest side
J Blakeson wrote (and directed) I Care a Lot after he was inspired by real news stories of professional guardians in America and a "legal loophole" they exploited. ... So the story started there. I sat and wrote it on my own and very quickly it formed into what is now I Care a Lot." (quote)
This movie closely matches our case. Our Order for Protection states in the margin that we could not go to "Law Enforcement or Government Agencies" with our information or face ten years in prison. I had worked at the U.S. Attorneys Office, I had been a District Court Clerk, and I had worked for criminal defense attorneys. Nothing prepared me for the crime of professional guardianship fraud.
Janet C. Pipes
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- George Yost, Vail
Trump’s impeachment defense lawyers in their fine suits could just as well have chanted Mary had a Little Lamb while performing a Hairy-Legs Kick Line for the Senate. Actually, they didn’t do too much more than that, but it was enough that enough Republican senators could say “Yup. Yup. I’m convinced. The boy is as innocent as the driven snow.”
One of those was Ted Cruz. I read that more than half of his college graduating class, class of ’92, has signed a petition condemning his actions. At least two other petitions, among the general alumni, have attracted hundreds of signatures denouncing him. At least one calls for the university to rescind his degree. Not only is he the most despised person in the Senate, he now can proudly claim the title of the most despised person among his own college classmates.
George Yost
Vail
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Morton Cederbaum, Green Valley
President Biden is advocating a $15 minimum wage, but he and his administration have not done a good job of articulating the details. If properly explained, it won't be the frightening ruination of small businesses that many fear. Increases will be gradual, beginning with $9.50 and rising annually until they reach the goal. inflation will offset part of the impact. Some marginal companies will fail, but that has always been part of our economic system. Others will thrive. On the other hand, I believe that all federal employees and all employees of companies with federal contracts should immediately receive $15 an hour minimum. I realize that there will be a few exemptions, but wiser people than I will work them out. We should never again have a twelve year hiatus between increases in the minimum wage. Social security is tied to inflation, so why not wages?
Morton Cederbaum
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Beth Isabelle, Northeast side
Re: the Feb. 15 article "If kids are our most precious resource, we should say it with cash."
Poverty today or productive citizens tomorrow? Our nation’s price for child poverty is more than any price tag towards a solution.
Robin Abcarian: “Child poverty is expensive. It costs the nation an estimated $800 billion to $1.1 trillion annually in terms of lost adult productivity, the increased costs of crime, and health care… “
Today’s children: tomorrow’s scientists, taxpayers, future members of America’s military. Development of future vaccines; the tax base for infrastructure, schools and public health departments; defense of our country - all depend upon today’s children, tomorrow’s workers.
Not only decency, but selfishness, should move us. Many of us will be alive in the next decades. If child poverty continues to grow, a bleaker future awaits in a nation with a poorer, less educated population. Help each child in poverty today to fulfill their potential and our own lives will benefit.
Beth Isabelle
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Rafael Polo, Oro Valley
For more than 200 years, Americans have become accustomed to the idea that government existed by consent of the governed. That is, that people created government, that they did it by written contract. That the contract comprised fundamental law, that government must be subject to limitations required for the security of the rights of the people, that the contracted rights of the people were enumerated in the Bill of Rights.
With the apparent consent of the current Democrat administration, our Constitution is under attack. Democrat propaganda attacks people’s morale by promoting defeatism. The purpose is to deliver truths mixed with half-truths, false rumors, and deliberate libels dropped on people that have done nothing wrong. Propaganda spreads like wildfire, like the flu in every unsuspecting home. Since the average person believes most easily what they want to think, propaganda must always be directed to stir emotion.
People half-informed are eager to hear more and are easy targets for the distributors of propaganda to reach innocent and unsuspecting people.
Rafael Polo
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Paul Rees, Northwest side
There are principled Republicans and there are Trump Republicans. The first believe in rule of law and are guided by moral values. Think Barry Goldwater, John McKain. They believe in democracy, oppose voter suppression, and violent, meritless attempts to overthrow legitimately elected presidents. A founder of the Federalist Society concluded the second impeachment was constitutional. Die-hard Republicans concluded votes to acquit were votes for a lie.
Trump Republicans believe in the cult of a selfish, dishonest, venal, wannabe dictator, obeying that losing president's demands. Think Kelli Ward. They give wackadoodles like Marjorie Taylor Greene standing ovations.
They give free passes to those who attack our Capitol. They support pardons for convicted felons like Roger Stone. Trump Senators under oath to "do impartial justice" in connection with the impeachment trial wouldn't watch the horror of the insurrection, leaving their chambers, doodling, otherwise. Some "jurors" met with one side's attorneys! Like "Proud Boys" they "stood back and stood by" their leader.
American voters will deliver their verdict in two years.
Paul Rees
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Anant Pathak, Foothills
The letter published on Friday ,described what republicans stand for. The republicans of the last 4 years is a different story. They separated children from families, said there were good people on both sides, supported the insurrection in DC, and wanted to fight by combat! They supported the representative from Georgia, who wanted to hang Pelosi, and supported the president during the impeachment proceedings. A senator also said that the insurrection in DC was not bad, because no fire arms were used. Five people died, and fire arms were used. They did not let President Obama nominate a supreme court judge, while Trump was allowed to do the same. Republicans used their family to run the government, were in cahoots with Putin. The president let his Vice president be in danger because he would not change the votes. He wanted to add extra voted in Georgia elections. Republicans in Arizona wanted the power to change the votes if they did not like them.
This is what the republicans are today!
Anant Pathak
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mary Jo Swartzberg, SaddleBrooke
In the wake of Rush Limbaugh’s death, a video has re-surfaced of him mocking Michael J. Fox, who has suffered from Parkinson’s Disease for several years. It has not escaped anyone’s attention that Limbaugh, and our former POTUS, as well as other high-profile people in the spotlight, use their “podiums” to mock and make fun of others. It is important for all adult bullies to know that schools across the country have launched anti-bullying campaigns in recent years to stem student-to-student bullying in classroom settings. Perhaps an adult anti-bullying curriculum for adults who feel the inclination to denigrate others is in order.
Mary Jo Swartzberg
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Excitement over UA basketball teams
Re: the Feb. 13 article “Freshmen appearing to have fun, freedom — and a future at UA.”
It’s great pulling for Adia Barnes and her special, national title-contending team. Watching Coach Sean Miller loosen the reins and let this squad play a little more free this season is almost as good as seeing us go into the postseason, knowing we’d likely lose two or three undeveloped freshmen to all the hype.
Tucson’s and UA’s teams are playing hard and learning to be better. Let’s finish strong this season, support the women for a potential title run, and have both teams come back, intact, next year with experience.
Hunter Williams
West side
Trump’s rhetoric proved catastrophic for police
The violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6 has been noted as “the worst day of injuries for police since 9/11.” Reports by the House managers during the Senate trial and the media have shown a brutal pattern of violence.
These include: loss of finger parts, brain injuries, unconsciousness, bruises, lacerations, concussions, rib fractures, burns, heart attack, injuries from stun guns, irritated lungs, eye damage, PTSD, COVID, (alleged) homicide and suicide. It’s reported 138 officers were injured. Officers who were Iraq War vets stated the riot was scarier than their time in combat.
The cause of death of Brian Sicknick, the Capitol Police officer who died after the riot, is unclear ,and an autopsy hasn’t been made public.
On that day, while tragedy piled on top of tragedy, President Donald Trump told the violent rioters, “We love you. You’re very special.”
As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus noted, “A man’s character is his fate.”
Linda Dugan
Midtown
Acquittal was
predetermined
Donald Trump’s impeachment defense lawyers, in their fine suits, could just as well have chanted “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” while performing a Hairy-Legs Kick Line for the Senate. Actually, they didn’t do too much more than that, but it was enough that enough Republican senators could say “Yup. Yup. I’m convinced. The boy is as innocent as the driven snow.”
George Yost
Vail
Another call to launch conservation plan
Conservation of Arizona’s land and water is critical for many reasons. First, the climate crisis is a serious threat to all life on earth, and land and water conservation at local and regional levels is one essential way to address this threat collectively. Arizona’s lands provide critical habitat for numerous, diverse species of wildlife and flora, some of which are found nowhere else on earth.
Land conservation is necessary to protect and sustain our watersheds which support all life in Arizona. Our lands are sacred to Arizona’s Indigenous populations who have inhabited the region for thousands of years.
Conservation of these lands helps to preserve our cultural heritage. Finally, Arizona is stunningly beautiful, offering spectacular panoramas enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for outdoor recreation, artistic expression and contemplation.
For these reasons, I ask that Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly support the Biden administration’s 30x30 conservation plan to protect 30% of Arizona’s land and water resources by 2030.
Maura Mack
Midtown
What Republicans actually stand for
Re: the Feb. 12 letter “This is what Republicans stand for.”
The letter writer described what Republicans stand for. The Republicans of the last four years are a different story. They separated children from families, said there were good people on both sides, supported the insurrection in Washington, D.C., and wanted to fight by combat.
They supported the representative from Georgia, who supported the execution of Nancy Pelosi, and supported the president during both impeachment proceedings.
They did not let former President Barack Obama nominate a Supreme Court judge, while Donald Trump was allowed to do the same. Republicans used their families to run the government, and were possibly in cahoots with Vladimir Putin.
Trump let his vice president be in danger because he would not change the votes. He wanted to add extra votes in Georgia’s elections. Republicans in Arizona wanted the power to change the votes if they did not like them.
This is what the Republicans are today!
Anant Pathak
Foothills
Arizona’s legislators need adult in the room
Karen Fann and all the Arizona legislators holding office before the election, according to her, had the sole authority to supervise the election.
Should they be responsible if there were any irregularities? Should they have been readily able to answer the thousands of constituent questions gotten by doing their supervision before the election? Do these thousands of questions really exist and not originate from one robot?
Has Ms. Fann or any legislator sought legal counsel to determine the legality of Maricopa County’s position before or even after threatening arrest for contempt? The more she and others in our state government push to audit Maricopa procedures and results, the more they seemingly admit they failed to ensure we had a fair election and failed to do their jobs. They should resign allowing us to find competent representation.
Since the pre-election polls, including Fox News’ prediction of a narrow Joe Biden win, what is the surprise result? A surprise and questionable outcome would have been a landslide win for Trump.
Clarence Johnson
Oro Valley
Too much cruelty
in chicken farming
It is past time for us to recognize that factory farming is an inherently cruel process. Feelings, including fear and pain, are inherent in all life forms. They are in the genes to facilitate survival. Whether it is aversion to pain and suffering, or affection for mates or offspring, feelings are therefore the vital reason to maintain life.
In the case of factory farming of chickens, anybody who has kept chickens knows that they can be afraid, feel pain, and enjoy their relationships with each other and familiar people in their surroundings. Being kept in a 1-foot-square cage for life is unbearably cruel. Imagine yourself in a 4-square-foot cage for your entire life.
The Arizona Legislature should accelerate passage and implementation of HB 2525 for cage-free chickens. Tell them so. Enough.
Roger McManus
Midtown
Beware of Democrats and big government
For more than 200 years, Americans have become accustomed to the idea that government existed by consent of the governed. That is, that people created government, that they did it by written contract. That the contract comprised fundamental law, that government must be subject to limitations required for the security of the rights of the people, that the contracted rights of the people were enumerated in the Bill of Rights.
With the apparent consent of the current Democratic administration, our Constitution is under attack. Democratic propaganda attacks people’s morale by promoting defeatism. The purpose is to deliver truths mixed with half-truths, false rumors, and deliberate libels dropped on people that have done nothing wrong.
Propaganda spreads like wildfire, like the flu, in every unsuspecting home. Since the average person believes most easily what they want to think, propaganda must always be directed to stir emotion.
People half-informed are eager to hear more and are easy targets for the distributors of propaganda to reach innocent and unsuspecting people.
Rafael Polo
Oro Valley
You know what’s expensive? Poverty
Re: the Feb. 15 article “If kids are our most precious resource, we should say it with cash.”
Poverty today or productive citizens tomorrow? Our nation’s price for child poverty is more than any price tag towards a solution.
Robin Abcarian, opinion columnist for the Los Angeles Times: “Child poverty is expensive. It costs the nation an estimated $800 billion to $1.1 trillion annually in terms of lost adult productivity, the increased costs of crime, and health care.”
Today’s children: tomorrow’s scientists, taxpayers, future members of America’s military, developers of future vaccines. Also include the tax base for infrastructure, schools and public health departments, defense of our country — all depend upon today’s children, tomorrow’s workers.
Not only decency, but selfishness, should move us. Many of us will be alive in the next decades. If child poverty continues to grow, a bleaker future awaits in a nation with a poorer, less educated population. Help each child in poverty today to fulfill their potential and our own lives will benefit.
Beth Isabelle
Northeast side
Three cheers
for Carondelet
Re: the Feb. 17 article “Business Awards Earned in Southern Arizona”
Congratulations to Carondelet St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s Hospitals for their “A” rating with Leapfrog Group. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Kudos to all staff for safe and ongoing commitment patient care.
Joyce Harrison
East side
President must
spell out wage hike
President Joe Biden is advocating a $15 minimum wage, but he and his administration have not done a good job of articulating the details. If properly explained, it won’t be the frightening ruination of small businesses that many fear. Increases will be gradual, beginning with $9.50 and rising annually until they reach the goal in 2025. Inflation will offset part of the impact.
Some marginal companies will fail, but that has always been part of our economic system. Others will thrive.
On the other hand, I believe that all federal employees and all employees of companies with federal contracts should immediately receive $15 an hour minimum. I realize that there will be a few exemptions, but wiser people than I will work them out.
We should never again have a 12-year hiatus between increases in the minimum wage. Social Security is tied to inflation, so why not wages?
Morton Cederbaum
Green Valley
- Mel Brinkley, Downtown
Uung to the tune of Rick James' "Super Freak."
He was a very sleazy prez,
The kind that doesn't like a brother.
He did not let his disciples down,
With his January tweet.
He likes the Proud Boys and the Klan.
He says that they’re his all time favorite.
When they searched in every room
For his own Veep, he had us on our knees.
He said it would be wild, wow.
He was fond of Q Anon.
It was the wettest of wet dreams
For all of the white supremes.
That prep was pretty sleazy.
That prez’s a super creep.
I’d really like to bash him,
If we meet up on the street.
He's Alt Right, he's Alt Right
That prez’s Alt Right you see, yeah.
With his bronzer and combover.
He was very mean to all his beauty queens.
Such a sleazy scene.
He spewed more fake news
Than all of Putin’s cyber crews.
Told us to insert sunlight, bleach, a Goya bean,
And hydroxychloroquine.
While quarantining in a limousine.
Mel Brinkley
Downtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Virginia Gethmann, Northeast side
The sycophants of the former occupant of the White House, insisting that it won, are whistling past the grave yard. In no fair contest is 57- 43 a win. Those who are addicted to this person might remember, addiction generally ends in a bad outcome.
There is still a majority of sane, caring, compassionate, and yes, patriotic people in this country who are unwilling to watch this democracy fail. They vote, they are not afraid, they are more then willing to speak out and they have resources to help reasonable candidates become representatives to the Congress. We are not surrendering this country to hate. Ever.
Virginia GETHMANN
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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