Tucson speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Sep. 12, 2025
- Updated
Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Arizona Daily Star.
Race and decision-makingYesterday the Supreme Court ruled that ICE agents can continue to use race and ethnicity as one criteria for stopping and presumably arresting someone suspected of being in the country illegally. Yet in 2023, that same court, with the same Justices, held that Harvard and any other University receiving federal funds could not use race or ethnicity even as a minor factor in its admissions policy. Admissions must be race neutral, but law enforcement need not be. It strikes me that measured by the consequences of the two actions, the result should be precisely the opposite. The harm caused by police use of racial profiling to those that are the subject of enforcement actions is far greater than getting rejected by the elite institution of your choice.
Melvyn Durchslag
SaddleBrooke
Release Epstein files
Despite staunch opposition from the White House and Republican leaders, a bipartisan Congressional resolution directing the Justice Department to release all of its investigative files on Mr. Epstein is on track.
Support for releasing the Epstein Files requires approval by 218 House Representatives. Currently 216 Representatives have signed on, including four Republicans: Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Nancy Mace of South Carolina.
Two more Republicans are needed to force a floor vote on releasing the Epstein Files.
What say you, CD-6 Rep. Juan Ciscomani?
Randy Garmon
North side
Very bad people
It is so good to get the violent criminals arrested in the raid of Hyundai’s EV plant in Georgia out of our country. You know, the murderers, rapists, robbers, etc. We know that’s what they must be because violent criminals are those whom the great white father and his sycophants told us they would arrest and deport. Violent people, very bad people, not the right color of people.
Never mind that these people came to the former land of opportunity in order to work. Or that they no doubt were paying taxes. Yes, very bad people!
Jim Rapp
Southeast side
Correcting misleading claims
As a local college student in finance I wanted to correct some information that I have been seeing. A recent opinion piece on TEP’s renewable energy mix is riddled with misunderstandings. The author confuses the energy used locally with wholesale transactions reported in TEP’s SEC filings — two very different figures. TEP has been transparent about its local energy portfolio, and the numbers are clearly shown on its website.
The idea that Arizona’s energy costs are among the highest is also wrong. According to the Arizona Corporation Commission, Arizona’s rates remain relatively low compared to many states, and far lower than some with aggressive renewable mandates.
The bottom line is this: TEP is rapidly adding renewables while balancing affordability, reliability, and sustainability. Repealing the outdated Renewable Energy Standard reflects our current and foreseeable reality — the market is already delivering cleaner energy without the need for rigid, one-size-fits-all mandates.
Charlie Heck
West side
Just wondering
The news media is full, day after day, about releasing Epstein files. Many have been, but so far knowing if important men were involved with partaking in sex acts with underage girls has not been discovered.
Last week there was a large group of women gathered on the steps of the Capitol demanding information.
Those girls are now women, if in fact they were the ones abused, why haven’t they come forth and given their personal story to government officials or the media?
Jack Walters
Northeast side
Are these related?
Our president just changed the Department of Defense to the Department of War. When President Zelensky recently met with our president, he (President Zelensky) noted that he would hold free elections when the war with Russia was over. Our president responded with “You don’t hold elections during a war?” and it was like a lightbulb turned on in his head. He looked away with a slight smirk.
Anybody see a connection?
Alan Brown
East side
Our top law enforcement official?
Will the Epstein files reveal Trump abused teen girls or exonerate him? I don’t know but guess neither. It might show they hung out together frequently or had business dealings or it might not.
Trump said long ago Epstein liked his women on the younger side, a simple code for teenage girls. He knew they were underage. It is easy to tell a 14-year-old is not a 20-something. What did he do about it? Nothing.
Maybe his inaction does not rise to the level of an accomplice or accomplice after the fact but would you want him to ignore your daughter or granddaughter being involved with Epstein? Maybe there are no laws requiring him to report Epstein but isn’t it the right thing to do? Would you want him as a neighbor, much less as the leader of our country?
Clarence Johnson
Oro Valley
Misidentified painted lady butterfly
With deep apologies to all lepidopterists out there it was my photograph and my misidentification not the Arizona Daily Star’s that led to the letter correcting my error. (used app called “i naturalist” in my weak defense)
Just hope that the shadow cast by this diminutive magnificent creature is not enough to “overshadow” (as the writer states) the significance of Tucson’s and Arizona’s energy future decisions about Community Choice Energy.
Rick Rappaport
Oro Valley
No writing skills
When asked why the Writing Skills Improvement Program was being axed from the UA College of Humanities, dean Alain-Phillipe Durand said it was because of organizational changes, and attempts to “strengthen our finances, achieve a balanced budget, and support the long-term fiscal health of the institution.” He also mentioned “multiple factors, including strategic priorities, program sustainability and overall operational efficiency.” Or, in plain English, “Blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda.” Ironically, it appears that the good dean of obfuscation could use a few lessons in writing skills improvement.
Ray Lemke
Midtown
Part of the problem
First, I read with amazement the opinion piece by Ronald Eustice. Now I read an LTE exalting the piece. Notably, both these gentlemen voted three times for a self-serving, wannabe dictator who has never served anything or anyone other than himself for essentially his entire life. In 2016, Trump was simply grossly unqualified to be president; in 2020, his downplaying of the pandemic resulted in countless thousands of Covid deaths because he didn’t want a sinking economy to derail his potential re-election. In 2024, Eustice and Mr. DiSalvo voted for despicable Trump after he lied for months about the 2020 election, leading his violent cult members in January 2021 to desecrate the Capitol and threaten to kill his own Vice President. Now they’re appalled at Trump’s behavior and laughably suggest there was “no viable alternative?” These folks need to acknowledge their culpability for the situation they now bemoan. Republican values? They should have listened to Liz Cheney.
Hope Gastelum
East side
RFK Jr. attacked by Big Pharma
Since my last three letters were not published by the Star I am not optimistic about this one. However recent LTEs against RFK Jr.’s approach to cleaning up our lying, obfuscating public health agencies cry out for response. The obvious pharma money propping up our congresspeople and senators have forced them to try every dirty trick in the book to discredit RFK Jr. without letting him get the truth out. The mainstream media is kept in business by 75 to 85% of revenue from pharma ads and thus precluded from telling the truth about the damage from pharma products of all types especially vaccines. How anyone can close their eyes to the overwhelming health decline of American people is largely due to the propaganda forced on us by Big Pharma. The CDC has been for decades covering up its own studies that show the damage done by pharma products. Let truth prevail for once.
Donna Byers
Northeast side
Who really deserves the credit
Donald Trump was totally against the 2021 Infrastructure Bill that Congress passed and President Biden signed into law. Trump trashed the bill on social media claiming it would bankrupt the country. Now that many of these projects are underway, Trump is insisting that the contractors erect big green signs saying “President Donald J Trump, Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure.” Nothing is too crass for this man. This must be his long promised Infrastructure Week.
Mary Zimmerman
SaddleBrooke
Accessories before the fact
As a relocated Minnesotan I’m extremely upset by the latest school shooting. Here are my thoughts and prayers:
Facts:
- Guns are the leading cause of death of children and teens in Arizona. Unlike adult statistics where suicides represent 56% of deaths, 61% of dead children were murdered.
- Of 46,728 gun deaths in 2023, just 774 were defensive; not impressive protection when having guns allowed 25,613 people to suicide.
- The Rand Corporation found a number of gun laws truly work, particularly those that keep guns away from children, like safes and age limits.
My Prayer:
Legislators sabotaging gun laws be charged as “accessories before the fact.” Definition: “An accessory before the fact aids, abets, counsels, or encourages the commission of a felony prior to the crime occurring. Actions might include planning the offense, providing necessary tools like weapons or offering advice on how to carry out the crime.” The facts about guns are well documented. They know guns will kill children. They do not care. They are guilty.
Dee Maitland
Marana
Gone girl AG Pam Bondi
Chairman Peter Flaherty, author of Bondi ably serving nation, president.
If you can hear me please note the reason former AG Jeff Sessions recused himself from the Russia collusion investigation is not “inexplicable.” Sessions lied to Congress about meeting with Russian operatives. When you lie under oath to Congress, you are also lying to the American people. Currently, there are numerous Trump appointees who are truth compromised but few as publicly as AG Pam Bondi. It is because of her association with the Epstein cover up that her value to the Trump administration has greatly depreciated. Loyalty is a one-way street for Donald Long Tail. Mr. Flaherty, it seems your attempt to rewrite history and selective outrage will all be for naught. Not even Fox Entertainment can save Bondi now.
Sherry Ivester
Midtown
Trump’s decision-making
The following is instructive on Trump’s decision-making process. He wants to move Space Command Headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, because Colorado has a mail-in voting system. He was advised by Putin last month that mail-in voting is a corrupt system. He redesignated the Department of Defense to the Department of War. The Department of Defense was established to put all the military branches under a single civilian leader and increase the focus on preventing war. Trump likes the name Department of War to justify military actions because he is so offensive. It appears Trump sold Ukraine down the river. Since the Putin/Trump meeting, Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukraine despite Vance’s assertions that Russia has made great concessions. Remember, Trump was a draft dodger and says all of us who served in the military are suckers and losers and that he knows more than the admirals and generals. As Bugs Bunny said, “What a Maroon!”
Michael Mount
Foothills
Vaccinations
In view of the misinformation being promulgated by HHS Secretary Kennedy, it might be wise to explain how vaccines are evaluated for safety. The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) collects data on any adverse event following a vaccine, whether or not it appears related. Anyone can submit a report. Epidemiologic and statistical patterns are investigated.
Kennedy said the COVID vaccine caused myocarditis (heart inflammation). Indeed, cases were reported following COVID vaccine administration; but Kennedy failed to report the denominator (millions) and a British study showed that getting COVID was 11 times more likely to cause myocarditis than getting the vaccine. Getting reliable data in the US will be much harder come by as Kennedy fired the whole Vaccine Advisory Panel so he could appoint vaccine deniers. Vaccines work. Period. It is personal for me: I lost seven patients to COVID — three before there was a vaccine, and four because they believed lies and chose witchcraft over science. All the science in the world will not protect you from stupidity.
Abraham R. Byrd III, M.D.
North side
Seeking happy Democrats
America elected a president — not a war hero, educator, lawyer, or career politician, but a real estate developer who views war as bad for business and styles himself as a peacemaker. Trump’s “Day 1” promise to end the war in Eastern Europe expired on Day 2. So, where are we?
Many Americans and European allies demand total Ukrainian victory, but Uncle Sam is no longer footing the bill. EU/NATO now buys U.S. arms at full price, and Trump signed a minerals deal with Ukraine to offset $175 billion in Biden-era aid. NATO partners, once reluctant to pay 2% of GDP for shared defense, now contribute 5%.
While not providing financial support for this protracted war, Trump has imposed punishing anti-Russia tariffs and after three years of one-sided engagement, he’s now talking with his other “good friend” Vladimir.
Is there just one Democrat Star reader who believes this policy may lead to peace without bankrupting America?
Jeffrey McConnell
West side
Colonel Kurtz wannabe
Donald Trump posted an “Apocalypse Now” parody showing helicopters and flames over Chicago, writing “I love the smell of deportations in the morning” and “Chicago about to find out why it’s called Department of WAR.” This childish, moronic, deranged and dangerous person is the president of the United States. Trump voters/supporters, are you the slightest bit embarrassed? You are not. Ashamed? You are not. You should be.
Deb Klumpp
Oro Valley
By any other name
Juveniles are running the country. One can’t help but imagine a spectacle of adolescent hoots and high-five-slapping congratulations as the Department of Defense scraps its title for the more sobering designation: the Department of War, and Pete Hegseth assumes the more formidable-sounding position of Secretary of War. It’s all so badass after all.
But as Putin’s war trundles on and Xi patiently awaits his moment to take Taiwan, the conspicuous reality is that this lame macho stunt — laughably intended to provoke concern within the developing alliance of Russia, China and North Korea — represents the most Trump “The Deal Maker” can muster. Such transparent braggadocio can only serve to strengthen the resolve of this authoritarian axis that Trump needs his bluff dismissively called.
As America blunders ahead with its self-imposed isolation in the interest of “Greatness” and its voluntary abandonment of its leadership role in the world, the forces of authoritarianism appear unfazed as they duly prepare to step in and fill the void.
Robert Gavlak
Midtown
Well-regulated militia
With the current administration shredding our Constitution, a well-regulated militia is necessary now, more than ever and publicly known, so this administration knows that there are Americans who will stop them from turning this country into an autocracy. This militia must be led by veterans as we have lived our lives protecting the Constitution including the First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, 14th, 22nd. Protesting was fine at the beginning, but “now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country,” and that is through a “well-regulated militia.” Many veterans have stepped forward as “anti-Trump veterans,” but now is the time for us to be armed, as we are the last protectors “to the security of a free State” for these United States and The Constitution from an administration that will shred The Constitution at every chance. USAF, 1978-82, Sgt.
Alexander Maldonado
Midtown
International power shift
A historic shift in the world power structure occurred this week. The strongmen of three powerful countries, Putin, Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping met, deliberately omitting D.J.T. They obviously are planning to become the world’s most influential financial and military powers. Our bungling President probably doesn’t realize the significance of their meeting. We are now in a position where our allies don’t trust us, our enemies smell blood in the water, and we have cut off aid to countries that desperately need our help.
Trump’s “deals” are making him wealthy, but they are dragging our country down and dividing us by race, religion, bitter politics, wealth and now access to medical care. For students of recent history (all Americans should be well aware), a century ag,o the Axis powers of Germany, Japan and Italy (all now allies) almost destroyed Europe and Asia. Back then, the US was heroic. I hope we can recover from this mess.
Morton Cederbaum
Green Valley
Ciscomani and DACA
Juan Ciscomani’s half-hearted support for DACA recipients belies his record of voting in favor of President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” He evaded journalists’ questions about how his support of DACA aligns with Trump’s deportation policy of immigrants. One can only view his current position on DACA recipients as hypocrisy.
Roberto Martinez
South side
Woeful broadcast
I don’t know where the fault lies, but Cox’s ESPN+ broadcast of the Weber State-UA football game was woefully inadequate. I tried to watch the game from the delayed start until the end, but because the signal was lost following nearly every commercial break, I missed more than I saw. During what I did see, there were continual audio and video interruptions. I’d expect better service from both Cox and ESPN. I hope their service is vastly improved before the next streaming broadcast of a University of Arizona athletic event.
Barclay Dick
Midtown
Kennedy’s folly
If you took your car in for repair of a hard-to-diagnose issue, wouldn’t you be concerned when the mechanic first wants to replace the interior upholstery because some unqualified source thinks it might work? How is this different from what Kennedy is doing with vaccines?
Richard Eaton
West side
Sunday Star’s A6 ‘training’
What kind of a joke is this? I mean, what are they training for? Preparing for violence? That makes me laugh. The only demonstrations I see are mostly peaceful. Violent protest is more of the “J6ers” style. (Any idea how many of those are now ICE agents?) It has been documented since George Floyd that far-right-wing radicals were the main instigators of violence during protests.
So what makes this so funny? Those defenders of the 2nd Amendment who swore they needed all that cosplay military equipment and 30-round clips, to overthrow a tyrannical government? Well, here we are with a tyrannical government, and they all voted for him, and cheer him on as he continues his path of destruction. Remember how the Supreme Court said he could do illegal acts, as official business? Eleven humans out on a boat just lost their lives, they were executed by “God’s” chosen executioner. And you’re OK with that?
Larry Robinson
Northwest side
Women’s health deserves better
The New York Times reports that prostate cancer rates are rising, and the cancers are frequently at a serious stage before they are detected. They say it is because screening frequency has changed. It’s admirable that the Times is concerned about prostate cancer rates but why haven’t they delved into the rise in undetected women’s breast cancer rates, which are also due to changes in screening? Some of us had mammograms every two years beginning in our 20s. Today a woman cannot get a mammogram until age 40 unless they can demonstrate family history. And they wonder why breast cancers go undetected until it’s almost too late. Once again, women are relegated to second place.
Barbara Benjamin
Foothills
Release the files
Congressman Ciscomani:
It is time for you to take a stand. You must either insist on holding accountable the pedophiles who were responsible for the emotional, physical and psychological trauma inflicted on the victims of Brian Epstein, or stand on the sidelines, confirm your complicity with the rich and powerful, and shamefully continue to do their bidding.
Congressman … what are your personal values, ethics and convictions? What kind of person are you, and why the prolonged silence on this matter, which shows no sign of resolution? Your constituents want to know your character or your cowardice.
Release the Epstein files.
J. Scott Feierabend
Northeast side
Rolex’s attempt at censorship
Rolex, sponsor of big tennis matches, wants the media to stop showing Trump being booed when he is put on screen at the games. Don’t show the boos or else.
TV outlets broadcasting the U.S. Open were told not to air any boos or cheers for President Trump during his attendance at the match. Easy solution, he and his entourage can watch the game on TV instead. Rolex invited this over-privileged man to their special box seat area. People noticed DT and his team, as well as all the extra security and inconveniences. Once put on the stadium screen, what did they expect? There are people in the stadium, are they supposed to remain mum? Solution, don’t show the “president” on screen during a broadcast game.
Someone that possesses excessive or disproportionate advantages, money, possessions, or opportunities compared to others in their society, to a degree considered undeserved or excessive. He got the best seats in the house. They put him on the stadium screen. He is not popular. Boom. Boos.
Peter Bisschop
East side
- Peter Bisschop, East side
"Bondi is not serving Trump alone — she is serving the American people." from Peter Flaherty. opinion piece. He gives examples of previous attorney generals. He see previous AGs as misguided. Bondi is overreaching her authority to rubber stamp DT. Most alarming, Bondi's Justice Department has demonstrated a willingness to use criminal law to exact revenge against Trump's political enemies. Since her appointment as the nation's top attorney, Bondi has sided with Trump on every controversial and constitutionally questionable order. No thought to it. Bondi's history of unwavering loyalty to Trump suggests she possesses neither the independence nor the integrity to serve as AG. As Don Kusler says in his opinion piece, "Dropping key criminal cases, running out 'disloyal' employees, opening clearly political probes — all to serve Trump and MAGA — defies Bondi's oath and job function." Her job is to follow the law, not make it or break it with impunity.
Peter Bisschop
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Ciscomani’s hypocrisy
For U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani to say “... our DACA students deserve a shot at the American dream...” is hypocrisy.
That is because, while he has said so repeatedly, he also voted for a bill that significantly increases funding for immigration enforcement, which has included arrests of DACA recipients and a federal official urging them to “self-deport” because they are not protected.
Ciscomani and his wife, Laura, both come from families with questionable immigration statuses. Laura Ciscomani’s parents were undocumented when they entered the United States from Mexico, her brother has said. Juan Ciscomani came from Mexico as a child with his parents, whose “religious-worker” immigration status has been called into question.
End the hypocrisy, Congressman, by introducing legislation and getting it passed in support of your claim to favor a “permanent solution” for the half-million or more DACA recipients.
Shraddha Hilda Oropeza
West side
Star Village in Ward 3
The City seems to be solving difficult problems by dumping them off in Ward 3. How is it Ward 1 and Ward 6 Council Chairs determine the location for this “Star Village?” Where was Councilman Dahl during these meetings? He states he personally wants this to succeed but had he thought to discuss this with all of his “constituents”? How will the folks living in the new and beautiful apartment structure feel about looking down on that site? They too are in Ward 3 and should be included.
Keeling Neighborhood is directly north across Grant Road from Star Village. Like Balboa Heights neighborhood, I don’t recall hearing anything about this, especially as our Ward 3 representative made no mention of it at our Sept. 22 meeting.
Nancy Reid
North side
Ciscomani & COVID vaccine
A Sep. 7 LTE complains about the inconvenience of now having to obtain a prescription to get the updated COVID vaccine.
Last week, I got on my representative’s website to complain about the same issue. Almost immediately after pressing “send,” I received the following reply from Rep. Ciscomani:
“Thank you for contacting my office. It is an honor to represent you in Congress. I am grateful you took the time to share your concerns regarding research funding and the availability of the mRNA vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccines in general.”
Additional paragraphs followed, but you get the picture: a one-size-fits-all form letter. As a concerned senior citizen trying to engage with my representative, I found his reply insulting.
If he wants to get re-elected, he needs be more creative in communicating to his constituents.
For example, he could explain how reaching the goal of making America great again necessitates support of a system that makes obtaining good healthcare for seniors more difficult.
Doug Salerno
Foothills
Choosing a contractor
“How to choose the correct contractor” in the Home+Life section of the Arizona Daily Star (9/7/25) is a good read. It tells both the client and the contractor what needs to be in your contract. Be specific. The more detail the better. And don’t forget to check the BBB and Arizona Registrar of Contractors before you hire anyone.
Peter Bisschop
East side
Butterfly misidentification
The misidentified butterfly overshadowed the significance of what Mr. Rappaport was trying to say. Instead of an image of a Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), the most widely distributed butterfly in the world (found on all continents except South America and Antarctica), someone inserted an image of a California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica).
Julian Donahue
Foothills
Democratic Socialist? Watch your language!
It is a deeply seated American misconception of what constitutes Socialism. The previous contender for Ward 3 in Tucson, Sadie Shaw, has now been absurdly pigeon-holed as a Democratic Socialist. Every right-wing individual in the US tends to thrive on this ideological mantra, Socialist, without having any idea of the true meaning of the word or the political reality behind it. East Germany was a Socialist country, with the central party, SED, controlling and owning the entire country, not allowing any opposition, spying on all people (Stasi), and imprisoning them as a nation. Socialist is not at all the same as Social-Democratic, a free and democratic movement in most Western countries (see the Social Democratic Party, SPD, in Germany that ran the government until recently). How dare journalists misuse that epithet, Socialist, for anyone who simply cares about the well-being of people and tries to protect them from the unfettered abuse by the big corporations? We deserve better-educated reporting based on historical and political understanding.
Albrecht Classen
Midtown
Hunt for water
Even thinking about a desalination facility on the Sea of Cortez makes me cringe. I agree with Mr. Chihak that brine and pipelines would do irreparable damage to the Sea and to the desert. Why do the states east of the mountains that depend on Colorado River water have to suffer and incur ever higher costs? The obvious solution is to cut off California’s access to this water and have it build desalination plants. California has a long coastline, on open ocean, and would not have to lay hundreds of miles of pipeline to access desalinated water. Impact on the Pacific would be minimal compared to that on the Sea of Cortez. Surely a little interstate diplomacy could help all states concerned come to an equitable solution.
Klara Cserny
Southwest side
Extreme heat effects on local wildlife
I have a home in the Palo Verde Park neighborhood, near Broadway and Wilmot.
This summer, I have witnessed a proliferation of wildlife in my yard, seeking water and food. Many raccoons, javelinas, hawks and coyotes have visited my mid-town property to seek water and eat cat food and bird seed that I have provided for birds and community cats.
This is a disturbing trend. I have lived here for over 20 years and have never witnessed this much wildlife interaction.
Unfortunately, local wildlife has become dependent on human assistance to survive.
This behavior will probably not end well for many individuals of our wildlife community.
Let’s hope that rainfall in our area will increase to sustain these beloved desert animals.
Dan Egan
East side
Community choice energy
I was inspired by the Opinion piece by Rick Rappaport on community choice energy — but realized I didn’t know much about how it works, so I did some quick checking. It would allow Tucsonans to purchase energy at wholesale prices and deliver the power they purchase through TEP. So the CCE takes over from TEP the purchasing of the energy and TEP continues to do everything else it’s doing now like maintaining the reliability of the grid and sending monthly bills. Not being a monopoly like TEP, many energy sources would then compete for the CCE’s energy business. That competition should result in lower prices and likely more renewable energy in the mix since solar energy is mostly much less expensive than gas. This would avoid the huge upfront costs and inevitable litigation of trying to buy out TEP.
Shouldn’t customers have a choice of the source of their electricity? See more at az4cc.org.
Katy Garmany
West side
Republican values
The Tucson Opinion article by Ronald F. Eustice on September 6 was superb. This longtime and active Republican evaluates the president’s actions and policies. It was excellent and factual and should be re-published several times to reach a wider audience. How can any thinking member of Congress comply with Trump’s illogical or illegal requests? His selection of Cabinet members and staff are all idiots. I also voted for Trump in 2016, 2020 and 2024 since there was no viable alternative.
As a disappointed and disenfranchised Republican, I will not leave the party but hope I can play some role in restoring the old Republican values.
Art Di Salvo
Northeast side
Short-sighted decision
I was shocked to see, on the front page of the Star, Sept. 6, the announcement of the closing of the University of Arizona’s Writing Skills Improvement Program. I served as Senior Tutor for fifteen years at WSIP, working both with undergraduate and graduate students to help them refine and improve their communication skills. Along with my fellow tutors, we brought students from “I can’t do this!” to a delighted “I CAN do this!” We primarily served minority students and those of economic need, helping them to find their voices and contribute both to the university and to their own futures in the community. I can honestly say I’ve never done more fulfilling work. To close this avenue to student success, without even a solid reason provided, strikes me as astonishingly short-sighted. I am saddened and disappointed by this closure.
Kendra Gaines
Foothills
Staying sane
While walking, I passed a friend who works in the mental health field. He mentioned that he hadn’t seen a letter to the editor from me recently. I told him I felt my letters or opinion pieces had no effect, so I hadn’t submitted in a while. He looked at me and told me that letters are about community and letting people know they aren’t alone in their feelings of frustration or fear. He reminded me that most of us might be feeling powerless against the incompetence in this administration, but that it was still important to let others know that they aren’t alone and that we are not powerless. That we need to show unity and resolve. He’s right. Good walk.
Rick Unklesbay
Midtown
How to forget the Hippocratic Oath
As a board-certified Pediatrician & Immunologist, I wonder if some of my physician colleagues have second thoughts about voting for Secretary Kennedy as Head of HHS. I remind these Physician-Senators of their Oath of Hippocrates:
- Roger “Doc” Marshall (R-KS) OB/GYN,
- Bill Cassidy (R-LA) Gastroenterology,
- Rand Paul (R-KY) Ophthalmology,
- John Barrasso (R-WY) Orthopedic Surgery
I quote from the 1964 Hippocratic Oath revised by Louis Lasagna, School of Medicine, Tufts University, which is used in many medical schools today:
- “I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:
- I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.”
- “I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.”
Don’t even get me started on Drs. Bhattacharja, Makary, Klein, and Oz! Also, since 1969, no physician has represented the Democratic Party in the Senate.
Uwe Manthei
Midtown
How many guns is too many?
Why is the NRA at fault for every mass shooting? Guns don’t kill people, people do. The shooter must purchase the gun, load the gun, chamber the gun, aim the gun, and then squeeze the trigger. What does the NRA have to do with any of this? Why does every shooter get a pass for murdering all the people? The gun starts all of this carnage, but it also ends it in each case. This last shooting occurred at a church through the window! This coward couldn’t even face his victims! The way to stop this from happening is two simple steps. The first is never identify this vile filth. This vile filth shall be referred to as the shooter, nothing else. Someone must say something! The parents know something is wrong, but don’t say anything. The blame must be with the shooter, not the gun.
Larry Cory
West side
- Updated
Fire RFK, make America healthy
The current administration talks a lot about meritocracy. However, it appears that the only required "merit" is complete loyalty to Trump. RFK Jr., for example, is absolutely unqualified to be the director of HHS. An anti-vaxxer with no background in health sciences, he is dangerous to America’s health. His recent testimony to Congress was riddled with lies and misleading statements, particularly about vaccines. Vaccines save lives; 1.2 million Americans died from COVID, and many more would have if the vaccine was not used. A study published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases found that nearly 2 million US deaths and nearly 20 million worldwide deaths due to COVID were prevented.
Fire RFK Jr. Reinstate the $500 million in funding for mRNA research.
Melanie Bell, PhD
Midtown
TEP pep talk for Canada?
"Tucson Electric Power (TEP) doesn't 'own' this utility in a singular sense, as it is a public utility itself." It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of UNS Energy Corporation, and in turn is owned by Fortis Inc., (Canada), "a large investor-owned electric and gas utility holding company. Therefore, Fortis owns TEP indirectly through its subsidiaries."
Bea Manderscheid
Northeast side
Patronizing Opinion piece
As a working mom in Tucson, I want to address TEP's Susan Gray’s question: "What kind of life do we want to live here in Tucson?"
I want my family to breathe fresh air. No asthma attacks triggered.
I want my neighbors and community to succeed.
I want to have water available and no zero-day calamity.
I don’t need a data center.
I don’t want to give more money to TEP, whose parent company made $1.6 billion in net revenue in 2024.
I don’t need a $1-2Million/year salaried CEO patronizing opinion piece. We are paying her salary.
TEP’s parent company, Fortis, is on the path for possible $2.4 billion in 2025 net revenue. Project Blue and TEP’s 15% rate increase "request" are both advertised in 2025 Fortis’s investment relations material. This all gets Susan a nice 2025 bonus, right.
We the people need public power to take that net revenue and CEO windfalls back to lower energy costs for us.
Carissa Sipp
Midtown
Crime: No dilemma
Our loyal friend seems to think that only the members of the Cult of Trump care about crime. He elects not to say anything about the crimes his "solemn" leader has committed and been convicted of. Those 34 felony counts.
Why his loyalty supersedes his convictions about crime seems like a conundrum. But he thinks that Democrats don't care about crime. They do, and so do more than half the American public. When I was growing up, even a potential "extramarital affair" were grounds for being voted out of office. Now our loyal friend complains about crime, but only if it's in a Democrat-run city. His rant doesn't say anything about the crime in the red state cities that dwarfs what the liar and chief says about Chicago, N.Y. and L.A. Facts prove what's true and what's not. It's too bad loyalty trumps common sense.
John Bingham
Northwest side
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is dangerous
The public knows this, and the Republican Party will lose more support if they keep Kennedy as the Health Secretary. Putting children and adults in real danger will continue to contribute to the demise of the GOP & Trump. COVID killed over 1,000,000. Stand up and resist.
Dan Bannon
Midtown
Constitution Day
Sept. 17 is Constitution and Citizenship Day. In fact, the whole week from Sept. 17-23 is designated Constitution Week. The Constitution of the United States was signed Sept. 17, 1787, or 238 years ago.
To celebrate Constitution Day, how about the whole extremist Trump administration take a day off? Wouldn't it be nice if for one day if the president wouldn't sign unconstitutional executive orders? Wouldn't it be wonderful if the Justice Department would quit for one day the unconstitutional criminal "investigations " into federal officials like Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook in order to scare federal officeholders out of office? How about a day that ICE doesn't unconstitutionally deprive people of their civil rights?
Here's one: How about for a day, the Republicans in Congress reclaim their status as a co-equal with the Executive Branch and take over tariff and other issues stolen by the Executive?
I can only hope there can be at least one day off from the unconstitutional actions of the Executive Branch.
Matt Somers
Midtown
COVID vaccination
My wife and I are over 65. She is on steroid therapy; hospitalized several months ago for shock.. We are planning to travel for several weeks beginning later this month.
Two days ago, she called several pharmacies regarding COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. She was informed that we needed a prescription for the COVID vaccine. She called Banner Health and was told a prescription would be sent to the pharmacy. Today, the pharmacy informed us that Banner Health is no longer writing prescriptions for COVID-19 vaccines. After several phone calls, I was told that a "committee" made the decision to stop prescribing the COVID vaccine. They are to have a meeting to discuss, according to one source.
CDC guidelines are unchanged on the website. Patients with underlying health problems and/or age over 65 should be vaccinated.
If what I learned today is true, why are prescriptions for those over 65 being held? Is this a medical, financial, or political decision?
Brian Smith
Northwest side
City manager up for review
Tim Steller reported in his column of Sept. 5 that city vice-mayor Lane Santa Cruz informed residents by email that the city manager is up for review. Since the city manager is appointed by mayor and council, sending an email to city residents announcing a "review" in the wake of the Project Blue fiasco comes across as being an attempt to save face. It is difficult to believe that mayor and council had no notion of the city manager's actions and position on this project. I don't recall any reports of any real "discussions" on Project Blue, only the unanimous vote to kill it. No discussion of possibly cleaning up tainted wells on the south side, or concessions on the part of Beale. Nothing. Typical Tucson knee-jerk political reaction to anything controversial. Vote it down and hope it goes away. Sorry council, the future is not going away, and you voted away your place at the table.
Dewey Bidwell
Northeast side
Farcical episodes
Well, here are two farcical items for your day: First, Trump and his puppet Joe Edlow, head of immigration services, want to make the citizenship test harder, even including an essay. They call it “war on fraud.” I wonder if either Trump or Edlow could pass the current test. We know Trump couldn’t write a cogent essay. So, wouldn’t it be nice if we actually had a “war on fraud” in this government?
That might also take care of the clown called “Secretary of Health and Human Services” because of his absolute insanity on vaccines (He’d look cute in smallpox pox, yes?) At 78, I walked right in for a flu vaccine, forced to have an RX for COVID. The catch? Banner won’t write RXs, TMC, yes. CVS won’t give them. Walgreens, yes. A Kafka novel! CDC hasn’t ruled yet? It has! The 2024-2025 shots. I think it’s 2025. And the difference of fall and spring? Political fraud. To what end?
Nancy C. Jacques
Northeast side
The true Trump
Donald Trump is a true RINO: i.e., a Republican In Name Only. He is also a true FINC: a Fascist In Name Certain.
Daniel Shay
Midtown
Who's really running America?
Robert Hur wrote a controversial characterization of Biden as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” Trump jumped on it, blasting “his hazy memory,” and his “Sleepy Joe” moniker from 2020 and told a crowd, “I don’t think he knows he’s alive.” Trump and his babysitters began chants of “elder abuse” by Biden’s handlers for putting him in front of a mic.
Kari Lake told Newsmax, “Donald Trump is not an old man. He is a very sharp man. His cognitive abilities are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I talk to him all the time. He is incredible.”
Trump's senior moments aren't worth discussing. Watch his eyes — if he's awake — and listen to his voice as he rambles off in an incoherent rant.
“Who's running the country?” Trump once asked. We now have Stephen Miller, Susie Wiles, James Blair, JD Vance and Robert Gabriel. They are Trump's brain. We are living through the most precarious and perilous time in history due to Miller.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Are you better off today?
1. Are you feeling more confident and secure about your financial situation than you did a year ago?
2. Do you feel more relaxed, centered and hopeful this year?
3. Are you spending more today than last year on insurance, utilities, healthcare and food?
4. Do you have health insurance?
5. Are you confident in your job?
6. Will unemployment keep rising as consumer spending decreases?
7. Is your business or workplace worried about trade war tariffs and America’s unsustainable $37 trillion national debt?
8. Can you plan your future and budget without worrying about sudden government disruptions and unexpected economic shocks?
9. Are you worried about getting less support today from government agencies when you need help?
10. Are you optimistic about buying a house or car?
11. Does inflation or stagflation concern you?
12. Do you fear a recession?
13. Is anger balling up like a fist inside you, and your jaw clenched? You’re normal.
Jerry Wilkerson
SaddleBrooke
Ciscomani tolerating epic incompetence
Juan, I just learned that I need a prescription to receive the updated COVID vaccine. I qualify for the vaccine, but now I have to get permission to be protected against a virus that was killing over 3,000 people a day at the height of the pandemic? Are you kidding me?
Americans are now put directly at physical risk because of epic incompetence on the part of Trump and his wholly ill-equipped coterie of imbeciles who profess they know what they’re doing.
You are my representative. That means, ultimately, that you are responsible for my safety and well-being. So far, this entire clown show is a failure of epic proportions. By your inaction, and failure to stand up against this nonsense, you are just as culpable as the rest of these fools who are putting Americans at risk.
What are you going to do about it?
Paul Emmert
Marana
Continuing to underfund education
About three weeks ago, the Maricopa County Superior Court found Arizona guilty of underfunding our public schools by billions of dollars. And I am still mad. I’m a mother of a high school student and two college students; I’m also a high school English teacher. Long before I had these roles, I believed in good public education. People wonder why Arizona ranks so low. It’s the funding. We spend less than almost every state. How can teachers educate with broken AC units, broken desks, and broken computers? How can students learn when their air is polluted, their drinking fountains are broken, and their resources are subpar? Because of the greed of state legislators, it is up to the towns and cities to make up for this lack of foresight. We’ll do it because we believe our children, our community, deserve better. Hopefully, the Supreme Court upholds this ruling.
Jeanette Rupel
East side
Facilitating damage to democracy
Dear Mr. Ciscomani,
The world is falling apart, China-Russia-North Korea are ascending, while the United States, once a great nation, is becoming a laughingstock.
Stop supporting useless, time-wasting and expensive distractions in the House of Representatives, like re-investigating the January 6 insurrection. What is there left to investigate? Perhaps President Trump’s failure to send the National Guard to help the Capitol Police? But now he’s spending tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to make the District a police state and sending National Guard to do the work of D.C. police, at the same time pulling out the money the District needs to do the job themselves.
Where are you, Elected Congressman? Do you know how to think independently? Can you be a leader, leading the charge back to sanity? This president is deranged, and you are facilitating his destruction of America. Shame on you!
E. Kathy Suagee
Benson
Council member’s own performance review
A chief task of a city council member is to see that constituent inquiries are answered. Prior to Lane Santa Cruz, that responsibility was handled efficiently in Ward 1.
Not so today. In fact, when I have a concern, I have occasionally contacted a council member outside my ward. Or have just thrown my hands up in the air.
I received the “CITY MANAGER IS UP FOR REVIEW!” email from Lane Santa Cruz. The city manager bears responsibility for many aspects of city government. But so does the City Council. The council should offer guidance to the manager. Could Lane Santa Cruz not know that non-disclosure agreements were being signed?
The city manager’s performance is a personnel matter. I would not pretend to have the ability to offer a valid review. Ward 1 should reflect on its own performance. No reply was received when we wrote to Lane Santa Cruz for her position on Project Blue.
Debbie Collazo
West side
A rose by any other name
Realizing that his “Big Beautiful Bill” could result in losses for Republicans in the next election cycle, President Trump is summoning Republican lawmakers to a meeting about the midterm elections, adding “Attendance will be tracked by the Trump team.” The meeting focus will be to morph Trump’s titling of the B3 bill to the “Working Families Tax Cuts Act.” Recent polling reports 50% of voters believe the bill will help the wealthy while sixty percent believe the bill will harm lower-income families, as well as cause losses in health care coverage. Much like Trump’s attempts to rebrand the Jan. 6, 2021, mob insurrection into a patriotic act, voters need to see through this current renaming as one of Trump’s many distractive tactics and vote for candidates in the midterm elections who will legislate in favor of the American people, not an aspiring dictator. This bill is no rose.
Roger Shanley
East side
Crime dilemma
First, I want to say that crime is certainly a problem in this country, especially its largest cities, where the divide between the haves and have-nots is all too real. However, this situation has regrettably existed forever and will not change with the questionable use of the National Guard, which isn’t trained in crime prevention or solving social problems. Presidents Truman and Reagan had attempts on their lives in D.C., but neither declared martial law and brought in the National Guard as a result. The mayors in these large cities in both red and blue states do their damn best to somewhat control the situation within their allotted funding (state and federal). It is incredible Mr. Johnson that you claim Trump-hating Democrats care less about crime when you support a convicted criminal who precipitated the Jan. 6 insurrection, pardoned the participants and now allowed a horrible sex criminal to be moved to a country-club facility. You still refuse to answer, “How can you support him?”
Chuck Cabrera
Oro Valley
Re: LTE Rome to Rambo
A great LTE from Mr. Bakke. I am glad he pointed out ICE is getting paid so much to chase a sandwich thrower. Getting paid $70,000 plus bonuses, not to mention a huge cost to prosecute this dangerous suspect. All this money is paid by “us,” the taxpayers.
Another example, ICE agents chasing down a weed-cutter suspect, Narciso Barranco whose alleged crime was a misdemeanor committed approx. 30 years ago. His three sons are US Marines. We owe them.
Trump’s policies are costing taxpayers huge amounts. His immigration policies are a failure, the immigrants are not taking our jobs and most are helping keep food prices down by working in the fields and factories. As for petty punitive bullying against Americans who don’t agree, he has no clue of “the rule of law.” And the tariffs, OMG. Follow the laws and wake up and resist.
Dan Bannon
Midtown
War with Venezuela?
Most American citizens don’t get that Trump’s bombing of a Venezuelan drug boat was an act of war. Venezuela gets it, and they escalated things by sending jets to buzz U.S. Navy ships.
The right thing to do would have been to capture the boat, verify drugs were on board, and then take legal action, not provocative military action.
This is how President Lyndon Johnson hyped up the Vietnam War. He committed an act of war by sending a warship into North Vietnamese waters. The North Vietnamese took a few shots at the boat, leaving it undamaged. Johnson then went crying big crocodile tears to Congress saying, “They fired on us first, so we have to go to war with them.”
This is a sleazeball maneuver by Trump. Will Americans ever learn or care that it is America that typically starts our foreign wars? Probably not.
Kimball Shinkoskey
Woods Cross, Utah
Loyalists
There are individuals who find nothing questionable with Trump. They will counterpoint against anyone’s opinion — and write LTEs almost daily. Please limit the number of LTEs one individual may write. Trump loyalists — admittedly, there are 40% of them, see no harm in illegal policies — penned on the whim of a dictator.
DT has taken over the government by writing “laws” — 200 self-serving executive orders — bypassing Congress, and without any oversight. He is attacking our nation from within the White House. Trump has attempted to undermine our system of checks and balances that ensures that each of the three branches of government are co-equal — and that the president is not above the law.
Peter Bisschop
East side
Progress already made
The recent column urging the Arizona Corporation Commission to keep an outdated renewable energy mandate is out of step with what’s happening in our state. The REST goals, once considered ambitious, have been eclipsed by the rapid build-out of solar, wind, and battery storage resources.
This progress isn’t driven by government edict, but by economics and a shared desire for cleaner energy. TEP and other utilities are finding cost-effective ways to expand renewables while ensuring they can meet demand around the clock. I appreciate that they are investing in natural gas facilities. Reliability, cost stability and affordability are most critical.
Arbitrary benchmarks, such as requiring 50% solar by 2035, will tie up utilities in ways that could seriously hurt customers. Utilities must have the flexibility to adapt their resource mix to meet needs without jeopardizing affordability or reliability.
Repealing the Renewable Energy Standard isn’t a step backward. It’s an acknowledgment that the market and technology have outpaced a policy written for a different time.
Steve Loper
Northeast side
- Spencer Elliott, Oro Valley
The Republican leadership (?) from Trump on down, Federal and state, create so much smoke attempting to screen “something” about Epstein, one has no choice but to believe there must be a conflagration at the center of this cloud of obfuscation.
Spencer Elliott
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Christie Cummins, Midtown
Trump demanding that drugmakers "justify" the success of their treatments for COVID-19 is absurd. He initiated Operation Warp Speed to produce this lifesaving treatment at a time of crisis. To try and protect/defend Robert F Kennedy's ridiculous denial of vaccines with this childish demand is disappointing. Trump himself is a result of the drugmaker's success. How hypocritical! One more deflection from us noticing his dangerous choices of leadership for our institutions.
Christie Cummins
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Project Blue
“Balanced growth. A rising tide. Sustainable development.” We can’t risk the detriments to Tucson and Southern Arizona presented by this project — which seems to never go away. Susan Gray’s comments lend one to believe she is more than biased toward Project Blue. No Tucsonan and Southern Arizona lover would base support for a bad project on her grounds “creating jobs, protecting families, and building a stronger economy for generations to come,” at all costs. She doesn’t seem bound to the community in any way. Project Blue is anti-Tucson for anyone who loves The Old Pueblo. No water — no need for Project Blue. There is nothing sustainable in the project, it’s the “gift” that keeps on taking, not giving. Please make it go away. TEP is a subsidiary of the Canadian company Fortis Inc., and makes plenty of money. Beale is not local, and their job is to develop data centers nationally no matter what it takes, seemingly wheeling and dealing in secret.
Peter Bisschop
East side
Rome to Rambo?
Once, a military group called the Praetorian Guard protected the Roman Emperors, to whom the Guard pledged their loyalty.
The tale did not end well. The Guard did silly things like kill the emperors. The Guards were very powerful because everyone feared them.
Today, we may have the beginnings of our own Praetorian Guard. Could it be ICE?
ICE is military-like and seems to be built around people who have a loyalty to President Trump, because he, by the way, pays their $70,000/yr salaries, gives their families excellent healthcare, educates, feeds, and houses their children, and gives them $50,000 bonuses besides.
All one has to do for those goodies is enjoy looking like Rambo, run a block or two chasing a guy holding a sandwich, wear a mask, break windows, and like assault rifles. Being able to ride a horse helps.
But every fable has a moral: Trumpists, be careful what you wish for.
Peter Bakke
SaddleBrooke
Dems in disarray — again?
Democratic Party elites just love losing. And they’re doing it again!
Instead of embracing popular newcomers such as Zohran Mamdani and rising Gen Z candidates, the old guard is busy trashing them.
Let’s not forget when those decision-makers chose Hillary as our presidential candidate and prematurely canceled the California primary in 2016. Didn’t that work out well?
The old Democratic elite are part of our MAGA problem. With their knee-jerk adherence to outmoded neoliberalism and identity politics of the past, they continue to ignore the increasing economic needs of the rest of us. Voters and newer candidates already know this, but our leaders remain out of touch.
This time, let’s let our voters choose our leaders and not our party elders. Hog-tying our future with politically correct pronouns and “wokeness” isn’t going to cut it. We should follow the energy of our voters, not dictate from the top who should be allowed to run.
Sue Swenson
East side
Brainwashed
The United States of America is the only place on Planet Trump where poor people shun unions, free healthcare and free education because the rich tell them to.
I think we should rename Planet Earth to Planet Trump because that’s his true motive, to take over the world.
Who builds a $200 million ballroom and then leaves? He’s in it for the long haul even if he is on life support.
Terry Louck
East side
What color is free?
In 1955, I was 8 years old and attending third grade at Miles Elementary School in Tucson. One night, I heard my parents discussing the segregation of schools in the South. I didn’t understand why children whose skin color was different than mine had to go to separate schools. My mother tried to explain it so I could understand. She used the word “free.”
And then I asked my mother, “What color is free?”
She couldn’t answer me as she began to cry.
Now, 70 years later, I ask myself the same question. And I cry.
Karen Papagapitos
Northwest side
Voice of the people
The voice of the people has been duct-taped shut by Project Blue’s insistence to proceed with development. Some say that Tucson must be “business-friendly.” What about business being “community friendly”? There are two types of businesses: No. 1: A “fertilizer,” one that sets up in its community and prospers and contributes, beneficially, to the place it lives. No. 2: A “parasite” one that chooses a site, knowing full well that their existence puts extreme pressure on the people in the place they chose to locate. Project Blue is a data center that does not need to be near highways to transport its product. It just needs wires, and they can be strung anywhere to connect it to the world. How about anywhere along the Mississippi, near a Great Lake or anywhere in Canada? There are hundreds of places with more plentiful water access than Tucson.
Daniel Poryanda
Southeast side
What’s in the color of a shirt?
First, he summarily pardoned about 1,600 thugs convicted of attempting to overthrow our government. DT calls them patriots. Currently, there is discussion about compensating these traitors. Next, organize them with the new ICE recruits, provide uniforms (with the appropriate shirts) training and equipment necessary for a paramilitary group in service exclusively to DT. Watch what he does, not what he says.
Mussolini’s Blackshirts were an armed paramilitary wing of the Fascist Party, initially installed to counter opposing political groups but later became the weapon of choice using intimidation, violence, even murder against his own citizens.
Likewise, the Brownshirts played a similar and crucial role in Hitler’s rise to power using the same tactics as the Blackshirts. It’s not a stretch to think DT could structure his own dedicated paramilitary group. Watch what he does, not what he says. Do not allow this history to be repeated. Vote all his enablers out of Congress.
Ernest Saccani
Foothills
Crime dilemma
As crime in major cities is a significant controversy in today’s news, is there an answer? Brandon Johnson, the Chicago mayor, believes the way to reduce crime is to spend more Federal money, particularly on the elusive “affordable housing” issue. Other mayors seem to agree that more money on social programs will solve the rampant problem. As a contrast, the Washington, D.C. police force, with assistance from the National Guard, has made significant inroads into crime by deciding that crime is unacceptable and direct action will be taken to locate and hold criminals responsible. It seems like that the government officials in many major cities have unfolded the surrender flag, admitting that they do not have the political will to address the problem, are willing to forgive criminals instead of holding them responsible, and refusing to fund law enforcement adequately. Persons against aggressive crime mitigation must be Trump-hating, virtue-signaling Democrats that live in upscale, crime-free neighborhoods and don’t give a hoot about terrified regular citizens.
Loyal M. Johnson Jr.
Oro Valley
Asleep is good?
I have never understood why a political party would prefer to model itself as asleep rather than awake (“woke” in low-class jargon).
Delores Keahey
Southeast side
National Guard? Maybe not
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
The famous quote by George Santayana comes to mind as I watch in horror the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., and possibly Chicago and Baltimore.
A little over 50 years ago, I watched the National Guard roll into town where I went to school to supposedly reestablish law and order.
These troops were thrust into a situation that they had very little training for. ... It did not go well.
Four dead and nine wounded bodies later, I thought we would have learned something.
Stop your egomaniac madness, Donald Trump, and review your early 1970s American history.
Graduate of Kent
State University
Albert (Bert) Hanson
Northeast side
How ironic
Sometime in the late 1950s, when I was in high school, I read Leon Uris’s Exodus. It was a very persuasive work of fiction and turned me into an almost lifetime supporter of Israel. Even filtered by time, I remember the plight of the ship full of Jewish refugees headed for Palestine and the refusal by the British to let it land. How ironic then that this memory should flood back upon reading the article in the Star on Sept. 1 titled “Activists’ aid flotilla sets sail,” hoping to break the 18-year-long Israeli blockade of Gaza by bringing lifesaving supplies. Odds on they will be turned away by the Israeli navy.
Israel has become what it fought, and I am no longer a supporter.
Katharine Donahue
Foothills
Plea to legislators
Questions for our legislators:
Should children in church be protected?
What would a reasonable person do to prevent children from being murdered?
Are the lives of children more important than gun owners’ rights?
Should a mentally ill young man be allowed to buy and own a gun?
If we do nothing, will more children be murdered?
Daniel McDonnell
Foothills
Project Blue: A failure to communicate
There are numerous examples of robust citizen engagement and community collaboration in Pima County and the greater Southeast Arizona community — efforts that have created lasting and positive outcomes. The Chuck Huckleberry Loop, The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, the Rio Nuevo Downtown Redevelopment District, and creation of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area are but a few examples of well-planned and executed programs to inform the community. By enlisting elected officials, government and private experts, and project proponents these efforts earned widespread community support through public workshops, information sessions (listening sessions), and printed materials. Aside from Chamber of Commerce support, TEP’s op-ed defense of the company’s energy supply agreement to serve Project Blue, and Beale Infrastructure’s glossy webpage promises of transparency, community engagement and investment, efforts to inform the public of exactly how Project Blue will benefit them have been lacking.
Sheldon Clark
Vail
General election for District 7
In a recent LTE, the writer states the reasons for his dislike of Adelita Grijalva and Raul, the father and former Congressman who is now deceased. She is the Democratic candidate in the special election for District 7 to be held on Nov. 4. The writer is voting for the Republican candidate. He says he is voting against Adelita because she never held a real job, will suck up salary and benefits, is inheriting the job, free ride, feeds off public trough, not qualified. Just words, trash talk signifying nothing, tell you nothing, nada. Not holding a real job is a lie. That they have been “feeding off the public trough” is truly offensive. To launch that old, worn-out, derogatory and disgusting idiom against a family that has for years been working and fighting to help the people of Pima County and beyond is terrible but, I suppose, not totally unexpected. Adelita, with your vote, is going to win hands down.
Manuel Hernandez Garcia
Midtown
Adelita, a youth champion
In response to Mr. K’s letter on Aug. 30, and as a retired Juvenile Probation Officer, I know from professional experience that Adelita Grijalva ran a very effective and efficient Teen Court, a program which benefited numerous teenagers and families in our community.
Ms. Grijalva’s 20 years of experience on the Tucson Unified School Board and 4 years on the County Board of Supervisors make her the overwhelming clear choice in the 7th Congressional District.
Adelita is a true champion for troubled youth.
Bud Richardson
East side
DEI
A recent rant about DEI (from a not-surprising source) prompts me to ask what seems an obvious question. Where has DEI failed anywhere near to the extent of the clown show that makes up the current Trump administration? Does the “special treatment” concept apply to the hiring of the pathetic incompetents that Trump has chosen solely on the “merit” of their willingness to kiss his butt? RFK Jr., Pete Hegseth, Kristi Noem, Kash Patel represent just a few among so many who are, kindly said, misplaced in their roles. Is this a form of “prioritizing identity over merit?” Trump’s own demands for special treatment are epic (represented in his lawlessness and expectation of zero accountability for his myriad misdeeds). Like many programs, the DEI initiative needs skillful implementation, but the knee-jerk antagonism to it is mindless and simply another attempt to whitewash decades of inequity. I suspect the “special treatment” accusation depends heavily on where it’s coming from.
S. Ross Emmanuel
Southeast side
TEP’s disappointment
Something was bothering me as I read Tucson Electric Power President and CEO’s letter describing how foolish we were to turn away such a great opportunity as Project Blue. Then I re-read it and realized that not once was the word “water” in it. Does she even live here?
Guy Rovella
Midtown
Special treatment
On Sept. 2, a frequent LTE contributor addressed the issue of equality vs. equity. He stated that “some people are so used to special treatment that equal treatment is considered to be discrimination.” That is a perfect description of the one percenters and their bloated view of where they stand in our society.
Tim Canny
Oracle
Trump bankruptcies
In July 1991, the Trump-owned Taj Mahal casino declared bankruptcy. In 1992, two more Trump-owned casinos and the Trump-owned Plaza Hotel in New York City declared bankruptcy. In 2004, the Trump Hotels and Casinos Resorts company declared bankruptcy. In 2009, the Trump Entertainment Resorts company declared bankruptcy.
Trump was able to transfer his personal debt to his companies, so the bankruptcies didn’t hurt him. However, the investors and employees who were encouraged to purchase stock in Trump Entertainment Resorts as a 401(k) plan were hurt tremendously.
And we’re supposed to believe that his plans to lower the prime interest rate and impose high tariffs will work out well for us and the economy?
Larry Hammond
Southwest side
No more Mr. Nice Guy
Amelia Cramer stated on Sept. 2, “Two wrongs do not make a right.”
As an alternative: “You have to fight fire with fire.” “All’s fair in love and war.” “Pick your battles.”
Often, it is appropriate to respond in kind, preferably in a de-escalating manner. The concept of picking your battles incorporates the concept of when, where and how to approach an adversary, if there is reasonable expectation of a favorable outcome. If a favorable outcome is not reasonably expected, then a “strategic withdrawal’” is appropriate, so you may “live to fight another day.”
Occasionally, a well-framed wrong is the most effective approach to correcting a problem. Or making nice might put you in last place.
James Abels
Midtown
Random thoughts
— I think Trump has genius envy. That’s why he’s going after universities, scientific researchers, etc. and appointing unqualified individuals to government and staff positions.
— Is anyone else having difficulty telling the difference between Trump’s mug shot and his official portrait?
— Shouldn’t the Trump companies be building their $1B Qatar hotel and new golf courses, etc., in America?
— I heard when Trump said he wanted to show off all the gildings in the West Wing, Republican Congressmen packed the rooms. They thought he said geldings.
— The Ukraine war would end in 24 hours if Ukraine got its nukes back.
— Are the South American immigrants Trump “rescued” receiving government benefits?
— DEI is divisive, but a President saying he hates Democrats isn’t?
— For those who think a king is OK, wait until he goes after your family jewels.
— Why is that discoloration on Trump’s hand? Out, damn spot!
Now my head hurts.
Dianne Lethaby
East side
The real ‘Sucker and Loser’
Trump was shown to be a fool by “best friend” Putin today. In a conference Xi arranged for Wednesday, Putin, Xi and Modi were hugging, laughing, and enjoying themselves. In particular, after the “warm” greeting he gave “Putin Double #5,” last week, Modi walked hand-in-hand with Putin, despite not giving Trump the time of day. Today, Kim arrived. The topic is Taiwan.
If China moves to blockade Taiwan, due to protection agreements made by Trump and most presidents with Taiwan, America could lose lives.
Four countries, led by real “tough guys,” not actors, are fed up with Trump and ready to force our hand on Taiwan. For every U.S. warship produced, China currently produces three, preparing for a naval blockade. The Daily Mail writes, ”busting the blockade could cost the U.S. 21,000 casualties, 45 ships, an aircraft carrier, two submarines and over 1,000 aircraft,” if these countries unite against Trump, not America.
Under international law, a blockade would be considered an act of war.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
More like this...
Race and decision-makingYesterday the Supreme Court ruled that ICE agents can continue to use race and ethnicity as one criteria for stopping and presumably arresting someone suspected of being in the country illegally. Yet in 2023, that same court, with the same Justices, held that Harvard and any other University receiving federal funds could not use race or ethnicity even as a minor factor in its admissions policy. Admissions must be race neutral, but law enforcement need not be. It strikes me that measured by the consequences of the two actions, the result should be precisely the opposite. The harm caused by police use of racial profiling to those that are the subject of enforcement actions is far greater than getting rejected by the elite institution of your choice.
Melvyn Durchslag
SaddleBrooke
Release Epstein files
Despite staunch opposition from the White House and Republican leaders, a bipartisan Congressional resolution directing the Justice Department to release all of its investigative files on Mr. Epstein is on track.
Support for releasing the Epstein Files requires approval by 218 House Representatives. Currently 216 Representatives have signed on, including four Republicans: Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Nancy Mace of South Carolina.
Two more Republicans are needed to force a floor vote on releasing the Epstein Files.
What say you, CD-6 Rep. Juan Ciscomani?
Randy Garmon
North side
Very bad people
It is so good to get the violent criminals arrested in the raid of Hyundai’s EV plant in Georgia out of our country. You know, the murderers, rapists, robbers, etc. We know that’s what they must be because violent criminals are those whom the great white father and his sycophants told us they would arrest and deport. Violent people, very bad people, not the right color of people.
Never mind that these people came to the former land of opportunity in order to work. Or that they no doubt were paying taxes. Yes, very bad people!
Jim Rapp
Southeast side
Correcting misleading claims
As a local college student in finance I wanted to correct some information that I have been seeing. A recent opinion piece on TEP’s renewable energy mix is riddled with misunderstandings. The author confuses the energy used locally with wholesale transactions reported in TEP’s SEC filings — two very different figures. TEP has been transparent about its local energy portfolio, and the numbers are clearly shown on its website.
The idea that Arizona’s energy costs are among the highest is also wrong. According to the Arizona Corporation Commission, Arizona’s rates remain relatively low compared to many states, and far lower than some with aggressive renewable mandates.
The bottom line is this: TEP is rapidly adding renewables while balancing affordability, reliability, and sustainability. Repealing the outdated Renewable Energy Standard reflects our current and foreseeable reality — the market is already delivering cleaner energy without the need for rigid, one-size-fits-all mandates.
Charlie Heck
West side
Just wondering
The news media is full, day after day, about releasing Epstein files. Many have been, but so far knowing if important men were involved with partaking in sex acts with underage girls has not been discovered.
Last week there was a large group of women gathered on the steps of the Capitol demanding information.
Those girls are now women, if in fact they were the ones abused, why haven’t they come forth and given their personal story to government officials or the media?
Jack Walters
Northeast side
Are these related?
Our president just changed the Department of Defense to the Department of War. When President Zelensky recently met with our president, he (President Zelensky) noted that he would hold free elections when the war with Russia was over. Our president responded with “You don’t hold elections during a war?” and it was like a lightbulb turned on in his head. He looked away with a slight smirk.
Anybody see a connection?
Alan Brown
East side
Our top law enforcement official?
Will the Epstein files reveal Trump abused teen girls or exonerate him? I don’t know but guess neither. It might show they hung out together frequently or had business dealings or it might not.
Trump said long ago Epstein liked his women on the younger side, a simple code for teenage girls. He knew they were underage. It is easy to tell a 14-year-old is not a 20-something. What did he do about it? Nothing.
Maybe his inaction does not rise to the level of an accomplice or accomplice after the fact but would you want him to ignore your daughter or granddaughter being involved with Epstein? Maybe there are no laws requiring him to report Epstein but isn’t it the right thing to do? Would you want him as a neighbor, much less as the leader of our country?
Clarence Johnson
Oro Valley
Misidentified painted lady butterfly
With deep apologies to all lepidopterists out there it was my photograph and my misidentification not the Arizona Daily Star’s that led to the letter correcting my error. (used app called “i naturalist” in my weak defense)
Just hope that the shadow cast by this diminutive magnificent creature is not enough to “overshadow” (as the writer states) the significance of Tucson’s and Arizona’s energy future decisions about Community Choice Energy.
Rick Rappaport
Oro Valley
No writing skills
When asked why the Writing Skills Improvement Program was being axed from the UA College of Humanities, dean Alain-Phillipe Durand said it was because of organizational changes, and attempts to “strengthen our finances, achieve a balanced budget, and support the long-term fiscal health of the institution.” He also mentioned “multiple factors, including strategic priorities, program sustainability and overall operational efficiency.” Or, in plain English, “Blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda.” Ironically, it appears that the good dean of obfuscation could use a few lessons in writing skills improvement.
Ray Lemke
Midtown
Part of the problem
First, I read with amazement the opinion piece by Ronald Eustice. Now I read an LTE exalting the piece. Notably, both these gentlemen voted three times for a self-serving, wannabe dictator who has never served anything or anyone other than himself for essentially his entire life. In 2016, Trump was simply grossly unqualified to be president; in 2020, his downplaying of the pandemic resulted in countless thousands of Covid deaths because he didn’t want a sinking economy to derail his potential re-election. In 2024, Eustice and Mr. DiSalvo voted for despicable Trump after he lied for months about the 2020 election, leading his violent cult members in January 2021 to desecrate the Capitol and threaten to kill his own Vice President. Now they’re appalled at Trump’s behavior and laughably suggest there was “no viable alternative?” These folks need to acknowledge their culpability for the situation they now bemoan. Republican values? They should have listened to Liz Cheney.
Hope Gastelum
East side
RFK Jr. attacked by Big Pharma
Since my last three letters were not published by the Star I am not optimistic about this one. However recent LTEs against RFK Jr.’s approach to cleaning up our lying, obfuscating public health agencies cry out for response. The obvious pharma money propping up our congresspeople and senators have forced them to try every dirty trick in the book to discredit RFK Jr. without letting him get the truth out. The mainstream media is kept in business by 75 to 85% of revenue from pharma ads and thus precluded from telling the truth about the damage from pharma products of all types especially vaccines. How anyone can close their eyes to the overwhelming health decline of American people is largely due to the propaganda forced on us by Big Pharma. The CDC has been for decades covering up its own studies that show the damage done by pharma products. Let truth prevail for once.
Donna Byers
Northeast side
Who really deserves the credit
Donald Trump was totally against the 2021 Infrastructure Bill that Congress passed and President Biden signed into law. Trump trashed the bill on social media claiming it would bankrupt the country. Now that many of these projects are underway, Trump is insisting that the contractors erect big green signs saying “President Donald J Trump, Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure.” Nothing is too crass for this man. This must be his long promised Infrastructure Week.
Mary Zimmerman
SaddleBrooke
Accessories before the fact
As a relocated Minnesotan I’m extremely upset by the latest school shooting. Here are my thoughts and prayers:
Facts:
- Guns are the leading cause of death of children and teens in Arizona. Unlike adult statistics where suicides represent 56% of deaths, 61% of dead children were murdered.
- Of 46,728 gun deaths in 2023, just 774 were defensive; not impressive protection when having guns allowed 25,613 people to suicide.
- The Rand Corporation found a number of gun laws truly work, particularly those that keep guns away from children, like safes and age limits.
My Prayer:
Legislators sabotaging gun laws be charged as “accessories before the fact.” Definition: “An accessory before the fact aids, abets, counsels, or encourages the commission of a felony prior to the crime occurring. Actions might include planning the offense, providing necessary tools like weapons or offering advice on how to carry out the crime.” The facts about guns are well documented. They know guns will kill children. They do not care. They are guilty.
Dee Maitland
Marana
Gone girl AG Pam Bondi
Chairman Peter Flaherty, author of Bondi ably serving nation, president.
If you can hear me please note the reason former AG Jeff Sessions recused himself from the Russia collusion investigation is not “inexplicable.” Sessions lied to Congress about meeting with Russian operatives. When you lie under oath to Congress, you are also lying to the American people. Currently, there are numerous Trump appointees who are truth compromised but few as publicly as AG Pam Bondi. It is because of her association with the Epstein cover up that her value to the Trump administration has greatly depreciated. Loyalty is a one-way street for Donald Long Tail. Mr. Flaherty, it seems your attempt to rewrite history and selective outrage will all be for naught. Not even Fox Entertainment can save Bondi now.
Sherry Ivester
Midtown
Trump’s decision-making
The following is instructive on Trump’s decision-making process. He wants to move Space Command Headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, because Colorado has a mail-in voting system. He was advised by Putin last month that mail-in voting is a corrupt system. He redesignated the Department of Defense to the Department of War. The Department of Defense was established to put all the military branches under a single civilian leader and increase the focus on preventing war. Trump likes the name Department of War to justify military actions because he is so offensive. It appears Trump sold Ukraine down the river. Since the Putin/Trump meeting, Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukraine despite Vance’s assertions that Russia has made great concessions. Remember, Trump was a draft dodger and says all of us who served in the military are suckers and losers and that he knows more than the admirals and generals. As Bugs Bunny said, “What a Maroon!”
Michael Mount
Foothills
Vaccinations
In view of the misinformation being promulgated by HHS Secretary Kennedy, it might be wise to explain how vaccines are evaluated for safety. The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) collects data on any adverse event following a vaccine, whether or not it appears related. Anyone can submit a report. Epidemiologic and statistical patterns are investigated.
Kennedy said the COVID vaccine caused myocarditis (heart inflammation). Indeed, cases were reported following COVID vaccine administration; but Kennedy failed to report the denominator (millions) and a British study showed that getting COVID was 11 times more likely to cause myocarditis than getting the vaccine. Getting reliable data in the US will be much harder come by as Kennedy fired the whole Vaccine Advisory Panel so he could appoint vaccine deniers. Vaccines work. Period. It is personal for me: I lost seven patients to COVID — three before there was a vaccine, and four because they believed lies and chose witchcraft over science. All the science in the world will not protect you from stupidity.
Abraham R. Byrd III, M.D.
North side
Seeking happy Democrats
America elected a president — not a war hero, educator, lawyer, or career politician, but a real estate developer who views war as bad for business and styles himself as a peacemaker. Trump’s “Day 1” promise to end the war in Eastern Europe expired on Day 2. So, where are we?
Many Americans and European allies demand total Ukrainian victory, but Uncle Sam is no longer footing the bill. EU/NATO now buys U.S. arms at full price, and Trump signed a minerals deal with Ukraine to offset $175 billion in Biden-era aid. NATO partners, once reluctant to pay 2% of GDP for shared defense, now contribute 5%.
While not providing financial support for this protracted war, Trump has imposed punishing anti-Russia tariffs and after three years of one-sided engagement, he’s now talking with his other “good friend” Vladimir.
Is there just one Democrat Star reader who believes this policy may lead to peace without bankrupting America?
Jeffrey McConnell
West side
Colonel Kurtz wannabe
Donald Trump posted an “Apocalypse Now” parody showing helicopters and flames over Chicago, writing “I love the smell of deportations in the morning” and “Chicago about to find out why it’s called Department of WAR.” This childish, moronic, deranged and dangerous person is the president of the United States. Trump voters/supporters, are you the slightest bit embarrassed? You are not. Ashamed? You are not. You should be.
Deb Klumpp
Oro Valley
By any other name
Juveniles are running the country. One can’t help but imagine a spectacle of adolescent hoots and high-five-slapping congratulations as the Department of Defense scraps its title for the more sobering designation: the Department of War, and Pete Hegseth assumes the more formidable-sounding position of Secretary of War. It’s all so badass after all.
But as Putin’s war trundles on and Xi patiently awaits his moment to take Taiwan, the conspicuous reality is that this lame macho stunt — laughably intended to provoke concern within the developing alliance of Russia, China and North Korea — represents the most Trump “The Deal Maker” can muster. Such transparent braggadocio can only serve to strengthen the resolve of this authoritarian axis that Trump needs his bluff dismissively called.
As America blunders ahead with its self-imposed isolation in the interest of “Greatness” and its voluntary abandonment of its leadership role in the world, the forces of authoritarianism appear unfazed as they duly prepare to step in and fill the void.
Robert Gavlak
Midtown
Well-regulated militia
With the current administration shredding our Constitution, a well-regulated militia is necessary now, more than ever and publicly known, so this administration knows that there are Americans who will stop them from turning this country into an autocracy. This militia must be led by veterans as we have lived our lives protecting the Constitution including the First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, 14th, 22nd. Protesting was fine at the beginning, but “now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country,” and that is through a “well-regulated militia.” Many veterans have stepped forward as “anti-Trump veterans,” but now is the time for us to be armed, as we are the last protectors “to the security of a free State” for these United States and The Constitution from an administration that will shred The Constitution at every chance. USAF, 1978-82, Sgt.
Alexander Maldonado
Midtown
International power shift
A historic shift in the world power structure occurred this week. The strongmen of three powerful countries, Putin, Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping met, deliberately omitting D.J.T. They obviously are planning to become the world’s most influential financial and military powers. Our bungling President probably doesn’t realize the significance of their meeting. We are now in a position where our allies don’t trust us, our enemies smell blood in the water, and we have cut off aid to countries that desperately need our help.
Trump’s “deals” are making him wealthy, but they are dragging our country down and dividing us by race, religion, bitter politics, wealth and now access to medical care. For students of recent history (all Americans should be well aware), a century ag,o the Axis powers of Germany, Japan and Italy (all now allies) almost destroyed Europe and Asia. Back then, the US was heroic. I hope we can recover from this mess.
Morton Cederbaum
Green Valley
Ciscomani and DACA
Juan Ciscomani’s half-hearted support for DACA recipients belies his record of voting in favor of President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” He evaded journalists’ questions about how his support of DACA aligns with Trump’s deportation policy of immigrants. One can only view his current position on DACA recipients as hypocrisy.
Roberto Martinez
South side
Woeful broadcast
I don’t know where the fault lies, but Cox’s ESPN+ broadcast of the Weber State-UA football game was woefully inadequate. I tried to watch the game from the delayed start until the end, but because the signal was lost following nearly every commercial break, I missed more than I saw. During what I did see, there were continual audio and video interruptions. I’d expect better service from both Cox and ESPN. I hope their service is vastly improved before the next streaming broadcast of a University of Arizona athletic event.
Barclay Dick
Midtown
Kennedy’s folly
If you took your car in for repair of a hard-to-diagnose issue, wouldn’t you be concerned when the mechanic first wants to replace the interior upholstery because some unqualified source thinks it might work? How is this different from what Kennedy is doing with vaccines?
Richard Eaton
West side
Sunday Star’s A6 ‘training’
What kind of a joke is this? I mean, what are they training for? Preparing for violence? That makes me laugh. The only demonstrations I see are mostly peaceful. Violent protest is more of the “J6ers” style. (Any idea how many of those are now ICE agents?) It has been documented since George Floyd that far-right-wing radicals were the main instigators of violence during protests.
So what makes this so funny? Those defenders of the 2nd Amendment who swore they needed all that cosplay military equipment and 30-round clips, to overthrow a tyrannical government? Well, here we are with a tyrannical government, and they all voted for him, and cheer him on as he continues his path of destruction. Remember how the Supreme Court said he could do illegal acts, as official business? Eleven humans out on a boat just lost their lives, they were executed by “God’s” chosen executioner. And you’re OK with that?
Larry Robinson
Northwest side
Women’s health deserves better
The New York Times reports that prostate cancer rates are rising, and the cancers are frequently at a serious stage before they are detected. They say it is because screening frequency has changed. It’s admirable that the Times is concerned about prostate cancer rates but why haven’t they delved into the rise in undetected women’s breast cancer rates, which are also due to changes in screening? Some of us had mammograms every two years beginning in our 20s. Today a woman cannot get a mammogram until age 40 unless they can demonstrate family history. And they wonder why breast cancers go undetected until it’s almost too late. Once again, women are relegated to second place.
Barbara Benjamin
Foothills
Release the files
Congressman Ciscomani:
It is time for you to take a stand. You must either insist on holding accountable the pedophiles who were responsible for the emotional, physical and psychological trauma inflicted on the victims of Brian Epstein, or stand on the sidelines, confirm your complicity with the rich and powerful, and shamefully continue to do their bidding.
Congressman … what are your personal values, ethics and convictions? What kind of person are you, and why the prolonged silence on this matter, which shows no sign of resolution? Your constituents want to know your character or your cowardice.
Release the Epstein files.
J. Scott Feierabend
Northeast side
Rolex’s attempt at censorship
Rolex, sponsor of big tennis matches, wants the media to stop showing Trump being booed when he is put on screen at the games. Don’t show the boos or else.
TV outlets broadcasting the U.S. Open were told not to air any boos or cheers for President Trump during his attendance at the match. Easy solution, he and his entourage can watch the game on TV instead. Rolex invited this over-privileged man to their special box seat area. People noticed DT and his team, as well as all the extra security and inconveniences. Once put on the stadium screen, what did they expect? There are people in the stadium, are they supposed to remain mum? Solution, don’t show the “president” on screen during a broadcast game.
Someone that possesses excessive or disproportionate advantages, money, possessions, or opportunities compared to others in their society, to a degree considered undeserved or excessive. He got the best seats in the house. They put him on the stadium screen. He is not popular. Boom. Boos.
Peter Bisschop
East side
- Peter Bisschop, East side
"Bondi is not serving Trump alone — she is serving the American people." from Peter Flaherty. opinion piece. He gives examples of previous attorney generals. He see previous AGs as misguided. Bondi is overreaching her authority to rubber stamp DT. Most alarming, Bondi's Justice Department has demonstrated a willingness to use criminal law to exact revenge against Trump's political enemies. Since her appointment as the nation's top attorney, Bondi has sided with Trump on every controversial and constitutionally questionable order. No thought to it. Bondi's history of unwavering loyalty to Trump suggests she possesses neither the independence nor the integrity to serve as AG. As Don Kusler says in his opinion piece, "Dropping key criminal cases, running out 'disloyal' employees, opening clearly political probes — all to serve Trump and MAGA — defies Bondi's oath and job function." Her job is to follow the law, not make it or break it with impunity.
Peter Bisschop
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Ciscomani’s hypocrisy
For U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani to say “... our DACA students deserve a shot at the American dream...” is hypocrisy.
That is because, while he has said so repeatedly, he also voted for a bill that significantly increases funding for immigration enforcement, which has included arrests of DACA recipients and a federal official urging them to “self-deport” because they are not protected.
Ciscomani and his wife, Laura, both come from families with questionable immigration statuses. Laura Ciscomani’s parents were undocumented when they entered the United States from Mexico, her brother has said. Juan Ciscomani came from Mexico as a child with his parents, whose “religious-worker” immigration status has been called into question.
End the hypocrisy, Congressman, by introducing legislation and getting it passed in support of your claim to favor a “permanent solution” for the half-million or more DACA recipients.
Shraddha Hilda Oropeza
West side
Star Village in Ward 3
The City seems to be solving difficult problems by dumping them off in Ward 3. How is it Ward 1 and Ward 6 Council Chairs determine the location for this “Star Village?” Where was Councilman Dahl during these meetings? He states he personally wants this to succeed but had he thought to discuss this with all of his “constituents”? How will the folks living in the new and beautiful apartment structure feel about looking down on that site? They too are in Ward 3 and should be included.
Keeling Neighborhood is directly north across Grant Road from Star Village. Like Balboa Heights neighborhood, I don’t recall hearing anything about this, especially as our Ward 3 representative made no mention of it at our Sept. 22 meeting.
Nancy Reid
North side
Ciscomani & COVID vaccine
A Sep. 7 LTE complains about the inconvenience of now having to obtain a prescription to get the updated COVID vaccine.
Last week, I got on my representative’s website to complain about the same issue. Almost immediately after pressing “send,” I received the following reply from Rep. Ciscomani:
“Thank you for contacting my office. It is an honor to represent you in Congress. I am grateful you took the time to share your concerns regarding research funding and the availability of the mRNA vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccines in general.”
Additional paragraphs followed, but you get the picture: a one-size-fits-all form letter. As a concerned senior citizen trying to engage with my representative, I found his reply insulting.
If he wants to get re-elected, he needs be more creative in communicating to his constituents.
For example, he could explain how reaching the goal of making America great again necessitates support of a system that makes obtaining good healthcare for seniors more difficult.
Doug Salerno
Foothills
Choosing a contractor
“How to choose the correct contractor” in the Home+Life section of the Arizona Daily Star (9/7/25) is a good read. It tells both the client and the contractor what needs to be in your contract. Be specific. The more detail the better. And don’t forget to check the BBB and Arizona Registrar of Contractors before you hire anyone.
Peter Bisschop
East side
Butterfly misidentification
The misidentified butterfly overshadowed the significance of what Mr. Rappaport was trying to say. Instead of an image of a Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), the most widely distributed butterfly in the world (found on all continents except South America and Antarctica), someone inserted an image of a California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica).
Julian Donahue
Foothills
Democratic Socialist? Watch your language!
It is a deeply seated American misconception of what constitutes Socialism. The previous contender for Ward 3 in Tucson, Sadie Shaw, has now been absurdly pigeon-holed as a Democratic Socialist. Every right-wing individual in the US tends to thrive on this ideological mantra, Socialist, without having any idea of the true meaning of the word or the political reality behind it. East Germany was a Socialist country, with the central party, SED, controlling and owning the entire country, not allowing any opposition, spying on all people (Stasi), and imprisoning them as a nation. Socialist is not at all the same as Social-Democratic, a free and democratic movement in most Western countries (see the Social Democratic Party, SPD, in Germany that ran the government until recently). How dare journalists misuse that epithet, Socialist, for anyone who simply cares about the well-being of people and tries to protect them from the unfettered abuse by the big corporations? We deserve better-educated reporting based on historical and political understanding.
Albrecht Classen
Midtown
Hunt for water
Even thinking about a desalination facility on the Sea of Cortez makes me cringe. I agree with Mr. Chihak that brine and pipelines would do irreparable damage to the Sea and to the desert. Why do the states east of the mountains that depend on Colorado River water have to suffer and incur ever higher costs? The obvious solution is to cut off California’s access to this water and have it build desalination plants. California has a long coastline, on open ocean, and would not have to lay hundreds of miles of pipeline to access desalinated water. Impact on the Pacific would be minimal compared to that on the Sea of Cortez. Surely a little interstate diplomacy could help all states concerned come to an equitable solution.
Klara Cserny
Southwest side
Extreme heat effects on local wildlife
I have a home in the Palo Verde Park neighborhood, near Broadway and Wilmot.
This summer, I have witnessed a proliferation of wildlife in my yard, seeking water and food. Many raccoons, javelinas, hawks and coyotes have visited my mid-town property to seek water and eat cat food and bird seed that I have provided for birds and community cats.
This is a disturbing trend. I have lived here for over 20 years and have never witnessed this much wildlife interaction.
Unfortunately, local wildlife has become dependent on human assistance to survive.
This behavior will probably not end well for many individuals of our wildlife community.
Let’s hope that rainfall in our area will increase to sustain these beloved desert animals.
Dan Egan
East side
Community choice energy
I was inspired by the Opinion piece by Rick Rappaport on community choice energy — but realized I didn’t know much about how it works, so I did some quick checking. It would allow Tucsonans to purchase energy at wholesale prices and deliver the power they purchase through TEP. So the CCE takes over from TEP the purchasing of the energy and TEP continues to do everything else it’s doing now like maintaining the reliability of the grid and sending monthly bills. Not being a monopoly like TEP, many energy sources would then compete for the CCE’s energy business. That competition should result in lower prices and likely more renewable energy in the mix since solar energy is mostly much less expensive than gas. This would avoid the huge upfront costs and inevitable litigation of trying to buy out TEP.
Shouldn’t customers have a choice of the source of their electricity? See more at az4cc.org.
Katy Garmany
West side
Republican values
The Tucson Opinion article by Ronald F. Eustice on September 6 was superb. This longtime and active Republican evaluates the president’s actions and policies. It was excellent and factual and should be re-published several times to reach a wider audience. How can any thinking member of Congress comply with Trump’s illogical or illegal requests? His selection of Cabinet members and staff are all idiots. I also voted for Trump in 2016, 2020 and 2024 since there was no viable alternative.
As a disappointed and disenfranchised Republican, I will not leave the party but hope I can play some role in restoring the old Republican values.
Art Di Salvo
Northeast side
Short-sighted decision
I was shocked to see, on the front page of the Star, Sept. 6, the announcement of the closing of the University of Arizona’s Writing Skills Improvement Program. I served as Senior Tutor for fifteen years at WSIP, working both with undergraduate and graduate students to help them refine and improve their communication skills. Along with my fellow tutors, we brought students from “I can’t do this!” to a delighted “I CAN do this!” We primarily served minority students and those of economic need, helping them to find their voices and contribute both to the university and to their own futures in the community. I can honestly say I’ve never done more fulfilling work. To close this avenue to student success, without even a solid reason provided, strikes me as astonishingly short-sighted. I am saddened and disappointed by this closure.
Kendra Gaines
Foothills
Staying sane
While walking, I passed a friend who works in the mental health field. He mentioned that he hadn’t seen a letter to the editor from me recently. I told him I felt my letters or opinion pieces had no effect, so I hadn’t submitted in a while. He looked at me and told me that letters are about community and letting people know they aren’t alone in their feelings of frustration or fear. He reminded me that most of us might be feeling powerless against the incompetence in this administration, but that it was still important to let others know that they aren’t alone and that we are not powerless. That we need to show unity and resolve. He’s right. Good walk.
Rick Unklesbay
Midtown
How to forget the Hippocratic Oath
As a board-certified Pediatrician & Immunologist, I wonder if some of my physician colleagues have second thoughts about voting for Secretary Kennedy as Head of HHS. I remind these Physician-Senators of their Oath of Hippocrates:
- Roger “Doc” Marshall (R-KS) OB/GYN,
- Bill Cassidy (R-LA) Gastroenterology,
- Rand Paul (R-KY) Ophthalmology,
- John Barrasso (R-WY) Orthopedic Surgery
I quote from the 1964 Hippocratic Oath revised by Louis Lasagna, School of Medicine, Tufts University, which is used in many medical schools today:
- “I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:
- I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.”
- “I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.”
Don’t even get me started on Drs. Bhattacharja, Makary, Klein, and Oz! Also, since 1969, no physician has represented the Democratic Party in the Senate.
Uwe Manthei
Midtown
How many guns is too many?
Why is the NRA at fault for every mass shooting? Guns don’t kill people, people do. The shooter must purchase the gun, load the gun, chamber the gun, aim the gun, and then squeeze the trigger. What does the NRA have to do with any of this? Why does every shooter get a pass for murdering all the people? The gun starts all of this carnage, but it also ends it in each case. This last shooting occurred at a church through the window! This coward couldn’t even face his victims! The way to stop this from happening is two simple steps. The first is never identify this vile filth. This vile filth shall be referred to as the shooter, nothing else. Someone must say something! The parents know something is wrong, but don’t say anything. The blame must be with the shooter, not the gun.
Larry Cory
West side
Fire RFK, make America healthy
The current administration talks a lot about meritocracy. However, it appears that the only required "merit" is complete loyalty to Trump. RFK Jr., for example, is absolutely unqualified to be the director of HHS. An anti-vaxxer with no background in health sciences, he is dangerous to America’s health. His recent testimony to Congress was riddled with lies and misleading statements, particularly about vaccines. Vaccines save lives; 1.2 million Americans died from COVID, and many more would have if the vaccine was not used. A study published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases found that nearly 2 million US deaths and nearly 20 million worldwide deaths due to COVID were prevented.
Fire RFK Jr. Reinstate the $500 million in funding for mRNA research.
Melanie Bell, PhD
Midtown
TEP pep talk for Canada?
"Tucson Electric Power (TEP) doesn't 'own' this utility in a singular sense, as it is a public utility itself." It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of UNS Energy Corporation, and in turn is owned by Fortis Inc., (Canada), "a large investor-owned electric and gas utility holding company. Therefore, Fortis owns TEP indirectly through its subsidiaries."
Bea Manderscheid
Northeast side
Patronizing Opinion piece
As a working mom in Tucson, I want to address TEP's Susan Gray’s question: "What kind of life do we want to live here in Tucson?"
I want my family to breathe fresh air. No asthma attacks triggered.
I want my neighbors and community to succeed.
I want to have water available and no zero-day calamity.
I don’t need a data center.
I don’t want to give more money to TEP, whose parent company made $1.6 billion in net revenue in 2024.
I don’t need a $1-2Million/year salaried CEO patronizing opinion piece. We are paying her salary.
TEP’s parent company, Fortis, is on the path for possible $2.4 billion in 2025 net revenue. Project Blue and TEP’s 15% rate increase "request" are both advertised in 2025 Fortis’s investment relations material. This all gets Susan a nice 2025 bonus, right.
We the people need public power to take that net revenue and CEO windfalls back to lower energy costs for us.
Carissa Sipp
Midtown
Crime: No dilemma
Our loyal friend seems to think that only the members of the Cult of Trump care about crime. He elects not to say anything about the crimes his "solemn" leader has committed and been convicted of. Those 34 felony counts.
Why his loyalty supersedes his convictions about crime seems like a conundrum. But he thinks that Democrats don't care about crime. They do, and so do more than half the American public. When I was growing up, even a potential "extramarital affair" were grounds for being voted out of office. Now our loyal friend complains about crime, but only if it's in a Democrat-run city. His rant doesn't say anything about the crime in the red state cities that dwarfs what the liar and chief says about Chicago, N.Y. and L.A. Facts prove what's true and what's not. It's too bad loyalty trumps common sense.
John Bingham
Northwest side
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is dangerous
The public knows this, and the Republican Party will lose more support if they keep Kennedy as the Health Secretary. Putting children and adults in real danger will continue to contribute to the demise of the GOP & Trump. COVID killed over 1,000,000. Stand up and resist.
Dan Bannon
Midtown
Constitution Day
Sept. 17 is Constitution and Citizenship Day. In fact, the whole week from Sept. 17-23 is designated Constitution Week. The Constitution of the United States was signed Sept. 17, 1787, or 238 years ago.
To celebrate Constitution Day, how about the whole extremist Trump administration take a day off? Wouldn't it be nice if for one day if the president wouldn't sign unconstitutional executive orders? Wouldn't it be wonderful if the Justice Department would quit for one day the unconstitutional criminal "investigations " into federal officials like Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook in order to scare federal officeholders out of office? How about a day that ICE doesn't unconstitutionally deprive people of their civil rights?
Here's one: How about for a day, the Republicans in Congress reclaim their status as a co-equal with the Executive Branch and take over tariff and other issues stolen by the Executive?
I can only hope there can be at least one day off from the unconstitutional actions of the Executive Branch.
Matt Somers
Midtown
COVID vaccination
My wife and I are over 65. She is on steroid therapy; hospitalized several months ago for shock.. We are planning to travel for several weeks beginning later this month.
Two days ago, she called several pharmacies regarding COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. She was informed that we needed a prescription for the COVID vaccine. She called Banner Health and was told a prescription would be sent to the pharmacy. Today, the pharmacy informed us that Banner Health is no longer writing prescriptions for COVID-19 vaccines. After several phone calls, I was told that a "committee" made the decision to stop prescribing the COVID vaccine. They are to have a meeting to discuss, according to one source.
CDC guidelines are unchanged on the website. Patients with underlying health problems and/or age over 65 should be vaccinated.
If what I learned today is true, why are prescriptions for those over 65 being held? Is this a medical, financial, or political decision?
Brian Smith
Northwest side
City manager up for review
Tim Steller reported in his column of Sept. 5 that city vice-mayor Lane Santa Cruz informed residents by email that the city manager is up for review. Since the city manager is appointed by mayor and council, sending an email to city residents announcing a "review" in the wake of the Project Blue fiasco comes across as being an attempt to save face. It is difficult to believe that mayor and council had no notion of the city manager's actions and position on this project. I don't recall any reports of any real "discussions" on Project Blue, only the unanimous vote to kill it. No discussion of possibly cleaning up tainted wells on the south side, or concessions on the part of Beale. Nothing. Typical Tucson knee-jerk political reaction to anything controversial. Vote it down and hope it goes away. Sorry council, the future is not going away, and you voted away your place at the table.
Dewey Bidwell
Northeast side
Farcical episodes
Well, here are two farcical items for your day: First, Trump and his puppet Joe Edlow, head of immigration services, want to make the citizenship test harder, even including an essay. They call it “war on fraud.” I wonder if either Trump or Edlow could pass the current test. We know Trump couldn’t write a cogent essay. So, wouldn’t it be nice if we actually had a “war on fraud” in this government?
That might also take care of the clown called “Secretary of Health and Human Services” because of his absolute insanity on vaccines (He’d look cute in smallpox pox, yes?) At 78, I walked right in for a flu vaccine, forced to have an RX for COVID. The catch? Banner won’t write RXs, TMC, yes. CVS won’t give them. Walgreens, yes. A Kafka novel! CDC hasn’t ruled yet? It has! The 2024-2025 shots. I think it’s 2025. And the difference of fall and spring? Political fraud. To what end?
Nancy C. Jacques
Northeast side
The true Trump
Donald Trump is a true RINO: i.e., a Republican In Name Only. He is also a true FINC: a Fascist In Name Certain.
Daniel Shay
Midtown
Who's really running America?
Robert Hur wrote a controversial characterization of Biden as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” Trump jumped on it, blasting “his hazy memory,” and his “Sleepy Joe” moniker from 2020 and told a crowd, “I don’t think he knows he’s alive.” Trump and his babysitters began chants of “elder abuse” by Biden’s handlers for putting him in front of a mic.
Kari Lake told Newsmax, “Donald Trump is not an old man. He is a very sharp man. His cognitive abilities are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I talk to him all the time. He is incredible.”
Trump's senior moments aren't worth discussing. Watch his eyes — if he's awake — and listen to his voice as he rambles off in an incoherent rant.
“Who's running the country?” Trump once asked. We now have Stephen Miller, Susie Wiles, James Blair, JD Vance and Robert Gabriel. They are Trump's brain. We are living through the most precarious and perilous time in history due to Miller.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Are you better off today?
1. Are you feeling more confident and secure about your financial situation than you did a year ago?
2. Do you feel more relaxed, centered and hopeful this year?
3. Are you spending more today than last year on insurance, utilities, healthcare and food?
4. Do you have health insurance?
5. Are you confident in your job?
6. Will unemployment keep rising as consumer spending decreases?
7. Is your business or workplace worried about trade war tariffs and America’s unsustainable $37 trillion national debt?
8. Can you plan your future and budget without worrying about sudden government disruptions and unexpected economic shocks?
9. Are you worried about getting less support today from government agencies when you need help?
10. Are you optimistic about buying a house or car?
11. Does inflation or stagflation concern you?
12. Do you fear a recession?
13. Is anger balling up like a fist inside you, and your jaw clenched? You’re normal.
Jerry Wilkerson
SaddleBrooke
Ciscomani tolerating epic incompetence
Juan, I just learned that I need a prescription to receive the updated COVID vaccine. I qualify for the vaccine, but now I have to get permission to be protected against a virus that was killing over 3,000 people a day at the height of the pandemic? Are you kidding me?
Americans are now put directly at physical risk because of epic incompetence on the part of Trump and his wholly ill-equipped coterie of imbeciles who profess they know what they’re doing.
You are my representative. That means, ultimately, that you are responsible for my safety and well-being. So far, this entire clown show is a failure of epic proportions. By your inaction, and failure to stand up against this nonsense, you are just as culpable as the rest of these fools who are putting Americans at risk.
What are you going to do about it?
Paul Emmert
Marana
Continuing to underfund education
About three weeks ago, the Maricopa County Superior Court found Arizona guilty of underfunding our public schools by billions of dollars. And I am still mad. I’m a mother of a high school student and two college students; I’m also a high school English teacher. Long before I had these roles, I believed in good public education. People wonder why Arizona ranks so low. It’s the funding. We spend less than almost every state. How can teachers educate with broken AC units, broken desks, and broken computers? How can students learn when their air is polluted, their drinking fountains are broken, and their resources are subpar? Because of the greed of state legislators, it is up to the towns and cities to make up for this lack of foresight. We’ll do it because we believe our children, our community, deserve better. Hopefully, the Supreme Court upholds this ruling.
Jeanette Rupel
East side
Facilitating damage to democracy
Dear Mr. Ciscomani,
The world is falling apart, China-Russia-North Korea are ascending, while the United States, once a great nation, is becoming a laughingstock.
Stop supporting useless, time-wasting and expensive distractions in the House of Representatives, like re-investigating the January 6 insurrection. What is there left to investigate? Perhaps President Trump’s failure to send the National Guard to help the Capitol Police? But now he’s spending tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to make the District a police state and sending National Guard to do the work of D.C. police, at the same time pulling out the money the District needs to do the job themselves.
Where are you, Elected Congressman? Do you know how to think independently? Can you be a leader, leading the charge back to sanity? This president is deranged, and you are facilitating his destruction of America. Shame on you!
E. Kathy Suagee
Benson
Council member’s own performance review
A chief task of a city council member is to see that constituent inquiries are answered. Prior to Lane Santa Cruz, that responsibility was handled efficiently in Ward 1.
Not so today. In fact, when I have a concern, I have occasionally contacted a council member outside my ward. Or have just thrown my hands up in the air.
I received the “CITY MANAGER IS UP FOR REVIEW!” email from Lane Santa Cruz. The city manager bears responsibility for many aspects of city government. But so does the City Council. The council should offer guidance to the manager. Could Lane Santa Cruz not know that non-disclosure agreements were being signed?
The city manager’s performance is a personnel matter. I would not pretend to have the ability to offer a valid review. Ward 1 should reflect on its own performance. No reply was received when we wrote to Lane Santa Cruz for her position on Project Blue.
Debbie Collazo
West side
A rose by any other name
Realizing that his “Big Beautiful Bill” could result in losses for Republicans in the next election cycle, President Trump is summoning Republican lawmakers to a meeting about the midterm elections, adding “Attendance will be tracked by the Trump team.” The meeting focus will be to morph Trump’s titling of the B3 bill to the “Working Families Tax Cuts Act.” Recent polling reports 50% of voters believe the bill will help the wealthy while sixty percent believe the bill will harm lower-income families, as well as cause losses in health care coverage. Much like Trump’s attempts to rebrand the Jan. 6, 2021, mob insurrection into a patriotic act, voters need to see through this current renaming as one of Trump’s many distractive tactics and vote for candidates in the midterm elections who will legislate in favor of the American people, not an aspiring dictator. This bill is no rose.
Roger Shanley
East side
Crime dilemma
First, I want to say that crime is certainly a problem in this country, especially its largest cities, where the divide between the haves and have-nots is all too real. However, this situation has regrettably existed forever and will not change with the questionable use of the National Guard, which isn’t trained in crime prevention or solving social problems. Presidents Truman and Reagan had attempts on their lives in D.C., but neither declared martial law and brought in the National Guard as a result. The mayors in these large cities in both red and blue states do their damn best to somewhat control the situation within their allotted funding (state and federal). It is incredible Mr. Johnson that you claim Trump-hating Democrats care less about crime when you support a convicted criminal who precipitated the Jan. 6 insurrection, pardoned the participants and now allowed a horrible sex criminal to be moved to a country-club facility. You still refuse to answer, “How can you support him?”
Chuck Cabrera
Oro Valley
Re: LTE Rome to Rambo
A great LTE from Mr. Bakke. I am glad he pointed out ICE is getting paid so much to chase a sandwich thrower. Getting paid $70,000 plus bonuses, not to mention a huge cost to prosecute this dangerous suspect. All this money is paid by “us,” the taxpayers.
Another example, ICE agents chasing down a weed-cutter suspect, Narciso Barranco whose alleged crime was a misdemeanor committed approx. 30 years ago. His three sons are US Marines. We owe them.
Trump’s policies are costing taxpayers huge amounts. His immigration policies are a failure, the immigrants are not taking our jobs and most are helping keep food prices down by working in the fields and factories. As for petty punitive bullying against Americans who don’t agree, he has no clue of “the rule of law.” And the tariffs, OMG. Follow the laws and wake up and resist.
Dan Bannon
Midtown
War with Venezuela?
Most American citizens don’t get that Trump’s bombing of a Venezuelan drug boat was an act of war. Venezuela gets it, and they escalated things by sending jets to buzz U.S. Navy ships.
The right thing to do would have been to capture the boat, verify drugs were on board, and then take legal action, not provocative military action.
This is how President Lyndon Johnson hyped up the Vietnam War. He committed an act of war by sending a warship into North Vietnamese waters. The North Vietnamese took a few shots at the boat, leaving it undamaged. Johnson then went crying big crocodile tears to Congress saying, “They fired on us first, so we have to go to war with them.”
This is a sleazeball maneuver by Trump. Will Americans ever learn or care that it is America that typically starts our foreign wars? Probably not.
Kimball Shinkoskey
Woods Cross, Utah
Loyalists
There are individuals who find nothing questionable with Trump. They will counterpoint against anyone’s opinion — and write LTEs almost daily. Please limit the number of LTEs one individual may write. Trump loyalists — admittedly, there are 40% of them, see no harm in illegal policies — penned on the whim of a dictator.
DT has taken over the government by writing “laws” — 200 self-serving executive orders — bypassing Congress, and without any oversight. He is attacking our nation from within the White House. Trump has attempted to undermine our system of checks and balances that ensures that each of the three branches of government are co-equal — and that the president is not above the law.
Peter Bisschop
East side
Progress already made
The recent column urging the Arizona Corporation Commission to keep an outdated renewable energy mandate is out of step with what’s happening in our state. The REST goals, once considered ambitious, have been eclipsed by the rapid build-out of solar, wind, and battery storage resources.
This progress isn’t driven by government edict, but by economics and a shared desire for cleaner energy. TEP and other utilities are finding cost-effective ways to expand renewables while ensuring they can meet demand around the clock. I appreciate that they are investing in natural gas facilities. Reliability, cost stability and affordability are most critical.
Arbitrary benchmarks, such as requiring 50% solar by 2035, will tie up utilities in ways that could seriously hurt customers. Utilities must have the flexibility to adapt their resource mix to meet needs without jeopardizing affordability or reliability.
Repealing the Renewable Energy Standard isn’t a step backward. It’s an acknowledgment that the market and technology have outpaced a policy written for a different time.
Steve Loper
Northeast side
- Spencer Elliott, Oro Valley
The Republican leadership (?) from Trump on down, Federal and state, create so much smoke attempting to screen “something” about Epstein, one has no choice but to believe there must be a conflagration at the center of this cloud of obfuscation.
Spencer Elliott
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Christie Cummins, Midtown
Trump demanding that drugmakers "justify" the success of their treatments for COVID-19 is absurd. He initiated Operation Warp Speed to produce this lifesaving treatment at a time of crisis. To try and protect/defend Robert F Kennedy's ridiculous denial of vaccines with this childish demand is disappointing. Trump himself is a result of the drugmaker's success. How hypocritical! One more deflection from us noticing his dangerous choices of leadership for our institutions.
Christie Cummins
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Project Blue
“Balanced growth. A rising tide. Sustainable development.” We can’t risk the detriments to Tucson and Southern Arizona presented by this project — which seems to never go away. Susan Gray’s comments lend one to believe she is more than biased toward Project Blue. No Tucsonan and Southern Arizona lover would base support for a bad project on her grounds “creating jobs, protecting families, and building a stronger economy for generations to come,” at all costs. She doesn’t seem bound to the community in any way. Project Blue is anti-Tucson for anyone who loves The Old Pueblo. No water — no need for Project Blue. There is nothing sustainable in the project, it’s the “gift” that keeps on taking, not giving. Please make it go away. TEP is a subsidiary of the Canadian company Fortis Inc., and makes plenty of money. Beale is not local, and their job is to develop data centers nationally no matter what it takes, seemingly wheeling and dealing in secret.
Peter Bisschop
East side
Rome to Rambo?
Once, a military group called the Praetorian Guard protected the Roman Emperors, to whom the Guard pledged their loyalty.
The tale did not end well. The Guard did silly things like kill the emperors. The Guards were very powerful because everyone feared them.
Today, we may have the beginnings of our own Praetorian Guard. Could it be ICE?
ICE is military-like and seems to be built around people who have a loyalty to President Trump, because he, by the way, pays their $70,000/yr salaries, gives their families excellent healthcare, educates, feeds, and houses their children, and gives them $50,000 bonuses besides.
All one has to do for those goodies is enjoy looking like Rambo, run a block or two chasing a guy holding a sandwich, wear a mask, break windows, and like assault rifles. Being able to ride a horse helps.
But every fable has a moral: Trumpists, be careful what you wish for.
Peter Bakke
SaddleBrooke
Dems in disarray — again?
Democratic Party elites just love losing. And they’re doing it again!
Instead of embracing popular newcomers such as Zohran Mamdani and rising Gen Z candidates, the old guard is busy trashing them.
Let’s not forget when those decision-makers chose Hillary as our presidential candidate and prematurely canceled the California primary in 2016. Didn’t that work out well?
The old Democratic elite are part of our MAGA problem. With their knee-jerk adherence to outmoded neoliberalism and identity politics of the past, they continue to ignore the increasing economic needs of the rest of us. Voters and newer candidates already know this, but our leaders remain out of touch.
This time, let’s let our voters choose our leaders and not our party elders. Hog-tying our future with politically correct pronouns and “wokeness” isn’t going to cut it. We should follow the energy of our voters, not dictate from the top who should be allowed to run.
Sue Swenson
East side
Brainwashed
The United States of America is the only place on Planet Trump where poor people shun unions, free healthcare and free education because the rich tell them to.
I think we should rename Planet Earth to Planet Trump because that’s his true motive, to take over the world.
Who builds a $200 million ballroom and then leaves? He’s in it for the long haul even if he is on life support.
Terry Louck
East side
What color is free?
In 1955, I was 8 years old and attending third grade at Miles Elementary School in Tucson. One night, I heard my parents discussing the segregation of schools in the South. I didn’t understand why children whose skin color was different than mine had to go to separate schools. My mother tried to explain it so I could understand. She used the word “free.”
And then I asked my mother, “What color is free?”
She couldn’t answer me as she began to cry.
Now, 70 years later, I ask myself the same question. And I cry.
Karen Papagapitos
Northwest side
Voice of the people
The voice of the people has been duct-taped shut by Project Blue’s insistence to proceed with development. Some say that Tucson must be “business-friendly.” What about business being “community friendly”? There are two types of businesses: No. 1: A “fertilizer,” one that sets up in its community and prospers and contributes, beneficially, to the place it lives. No. 2: A “parasite” one that chooses a site, knowing full well that their existence puts extreme pressure on the people in the place they chose to locate. Project Blue is a data center that does not need to be near highways to transport its product. It just needs wires, and they can be strung anywhere to connect it to the world. How about anywhere along the Mississippi, near a Great Lake or anywhere in Canada? There are hundreds of places with more plentiful water access than Tucson.
Daniel Poryanda
Southeast side
What’s in the color of a shirt?
First, he summarily pardoned about 1,600 thugs convicted of attempting to overthrow our government. DT calls them patriots. Currently, there is discussion about compensating these traitors. Next, organize them with the new ICE recruits, provide uniforms (with the appropriate shirts) training and equipment necessary for a paramilitary group in service exclusively to DT. Watch what he does, not what he says.
Mussolini’s Blackshirts were an armed paramilitary wing of the Fascist Party, initially installed to counter opposing political groups but later became the weapon of choice using intimidation, violence, even murder against his own citizens.
Likewise, the Brownshirts played a similar and crucial role in Hitler’s rise to power using the same tactics as the Blackshirts. It’s not a stretch to think DT could structure his own dedicated paramilitary group. Watch what he does, not what he says. Do not allow this history to be repeated. Vote all his enablers out of Congress.
Ernest Saccani
Foothills
Crime dilemma
As crime in major cities is a significant controversy in today’s news, is there an answer? Brandon Johnson, the Chicago mayor, believes the way to reduce crime is to spend more Federal money, particularly on the elusive “affordable housing” issue. Other mayors seem to agree that more money on social programs will solve the rampant problem. As a contrast, the Washington, D.C. police force, with assistance from the National Guard, has made significant inroads into crime by deciding that crime is unacceptable and direct action will be taken to locate and hold criminals responsible. It seems like that the government officials in many major cities have unfolded the surrender flag, admitting that they do not have the political will to address the problem, are willing to forgive criminals instead of holding them responsible, and refusing to fund law enforcement adequately. Persons against aggressive crime mitigation must be Trump-hating, virtue-signaling Democrats that live in upscale, crime-free neighborhoods and don’t give a hoot about terrified regular citizens.
Loyal M. Johnson Jr.
Oro Valley
Asleep is good?
I have never understood why a political party would prefer to model itself as asleep rather than awake (“woke” in low-class jargon).
Delores Keahey
Southeast side
National Guard? Maybe not
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
The famous quote by George Santayana comes to mind as I watch in horror the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., and possibly Chicago and Baltimore.
A little over 50 years ago, I watched the National Guard roll into town where I went to school to supposedly reestablish law and order.
These troops were thrust into a situation that they had very little training for. ... It did not go well.
Four dead and nine wounded bodies later, I thought we would have learned something.
Stop your egomaniac madness, Donald Trump, and review your early 1970s American history.
Graduate of Kent
State University
Albert (Bert) Hanson
Northeast side
How ironic
Sometime in the late 1950s, when I was in high school, I read Leon Uris’s Exodus. It was a very persuasive work of fiction and turned me into an almost lifetime supporter of Israel. Even filtered by time, I remember the plight of the ship full of Jewish refugees headed for Palestine and the refusal by the British to let it land. How ironic then that this memory should flood back upon reading the article in the Star on Sept. 1 titled “Activists’ aid flotilla sets sail,” hoping to break the 18-year-long Israeli blockade of Gaza by bringing lifesaving supplies. Odds on they will be turned away by the Israeli navy.
Israel has become what it fought, and I am no longer a supporter.
Katharine Donahue
Foothills
Plea to legislators
Questions for our legislators:
Should children in church be protected?
What would a reasonable person do to prevent children from being murdered?
Are the lives of children more important than gun owners’ rights?
Should a mentally ill young man be allowed to buy and own a gun?
If we do nothing, will more children be murdered?
Daniel McDonnell
Foothills
Project Blue: A failure to communicate
There are numerous examples of robust citizen engagement and community collaboration in Pima County and the greater Southeast Arizona community — efforts that have created lasting and positive outcomes. The Chuck Huckleberry Loop, The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, the Rio Nuevo Downtown Redevelopment District, and creation of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area are but a few examples of well-planned and executed programs to inform the community. By enlisting elected officials, government and private experts, and project proponents these efforts earned widespread community support through public workshops, information sessions (listening sessions), and printed materials. Aside from Chamber of Commerce support, TEP’s op-ed defense of the company’s energy supply agreement to serve Project Blue, and Beale Infrastructure’s glossy webpage promises of transparency, community engagement and investment, efforts to inform the public of exactly how Project Blue will benefit them have been lacking.
Sheldon Clark
Vail
General election for District 7
In a recent LTE, the writer states the reasons for his dislike of Adelita Grijalva and Raul, the father and former Congressman who is now deceased. She is the Democratic candidate in the special election for District 7 to be held on Nov. 4. The writer is voting for the Republican candidate. He says he is voting against Adelita because she never held a real job, will suck up salary and benefits, is inheriting the job, free ride, feeds off public trough, not qualified. Just words, trash talk signifying nothing, tell you nothing, nada. Not holding a real job is a lie. That they have been “feeding off the public trough” is truly offensive. To launch that old, worn-out, derogatory and disgusting idiom against a family that has for years been working and fighting to help the people of Pima County and beyond is terrible but, I suppose, not totally unexpected. Adelita, with your vote, is going to win hands down.
Manuel Hernandez Garcia
Midtown
Adelita, a youth champion
In response to Mr. K’s letter on Aug. 30, and as a retired Juvenile Probation Officer, I know from professional experience that Adelita Grijalva ran a very effective and efficient Teen Court, a program which benefited numerous teenagers and families in our community.
Ms. Grijalva’s 20 years of experience on the Tucson Unified School Board and 4 years on the County Board of Supervisors make her the overwhelming clear choice in the 7th Congressional District.
Adelita is a true champion for troubled youth.
Bud Richardson
East side
DEI
A recent rant about DEI (from a not-surprising source) prompts me to ask what seems an obvious question. Where has DEI failed anywhere near to the extent of the clown show that makes up the current Trump administration? Does the “special treatment” concept apply to the hiring of the pathetic incompetents that Trump has chosen solely on the “merit” of their willingness to kiss his butt? RFK Jr., Pete Hegseth, Kristi Noem, Kash Patel represent just a few among so many who are, kindly said, misplaced in their roles. Is this a form of “prioritizing identity over merit?” Trump’s own demands for special treatment are epic (represented in his lawlessness and expectation of zero accountability for his myriad misdeeds). Like many programs, the DEI initiative needs skillful implementation, but the knee-jerk antagonism to it is mindless and simply another attempt to whitewash decades of inequity. I suspect the “special treatment” accusation depends heavily on where it’s coming from.
S. Ross Emmanuel
Southeast side
TEP’s disappointment
Something was bothering me as I read Tucson Electric Power President and CEO’s letter describing how foolish we were to turn away such a great opportunity as Project Blue. Then I re-read it and realized that not once was the word “water” in it. Does she even live here?
Guy Rovella
Midtown
Special treatment
On Sept. 2, a frequent LTE contributor addressed the issue of equality vs. equity. He stated that “some people are so used to special treatment that equal treatment is considered to be discrimination.” That is a perfect description of the one percenters and their bloated view of where they stand in our society.
Tim Canny
Oracle
Trump bankruptcies
In July 1991, the Trump-owned Taj Mahal casino declared bankruptcy. In 1992, two more Trump-owned casinos and the Trump-owned Plaza Hotel in New York City declared bankruptcy. In 2004, the Trump Hotels and Casinos Resorts company declared bankruptcy. In 2009, the Trump Entertainment Resorts company declared bankruptcy.
Trump was able to transfer his personal debt to his companies, so the bankruptcies didn’t hurt him. However, the investors and employees who were encouraged to purchase stock in Trump Entertainment Resorts as a 401(k) plan were hurt tremendously.
And we’re supposed to believe that his plans to lower the prime interest rate and impose high tariffs will work out well for us and the economy?
Larry Hammond
Southwest side
No more Mr. Nice Guy
Amelia Cramer stated on Sept. 2, “Two wrongs do not make a right.”
As an alternative: “You have to fight fire with fire.” “All’s fair in love and war.” “Pick your battles.”
Often, it is appropriate to respond in kind, preferably in a de-escalating manner. The concept of picking your battles incorporates the concept of when, where and how to approach an adversary, if there is reasonable expectation of a favorable outcome. If a favorable outcome is not reasonably expected, then a “strategic withdrawal’” is appropriate, so you may “live to fight another day.”
Occasionally, a well-framed wrong is the most effective approach to correcting a problem. Or making nice might put you in last place.
James Abels
Midtown
Random thoughts
— I think Trump has genius envy. That’s why he’s going after universities, scientific researchers, etc. and appointing unqualified individuals to government and staff positions.
— Is anyone else having difficulty telling the difference between Trump’s mug shot and his official portrait?
— Shouldn’t the Trump companies be building their $1B Qatar hotel and new golf courses, etc., in America?
— I heard when Trump said he wanted to show off all the gildings in the West Wing, Republican Congressmen packed the rooms. They thought he said geldings.
— The Ukraine war would end in 24 hours if Ukraine got its nukes back.
— Are the South American immigrants Trump “rescued” receiving government benefits?
— DEI is divisive, but a President saying he hates Democrats isn’t?
— For those who think a king is OK, wait until he goes after your family jewels.
— Why is that discoloration on Trump’s hand? Out, damn spot!
Now my head hurts.
Dianne Lethaby
East side
The real ‘Sucker and Loser’
Trump was shown to be a fool by “best friend” Putin today. In a conference Xi arranged for Wednesday, Putin, Xi and Modi were hugging, laughing, and enjoying themselves. In particular, after the “warm” greeting he gave “Putin Double #5,” last week, Modi walked hand-in-hand with Putin, despite not giving Trump the time of day. Today, Kim arrived. The topic is Taiwan.
If China moves to blockade Taiwan, due to protection agreements made by Trump and most presidents with Taiwan, America could lose lives.
Four countries, led by real “tough guys,” not actors, are fed up with Trump and ready to force our hand on Taiwan. For every U.S. warship produced, China currently produces three, preparing for a naval blockade. The Daily Mail writes, ”busting the blockade could cost the U.S. 21,000 casualties, 45 ships, an aircraft carrier, two submarines and over 1,000 aircraft,” if these countries unite against Trump, not America.
Under international law, a blockade would be considered an act of war.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
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