Tucson Speaks Out: March 20

Vouchers: The final solution

The blind, the deaf, the lame. The "demon-possessed" by ADHD. The abused, the bored geniuses of color, the imprisoned by non-functioning "parents." Yes, the nightmares public-school teachers have to mainstream in over-crowded, underfunded classrooms.

Our Voucher system is the Final Solution of our elite lawmakers and President to eliminate any chance for a true education to "those people." Their goal is to destroy the opportunity for a free public education to all in America. That democratic concept was first espoused by Thomas Jefferson (a Founding Father, btw).

The school vouchers our tax dollars pay for do not require Charter Schools to "mainstream" these students. And now the downsized Arizona School for Deaf and Blind is stuffing public school classrooms with all their blind and low-vision students.

As we struggle in this Fourth Reich, led by Hitler's self-appointed foundling, be not surprised later as more public schools close, more qualified teachers "retire" and our societal problems continue to spill out onto the streets.

Michael Craig

West side

National intelligence

Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence, testified today that Iran's nuclear capabilities were obliterated 7 months ago and have not been rebuilt. Yes, when asked if they were an imminent danger to the United States, she wavered and equivocated several times without answering yes or no. Finally she said it was the president's role to decide that and not her. She is the Director of National Intelligence and, with the information given, a six-year-old could get it correct. Trump dominates his legion to such an extent that they are afraid to answer even the simplest question, without his approval.

Philip Reinecker

East side

Ciscomani's War

Ciscomani's War with Iran continues. Gas prices are up and going up more here in Tucson. Neighbors are talking about Ciscomani's War with Iran. Today, one more Trump flag was removed from a flagpole in my neighborhood — another MAGA Republican turned against the regime which promised no more wars, especially wars for oil — like Ciscomani's War with Iran. Doesn't look good for Trump here. Doesn't look good for Republicans here. Doesn't look good for Ciscomani here. All of us here in my neighborhood vote. And we will remember Ciscomani's War with Iran — because we will drive our cars past gas stations as we go to vote in November. And yet ... Ciscomani's War with Iran continues.

Stephen Kraynak

Foothills

RTA electoral outcome

Indulge in a little RTA math: Imagine 100 people in a room. Fifty of them leave the gathering immediately. Seventy percent (70%) of the ones who stay choose to kick back, chat, do other stuff, leaving 30% of the 50 people remaining (15 citizens) to step forward and participate in an important decision facing the populace. Sixty percent (60%) of those 15 opinion leaders want one way while 40% want the other outcome. Sixty percent (60%) of 15 is nine (9) people, less than ten percent of the original body. The 50 early opt-outs are folks who could register to vote but, for whatever reason, choose not to do so. The seventy sitting it out are non-voters in this election cycle. Thankfully, the nine who acted to secure the policy they preferred on RTA’s future were sprinkled throughout the City (all Wards approved). One wonders, though, if nine people in a neighborhood of one hundred can accurately capture public preferences.

Mary DeCamp

Downtown

Prioritize zero transit fares for everyone

If the Tucson City Council, Mayor, and residents really want to prioritize quality of life, Tucson’s City Council should continue zero fares transit. When transit fares are free, more people take transit. As a long-time Tucson resident and long-time transit rider, based upon experience, the more people who take transit, automobile use tends to decrease. When automobile traffic tends to decrease, there tends to be cleaner air, less air pollution, less adverse impact on climate change, and greater quality of life for everyone as a result of the positive environmental effects in addition to greater access for those in need to community benefits. And everyone depends upon the quality of air to breathe. Thanks to Tucson City Council for continuing zero transit fares so far. Let’s continue to prioritize quality of air and quality of life with zero fares transit for everyone.

Patricia Bauerle

Midtown

Ciscomani's war of choice

I am writing to share my frustration with “un-representative” Juan Ciscomani. This week, he e-mailed his constituents, saying: “I stand with Trump’s continued action against Iran. Our President is acting within his power so I voted against the War Powers Resolution” which would have forced Congress to debate the war, to evaluate the justification in putting American lives at risk, and the likelihood of positive result for the American people. Did Juan raise concerns about lack of Congressional authorization? No. Did he express reluctance to support potential involvement in an unending military action? No. Trump’s war of choice cost us $11.3 billion dollars in the first week. Did he even attempt to poll his constituents to find out what we think? It doesn't matter to him. As someone who claims to support the military, did he express concern that the soldiers he represents may be harmed by this “war of choice?" Not a bit.

Juan is a Trump puppet who ignores his constituents.

Rachel Rulmyr

Oro Valley

Chutzpah defined

President "Bone Spurs" is demanding that crews on ships "man up" and go through the Straits of Hormuz, a kamikaze move ensuring death. The demand may be the best definition of chutzpah, for it comes from a President who never served nor did any of his children including Barron Trump who is the perfect age for service. On top of that, Trump has referred to those who serve in the military as "losers" and "suckers." Sheer chutzpah!

Barbara Benjamin

Foothills

Bringing down insurance costs

When it comes to our health care system, I think we are seeing a tremendous tide turning, and leaders have finally heard the cries of the American people that the price of their health care is devastating families, patients, and caregivers. Congress (including Rep. Ciscomani) recently voted for a spending bill that included Pharmacy Benefit Manager reforms that will bring more transparency and savings for those on prescription medications. You could practically hear the cheers from independent pharmacists and patients across Tucson. These types of actions from our leaders are long overdue, but better late than never. I truly hope that as our leaders continue to unreel the stinky layers of health insurance companies, they will continue to put the patient and families first. Doing so will ensure that these companies are held accountable and changes for the better will occur.

Scott Brown

South side

War with Iran

Trump was asked why he went to war against Iran, "I had a feeling," he replied and when asked when the war would be over, "When I have a feeling in my bones." When asked about boots on the ground, he responded "Because I feel like it." Whoa! That is me at the racetrack picking a horse or why I bet. That was the President of the United States involving America in an international war. Did he choose those words because he didn't agree with the US intelligence agencies who said the threat against America was not imminent? Remember in 2018 when President Trump met with Putin and Trump said he did not trust American intelligence agencies? So off he goes, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, with no idea when the war will end, or whether there will be boots on the ground. Meanwhile American has lost its allies. Another thing President Trump said with the price of oil skyrocketing, "We are getting rich." Who, pray tell, is "we?"

Jerry Lujan

Oro Valley

Who is treasonous?

The Wall Street Journal’s reporting that Russia is sharing satellite imagery, tactical guidance, and drone technology with Iran should shock and stun every American. President Trump admitted as much about his BFF Vlad helping Iran saying, “I think he might be helping them a little bit, yeah, I guess.” Russia’s intelligence sharing with Iran most certainly will aid Tehran’s targeting of U.S. forces in the region.

Trump loves to throw around the word “treason.” When reporters and broadcasters report actual facts on Trump’s war, Trump said the media should be charged with treason. But what is it called when an American President takes no action against a country giving aid to American enemy? Astonishingly the President has rewarded Russia by lifting sanctions on Russian oil — allowing Russia to amass $billions to reenergize their invasion of Ukraine.

Who is guilty of treason: investigative reporters and media outlets reporting truth and facts or the President once again giving Russia a pass and betraying America and our troops?

Kathy Krucker

Midtown