Tucson Speaks Out: October 6

Government shut down months ago

Beyond their inability to balance the federal budget, the U.S. government has been largely funded by Continuing Resolutions (CRs) for decades. The Congress then rolls their 12 unpassed appropriation bills into Omnibus packages like the “Big Beautiful Bill” that are passed as a CR on a single up or down vote later in the fiscal year. This, in turn, requires block voting by party and no compromises. Some politicians appreciate these huge Omnibus bills too large to evaluate, because they can point to some funding stuck in for their constituents, avoid responsibility for other politically hazardous measures and not have to compromise on anything. This year, with hundreds of thousands of government employees laid off and appropriated funds unspent or redirected, our government has really been shut down for months. If you wonder why the power of the purse is being ignored by recent presidents and the Supreme Court, look no further. Don’t be fooled. Until we have representatives trying to solve the real issues, our pain will continue.

Frank Hartline

Foothills

SNAP on the chopping block

On Sept. 30, SNAP-Ed — the education arm of SNAP — ended in Arizona after federal funding was cut. But this isn’t just about nutrition classes. It’s a warning sign that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program itself, which helps families put food on the table, could be next. SNAP has long been a lifeline: Nearly 1 in 9 Arizonans rely on SNAP, and about 70% of SNAP households include children.

Nationally, new legislation will make it harder for states to sustain SNAP. States with high payment error rates must now pay up to 15% of benefit costs. On top of that, the federal government is reducing its share of administrative costs from 50% to 25% by FY 2027, leaving states to cover 75%. These cost shifts could total hundreds of millions and jeopardize food access for families.

Arizona now has an easy avenue to cut SNAP. But what’s easier than settling? Selling. Accountability is cheaper, and it feeds families.

Mariah Quinn

Midtown

Response to Tim Steller

After reading your article, “Time to focus on Securing Public Spaces” (Sept. 28), I felt somewhat hopeful. Three days before, my 3 1/2 yr old granddaughter and I had a frightening experience at Catalina Park. Six “unhoused” individuals had taken over the play structure. Two of them were cooking dope, and in other parts of the park, several adult males were in various states of delusion or slumped against trees. The police were called, and their response was “our hands are tied.” As Tucson’s “unhoused” population and open drug use continues to invade our neighborhoods, people will move out of this once-vibrant historic neighborhood. Businesses will close, and the effects will be felt throughout the district. Clearly, it is time for another approach where the homeowner, taxpayer, small business owner and our children will be considered. We need to protect our kids’ spaces and support our local law enforcement.

Rebecca Paradies

Foothills

Jimmy Kimmel

The Jimmy Kimmel issue is a test for democracy and is hardly over. It is another crystal-clear example of Trump using his governmental power to force a privately owned media company into changing its content. In this case, it’s for a very specific reason: The president can’t stand being criticized night after night.

After Kimmel was reinstated, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post: “Last time I went after them (ABC), they gave me $16 Million. This one sounds even more lucrative.”

The Trump shakedown is still alive and well.

Steven Freeman

East side

Rogue government

This government administration has gone rogue. The Coronado National Forest website and USDA website posted the following:

“The Radical Left Democrats shut down the government. This government website will be updated periodically during the funding lapse for mission critical functions. President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people.”

Those responsible should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Perhaps the National Guard should be posted at various governmental agencies.

Dennis Winsten

Northeast side

We are at war with us

On Sept. 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland to begin WWII.

On Oct. 1, 2025, Donald J. Trump and Pete Hegseth declared war on the United States of America, as witnessed by 800 generals, admirals and other top brass.

Trump and Hegseth told these 800 generals, who took oaths to defend the Constitution, to violate their loyalty to the Constitution. They told them to be loyal to Trump (and Hegseth), and to use American cities for military combat training. We are now “the enemy within.”

Judge for yourselves.

As Wikipedia explains, ”Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian and ultranationalist political ideology and movement that rose to prominence in 1930’s Europe. It is characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of oppositions and enemies, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests to the perceived interests of the nation, religion or race and strong regimentation of society and the economy. Opposed to communism, democracy, liberalism, pluralism and socialism.”

Sound familiar?

Sheldon Metz

Northeast side

Yearning for a positive word

It appears that a certain proportion of your readership is perpetually upset due to the belief that the Star does not print enough pro-Trump letters to the editor. The newspaper more than makes up for it by featuring his proclamations — with pictures too — multiple times throughout each edition, including the front page. Perhaps the negative posture of his announcements, so well packed with vengeance, pettiness, derogatoriness, and vindictiveness, etc., makes them yearn for a positive word occasionally. Sorry, folks, negativity is all you are going to get from him.

John Attardi

Green Valley

Counterfeit medications can be dangerous

Taking generic medications is one thing, but taking counterfeit or knock-off medications is another. As a retired health care professional, I’m extremely concerned that people are seeing these ads for compounded GLP-1 medications and are thinking they are just as safe as the brand-name GLP-1s that we have come to know. They are not. Oftentimes, they are made with ingredients that were brought over from nations like China or India, whose standards are certainly not as high as we have in the U.S. — that is if those standards exist at all. That creates a dangerous situation where folks are putting these treatments into their body without knowing what exactly is in them. We need Arizona leaders, including Attorney General Kris Mayes, to strengthen the enforcement on these compounding pharmacies that are putting these potentially harmful medications on the market. It is illegal, unsafe, and it could be deadly.

Linda Wieczornzki

Midtown

The difference

I believe that the fundamental difference between a riot and a peaceful demonstration lies in the presence of violence, disorder, and illegal behavior.

Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives, Christians and atheists, need to acknowledge the difference.

The First Amendment in the U.S. guarantees the right to assemble peaceably. This includes public expression of disapproval or dissent through lawful means like marching, chanting, holding signs, speeches or vigils.

A demonstration may openly express a viewpoint, advocate for change, or draw attention to an issue.

A riot is tumultuous, disorderly, and destructive. It involves acts such as looting, arson, vandalism, and assault.

It tends to cause chaos, destruction, or harm, often stemming from extreme anger or frustration.

A riot is a criminal offense that is not protected by law.

There is no justification for rioting in America.

A demonstration, even if it begins peacefully, can escalate and be legally classified as a riot if individuals within the crowd start to engage in violence or destruction.

Tom McGorray

Northwest side