Tucson Speaks Out: July 13 letters of the day

Dear Editor,

Some folks look at Donald Trump and see an orange Jesus. Others look at him and see an orange jumpsuit.

It used to be that Americans cared about the difference between good and evil, right and wrong, truth-telling and false witness. They did an evaluation of character to decide whether to vote for a candidate.

Today people don’t think character contributes much to qualifying someone for office. What is important is the candidate’s power to bring the cost of groceries down.

Republicans have always been about protecting corporations and the wealthy, but isn’t this taking economics just a little too far?

Kimball Shinkoskey

Downtown

Qualification for president

For the rare person undecided on how to vote for president; think about this. Inflation and border migration are thought to be big 2024 issues. Inflation is driven by money supply, supply and demand. Migration is driven by conditions in the migrant’s home country. No president has a quick fix for these problems.

Foreign policy is decided almost entirely by the president and his selected advisors. They pick international partners, form alliances, and cooperate with other leaders to influence events. International cooperation will be vital to solving or resolving international issues. The world today is a complex and dangerous place. Issues include: Ukraine/Russia, Israel/Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, Houthis, Iran and its proxies, China/Taiwan, North Korea, Terrorists and more. Appeasement kicks the can down the road. A quick flashy deal usually creates future problems.

Which candidate will you chose to make effective policy decisions and pick the best strategic partners in the unavoidable mess that is our international situation?

Peter McCray

Foothills

Both sides

I am so tired of reading the radical, socialist, communist, pinko letters to the Red Star about Donald Trump. We should hear what lifelong Republicans who served with him in government have said about him.

Pence “I cannot in good conscience endorse him”. Bolton “unfit to be president”. Coats “a threat to democracy”. Tillerson “I didn’t say he was a moron, I said he was a (bleeping) moron”. Mo Brooks “dishonest, disloyal, incompetent, and crude”. Rubio “a con artist”. McConnell “practically and morally responsible for provoking” the Jan 6th riot. Kelly says, “he has nothing but contempt for our democratic institutions, our constitution and the rule of law” and confirms that he said our fallen troops are “suckers”. Paul Ryan says, “Call me a Never-Again-Trumper.”

It’s so helpful to hear both sides of the story.

Jack Garner

Southeast side

Journalism

Easy solution to the Ciscomani political sign problem and much sooner than 5 months! Vote for Kathleen Winn and the Ciscomani signs come down July 31st!

Jarrett Kreger

East side

Where will it end?

Re: the June 26 article “Activists sue to regulate pumping near San Pedro River.”

Your recent article on threats to the San Pedro River was depressing. I was born and raised in Tucson until I left for college over 50 years ago. I will soon return for good and have been reading the Star to become reacquainted with my hometown. It appears that big developers have incredible power over Arizona’s priorities, favoring short-term economic gain over conservation of the state’s natural beauty and resources. Where will it end? I find it hard to believe that most citizens of Southern Arizona would prefer to scrape more virgin land to build 35,000 homes and jeopardize the San Pedro River. Growing up, encounters with the burst of life at natural surface water in Arizona’s arid landscapes was always magical. It will be hard to appreciate the role of the San Pedro in Arizona’s culture and history when it runs dry. I urge the ADWR and Gov. Hobbs to support greater management of the San Pedro River.

Fred Davis

West side

Take one for democracy

Growing up we had this child size inflatable toy with a sand filled bottom — righted itself every time you punched it. Joe Biden has lived a life like that — always bouncing back and never giving up.

As the sand runs out of the bottom it doesn’t quite right itself. Some days it comes close but as the sand continues to escape. It lists to the side like a slowly sinking ship. Now this metaphor has run its course and I’m sad to say so has Joe Biden.

We’re in the midst of a Harry Potter story with forces of darkness gathering momentum and power. With no magic wands and potions we turn to our leaders to show us the way.

Show the world we are America. Have a knock down drag out Democrat convention with the nomination up for grabs. No more orchestrated infomercial for the shoe in candidate. Get down and dirty and let the chips fall where they may.

Out of metaphors. Time for action.

Rick Rappaport

Oro Valley

2024 Presidential Election

July 4, 2024 — I cried at last night’s PBS, Capital 4th program. Everything was there, the beautiful patriotic music, the grand military chorus and band, the fantastic performers, happy Americans celebrating their independence, and the fireworks.

My enjoyment was diminished by the dark thought that our democracy could be invaded by the election of a fascist. Will our republic which ensures freedom for all become the plaything of the next president? This may seem melodramatic but I fear the possible election of the narcissistic, dishonest, felon, Donald J. Trump. Mr. Trump’s rhetoric and disgusting behavior clearly show he is unfit to serve as President. The myriad of lies, boasts and brags about MAGA America’s future clearly indicates he wants to rule as if he were king! He is a danger to our lives and the very underpinnings of democracy. I am confident in saying that NO elected president in the entire history of America was so unhinged and dangerous.

Vote in November, and please consider America’s future health and viability.

Arthur Flagg

East side

Time for new leadership

President Biden has been a strong president and is a great American. However, his debate performance against Trump went far beyond a “bad night” Prior to the debate, I was a strong Biden supporter, looking forward to him putting Trump in his place for his criminal conduct, disgraceful lies, and general anti-American behavior.

However, after seeing Biden’s confused, incoherent, deer in the headlights debate performance, I realized it is time for immediate change.

Vice President Kamala Harris is ready for the challenge to defeat Trump in November. She is a former prosecutor, Attorney General, and Senator. She has proven to be an effective fighter on important issues like Reproductive Rights. She would inherit Biden’s campaign funds and delegates, so it would eliminate a messy fight at the convention. A VP choice from a swing state (like Senator Mark Kelly) will make a strong ticket. Time to pass the torch!

Tony Zinman

Midtown

How ‘Blind Justice’ is served today

In the interest of justice it is expected that the federal courts act in a manner that does not unduly favor any individual, federal branch, institution or political entity. With respect to the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunities, six justices failed miserably and deliberately put their fingers on the scales of blind justice.

My question is: would the majority opinion have been the same if the defendant had been the 44th or the 46th President? I seriously doubt it. If you haven’t done so yet, consider the consequences in light of Project 2025 and a candidate’s expressed desire for a ‘Unified Reich.’

Bryan Lane

Green Valley

Lack of creativity

Where is Republican creativity when it comes to campaign slogans? Hasn’t it been about two decades with the fear mongering ‘Border Crisis’ as their calling card, and what have they done to solve it. Nothing, in fact they have voted as obstructionists especially when their leader of chaos tells them too. Ciscomani is back on the ad campaign once more crying border crisis. He voted against the last bill that they all cried for, got it, then sunk it. Great way to help America.

This is the same party that tries to trash talk the economy, and what’s their plan or solution. That wonderful ‘Trickle down economy’ where the rich get richer, but nothing trickles down to the people that need it.

Vote in Democrats who work for the people and America. Let’s have respect and love, not more of the party of fear and hate.

Carl Olson

West side

The 25th and SC

The focus of the voters needs to be on the age and fitness of the candidates. But realistically that focus must also address the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution and future appointments to the US Supreme Court. The last 3 Court appointments have brought the country close to the edge of monarchical tyranny. Should the 25th Amendment be necessary during the term of the person elected in November, the then sitting Vice President becomes the sitting president. How does President J.D. Vance or President Marco Rubio make you feel? Or would you prefer President Kamala Harris? The choice for president is crucial if only because of who will succeed him.

Kenneth Haber

Northwest side

Vet yes, Trump NO

As a veteran of the US Air Force who had a top secret clearance, I have three specific reasons why I can never vote for Trump. 1. If I had taken classified documents to my house and left them completely unsecured, I would still be in prison. 2. He didn’t attend the 100th anniversary celebration of the end of WWI in 2018. In addition, he said he thought those who died were, “suckers and losers”, because there was nothing personally in it for them. Retired general John Kelly is the source for these statements, I trust him far more than Trump who lies about everything. 3. He got out of military service during the Vietnam War because his daddy paid a doctor to certify “bone spurs”. I have respect for those who declared they would not serve in opposition to the war. I have no respect for those who bought their way out of serving.

Don Ries

Southeast side

I won’t take Joe

Re: the July 7 article “What happens if disaster strikes the presidency.”

In his guest opinion, author Terry Bracy states, “The choice we make in 2024 could be as important as saving the planet. We must choose carefully, and if it is to be between two old men, I’ll take Joe!” Swell. More hyperbole from someone who tries to dismiss what 75% of Americans are seeing. Joe Biden is both mentally unfit to be president and a proven national security threat.

You ignore the fact that the nuclear launch codes are very near a mentally incompetent Biden 24/7/365. That’s playing with a possible unnecessary nuclear war. His border policy PROVES he is a threat. along with his entire national security team. An estimated 8-10 million illegals, which includes 1-2 million gotaways, are here during Biden’s presidency. A record 400 undocumented on the global terrorist lists have been detained by the Border Patrol. Yet Mr. Bracy says, “I’ll take Joe.” Pathetic.

Steve Sollenberger

Foothills

Bring back good train travel

With the following airline stats it is time to start thinking about train travel again.

JULY 7 2024 Total delays 32,687, total cancelation 1,358.

Start planning for 100 to 200 mph. high-speed trains.

Routes that are too long to drive and too short to fly would be a place to start.

An overnight train between cities 600 or so miles apart with a compartment would be ideal. Even the coach could be better.

The advantages, fewer lines, no inspections, less crowded, better seating and less chaos getting on and off.

Then for longer trips, in the distant future, upgraded compartments, club cars and dining cars with tables and chairs, no seatbelts or sudden downdraft and interesting scenery.

It is slower, but arriving well rested would be worth it.

It could take 25 to 50 years but we need to get started.

Donald Plummer

Northwest side

What have they done for Arizona?

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will provide $5.3B over 5 years for AZ roads, bridges, ports, airports, and public transportation, and ~$1B for high-speed broadband in rural areas. AZ can also compete for part of an additional $30B available for specific projects.

The CHIPS Act has provided grants totaling $20B for semiconductor plants in AZ, which has led to an additional ~$50B in private investment from Intel and TSMC.

The Inflation Reduction Act is providing tax credits to individuals and businesses for weatherization and purchases of energy-efficient appliances and roof-top solar, as well as loans to rural co-ops for battery storage, as reported recently in the Star.

However, all Republicans in the Arizona delegation voted against all three bills. So, as they seek re-election in November, it is fair to ask our Republican representatives what they have done for Arizona during their current session in Congress.

Barbara Hall

Midtown

Strong leader?

Reading about Putin’s missile attack on Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital made me think of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Trump has proclaimed he would end the Russian/Ukraine conflict in 24 hours. He has also stated he would withdraw all military support for Ukraine on day 1. Problem solved. He would deliver Ukraine to his authoritarian supervisor in much the same way Neville Chamberlain delivered Czechoslovakia to Adolph Hitler in 1938. Chamberlain was a weak leader. So would be the Bloviator-in-Chief Donald Trump.

Rick Klumpp

Oro Valley