Tucson Speaks Out: Oct. 30 letters of the day

Re: the Oct. 23 letter “Responsibility of gun ownership.”

I fervently agree that safe and responsible firearms are critical. Legally owning a firearm(s), is our right, not a “contrived reason”. The writer’s letter began positively, then descended into the standard rhetoric of whether we “should” even be allowed to own firearms. Shooting sports, recreational shooting (great family experience), and defense of home and family are all valid reasons for firearm ownership.

Craig Bergman

East side

Food and water, or copper?

The federal government is paying some Arizona farmers, some whom have farmed here for generations, to leave their fields fallow due to mandatory water cuts. It’s become obvious that high water use crops like cotton, are not a good fit for Arizona anymore.

Copper mining is a very water-intensive industry. So why are mining companies allowed to pump unlimited groundwater for free in Arizona?

Recently, many of our politicians have pushed for copper to be listed as a critical mineral and that mining it is a green energy issue. This will lead to expedited mine approval by circumventing environmental laws and concerns, aquifer depletion and contamination, disregard of wildlife critical habitat, destruction of Native American heritage sites, and disregard of public welfare.

Why do our politicians think that mining is so important for our state? Perhaps corporate money, propaganda and influence are clouding their judgment.

What’s more important, food and water, or copper; with the permanent destruction that it brings?

Stop ‘Copper World’ in our Santa Rita mountains!

Rick Johnson, member of the Save the Scenic Santa Ritas Guardians

Sahuarita

Next time you vote

Dear People,

Next time you vote, remember how foolish the Republican Party looks. When voting for Congress, make sure the person you vote for will work for the good of the people and not just the party.

Hal Brown

Northeast side

Truth

Generally, there used to be one truth regarding world news and current events. It came in slightly different versions, but somehow between Cronkite, Brokaw, Huntley-Brinkley, and Jennings the truth came out clear and plain. The networks seemed to have an obligation to get to the truth. To validate and vet the broadcasted truth the newspapers of record could be referenced. Now, with every putz with a PC having a voice and a platform, the truth has just become a myriad of opinions. The new ruling networks (CNN, FOX, MSNBC, etc.) only want to get behind the opinion that improves their ratings. And, the newspapers of record seem to strive to create only the opinions their base want to hear. We can’t go back in time to when Cronkite told us, “That’s the way it is.” But hopefully, soon we can move forward to a time when the truth is once again self-evident.

Carl Foster

Green Valley

Carbon facts

Re: the Oct. 25 article “A carbon fee and dividend must be adopted by the U.S.”

Mr. Carran advocates a carbon fee and dividend. While I support this market approach over other solutions, two of his supporting facts are incorrect. Coal which produces 2 tons CO2 from one ton burned is not WORSE than gasoline. A gallon of gas (6 pounds) produces almost 20 pounds CO2. A 3:1 ratio vs. a 2:1.

He also infers causality between carbon level and global ice coverage without documentation.

Steve Scholl

Oro Valley

Technology and limits

Re: the Oct. 26 article “In defense of technology’s forward march.”

I was amused by Jim Douthit’s guest opinion which uses two common distortions — the straw man technique and the “all or nothing argument.”

Douthit constructs a “straw man” that he can then easily attack and tear down, by falsely portraying my editorial as a blanket condemnation of new technology that advocates for the abandonment of all technological advancement. In reality, my piece clearly calls for a judicious examination of new technological advances and their possible consequences rather than their blind acceptance. This is readily apparent by the title “We need to set Limits on New Technology.”

He then advances a blanket defense of capitalism and condemns socialism and Marxism, although these subjects are neither addressed nor mentioned anywhere in the editorial.

Douthit also chooses to ignore the numerous and well-documented negative impacts of much modern technology. Instead, he expects his reader to accept that all modern technology (and capitalism) are unqualified public goods not subject to critical analysis.

Jon Dorschner

Midtown

Wanted: U.S. Congressional Statesmen

Our representative democracy is in need of Senators and Congressmen to conduct, and be responsible for, the nation’s business.

Candidates must be able to pass a basic civics test.

Additionally, the following minimum qualities must be possessed:

1. Able to work as a team member toward identifying and accomplishing common goals.

2. Promote and practice civility at all times.

3. Demonstrate the ability to negotiate among competing positions and compromise to achieve mutually beneficial results.

4. Value (but provide objective oversight) of Executive Branch institutions and their actions.

5. Aggressively self-police members who disregard these performance criteria.

NOTE: Extremists of any political affiliation who can’t or won’t meet the above qualifications need not apply.

Mike Cravens

Marana

Japanese model for gun ownership

In Japan, gun ownership is allowed only after the applicant has passed rigorous psychological examination. Once granted, the owner is regularly re-examined to assure no change has brought on additional risk to the public by the owner. As the owner of guns, I would feel safer if every gun owner in the US underwent such testing.

It is not acceptable for the public to be afraid of being shot by somebody at any location they may be. How long will the public allow the gun nuts and NRA hold us hostage?

The second amendment does not hold the same purpose as it did when it was written. Right-wing fanatics may say they will need them when the government comes for us, but even if that happened, the government will have more and better weapons anyway.

It is well past the time to rein in millions of guns from unworthy owners. It will not be easy nor universally accepted. Neither is seeing the constant slaughter of neighbors, friends and family.

Jeff Rayner

SaddleBrooke

Keating promotion and Conover failures

Re: the Oct. 25 article “Officer in Meixner shooting case promoted.”

The UAPD recently promoted Sgt. Keating to Lieutenant. Keating was responsible for the investigations into reported threats by Murad Dervish against University employees. His apparent failure to properly handle the investigation may have contributed to the death of Professor Meixner. His promotion is an insult to the University community.

Coincidentally, County Attorney Conover has just announced her bid for re-election. Her office also had numerous reports before the shooting concerning Dervish’s threats to kill and did nothing. Her office claimed she could not file charges and, unbelievably, called Keating’s investigation “excellent.” After a public records request, Conover’s office had to admit that other charges could have been brought prior to the shooting. If her office had acted appropriately, Thomas Meixner might still be alive. The community may not be able to undo the Keating promotion, but the people of Pima County can refuse to give Conover a second term.

David Berkman, former chief criminal deputy

Northwest side

Pass the assault weapons ban

Maine is in lockdown because a man with a history of mental illness, armed with an assault-style weapon, is running loose after killing 18 people and injuring others. Congress must pass the Assault Weapons Ban of 2023. We’re not asking the government to “come for your weapons.” This bill would ban the sale, manufacture, transfer and importation of 205 military-style assault weapons by name. Owners may keep existing weapons.

This won’t solve the gun violence epidemic in our country, but it’s a place to start. Let’s also invest in more mental health care and public health data-based solutions, but we need people in Congress who are willing to act on our behalf. Please write to your U.S. Senators and Representatives. Tell them to hold their thoughts and prayers unless those include real action to address the crisis. Honor the victims. Pass the Assault Weapons Ban of 2023.

I am a gun sense advocate, and I vote.

Katie Maass

East side