Tucson Speaks Out: October 25

Oil and gas politics

The political irony surrounding American energy policy is striking. Despite running on an aggressive "drill, baby, drill" platform, Trump’s policies have effectively constrained consumption of oil and gas more than Biden’s administration, with its “kill fossil fuels” mission and policies intended to ultimately decrease consumption by raising fossil fuel costs. Now, with prices climbing due to global supply disruptions, political roles have reversed as Democrats are using high fuel costs as a major reason for voting against Republicans.

John Schmitz

Marana

Morality is on the ballot

While policy issues are very important, they are no longer what motivates my support for Democratic candidates. Morality is now the prominent issue, with incredible, hideous and daily immorality exhibited…flaunted … by this president and his enablers . When he stood on a podium and publicly mocked and imitated a reporter with a medical condition, that was a defining moment for me. As a former special education teacher, I found his behavior then to be disgusting, repulsive and immoral, and I still do today.

I urge all my fellow Americans to reject the immorality and corruption of what the Republican Party has become, both through public action and at the polls.

Randy Spalding

Downtown

History makes me afraid

I just took a short course on the economics and logistics of World War II, and I’m scared. When the Nazis came to power in Germany, some major businesses backed the government. Sound familiar? In response, the government imposed tariffs, isolating Germany to support them. Germany became very isolationist. They blamed the country’s problems on non-white Aryans — Jews and immigrants. They took over the control of the press to avoid criticism. Driven by his ego, Hitler made bad assumptions and decisions leading up to and conducting the war. He insisted on micromanaging the war rather than relying on experienced, knowledgeable staff. This led Germany into a quagmire that led to its defeat and destruction. Does any of this sound familiar? Does it sound like the 6 o’clock news? We should be afraid, very afraid.

Don Davenport

Oro Valley

Consequences of Trump

Trump has taught us all something. I never worried about Iran attacking this country, but I did worry about Russia starting a world war. I always thought of Canada, Europe and South Korea as our allies, but Trump believes that Russia and North Korea are our most trusted allies. As the population of this country drops, there are fewer people willing to work in the farm fields and senior centers, but Trump believes we don’t need immigrants for anything. I worry about climate change and the ravaging fires, storms and deaths that result. Trump believes climate change is a hoax. I believe we need to support medical research and help third-world countries when we can, but Trump believes this has no value. I worry about the absolute power that AI could assume, but Trump says this, too, is a hoax. Can anyone believe this country is in a better place after two years under the leadership of the Republican Party?

Kenneth Cohn

Northwest side

Al Capp, the satirist

Many years ago, Al Capp of Li'l Abner fame, created a satirical character named Jubilation T. Cornpone. Some people might find it amusing to see how that name is used as a reference nowadays. Might even see a comparison or three.

Cynthia Schiesel

East side

Trump's ego fest

United States envoy Steve Witkoff lost international credibility after referring to Russian leader Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian.” Both Trump and Witkoff continued to praise, even fawn over Putin, despite being sought as a war criminal by the International Court for the tens of thousands of deaths of Ukrainian citizens and soldiers. Ironically, even as Putin and Witkoff spoke, Russian security announced the arrest of a German citizen based on charges similar to those of American school teacher James Hubbard. If only Trump could end his ego fest and recognize that the genuine heroes to emulate are the brave Ukrainian people and their indefatigable leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Roger Shanley

East side