Tucson Speaks Out: Nov. 12 letters of the day

Former President Donald Trump’s argument is that he was not an officer of the United States even though, as president, Trump was the Commander in Chief. This sounds like the argument former President Bill Clinton tried to make in front of a grand jury in 1998 saying, “It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is.” Trump’s lawyer says while others at the state and federal level take an oath to “support” the constitution of the United States, the president only takes an oath to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

So a president can “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution but not “support” it? This is about as absurd as a teenager killing his parents, then throwing himself at the mercy of the court because he is an orphan.

The argument by Trump is trying to make a distinction when there is no difference. Trump is Constitutionally disqualified to be on the ballot.

Matt Somers

Midtown

Both parties broke the house

Re: the Nov. 1 letter “A broken House of Representatives.”

The letter writer writes that the Republicans broke the House with the election of Representative Johnson as speaker. She’s correct — it’s broken — but she fails to recognize that the Democrats are equally responsible. McCarthy and some Democrats worked to avoid a government shutdown last month. And how did the Democrats repay McCarthy: Not a single one voted to retain him as speaker! The Democrats could have avoided the result we have today, but they choose not to. Why didn’t they? Because they are as partisan as the MAGA Republicans.

And as to her list of what Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats accomplished, please take note of the unsustainable increase in our national debt. Per the Wall Street Journal, “The Congressional Budget Office expects payments on the federal debt to more than triple as a share of gross domestic product to 6.7% by 2053.” And no, I’m not a Trump supporter. I’m an independent voter looking for responsible elected officials who truly put the interest of the country first.

James Tuthill

Oro Valley

Our Representative is not representative

I was extremely disappointed to see “Representative” Ciscomani vote for election-denier Mike Johnson for Speaker of the House. What could be less democratic than putting Johnson in line for the Presidency after Johnson voted to throw out our votes in 2020? I’m ashamed to be represented by someone who doesn’t want my vote to count.

Matt Ball

Foothills

Politicizing at DOTD celebration

I love Tucson and visit frequently. This year, I participated in the Day Of The Dead celebration. I think it’s not a good idea to have political groups in the procession or on the grounds. I’m talking the microphoned BIBLE THUMPERS, even the Palestinian group. It’s the days of the dead; honor your dead. Walk for your ancestors, and leave your personal views at home. I think those ruin it.

Neeny Tyo

East side

UA ‘financial crisis’ requires action

Re: the Nov 7 article “University of Arizona cuts budget amid ‘financial crisis.”

Two thoughts about the “financial crisis” at the University of Arizona:

First, the Board of Regents must investigate probable mismanagement by UA President Robert Robbins and his chief financial officer.

“We made a bet on spending money. We just overshot,” Robbins is quoted in the Star saying to the regents. “Bet” and “just” are the key words, as Robbins underplays what is tacitly his admission of mismanagement.

Regents’ chair Fred DuVal remains so enamored of Robbins that he most likely will protect Robbins from accountability for not doing what is best for the university.

Second, it was good to read that cutting sports is being discussed. “Do we cut sports?” Robbins said to the regents.

Yes, because sports are far from the university’s purpose. In cutting, start with the multimillion-dollar salaries paid to the football coach and the men’s basketball coach.

Michael A. Chihak

West side

Climate migration

Under almost three years of our illustrious President Biden, we have experienced historic illegal immigration of over six million people. Many have claimed asylum, which is supposed to be predicated on fleeing from political or religious persecution. Many migrants claiming asylum are really fleeing for economic reasons. But six million coming here is not enough for the Democrats. They would love to expand the basis for “asylum” or being a “refugee” to include “climate migration.” In other words, fleeing from global climate change. Just about anybody from any country could claim that. All the fault of evil CO2-emitting countries like America. Right down the Democrats’ “victimhood” alley. Have no doubt, if President Biden is re-elected and the Democrats regain control of both chambers of Congress, they will do Comprehensive Immigration Reform to include legalization and citizenship for millions illegally here and expand the basis for applying for asylum and the definition of refugee to include climate migration. Six million coming here illegally now will look like nothing then.

Haley Roberts

Northwest side

Reid Park expansion

I am writing to encourage the Council and taxpayers to reject the Parks proposal to add a 100-yard wide walkway and pocket parks, potential homeless sites, to the Randolph property as it greatly increases costs, personal injury liability risks and provides no tangible incremental value to our community.

This complex and risky initiative is not necessary to ensure that Proposition 407 taxpayer funds are used as approved by voters. Funds have been available to make the noted improvements to buildings and irrigation but continue to be delayed by City Management. Historical City Management of Golf operations resulted in significant operational debt, which was recovered only after PROFESSIONAL Golf Management services replaced City Management.

The Mayor and Council Members are scheduled to vote early December. Please contact them and request that they vote no on adding a walkway and pocket parks to the Randolph Complex and to immediately approve actions to improve existing buildings and modernize irrigation systems.

Terry Finefrock

Foothills

Correcting a ‘history lesson’

Re: the Nov. 9 letter “History lesson on Israel.”

As a Scripture teacher for many years, I feel impelled to correct the mistakes in this letter to the editor. The writer offers Genesis 15:18 as an “archeological fact” that Israel “was deeded to Abraham...” Archeology can discover when and where people lived, but the Bible is a faith document containing certain beliefs about how that happened. The writer also said, “Palestine did not come into existence until 135 AD.” Actually, the land was called Palestine when Jesus lived there. The Romans named that land after the Philistines who had occupied it prior to the Israelites. When Abraham first came to that land and when Joshua later led the tribes of Israel back into it, it was called Canaan. The tribes fought their way in to occupy Canaanite land.

Today’s Jews and Palestinians (some are Muslim, some Christian) are all descendants of Abraham, and all have valid ancestral claims to the land. They need to learn mutual tolerance, acceptance, and respect.

Sister Karen Berry, OSF

Midtown

God’s nation will never cease to exist

Re: the Nov. 4 letter “Where is your outrage?”

The author makes an excellent case for defending Israel’s right to be in the land given to them by God circa 1400 B.C. It’s been an enormous struggle since then. She states that “God will not allow Israel to be defeated and he will wipe out her enemies.”

The Old Testament gives a glaring warning to Israel’s enemies who are sworn to wipe her off the face of the earth. In Psalm 83:16-18, He says, “Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek Your face, O LORD. Let them be put to shame and be dismayed forever; let them perish in disgrace, that they might know You, whose name is LORD, are over all the earth.”

No. Israel is God’s chosen nation, and He will NOT let it be destroyed!

Bob Wineland

Northwest side