Tucson Speaks Out: July 4 letters of the day

I find it interesting: Mr. Jette has run as a Republican (2012 when running against Barbara LaWall); an independent; now a Democrat and supports the Maga-Republican who lost to Attorney General Kris Mayes.

He receives money from a developer who has given to the anti-abortion movement; on his website he has a proposal to urge women to try adoption, rather than abortion. Mr. Jette was the prosecutor where the defendant shot the man, in the back, running away from the shooter. Mr. Jette could not get a conviction? What kind of trial lawyer is he?

Can Mr. Jette be trusted with protecting our precious native desert from overdevelopment, as he has received money from developers as the County Attorney responsible for this area?

We don’t know enough about Mr. Jette and his motivations. As I voted for Laura Conover in 2020, I will proudly vote for her determination and commitment to make the changes desperately needed to our criminal justice system. Jette is a wolf in sheep’s clothing

Melanie Heavilon

West side

An open letter to President Biden

Three years in office, you have acted to bring more justice and mercy at home and abroad than any predecessors, especially under the most adverse political climate created by anti-democratic forces near and far. Thus, it is understandable that you want to seek a second term.

Since 2021, it has been clear to me (84 years-old, retired at 72, before I fail to give my students the best) and others that the burdens of your office have slowed you down significantly. Watching your mind drifting during the recent debate broke my heart. I sincerely plead you to have a soul-searching conversation with your confessor or spiritual director (not political advisors) concerning whether you should accept the reality of life and allow the process to produce a worthy successor while time permits. A gracious and magnanimous exit will shine brighter than any star in political history. This will be a spiritual decision for the sake of your soul and the soul of America.

Ke Chiang Hsieh

Midtown

State GOP Convention delegates

The situation of the Republican Party in Arizona would be comical if it were not so serious. I know that I represent less than a majority of primary voters when I say that fealty to Donald Trump has destroyed any meaningful idea of a Republican Party in this state, but the fact that those who agreed to the fake elector scheme are pleading innocent rather than plea bargaining shows that the ethical standards are as low as the intelligence level of these individuals.

I was a Goldwater Republican, my first Presidential election; I imagine he is kicking in his grave at the absurdity that the Republican Party in Arizona (and nationally) has become.

John A. Johnson

Foothills

U of A president search

Dear Editor:

So Gov. Hobbs vetoed a bill that would clearly state university faculty’s role in “shared governance.’’ I’m all in favor of faculty having a say in academic offerings, but I can only imagine where faculty goes when they’re asked to make hard decisions about staffing or wage interdepartmental battles – I suspect they head for the hills. As we’ve seen in the past year, running a university isn’t easy and there are plenty of people — including faculty — willing to throw rocks at university leaders. If you really want to see the state’s universities collapse, just put the faculty in charge.

Steven J. Hilton, Arizona Alumni ‘83

Northwest side

Time for a self-check on letters

I have been an Arizona Daily Star subscriber for almost 40 years. In that time I have regularly read the Opinion Page and Letters to the Editor. I have submitted letters and a few Guest Opinions. I make a point of closely reading well written Opinions and Letters expressing views counter to my own. Of late however, we see more and more of the same opinions expressed repeatedly by the same authors, particularly in the Letters section. With no new substantive statements or nuance to their previous submissions. Letters often appear from the same author within a week’s time (or occasionally even two letters published on the SAME day!). No matter the political perspective. Frankly, nobody wants to hear from me/you/anybody that often and certainly not if its repetitive with nothing new to add. Take a breath before you hit send. Maybe call a friend. Take a walk. Or just take a break. See you in the Daily Star.

Paul Simon

Northwest side

Arizona State financial problems

Re: the June 30 letter “Two budget busters responsible for Arizona deficit.”

I noticed in the Star another well-written letter from a regular contributor. The letter writer is notable for her clear analyses of the many problems facing our state caused by the incredibly incompetent Republican-controlled state legislature.

She points out the two most egregious bits of legislation foisted off on us by those mendacious fools:

1. The flat tax that drove the Arizona Treasury from a surplus to a disgusting deficit.

2. The voucher system that gives my tax dollars to all kinds of unregulated schools — many of the religious ilk — and has put us behind an $864 million eight ball (so far).

Thanks to eagle-eyed people like this letter writer, we voters know how to cast a ballot come November.

Right on!

Jerry Helm

Northwest side

Tucson Pops Orchestra

On the evenings of June 29 and 30, the Tucson Pops Orchestra and Chorus performed an Independence Day Celebration in St. Augustine’s Cathedral. I, along with several hundred other people had the pleasure of attending. It was one and a quarter hours without politics, rancor, or a loud voice to be heard. We are so fortunate to live in a community which values the arts. May the Pops continue to “make a beautiful noise” (apologies to Neil Diamond) for many years to come.

Evelyn Shapiro

Oro Valley

Presidential debate reaction

I was shocked to see Biden’s appearance at Thursday’s presidential debate. In the first couple of minutes I suspected the “light bulb” wasn’t fully on upstairs and fearfully asked “What’s wrong with our President?”

This is more than a bad night for him. Confidence has sunk to its lowest level.

Kathy Storrie

Foothills

Supreme Court power grab

The Trump-appointed majority on the U.S. Supreme Court just grabbed more power than it has ever had. It overturned a previous decision that said federal agencies should be given discretion on technical issues when Congress has not spoken clearly.

What qualifies as a protein regulated by the FDA? How should Medicare measure a “geographic area” when calculating reimbursements to hospitals? How many parts per million of lead should a polluter be allowed to emit? These arcane issues will no longer be decided by agencies but will be subject to decisions by the non-experts in the court.

This is one of the many reasons we cannot allow Donald Trump to return to the presidency. Lower federal courts led by Trump-appointed judges have upended our judicial system with partisan decisions too. To save our democracy, we must vote for Joe Biden, like it or not.

Anne Mitchell

East side

Biden: Wisdom knows when to step aside

President Biden succeeded in accomplishing good policies for our future, recovering from Trump’s chaotic disaster.

But, presidents don’t get to create and administrate good policies unless they can communicate them well to the public, and debunk the opponent’s policies and character. Biden failed to do that during the debate. Republicans will play and replay the debate’s many cringe-worthy moments endlessly.

A wise man knows how to see himself. Wise people understand that aging is inevitable and final. Wisdom knows when to step aside, victorious, rather than remain in a final competition that will crush one’s reputation into ignominy.

Democratic accomplishments need another standard-bearer who can represent, with vigor, the values and vision our country needs to continue. The threat of losing this election requires putting the good of the country above personal ambition.

Some kindly suggestions to Joe Biden are necessary. The question is: From whom will he listen?

Bruce Joffe

South Tucson

County Supervisor race

I would vote for Rex Scott for president if I could. Instead, I’ll darken the oval for Rex for County Supervisor and cross my fingers that he’d consider a Presidential run someday. Right now, he is busy serving the people of Pima county as the vice-chair for District 1. I’ve known Rex since the early 90’s when he was my boss at a local public school. He is one of the most rational, conscientious, fair-minded and decent people I’ve ever met and deserves to be re-elected to the board. He understands the connections among all the entities that affect Pima county, especially education, economics, public health and natural resources. A vote for Rex Scott is a wise investment in Pima county’s future.

Anne Fitzsimmons

Northwest side

Supreme Court

It seems we don’t have to worry about Trump being a dictator. We already have one — the Supreme Court. Ignoring precedent, taking away rights, allowing all kinds of ways to kill people, taking huge bribes, not recusing. And they do it with impunity — no consequences, no checks and balances, no way to appeal. Now they have given Trump almost total immunity. No one is above the law never was true, but now it is laughable. I fear for our democracy.

Jean Israel

SaddleBrooke