Tucson Speaks Out: June 17 letters of the day

Our current political environment has created two truths, one for each major party. This division is a fracturing of reality. Many on the “right” have adopted Trump’s sociopathic version of reality and have accepted it as their own. But how did Trump destroy the truth for so many people? He simply put out a constant drumbeat of propaganda to discredit our existing truths and institutions. His “fake news” mantra unmoored listeners from the old system of information. This caused cognitive dissonance to the point that listeners didn’t know what to believe anymore. This instability of mind is not a stable condition that people can exist in for long. They need a foundation of truth to anchor them. Through confirmation bias, they chose to believe that Trump was the wellspring of truth and therefore disregarded all information outside of Trump’s sphere as being corrupt and lies. Once voters can no longer discern the difference between truth and fiction, they are candidates for fascist rule.

Steve Rasmussen

Foothills

Democratic norms endangered

Some writers have offered that concerns about Trump’s attacks on democratic norms are overblown and alarmist. We should simply understand the context of his call to be a dictator. Apparently, we should also ignore his years of unfounded accusations that the 2020 Presidential election was “rigged.”

Undermining the judicial system is Trump’s current obsession. Even with his million-dollar attorneys, he says all the court cases he has lost this past year were “rigged.” According to him, the veteran judges in each of these cases were “corrupt,” “biased” or “crooked.” The jury of his peers who unanimously found him criminally guilty last week are also suspect. Trump supporters are calling for violence against the jurors.

Are these relentless attacks on our democratic institutions — free and fair elections and trial by jury — overblown concerns or clear warnings that the country's democratic norms are in danger?

Jack Sidry

Northeast side

Twelve say guilty 34 times

Of course, Trump and his Republican MAGA minions are complaining about his conviction on 34 counts, claiming that the trial was rigged and a disgrace. But there's one thing that's indisputable. He was convicted by a jury of twelve independent and objective jurors, male and female, Republican and Democrat, and the jury was selected by both the prosecution and defense attorneys.

Jeff Aronson

Northeast side

Pride and God

Re: the June 6 letter "Gay pride."

As a Bible-believing Christian, the letter writer knows Matthew 7:1-3, where Jesus warns, "Judge not, that ye be not judged." Jesus then appeals that people look at themselves. I ask the letter writer and others with similar beliefs to do what He directs. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"

I am an 81-year-old gay male who has been in a committed relationship for 52 years. God know that I have had much more than my fill of ignorance, bigotry, phobia, and prejudice. People are entitled to believe what they want, but beliefs will never, ever silence the "very loud minority" of LGBTQI+ people. Yes, we are loud and proud and hopefully not only in Pride Month. Everyone: rest assured. We will evermore celebrate our diversity, equity and inclusion in a society which still remains free. The rainbow is as divergent and empowered as ever. Thank God!

Robert Kafes

Midtown

Response: Latino Catholic and conservative

Re: the June 7 article "Latino Catholic and conservative Republican."

Morality? Seriously? Your candidate has been liable for rape, talked about grabbing women's genitals and is unrepentant. Just to name a few highlights. But please, tell me more about the kind of Republican you aspire to. Remember, Father Coughlin, a Catholic priest, conspired with Hitler to attack Jewish people. He collaborated with the Nazis. He was a rabid antisemite and a conservative Republican. Did I mention a Catholic Priest. I am Latino, recovered Catholic and out and proud homosexual liberal. Compassion, kindness, care for the poor and refugee, love for all living creatures, even the vile ones motivate me. I am sure Rush Limbaugh is looking up from Hell appreciating one of his wins.

Thom Melendez

Midtown

It’s Trump’s fault

The Republican MAGA base complains that Trump’s New York trial was rigged because he had a Democrat prosecutor, Democrat judge, Democrat Legislature and Democrat jury.

But that’s all Trump’s fault.

He should have committed his 34 felonies in Florida, where he could have had a Republican MAGA prosecutor, a Republican MAGA judge, a Republican MAGA Legislature and a Republican MAGA jury.

The lesson is: if you’re going to commit crimes, commit them in a favorable jurisdiction.

James Nesci

East side

Perfect irony

To the Editor,

I find it perfectly ironic that the guy (Trump) who is forever whining and loudly complaining that every attempt to hold him legally accountable for his actions and behavior is “election interference” is himself unanimously convicted of feloniously falsifying business records in furtherance of, yes, you guessed it — election interference.

Eric Weiss

Foothills

Opportunity lost

June 6, 2024, there was a ceremony to commemorate D-Day. Eighty years ago, the Allies landed on Normandy. President Biden gave a speech. He quite properly gave praise to the few remaining soldiers who were in attendance. He improperly compared the war between Russia and Ukraine as comparable to WWII with a call for the current generation to be ready to emulate.

Vladimir Putin was not invited. Over 20 million Russians were killed in WWII. This compares to 400,000 Americans. This could have been a coming together event between Russia and NATO with the objective of ending this tragic war. After the Berlin wall came down they were assured that NATO wouldn’t expand towards Russia, 32 nations are in NATO today. In the current war, an estimated death count on both sides is 500,000. It is unbelievable that this could be happening today.

Jack Walters

Northeast side

Four years ago

Re: the June 9 letter "Better off today than 4 years ago?"

The writer advises that we should just consider the "cold hard numbers."

This would be tantamount to asking "Mrs. Lincoln, other than that, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the performance of each actor?

How can you consider the price of gas without considering the time frame?

Many people were sheltering at home. Jobs had been lost.

The refineries were running out of storage. They could hardly give it away.

Who wants to buy gas with nowhere to go?

And you think our "leaders" had anything to do with that?

Well ... in a way, you might be right. No. 45 implied that if we just waited, it would all just go away, maybe with the help of some rays and liquids!

Maybe he knew you would remember him for low gas prices.

What ... you want another pandemic?

David Hatch

Southeast side

Will the real bullies please stand up

Re: the June 11 letter "Understanding bullies."

A Trump "loyal"ist tells us that Democrats, liberals, liberal media and some Star readers are bullies, and they are going to get their comeuppance. Once again, the letter writer transfers Trumpian qualities onto those he disagrees with: "bully, coward, self-centered, narcissistic." Trump embodies all those traits supremely. The letter suggests his designated bullies accept his predicted election loss, leave quietly and all will be well. Leave quietly and gracefully as did Trump? That angry, vindictive bully refused to accept legitimate election results and incited an insurrection. Republicans have carried on the Big Lie, wreaking havoc ever since. Even before Trump's loss, they bullied poll workers, school board members, public health officials, citizens at ballot drop boxes, LGBTQs, and just about anyone not aligning with Trumpian "values." Recall Trump supporters' plans to kidnap Michigan's governor! We've seen the true bullies. The letter writer seems to have serious memory issues and appears to think Republicans and sore loser Trump are exempt from civil behavior and decency.

Deb Klumpp

Oro Valley

Bullies 2.0

Re: the June 11 letter "Understanding bullies."

The previous administration, the Republican Party, the conservative media and a number of your readers are simply schoolyard bullies. Does this sound like projection?

If they resist, they will bear the brunt of very hard, unforgettable lessons. Such is the life of a bully like Donald J. Trump?

Fear not, true believers! Orange Jesus will prevail!

James Abels

Midtown

When does life begin?

Re: the June 11 article "SCOTUS has a distressing fragrance."

If Mr. Farrington wants to know when life begins, he should follow the science.

In an August 2018 report from the Northwestern Prizker school of law, 95% of biologist i.e. 5212 out of 5502 Believe life begins at fertilization i.e. conception. The question is not when human life begins, but when we value all human life equally.

Paul Reiling, MD

Foothills

Why Biden ...

Not being from Delaware, I have always followed Joe Biden since he was elected Senator (1972). Before politicians limited letters or calls to their own districts, I wrote him. He returned one thanking me for his support.

When Neilia and their daughter were killed immediately following his win, just before being sworn in, I sent a condolence, and he responded.

Biden has always been an honest, decent person who cares about people. He is the most knowledgeable about foreign affairs, positive and has great common sense. While he is two years older than me, I know I’m slowing down a bit (but not as confused in my mind as his opponent, however.)

He speaks firmly, with determination, supporting us all and a future he may not see. However, he continues to make us a better nation, not “rotting” as his opponent says. He works to create a nation for all of us, not just the wealthy or his ego.

He may have his moments, but not his gov fetes.

Sheldon Metz

Northeast side

Suspected ISIS-K terrorists

who crossed border arrested

Eight individuals from Tajikistan with suspected connections to ISIS-K were arrested in New York, Los Angeles and elsewhere by ICE and the FBI. A wiretap had revealed one of the individuals discussing bomb-making. The men came to the U.S. through the southern border and their criminal background checks came back negative. They then were released from Border Patrol custody. One of the suspects used CBP One to claim asylum and be allowed entry. Under Biden's term in office, thousands of young men from the Middle East and Central Asia have been allowed entry into the country with just cursory domestic criminal background checks done on them. None done in their home countries. FBI Director Wray has been warning for months that the border was open to potential terrorists. I believe that President Biden was briefed on this case weeks ago and knowing this revelation was coming, announced his border Executive Order. How many more potential terrorists have entered the country under Biden's de facto open border policies?

Gary Beachwood

Green Valley

Duly elected Democrats

Re: the June 11 letter "Understanding bullies."

I am surprised this vile threatening letter from the Oro Valley poster was published.

The Democrats in office were duly elected by the people. They did not bully their way into government, nor do they issue threats.

The writer calls Democrats a list of names, declares them "bullies" and ominously says they will be “put in their place.” A place that, to him, means a loss of "power and status.”

What? Is he going to take away their power to vote?

“If they resist, they will be (sic) the brunt of very hard, unforgettable lessons.”

The bullies are the ones issuing threats. That would include the Jan. 6 cop-beating rioters, two corrupt Supreme Court justices, Trump (“ can’t we just shoot them in the knees?”) and his cult the letter writer.

Christi Driggs

Northwest side

Oppose I-11

I-11 is a disaster to AZ. Please consider adding along I-10 to make a win-win situation for the nature, economy, ultimately, humankind. Thank you.

Li Schmidt

West side

Ciscomani political signs

Juan Ciscomani wins first place in achieving name recognition — via abusing public space. His all-out-of-proportion signs are clogging up the four corners of every intersection, dwarfing those of other contenders. And we commuters are going to have to endure this blight for the next five months. If there isn't a regulation limiting sign size, there certainly should be. I'll be much more likely to vote for those who are confident enough to let their record speak for them, such as his opponent Kirsten Engel.

Denice Blake

Midtown