Tucson Speaks Out: Dec. 7 letters of the day

Re: the Dec. 2 letter “So called assault weapons ban.”

A writer submitted an opinion based on opinion, not the facts relevant to assault rifles. He states “Shortly after taking affect, there was no change to the crime rate.”, in reference to the assault weapons ban of 1994. This may be true, but the data on gun murders show a dramatic reduction from 1994 through 2014, then an increase from 2015 to date. Data is from Statista and Pew Research Center.

I don’t care why the designation AR was made by Colt. I do understand the difference between “stayed” and “staid”. I also know when data is being used in an irrelevant argument. All crime is not murder. Folks on your side of the argument will contort all reason and data to support guns.

My suggestion as well as the other was to license the weapons under an amendment to the NFA. This would screen out many owners that are unfit. AK-47s, SKSs and AR-15s would all fall under the definition and restriction. Prices should be high.

Jeff Rayner

SaddleBrooke

Genocide?

The 2.3 million inhabitants of Gaza, an area the size of Las Vegas, are being substantially decimated by one of the best equipped and powerful militaries. While having advanced from sling shots to modern small arms, they are incapable of effectively defending themselves against tanks, bombs and F-35’s supplied to Israel by the U.S.taxpayer. What was a legitimate response by Israel to a murderous incursion into its territory has gradually morphed into a mission of liquidation. It isn’t Israel’s responsibility to protect its integrity that is being questioned by much of the international community; it is the way its military is executing the delicate campaign of a commensurate response. In the absence of a post-war vision, Israel must conceive a viable plan for the revitalization of the area which must culminate in an eventual two-state solution. Currently, Netanyahu’s cabinet is debating proposals ranging from expulsion of the survivors to “nuking” them (Amichai Eliyahu, Minister of Cultural Heritage). A lamentable lack of statesmanship...

Frederick Leinfest

Oro Valley

Bullet impact

A number of letters have been published debating whether the AR-15 rifle should be banned. The extraordinary danger posed by the AR-15 has nothing to do with whether the rifle is automatic or semi-automatic. The danger results from the fact that the bullets were designed to be stable in flight, but to “tumble” once they hit a human.

The following is from Neckbone Armory, a guns and ammo website operated by a former U.S. Army arms repairer: “The AR-15 fires either .223 or 5.56 ammunition subject to wobbling when it makes contact with targets. This wobbling is known to cause horrible wounds and could also destroy any meat you (hunters) are trying to preserve.”

To view photos illustrating the “devastation caused by AR-15 shootings,” Google the following: The AR-15’s destructive force: A rare look at the weapon’s impact — Washington Post.

Brooks Keenan

Oro Valley

CBP to close Lukeville POE

Re: the Dec. 2 article “Lukeville crossing to close indefinitely.”

Customs and Border Protection announced that the Lukeville, AZ Port of Entry will be shut down. CBP agents will be redirected to assisting Border Patrol Agents overwhelmed with taking into custody foreign undocumented entrants and processing them. The Tucson Sector is now the busiest sector along the border involving undocumented immigration. So what about the Americans who own condos in Rocky Point or have prepaid rental vacations? They will now have to drive hundreds of miles out of the way to get there and return home. These people should contact their Senator or Representative and tell them that President Biden border policies have caused this catastrophe and he needs to immediately take actions to secure the border. But that would just fall on deaf ears. Biden, unlike Trump, has not pressured Mexico to secure its southern border. At a time when the FBI Director says there is a heightened concern for terrorism, how many terrorists have entered and evaded Border Patrol apprehension or been released? Does Biden even care?

Rory Smith

Marana

Muslims in swing states

I’ve read quite a few articles in different publications about Muslims now deciding to vote against the President because he hasn’t called for an all out ceasefire in Gaza. Do these Muslims understand what would happen to them if somehow, someway, this nation messes up again and elects #45? You think calling for cease fire is bad, #45 called for an “all out ban on Muslims.” Maybe I’m wrong, but what’s worse, not being heard, or herded up? By the way, the president has been trying for a cease fire. Maybe those who are upset should complain to the person that’s actually in charge of this invasion, Netanyahu.

John Bingham

Northwest side

Star Opinion page 12/4/23

Re: the Dec. 4 article “Honoring Kolbe by making Southern Arizona better.”

The opinion essay by Julie Katsel requires one to learn elsewhere the actual policy perspectives and advice that she supports. I’ve sent her the following communication. I’d like to share it with your editor and readers:

“Dear Julie,

Thank you for your essay. It inspires me to explore more detail in relation to you, Jim Kolbe, and the CSI institute.

You have asked for readers thoughts.

I’m writing to reply to your question: “What avenues hold promise for our economy to flourish, and what policies could potentially thwart the future of our economy?”

Clearly, the issue that will overwhelmingly dictate the future of our economy (and our democracy!), is “Trump.” We will quickly become a failed democracy and a failed economy unless he and his aspirations are defeated. To defeat Trump is the only avenue that will enable our economy to flourish, and our democracy to survive.

Please let us know your aspirations and your intentions in regard to Trump.

Yours sincerely,

John W. Wickenden

Oro Valley

Israel-Palestine War

Re: the Dec. 4 letter “CCC Corp for both the US and Gaza.”

I read in the Star’s letters, mention of a necessary Marshall Plan type solution for Gaza. This would be to conclude Israel’s war of desired Hamas attrition without assuring continued generational carnage. What is happening is awful and grossly necessary in the eyes of Israel. It’s disgusting but has to happen to assure peace for Israel...so how does it end? I agree with the idea of an international reconstruction plan requiring International statesmanship, global support, international world bank support and deep Arab nations agreement. I also agree that a realistic plan has to integrate Palestinian concerns for the West Bank. I can’t imagine anything else that would give both Israel and Palestine peace. As an architect, I could envision the 25 mile coastal stretch known as the Gaza Strip in becoming a model development(s) project with sustainable model cities level planning capable of housing millions equitably and profitably. It has to be a win-win to make lost Israeli and Palestinian blood count for something positive and procreative.

William Ford

Downtown

UA basketball tickets price increase

Re: the Dec. 5 article “Robbins: Layoffs and ticket hikes coming to UA athletics.”

Increasing basketball season ticket prices at the U of A is insane. Remember vehicle prices had been increasing due to the effects of the global health crisis and we are now seeing a decrease. However, supply and demand are high for Wildcat basketball tickets and unfortunately fans will pay the higher ticket prices. The average worker in Tucson cannot afford to go to the games and get good basketball seats unless they sit in the nosebleed section. To get season tickets in the lower sections is almost impossible unless your family is connected as a high money booster donating to sports. Unless you’re a student staring down serious tuition debt, cheap college football and basketball tickets aren’t a given anymore. However, being a Wildcat ranked basketball team just happens to draw well every year as tickets prices go up and people are willing to pay no matter what the prices are. On top of everything else, you have to throw in your immortal soul to get good basketball seats.

Don Cotton

Northeast side

Climate law we urgently need

Re: the Dec. 5 article “Tucson’s Novembers warmed fastest since 1970.”

After experiencing our hottest month ever recorded in Tucson this past July, we’ve learned that Tucson’s average November temperature has risen 6.3 degrees since 1970, faster than any other U.S. city or town.

The five months of June through October this year have recorded the highest ever global monthly average temperatures and the most recent 12 month period is likely the warmest on Earth in 125,000 years. It’s almost a certainty that 2023 will be the warmest year on record.

The nonpartisan free market solution of a carbon fee and dividend program is our best approach to fight the climate crisis. Please write or call your congressman today to ask them to cosponsor and support the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2023 (HB 5744). We have no time to lose in Tucson.

Mark Peterson

Foothills

What about the developing human?

Re: the Nov. 23 article “How abortion laws are wrecking personal freedoms.”

This article was about a 25-year-old female who had obtained a full scholarship and being fatigued, could not remember the last time she had her period. She was further stressed as AZ law only allows abortions up to 15 weeks. This is an absurd Local Opinion and I would say that the Star should be ashamed of themselves for publishing it, but it just reflects their “opinion.” Apparently the cited female was having sex without contraceptives not considering the consequences. Too stressed to worry about that. This Opinion is nothing more than an effort to get Abortion on the ballot next November as a further motivator to get out the Democrat vote. The state’s reasonable 15 week abortion law obviously is not enough for abortion rights advocates. They want the right to vacuum suction a well defined baby into the third trimester. And what about “wrecking the personal freedom” of that developing human being?

Ardell Francis

Northwest side

Hobbs worries about Lukeville closure

Re: the Dec. 5 article “Hobbs worries feds might close more border crossings.”

So Democrat Governor Hobbs is worried about the economic impact of CBP closing the Lukeville Port of Entry and possibly other Ports in Arizona. Her solution, CBP should hire more officers. What a joke! Hobbs knows full well that under President Biden the border is out of control and been so for his entire Presidency. Why is she not on the phone to him demanding a change in his border policies that caused all of this? Where is the outrage from Democrat Rep. Grijalva, Democrat Senator Kelly and so called Independent Sinema? Hobbs is concerned about the economic impact of closing the Lukeville Port, but apparently has no concerns over the billions of dollars that millions of foreign nationals entering the country illegally have already cost tax payers, including Arizonans. Think of the costs by the Biden administration to house, feed, clothe and transport these people. Think of the medical costs and costs to educate hundreds of thousands of unaccompanied juveniles, undereducated and non English speaking. All thanks to Biden.

Michael Wayne

Midtown

Adjectives — you’re on

Re: the Dec. 5 letter “Adjectives to describe Trump.”

In response to the challenge posed by a letter writer, I offer the following:

1. Trump inherited an eight year climb out of the Bush generated recession, and promised a stable economy, by cutting deficit spending only to raise the debt by 7.8 trillion

2. His response to the COVID pandemic divided America over masks and vaccines, which lead to over 200,000 deaths

3. He labels Immigrants as inferior races and non-MAGAs as ‘Leftist slugs and vermin (words used by Hitler and other authoritarians)

4. He threatens Marshall law, and calls Milley a Traitor and McCain a loser

5. He has been convicted of sexual assault and been fined for slandering the victim

It doesn’t take harsh words to define Trump, he does that single-handedly. What worries so many is that his supporters overlook all of the above, his deficit, and the anger he generates in the MAGA followers.

If you were me, wouldn’t you worry too?

BTW define ‘fungible ‘in relation to oil prices.

Ted Morrison

Midtown

Thinning the herd

I’d be rich man today if I owned the market where ex-prez Trump buys the baloney he’s fed and is feeding America. Now he has a food truck selling “snake oil”. Hoping you’ll believe you’re eating steak instead of baloney. I went to my workshop and got out my level. Levels don’t lie. Seems the only level-headed out of the GOP candidates is Ms. Haley. I believe Saint Nikki is the only hope the GOP has to return to sanity and the White House. As long as she doesn’t have “Rudolph” Giuliani leading the sleigh.

Joe Sanchez

Marana