Tucson Speaks Out: July 11 letters of the day

Biden’s debate performance was disastrous! Appearing weak, sleepy, murmuring, forgetful, etc. Even his usual defenders at MSNBC and CNN thought his performance was horrible. Biden once again displayed a cognitive decline that most Americans have been witnessing for three years. His recent cognitive and physical mishaps at the G7 summit in Italy, at a Juneteenth celebration, and being guided off the stage by Obama at a fundraiser, etc. were all defended by the White House and the aforementioned liberal media. White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre called those incidents “cheapfakes.” Was Biden’s debate also a “cheapfake?” It all makes you wonder who is really running the White house? This is dangerous! The 25th Amendment allows for the removal of a President for “incapacitation.” This can be done by the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress. Democrats had no problem calling for Trump’s removal under the 25th. This time it is really warranted!

Orlando Vega

Amado

Jan 6 and veterans

Re: the July 6 article “Veterans urge Arizona to discuss January 6.”

Veterans Barkhuff and Shah want us to consider Trump’s attempt to overthrow the 2020 election when considering our 2024 vote. This veteran of twenty years, including Viet Nam (USMC grunt) and Desert Storm (USS RangerCV-61) asks why any veteran would consider Trump fit to be Commander in Chief. If I learned anything in the military, it’s take care of your troops. The only troop Trump considers when making a decision is Trump. He has no military experience and doesn’t listen to those that do. This is a guy that couldn’t make a buck running a casino in Atlantic City! This is a guy who “solved” the Middle East problems without involving the Palestinians! If Trump is the Republican candidate I will vote blue regardless of who the Dems run.

Dave Bertagnoli

West side

Support for Laura Conover for County Attorney

I write in enthusiastic support for Laura Conover in her attempt to secure a second term as Pima County Attorney.

Against significant odds, Conover’s office has presided over a major reduction in violent crimes, has made efforts towards gun safety via the distribution of thousands of gun locks, and has sought to further a program of restorative justice, i.e., the diversion of mentally ill people away from criminal prosecution and towards treatment.

Her office also supports a strong Victim Services Division and a consumer fraud unit, further evidence of her concern for the well-being of our community. She checks in frequently with neighborhood associations, care centers, shelters, and nonprofits, where her ability to speak fluent Spanish is a major asset.

Laura Conover is not only an effective and productive leader, but a person of integrity and indisputable humanity. She and her office have done enormous good for Pima County residents. Please let her continue this good work!

Susan Rock

Green Valley

Vote for Mike Jette

RE: the July 9 letter “County Attorney race.”

In this letter the writer posits that there are several important “truths” about Ms. Conover’s administration. “People leave jobs.” Agreed but there are important underlying causes that have been covered up and the writer throws more dirt on top of that grave. “Chaos is not bad.” Ask the millions of families who lost loved ones during the chaotic response by Trump to the COVID crisis if that is true. “Chaos is part of change.” Well managed change usually does not result in chaos but rather a collaborative effort to improve the organization rather than, “My way or the highway.” Finally the callous statement, “prosecutors were leading Grand Juries indicting ham sandwiches.” Based on my personal experience as a police officer this statement is inaccurate and belongs in the garbage along with the cliché. The prosecutors I worked with were professional, sincere and honest. There is one statement I do agree with, change is needed at the County Attorney’s Office, so vote for Mike Jette.

Richard Harper

Northeast side

Hobbs’ plans to flip AZ Legislature

Democrat Governor Hobbs has a hefty war chest of millions to fund left wing state legislature candidates in the upcoming election. Much of it accumulated from her left over Inaugural funds. Some of those funds came from an alleged quid pro quo by the Sunshine Group homes giving $100,000 to her inauguration and $300,000 to Democrats, then after the election, got their hourly fee charges greatly increased. Hobbs vetoed Water bill SB1172, which the Gila River Indian Tribe objected to. The tribe makes millions off their current ground water rights. Was there any promised quid pro quo involved with Hobbs? If Hobbs can flip the Legislature to Democrat control, then look out. She will raise taxes on all, eliminating the 2.5% flat tax, end school vouchers so kids have to enroll in leftist public indoctrination centers, impose bans on firearms and magazines making non-complying current owners into criminals, change our self-defense laws reverting back to “fleeing first”, and severely restricting or eliminating concealed carry permits.

Darrin Styles

Midtown

Trump — Biden

To all who are losing their minds over a possible Trump win please take a breath and think back to 2016 — 2020 (before pandemic). The economy was humming, unemployment low for all, inflation at 1.4%, no wars (adversaries respected us) etc. etc. Trump was not a dictator, our democracy was intact. The Democrats, with the help of the media, are spewing lies. Individuals need to think for themselves and look at the true facts and make a judgement. Most realize that Biden is unable to go forward meaning Harris will become President if the Democrats win. Her poll ratings are lower than Biden’s. Policy decisions are being made by staff and would continue under Harris. The extreme left has taken over the Democrat party. What you witnessed during the debate is your President since he took office. If you love this country shed your political label and be responsible.

Bill Dowdall

Oro Valley

I’m shocked!

As everyone knows Trump and his supporters made a serious, but fortunately unsuccessful, attempt to change the results of the last election. Because they did it on the “spur of the moment,” they had little time to develop a comprehensive plan. Now, however, they have the time they need to develop such a plan. In addition, the fact that many election workers have been threatened, and fearing for their safety are choosing not to participate in the coming election, does not bode well for the legitimacy of this election. What has shocked me though is the virtually complete lack of news coverage on these important issues. All of the attention is focused on the ‘horserace’ between Biden and Trump. The fans in the bleachers will, no doubt, be surprised when the bleachers collapse.

Gerry Maggiora

Foothills

What has happened to the party of Lincoln?

Re: the July 6 article “Veterans urge Arizona to discuss January 6.”

The Arizona Daily Star published an excellent op-ed by the national group “Veterans for Responsible Leadership.” They urged Americans to discuss Trump’s January 6, 2021 coup attempt with his supporters. Amen! When watching the second Trump impeachment trial, I was confident the Republican Party would seize the opportunity to convict and eliminate this divisive man from eligibility for future elective office. My hat is off to the few Republican patriots with spine who tried. The Party would be so much better off today with a more moderate/sane candidate.

Trump promises to pardon those convicted “patriots” who stormed, desecrated and even defecated in the halls of our Capital. And, of course, forgive himself and his corrupt pals for their crimes. Let’s face it, Trump is neither a patriot nor a man of faith.

This election is not the usual battle between parties, it’s about character, survival of our democracy and the rule of law. Please vote with thought and patriotism.

Scott Grundy

Oro Valley

Immunity and integrity

Re: the July 8 article “Supreme Court must protect all presidents.”

Cal Thomas makes a good point about how the recent Supreme Court decision regarding presidential immunity has some positive consequences. For example, this ruling protects presidents from liability when having to make controversial but necessary choices, as has occurred a number of times in our history. The ruling also protects former presidents from vindictive prosecution of Trumped-up charges by future administrations. However, as Justice Sotomayor points out in her dissent, the majority decision has opened the door for presidents to exercise with impunity a horrific abuse of their power. It is now all the more important that we, the people, elect presidents with integrity and character. Please consider this when going to the ballot box in November. We want a candidate that exudes a tough, confident attitude, but if he is known to be significantly lacking in moral fiber, there will be much to regret if he gains the most powerful office in the United States.

Sally Lee

Foothills

The Migrant Reserves

I believe the solution to the migrant problem is the establishing of the Migrant Reserves.

All undocumented who are single and 18 to 40 years old would be required to join the Reserves. They would be drafted and would serve 8 years in a military status.

They would attend boot camp where they would learn to speak English, and study US citizenship and the US constitution.

They would then be offered training in a domestic Peace Corps, the Seabees, the Medical Corps, or an organization such as the CCC.

They would not have access to guns or explosives. They would be paid a living wage by the US Government.

After 8 years, if they received an honorable discharge, would be allowed US citizenship and the right to vote.

Those who avoided the draft would be arrested and incarcerated at Guantanamo Bay where they could remain or allowed return to their country of origin.

This would solve our military recruiting problem and gives us 8 years to vet each immigrant.

Tom McGorray

Northwest side

Relishing the Democrat turmoil

I am relishing watching and reading the turmoil going on now in the Democrat party. Locally, the fight is between Democrats Conover and Jette for Pima County Attorney. I am rather sick of the volumes of letters to the Star and local opinions supporting one or the other. And Tucson.com is full of Jette ads, one saying how he would always support abortion rights, but not saying if he would follow the law. Nationally, Democrats are in turmoil over President Biden. He obviously has serious cognitive issues placing our national security at risk, but stubbornly refuses to leave, still hiding his health issues from the public. Thanks to our mega liberal news media for covering that up for years. Democrat polls, who after the debate called for Biden to drop out of the race, are now in a quandary, as they fear Biden could negatively impact their re-election chances to Congress. Biden is bullying them to stay quiet and get on board the dementia train.

Linda Kelly

East side

Leaders needed to help ban flavored vapes

As a healthcare professional, it’s my job to pay attention to the health concerns of patients, but also how policies at the state and national level are affecting their well-being.

Recently, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the crisis of youth vaping fueled by flavored vapes. The FDA already has a clear legal mandate to ban flavored vapes that use packaging and flavors like watermelon and cotton candy to entice millions of kids and teens. This type of targeted attention to minors is illegal and the FDA has the authority to take action. Unfortunately, the FDA is failing to live up to its responsibility, and flavored vapes continue to flood the market.

Youth smoking can lead to greater anxiety and depression and a lifetime of addiction to tobacco. I ask Arizona’s elected leaders, from Senators Kelly and Sinema to Congressmen Gallego and Ciscomani, to get involved and urge the FDA to do its job and crack down on the sale of illegal, flavored vapes.

Bella Roig

Foothills

Biden

Any Democrat with an ounce of sense knows that the only issue that truly matters in this Presidential race is making sure that Donald Trump is soundly defeated. And yet, here we have Joe Biden angrily turning on those in his party who are urging him to step aside. Instead of listening to them and acknowledging to the party the good faith of their pleas, he is attacking them with “Make my day” vitriol. Trump himself couldn’t have crafted a better script for a GOP win in November. How sad to see Biden at war with his own party when Democratic unity is what this country needs most of all.

Steve Robinson

Oro Valley