Tucson Speaks Out: October 19

Selling oil to Russia?

Dramatic moments define our outlook decades later. For me, watching civil rights workers beaten as they protested segregation at drugstore lunch counters and marched on city streets was a shocking awakening of domestic injustice I’ll never forget.

Another dramatic moment was when Russian tanks invaded Hungary in 1956. The whole world watched Khrushev’s tanks driving into Hungary one Sunday morning, the way Putin circled and invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Then, our entire town opened its doors to refugees from Stalin’s cruelty as the stream of people from Poland, Latvia, and Hungary shared their horror stories of the brutality of Stalin and Khrushev.

Since 2022, we’ve watched the horror of Putin’s war of choice — bombing children’s playgrounds, schools, hospitals, even forced deportation of Ukrainian children! Rep. Juan Ciscomani, tell President Trump that Americans defend victims from bullies and savage dictators! Explain American values to him — don’t buy diesel oil from corrupt Russian leaders or fund their cruel aggression. Represent your constituents by speaking truth to Trump.

Jane Conlin

Oro Valley

Say something positive

Dear Juan Ciscomani: Several of your campaign signs around town have messages aimed at less-informed voters.

They hint at your opponent's past comments regarding such issues as police funding, raising taxes and gender identities. There is nothing in the way of explanatory messaging.

Instead, details are left to the imagination of the casual observers. And those imaginations are often as wondrous as they are inaccurate.

May I suggest a way in which you might lift the sad level of voter understanding? Perhaps you could share with us voters some of the memorable moments from your first term?

How about the time you spoke out against the illegal deportation of U.S. citizens? The killing of citizens peacefully protesting? Told folks that they, not exporters, paid the cost of tariffs? And you told the president, as well?

Surely, you voiced concerns about threats to our Democracy, our alliances, our national security and our moral, political and financial standing in the world. No?

Hmm ... So sad.

Alan Cox

Southeast side

It's Greek to me

Former Greek Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle was forced out after reports that Trump didn't like what he was reading about her. Stories have circulated about her late-night Athens nightlife and alleged pay-for-access schemes.

Because there is now an opening for this position — I respectfully offer my services.

My qualifications are strikingly similar to hers: I have never been a diplomat, possess no expertise in Greece, and I know important people only if my wife counts. Still, like Kimberly, I can party until 2 a.m., provided the embassy supplies plenty of NoDoz, and a recovery day with extra dark sunglasses. Bonuses are that I speak no Greek and I can run up my American Express bill quite quickly.

Most importantly, I understand that an ambassador represents themselves, not the United States.

Mr. President, my passport is ready. If lack of qualifications remains the principal qualification, I am ready for Athens.

Peter Bakke

SaddleBrooke

Prop. 421

I did my due diligence. Read about Proposition 421. Read for and against. I am voting for Proposition 421. This is finalized due to Kevin Dahl. Dahl is not in my city council district; however, he sent me a card praising my last letter to the editor. I have also read so many letters to the editor praising him. I believe Dahl would make a great mayor and even a great governor.

Frank Montez

East side