Tucson Speaks Out: Aug. 21 letters of the day

Re: the Aug. 16 article “Kamala Harris has a credibility crisis.”

In this independent voter’s view, Ms. Robson’s opinion piece seems like a Trump speech cut-paste with distortions, misinformation, errors and lies.

Is Harris’ career really marred by failures? Is the loser of the Super Bowl a failure? Did she not get elected multiple times to public office? Do you have inside information she is dodging the press? Might it be she just chooses to use her time differently? As other writers have related, they voted for Harris as part of the ticket and no one has “overridden” their vote.

Saying Harris is a “radical California progressive” like it is worse than being a lying ex-New York now Florida pervert and felon seems incredible not credible.

Cherry picking stock market valuations, alleging she had a leadership role in the Afghan withdrawal and more make me conclude the credibility crisis resides with Ms. Robson.

Clarence Johnson

Oro Valley

The right thing to do

As a tax paying citizen who is happy to pay my fair share for services and community facilities, I wonder if Trump will bring his checkbook with him as he heads towards the border this week? He still owes the taxpayers of Pima County $80,000 for a political event at the TCC in 2016. I am just asking, isn’t that the right thing to do?

Jeanne Herstad

SaddleBrooke

A little Humble Pie

I recently traveled to Italy with my family. It was a lifelong goal that took years to plan, and it was an amazing experience.

The Italian people are thoughtful, funny, and considerate. Yet, between the great food, wonderful people, and amazing art came an unexpected twist.

The Italians expressed their admiration for the U.S. They called us a model for the rest of the world and expressed hope that we survive our current political challenges. (Italy only became a republic in 1946, after WWII and the death of Mussolini.) They are passionate about democracy and want everyone to be free to live their best life.

As one person said, “I believe in America. It is a land of opportunity. I hope that doesn’t get lost in your politics.” Several Italians expressed fear of Trump, calling him “very dangerous” to America and the world.

The respect the Italians have for our country is poignant, and a bit of humble pizza pie.

Carla OHara

Northwest side

Incomplete research

Re: the Aug. 18 article “The most dangerous drug on campus.”

I read with interest the avuncular comments made by Professor Bloch about the dangers of alcohol to university students. I agree since I have personally investigated tragedies associated with alcohol, from DUI related deaths to homicides to sexual assaults. Bloch doesn’t include that liquor is sold on campus, and at U of A sporting events. How could he have missed this fact? Further, his misogynistic comment on Rohypnol minimizes the actual harm to women victims by stating “the drug is all too often consumed willfully and recreationally.” Really? I think about the Bill Cosby case. His comments about the “South Side” are a form of unconscious bias, perpetuating racism. Students have gone through active shooter drills from K through 12, taught to run and hide. Shouldn’t they be deserving of compassion from Professor Bloch instead of denigrating their fear? Are students safer? Ask the parents of slain student Forrest Keys or the family of Professor Meixner. Bloch’s research is incomplete, no data, no solutions, blame the parents.

Richard Harper

Northeast side

Why?

If Juan Ciscomani is concerned about the border with Mexico, why did he vote against the bipartisan Senate bill, the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, that would have overhauled the asylum-seeking process, imposed a port of entry requirement, raised asylum standards, and increased border security?

If Juan Ciscomani is for working families, why did he fail to support extending the Family Tax Credit which gives families with children a tax cut, reduces child poverty, addresses rising rents?

If Juan Ciscomani is for Arizona, why did he vote to undermine the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency, and rebates to help low- and moderate-income households replace dirty, inefficient appliances?

If Juan Ciscomani is a moderate, why does he quietly embrace the extremist Project 2025 which would gut Social Security and Medicare, impose a national abortion ban, make federal agencies partisan, and abolish federal agencies protecting consumers, the environment, and security?

Jean Meconi

North side

Learning from others

I just returned from visiting seven Baltic countries with nothing but admiration for all of them, but particularly those that were formerly under Soviet occupation and, having won independence, value their freedom and democracy.

We could learn a lot from these countries.

One hundred and thirty thousand Estonian people “disappeared” in the 47 years of occupation, yet when ethnic Russians tried to illegally take over their elected Parliament (Jan. 6 anyone?), citizens flocked from all over to surround the intruders, then let them leave in peace! Vengeance was not what they wanted, just the freedom to rule themselves without fear of retribution if one disagreed. Project 2025 anyone?

We could learn a lot from these countries.

They pay a lot in taxes, but the rates are progressive. In exchange: free education thru college, healthcare, two-year maternity leave, unemployment insurance, all in a capitalist democratic society.

They treasure that society. We could learn a lot from them.

Nancy Atherton

Foothills

Does Trump look better than Harris?

To The Editor:

Trump recently claimed he looks better than Harris. Of course — it’s no contest. He wears far more makeup and spends much more on his hairdresser. And he looks simply divine in his three-inch heel lifts.

He definitely has my vote — for prom queen!

Gary Hammond

SaddleBrooke

Note to U of A students

Dear Arizona students. We Tucsonans want to help you grow into your new adult life and all of the positives that come with being a “college student.”

1. As a community we love and value all your community contributions and as college students we see you as representing our future leaders in all of our professional fields.

2. Life is precious and can be perilous, being a college student has it stresses and having friends to talk to and share your experiences with is important!

3. The University of Arizona will do their best to provide you with a safe and inclusive learning environment. University officials are ready, willing and able to help you with any problems you have, so take advantage of all of the services as you need them.

4. When it comes to socializing make wise choices. Large parties seem exciting, but they can be dangerous.

5. Try social events without alcohol; if you are under aged don’t drink. Enjoy college and be safe.

Bear Down!

Richard Harper

Northeast side

AZ constitutional amendment

Let the people choose. Evidently the anti-abortion, anti-life people don’t think they can trust the voters to make the right choice. They have tried numerous ways to block the amendment from getting on the ballot. They challenged 880,000 signatures, challenged the wording of the amendment and found judges willing to approve their inaccurate language: unborn human instead of fetus. Unless they skipped high school biology, the term unborn human was never used to define the stages of gestation. If they are so convinced of their cause, why the nonstop effort to keep it off the ballot? Let the voters decide if they want to offer reproductive health care to women in AZ. Their slippery slope could lead to investigations and charges against women who have a miscarriage. It’s happening in other states. Vote yes on the amendment (if it gets on the ballot).

John Kautz

Midtown