Letters to the editor Friday, Sept. 8

Some thoughts from a certified floodplain manager. We’re all watching with sadness the devastation from Hurricane Harvey. However, it should come as no surprise. Reporting has exposed how woefully unprepared Houston was for this and the city is not alone in being unwilling to prepare.

And yet President Trump just rescinded Executive Order 13690 requiring projects using taxpayer money to build to higher standards.

Now Houston can rebuild at the same risk as everything that’s currently underwater. Houston is hit with a major storm about every 15 years, so before I die I’ll pay to rebuild Houston’s infrastructure at least three times. That’s just Houston. As we call more storms “epic,” “historic,” or “once-in-a-lifetime,” when does everyone catch on that more severe weather at higher frequencies is the new normal? Houston may deny science, but science won’t deny Houston.

It’s time for long-term fiscally conservative regulations that will make America more resilient for the catastrophic events that, undoubtedly, will happen.

Brian Jones

Northwest side

Oh, the heart and courage shown by President Trump. Sending out Attorney General Jeff Sessions, one of the most anti-immigrant persons, to put an end to DACA. Why not send out Sheriff Joe Arpaio or David Duke to make the announcement? The message would be the same. A few questions exist, though.

What have those immigrant children done to ever harm our country? Do we heartlessly deport them and continue to be the scourge of the Western world? Also, why did our president hide and send out his flunky, who has a known history of antipathy toward any nonwhite immigrants?

Fancy legal words do not in any way mitigate this atrocious and despicable decision. Shame on the president and his minions. Does anyone truly believe that the Republican-controlled Congress will show the courage and heart to actually protect these wonderful 800,000 “dreamers”?

James Robinett

Southwest side

Re: the Sept. 6 editorial “800,000 betrayed by DACA decision that defies logic.”

It’s comical that the editorial’s headline proclaims that the decision defies logic, when the only logic to be seen on the page is in Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ thoughtful statement.

Here’s the simple logic that the editorial’s writer seems incapable of understanding: Article 2 of the U.S. Constitution charges the president to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed” whether or not he agrees with them.

He cannot simply refuse this duty. In our system of government, Congress sets the laws, and if a law needs change, it’s the job of Congress to fix it — which is precisely what the Trump administration’s decision is all about.

Jerrod Mason

Southeast side

While I understand the pardon of Sheriff Joe Arpaio by President Trump to be constitutional, I find it ironic that Attorney General Jeff Sessions could declare, in announcing the rescission of DACA, “Societies where the rule of law is subject to political whims and personal biases tend to become societies afflicted by corruption, poverty, and human suffering.”

I’m relieved to know that “political whims and personal biases” played no role in the president’s decision to pardon Arpaio.

Laura Penny

Foothills

Re: the Sept. 4 letter to the editor “Why so little uproar on Manning pardon?”

The writer asks why the Democrats haven’t passed any laws or haven’t done anything good for the people of this country. Perhaps it is because they are outnumbered by the Republicans in the House and Senate with a Republican as president. All of whom don’t want the Democrats to get credit for doing anything for the people.

Carol Borges

East side

Re: the Sept. 4 letter to the editor “Why so little uproar on Manning pardon?”

Why can’t people get the facts straight before putting forth false information? Chelsea Manning was not pardoned. Her sentence was commuted. A presidential commutation reduces the sentence being served (Manning had already served over six years) but does not change the fact of conviction. A pardon forgives a certain criminal offense. Therefore, you cannot compare the Arpaio pardon to the commutation of Manning’s sentence. Part of the thinking was that Manning’s term was quite “extreme” (35 years) and “without historical precedent.” She was not found guilty of the most serious crime — aiding the enemy.

Renee Montrachet

Oro Valley

Re: the Sept. 6 article “County’s legal view: No basis to censure Miller about remark.”

Is anyone else in this city sick and tired of the continued condemnation of Pima County Supervisor Ally Miller? Any person from any other group, of any race, political persuasion, sexual identity or whatever, is free to say precisely what they wish. Because she is proud to be a white person, every naysayer within shouting distance has come down on her head.

Is it, just possibly, because those criticizing realize that as a Caucasian she probably will have no national group to stand beside her or that no parade will be held proudly proclaiming her to be a hero? I’m sorry but you simply can’t have it both ways, either she is entitled to free speech or she isn’t. I’m proud to be an American, a veteran and, yes, a Caucasian.

Phil Reinecker

East side