More Letters Feb. 16

As an attorney, I am appalled by the incompetence of Donald Trump's defense in the impeachment trial so far. But - they realize it doesn’t matter if NO defense is made - the Republican senators voted to acquit. They decided before the trial started because it’s not about whether he’s guilty or not, it’s not about our country, democracy or the people who were in danger January 6, or the people killed and injured. It’s about how to keep power. There is no integrity, ethics or concern for our country or the people. At least we are getting the real story from the prosecution, and we all know the truth. We also know the acquittal will give the message to this and any President in the future to do whatever they want - they will be above the law. The only light right now is that Joe Biden is not wasting his time with this while he doggedly tries to do something positive for the American people.

Kathleen Harris

North side

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.

It amazes me that the majority of Republican senators could not see the benefits to them by voting to impeach Trump. If they had found him guilty and prevented him from holding any future office, that would have been a windfall for many senators, especially Ted Cruz and others who wish to assume the trump "mantle." The opportunity was there for them but, apparently, they were too ignorant to see it.

Dennis Winsten

Northeast side

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.

I sent an email last week on my experience with Reid Park Zoo, and how important I feel the zoo is for our community. In it, I also explained my support for the expansion. I truly hope the city will allow this to go through, and firmly believe that the community will be so thankful for it! It will be another beautiful attraction to visitors and locals alike.

Joey Finkle

Foothills

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.

Reid Park Zoo is an amazing resource for the Tucson community and our visitors. It is the first place my grandchildren ask to go to when they visit from the Northeast.

Several years ago, one of the zookeepers took the time to answer my granddaughter's questions and have a conversation with her about some of the animals, including their present conservation status. This has really sparked her interest. When she was recently asked in school to write about an experience that "changed" her, this is what she chose. She has since "adopted" one of the animals at Reid Park. I can only hope that her curiosity and interest continue to grow, and that other children will have these opportunities.

I believe the expansion will be a positive for the Reid Park Zoo and Tucson. This will afford more experiences for connecting with species most of us will never have the chance to see otherwise. I look forward to the planned expansion of Reid Park Zoo.

Arlene Miller

Northwest side

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.

The Reid Park Zoo has been the neighborhood heart of my family for more than 30 years. It's more than a half a century old; animal care has evolved--they need space. In a perfect world, tigers would live peacefully in the wild--but it’s not and they aren’t: There are more Labrador retrievers in Tucson than Malayan tigers in the world. They face extinction because of us and our addiction to cheap palm oil. The zoo is part of the Malayan tiger’s Saving Animals from Extinction program. We should applaud their commitment to conservation of all species in their care, from the largest elephant down to the smallest cockroach. Staff are passionate about their work, and their love for animals is amazing to behold. Landscapes change over time. My friend’s house on Wilmot Road was the edge of town in 1952. Tucson was different 100 years ago and will be different 100 years from now. I support the zoo’s expansion.

Terrie Thompson

East side

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.

The impeachment trial should exclude have excluded those senators who are complicit in the lawlessness of our democracy. How can jurors be impartial when they are part of the criminal activity?

Deb Childers

Northwest side

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.

I would like to thank the letter writer from Marana for outlining what Republicans believe in the Jan. 30 Star. I have some comments.

“A strong military to protect us from attack by land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.” This cost a lot of money and in return we get a bloated industrial-military complex, rife with corruption

“The sanctity of life from inception to death.” One third of the nation’s children live in poverty.

“Fair and equal opportunity for all to succeed.” Both income inequality and systemic racism indicate that we have not moved in this direction.

“The right to a quality education whether public, private or parochial.” This cannot happen if public funds are diverted to private schools.

“Secure borders and an orderly legal immigration policy.” The militarization of the border since Ronald Reagan has turned the area into a killing ground.

“The right of assembly fair and transparent elections by the legal citizens.” January 6.

Steve Devitt

East side

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.

As a retired teacher and avid camper, hiker, and traveler, I can honestly say there is no greater freedom, joy, and peace of mind, for my mental and physical health, than to hike. That applies not only to me but also to my kids and grandkids who call Arizona home. The desert is a special place to reflect and look toward the future. Its gentle quietness draws me and mends my wounds, The summer monsoons have always been a welcome relief from the extreme heat. But I have seen the many changes in the desert landscape, population, and climate since 1974 when I arrived here from the Midwest. Because of climate change, I fear my grandchildren will never know the celebration of the monsoon rains passing by. That is why I am asking Senator Kelly and Sinema to support the Biden Administration's 30 x30 conservation plan.

Barbara Brooks

Midtown

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.

The zoo is a gem in our city and should be allowed to grow. It is not fair that a group of people only now are protesting when the expansion has been public for many months.

Kim Blumenfeld

NW Tucson

Kim Blumenfeld

Northwest side

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.

Stepping back and looking at the political landscape offers a clear and damning view of the current reality. What do the two parties stand for? The Ds have broadened their appeal to multi-ethnic, multi-gender, multi-generational voters who value truth-telling, competence, and Constitutional fidelity. The Rs boldly embrace white supremacy, anti-semitism, conspiracy theories, unmitigated lying to the public and each other, and turning their backs on the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Their fidelity is to an autocratic con man. The view takes your breath away!

Mike Cohen

Oro Valley

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.

The argument being put forth by some senators that they must vote to acquit Donal Trump because they believe it is wrong for the Senate to conduct an impeachment trial must be repudiated by the Senate. These senators swore an oath to judge his guilt or innocence based on the merits of the case. Not to do so would be a gross violation of their oath.

Will the Senate remind these senators of the the oath they took? Will the Senate demand their resignation if they cannot do what they swore they would do? If they violate their oath by voting to acquit because they disagree with the Senate’s decision to proceed with a trial, will they be expelled from the Senate?

The Senate is on trial as much as Donal Trump. I hope the Senate can show the world that it is not a failed democratic institution.

Robert Shelton

Foothills

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.