Tucson speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Nov. 8, 2024
- Updated
Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Arizona Daily Star.
Trumpโs victory
It looks like Trump will be our next president and it is hard to say what comes next. However, I can predict with almost 100% certainty what will not happen:
- The Dems will not file over five dozen frivolous lawsuits claiming election fraud and blame that on their loss
- Harris will not claim the election was stolen and refuse to concede
- Harris will not call state election officials and ask them to find enough non-existent votes to change the outcome
- The Dems will not create a slate of fake electors to go to Washington and replace the votes of the real electors
- The Dems will not form an angry crowd to march on the Capitol and threaten to hang Harris if she certifies the election results
- Health concerns aside, both Harris and Biden will attend the inauguration in January
- As in the Dobbs decision, the GOP got what they wanted. I hope they are prepared to live with the consequences.
Donald Davis
East side
โRejoice readersโ โ not really
Last Saturdayโs newspaper announcement from the Editor about โRejoicingโ struck me as odd, since the AZ Star has reverted to the 1960โs with their choice of comics. In these days of vitriol, hatred and division in our country, the comics were a source of relief, but not anymore. The new selections are just not funny or appraise to current times. Please bring back โPearls Before Swineโ and โNon Sequiturโ, the two best comics out there these days. We need some good humor and insightful comics in our lives, not old worn-out versions being published currently.
Matt Sears
Northeast side
Say what?
When I was coming of age, a trite expression, โIt takes one to know one,โ was considered axiomatic. However, the veracity of that declaration is highly questionable and subject to the character of the people who are invoked.
J. D. Vance recently declared Kamala Harris as โtrashโ. Given that the sanctimonious Vance has flipped from referring to Trump as a โone of USAโs most hated, villainous, douchey celebsโ and โunfit for our nationโs highest officeโ, to being Trumpโs most ardent supporter, itโs apparent that his character assessments are available for sale to whomever can provide him with the fame that he so wantonly craves. MAGA projection is on obvious display in Vanceโs statement as it is clear to any sentient person that the name-calling sycophant is the very thing that he purports Kamala Harris to be.
Rick Cohn
West side
โToilet to Tapโ โ bad marketing approach
The use of reclaimed wastewater for domestic purposes has been attempted using the T to T moniker with terrible results. Hopefully, those promoting acceptance of this source of drinking water will develop a campaign slogan that doesnโt turn everyone off. Incidentally, the Phoenix-based article should be supplemented with kudos to Pima County Wastewater Reclamation about their advances in exploring the potable uses for reclaimed water over 10+ years.
John Bernal
West side
Red Light Cameras
This is a direct response to Scott Thompsonโs 11-5-24 letter on this subject. We were snowbirds here in 2015. There were red-light cameras then, and they were effective. We moved here permanently late in 2016, and the cameras were gone. And we could see the negative effects of removing those cameras, because thatโs when people started blowing through the red lights. Traffic accidents increased substantially since that time. Now the city wants to reinstitute the cameras. Mr. Thompson doesnโt like that. (Is it possible heโs one of the people who ignore red lights)? So, Mr. Thompson, you get over it!
Ken Shearer
Northeast side
Transportation funding
I think itโs time for the city of Tucson to bite the bullet and construct a city-only ballot measure to handle its transportation needs. When the current half cent RTA tax expires, a new half-cent city transportation improvement tax could be installed to take its place. The election to add this tax maybe could happen in May 2025. The replacement tax question for RTA Next, now scheduled for a November 2025 vote, may not do well if the city tax measure passes and if the RTA project mix changes as a result.
Donald Ijams
Midtown
Please start reporting all the news
Now that America has decided the path forward with Donald Trump I plead with this newspaper to report the news. Stop the liberal commentary and report what clearly matters to the citizens of Arizona. The Daily Star has an obligation to inform and educate the public.
Lisa Walker Hart
Oro Valley
Kamala Harris can hold her head high
Kamala Harris ran a phenomenal campaign. She had little time in which she had a tall order. She had to: bring together the Democratic Party; thread the needle develop her own unique policy platform that did not interfere with her ongoing role as vice president obligated to fulfill the international and domestic policy positions of the current president; select an excellent vice presidential candidate; obtain the financial support necessary to campaign across the country; obtain bipartisan support; and to put herself out there with joy, dignity, and determination on a daily basis for months inspiring millions of Americans.
She did it all. She did it expeditiously. And she did it tremendously well. The outcome is not a commentary on her work but rather on our nationโs voters, what matters to the American people, and what we the people will accept. Kamala Harris can hold her head high. Her candidacy did not fail; our people did. May God save us from ourselves.
Amelia Cramer
Downtown
Not too much to ask
I have a few things to ask of President-elect Trump, especially that he recognize the sanctity of our democracy, human rights for all and rational political discourse.
I ask that he recognize quality education for all Americans and not just the privileged. Such education will help instill in future voters and leaders critical thinking and truth-recognition skills. Without this our children may only see a glimpse of history whitewashed by selectivity and fear of truth.
I ask that he govern wisely for all Americans โ a leader for everyone and not just a ruler for a select few. Everyone must demand he that he dispense with reprehensible vulgarity, incessant vitriol and unbridled deceit.
And for women, I urge him to not just protect them whether they like it or not, but to respect and ensure their dignity and inalienable rights without pernicious governmental control of their minds and bodies.
As an American, I donโt think this is too much to ask.
Arne Maki
Green Valley
A sad day for America
The comedian George Carlin once said, โNever underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.โ That certainly fits a large portion of the U.S. electorate who just put Trump back in the White House. In what universe is electing a malignant narcissist who is a convicted felon to the highest office a good idea? He told us what he has planned in his rambling and sometimes incoherent rants during the campaign. There wonโt be any guard rails to keep his ego in check this time. I fear for the future of this country and its democracy.
Mary Zimmerman
SaddleBrooke
Demise of democracy
Looks like we handed the car keys back to our demented grandfather.
What could possibly go wrong there??
Rex Witherspoon
SaddleBrooke
Weep for America, and Ukraine
Today, I weep for America. This is the country where lies work, where dehumanizing people works, where denial of science works, where reality is no longer recognized. And I weep for Ukraine.
Irene Little
Green Valley
The bad news and the bad news
Here are my economic predictions for the next couple of years. Prices at the grocery store will remain pretty much where they are. Any savings on energy costs (if there are any) will be offset by higher labor costs at the farm level. Because of water and weather issues farmers are already cultivating less acreage.
If the Trump tariffs actually happen you will see much higher prices for goods at Costco, Target, and online as our trade partners retaliate with tariffs of their own and U.S. retailers pass on the cost of tariffs to their customers.
The costs of things like construction will continue to increase as the labor force decreases. Young white men do not want to do physical work.
At the end of 2025 or at the beginning of 2026 we will slide into a recession. The unemployment rate will trend upward โ 5-6% as fewer people can afford (or qualify for) purchases that require loans.
Kalvin Smith
Midtown
The gargantuan blob of government
On the morning of October 30, a peaceful animal sanctuary in rural New York was besieged by a squadron of stormtroopers from the stateโs Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation.
Five hours later, they left with paw-shackled Fred the raccoon and PโNut the squirrel, an internet sensation beloved by millions around the world.
For many, internet animals have become our friends: thereโs Messi the puma, Bibi the monkey, and Minki the meerkat. And just like with PโNut, these animals never fail to brighten our day.
Sadly, PโNutโs endearing videos have ended. The state of New York put him and his companion Fred to death just hours after their raid.
This is an egregious example of a government thatโs metastasized into a gargantuan blob of limitless power.
But as stated in the Declaration of Independence, the government receives its power from we the governed. When it becomes destructive, itโs โour right to alter or abolish it.โ
PโNut and Fred, you will be missed.
Scott R. Hammond
Downtown
- Kevin Beard Special to the Arizona Daily Star
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
I like Greg Hansen. I feel like I should just get that out of the way right up front. My father hates him (but undoubtedly has read every word he has written for the last 30 years). I still remember a field trip to the newspaper when I was 12 the highlight of which featured a stop by Mr. Hansenโs desk. He is as indelibly linked to the Wildcats, in my mind, as anyone besides the great Lute Olson.
Having said that โฆsometimes Greg Hansen is just plain wrong. The article in which Mr. Hansen tries to placate the fan baseโs ire over the disastrous 2024 football season by describing the previous seasonโs success as misleading, is a disservice to all the current and former players and coaches involved. It took years of recruiting, game planning, weight room sessions and practice to accomplish what they did. Fisch didnโt land a better gig by tricking the Washington AD. Jordan Morgan didnโt get drafted in the 1st round by deceiving the Green Bay Packers. Akina wasnโt promoted to DC by mistake. The Cats were good, plain and simple, they were just a damn good football team.
My main point of contention is his disparaging remarks on Pac-12 football. You say the teams we beat werenโt that good and they demonstrate as much with their respective records following losses to Arizona. I would like to point out that they were beating each other. The league was good from top to almost the bottom. Eight teams played in nine bowl games. Those games featured convincing wins over ranked opponents like Liberty, Louisville, Oklahoma, and Texas. The losses were to some really good teams like Texas Tech, Notre Dame, and Michigan. I think the biggest demonstration of the Pac-12โs quality should be in the NFL draft. There were six QBs drafted in the 1st round. Half of those players were from the Pac-12 and a 4th was a former Pac-12 player.
I think your stance on the quality of the league shouldnโt apply to football but rather basketball. Arizona lost a game at home to an unranked awful Pac-12 opponent. After a loss like that Arizona should never have been even in consideration for the AP top 25 let alone one of the top seeds in the tournament. Iโm fearful that the poor quality of the league will be on full display this basketball season. I just hope that it will produce a Wildcat team that is better prepared for March Madness.
Iโve never written an opinion piece like this. Even if I disagree the only thing I would ever do is text the article to a buddy followed by a meme showing my disapproval (usually Tim Robinson dressed as a hotdog screaming the word wrong). The reason this article bothers me as much as it does is because it could be read as an excuse for the catastrophe that is Brent Brennan. I believe he is the worst mistake in Arizona history. Just a few months before being hired he was 1-5 at San Jose State and on the verge of being fired. And sure, I know he finished the season well but he still has a dismal winning percentage as a Spartan. He has a losing record as a head coach! He loses more often than not. He is a loser. Losing is what he does. I mean the AD and President responsible for his hiring were both unemployed a month after he got the job.
Iโm a big fan of Hansen but in this case he was wrong and this mistake could lead some misinformed Arizona fan to think that Brennan deserves some leeway. He does not. He will not succeed. He has never been successful and he never will be. If the university could afford it, he would already be gone.
- Mark Insley, West side
This year, I decided to work as an election aide for the Pima County Recorders Office., I wanted to be a part of the political process at a level that would be informative and interesting as well as a way to be helpful to the city of Tucson, and Pima County.
It turned out to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, especially meeting voters from all imaginable backgrounds.
Pima County residents wanting to be counted in the process of electing officials was invigorating and exciting ,far exceeding my expectations.
The enthusiasm and passion I saw displayed by young people, many proudly proclaiming that it was their first time voting, buoyed my confidence in their generation, as well as the future of our country.
I want to thank Pima County, The Recorders office, and my fellow Tucson residents for an experience that was vastly more interesting and rewarding than i ever expected, and I encourage everyone who is interested to give it a try.
Mark Insley
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Douglas R. Holm, East side
Re: The Tucson Opinion by Jim Sinex on Context, Nov. 4. Here are two other examples of the lack of context and they are very prevalent today. Say a big international corporation has a profit of $5 billion. This is a lot -- some would call it an obscene profit. But if the sales and capital are $200 billion each, then the return on sales and capital is only 2.5% -- not obscene at all. Say the deaths from a certain disease increased 50% in one year. This looks like the disease needs much more government funding. But what if this is a very rare disease and the increase in deaths was only from two to three in our population of 345 million. Mr. Sinex is right, a lack of context can cause faulty conclusions.
Douglas R. Holm
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Loyal M Johnson Jr, Oro Valley
Donald Trump announced today that, if elected President, one of his first actions will be to contact the Mexican President. He would inform her that if she did not halt the flow of illegals from their southern border to our southern border, he would impose a graduated level of tariffs on all goods entering from Mexico. The simplest way to halt the majority of illegal immigration is to not allow the people to gather on our southern border. We obviously need immigration but it must be done legally according to our laws. The border situation for the last four years, allowed by the Biden Administration and the Border Czar, definitely displays that Administrationโs incompetence, lack of respect for the law, total disregard for the ongoing costs, and total disrespect the for the American citizens. Because the actions of the last four years were absolutely intentional, those actions should be considered treasonous. The Mexican Government will react to and act to the tariff threat, a 100 percent certainty.
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Joe Aguanno, West side
Jim Sinexโs analysis of our economic history is correct: you canโt change the economy overnight. Trumpโs role in the economic downturn from Obamaโs growth economy, and Bidenโs in our post-Trump recovery is clear. Sinexโs article is an excellent example of critical thinking, the foundation of all curricula. The purpose of public schools is to promote the Great American Experiment to inform all voters. (Parental input into curricula is important but should not be based on religious belief or romanticized American history, but rather on objective analysis of hard facts aimed to improve our future.) I am often irked at Republican commentatorsโ constant refrain (and the Demsโ failure to respond) that โTrump is indeed an SOB but it's the economy and immigration, stupid.โ Sinex just addressed the economy. Regarding Harris as Border Czar, her only task was to explore with our South American neighbors the root causes of massive southern hemisphere migration, such as climate change (drought), political unrest/economic failure, and cartel violence.
Joe Aguanno
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- John Prugh, Foothills
Imagine this: A notorious murderer is pursued by police. With every road blocked, the criminal seeks refuge in a school but the police quickly surround the building. Negotiations ensue, but the criminal refuses to surrender, and after several hours, the police chief - frustrated - contacts the governor. The Air National Guard is called in and ordered to bomb the school. Missiles hit the school targeting the classroom where the police think the gunman is hiding. Dozens of people are killedโฆ.
In most civilized societies, the Governorโs orders and the Guardโs actions would be considered criminally insane. That, however, does not appear to be the case along the Eastern coast of the Mediterranean.
John Prugh
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
My experience as an election aide
This year, I decided to work as an election aide for the Pima County Recorders Office. I wanted to be a part of the political process at a level that would be informative and interesting as well as a way to be helpful to the city of Tucson, and Pima County.
It turned out to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, especially meeting voters from all imaginable backgrounds.
Pima County residents wanting to be counted in the process of electing officials was invigorating and exciting ,far exceeding my expectations.
The enthusiasm and passion I saw displayed by young people, many proudly proclaiming that it was their first time voting, buoyed my confidence in their generation, as well as the future of our country.
I want to thank Pima County, The Recorders office, and my fellow Tucson residents for an experience that was vastly more interesting and rewarding than I ever expected, and I encourage everyone who is interested to give it a try.
Mark Insley
West side
Puzzles in the Arizona Daily Star
What a pleasant surprise the other day amid all of this political stress to see the Jumble return to the Arizona Star.
Thank you for my 10 minutes of happy puzzle solving.
Paulette Brooks
Northeast side
Can we afford jet noise?
The person who wrote about the noise generated by DM and the ANG base is misplaced angst. The ANG and DM were here long before the county/city allowed builders to develop homes near the basesโ runways. Those who bought there knew the consequences of living near an airport.
DM and the 162nd ANG play a critical role in defense of our country. Everyone wants a strong defense, but then say โNIMBY.โ The F-35 is military progress, just like the F-100 took the place of the P-51 and F-86. They are needed to keep up with advancing technology. After all, we are not flying in propeller-driven aircraft out of TIA anymore. Progress can be painful, but necessary for a modern defense.
I hear the same noise as others, but itโs a reassuring noise, one we can and must afford.
James Kelly
Foothills
Israel-Gaza-Lebanon
Imagine this: A notorious murderer is pursued by police. With every road blocked, the criminal seeks refuge in a school but the police quickly surround the building. Negotiations ensue, but the criminal refuses to surrender, and after several hours, the police chief โ frustrated โ contacts the governor. The Air National Guard is called in and ordered to bomb the school. Missiles hit the school targeting the classroom where the police think the gunman is hiding. Dozens of people are killedโฆ.
In most civilized societies, the Governorโs orders and the Guardโs actions would be considered criminally insane. That, however, does not appear to be the case along the Eastern coast of the Mediterranean.
John Prugh
Foothills
Context and public schools
Jim Sinexโs analysis of our economic history is correct: you canโt change the economy overnight. Trumpโs role in the economic downturn from Obamaโs growth economy, and Bidenโs in our post-Trump recovery is clear. Sinexโs article is an excellent example of critical thinking, the foundation of all curricula. The purpose of public schools is to promote the Great American Experiment to inform all voters. (Parental input into curricula is important but should not be based on religious belief or romanticized American history, but rather on objective analysis of hard facts aimed to improve our future.) I am often irked at Republican commentatorsโ constant refrain (and the Demsโ failure to respond) that โTrump is indeed an SOB but itโs the economy and immigration, stupid.โ Sinex just addressed the economy. Regarding Harris as Border Czar, her only task was to explore with our South American neighbors the root causes of massive southern hemisphere migration, such as climate change (drought), political unrest/economic failure, and cartel violence.
Joe Aguanno
West side
Star endorsements
I was disappointed, but not surprised, that you chose to endorse only one Republican candidate in the national general election this week. You also have condemned each of the Legislatureโs propositions placed on the ballot.
I am not surprised because you have long shown by your editorial positions that you are fundamentally an organ of the Democrat Party.
I am particularly disappointed that you have taken a position on abortion, an issue that divides the state and which will continue to do so long after your one-sided endorsements are forgotten.
A better newspaper, with some respect for the many Tucsonans who do not share your progressive views, would have avoided making endorsements.
I continue my paid subscription only because you have a newspaper monopoly in Tucson.
Dr. James Stewart
Foothills
Re: Lack of context
Re: The Tucson Opinion by Jim Sinex on Context, Nov. 4. Here are two other examples of the lack of context and they are very prevalent today. Say a big international corporation has a profit of $5 billion. This is a lot โ some would call it an obscene profit. But if the sales and capital are $200 billion each, then the return on sales and capital is only 2.5% โ not obscene at all. Say the deaths from a certain disease increased 50% in one year. This looks like the disease needs much more government funding. But what if this is a very rare disease and the increase in deaths was only from two to three in our population of 345 million. Mr. Sinex is right, a lack of context can cause faulty conclusions.
Douglas R. Holm
East side
Slowly starving
I am no expert in desert ecology, but I can observe.
Coyotes are among the most successful and stealthiest animals of our hemisphere. But they are no match against developments.
I saw two today while walking my little dog. They were attracted by his scent. They were big and beautiful. They showed no fear, and walked along side for a short while. Fortunately for me, they were not hungry enough.
But only a hungry coyote would let himself be seen that openly.
I live in a development in SE Tucson. Developments are all over. Coyote habitat is shrinking. To live, they must abandon stealth. Now they must come into the open. Most of them know guns. All of them know being seen is a risk.
I do not want to see coyotes starving. But we are the species who wants and gets everything, and damns any creature in our way.
How will this end?
Abigail Hagler
Southeast side
Lies by liberals
I am amazed at the ignorance expressed by the liberal Tucson voters, mainly because they donโt seek the truth, they listen to a talking head that takes comments out of context. A letter from Cherie Freeman declared that โTrump has called for the murder of Liz Cheney.โ The problem is that Trump did not say that but Cherie was willing to believe the worst without making any effort to confirm or refute the lie. Along the same line, Mary Bradley claimed the same distortion โFascist Trump was in Glendale, calling for the execution of Liz Cheney,โ another complete and utter failure to verify. Are liberals incapable of thinking and verifying before drawing conclusions or do they just lie? On top of that, did you catch the name calling? Does Mary actually know what a fascist is?
The actual quote was referred to Liz Cheneyโs radical pro war agenda but she has never had guns pointed at her like military: โYou know, when the guns are trained on her face.โ
Loran Hancock
Northwest side
A brilliant plan
Donald Trump announced today that, if elected President, one of his first actions will be to contact the Mexican President. He would inform her that if she did not halt the flow of illegals from their southern border to our southern border, he would impose a graduated level of tariffs on all goods entering from Mexico. The simplest way to halt the majority of illegal immigration is to not allow the people to gather on our southern border. We obviously need immigration but it must be done legally according to our laws. The border situation for the last four years, allowed by the Biden Administration and the Border Czar, definitely displays that Administrationโs incompetence, lack of respect for the law, total disregard for the ongoing costs, and total disrespect the for the American citizens. Because the actions of the last four years were absolutely intentional, those actions should be considered treasonous. The Mexican Government will react to and act to the tariff threat, a 100 percent certainty.
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
- Dr. James Stewart, Foothills
I was disappointed, but not surprised, that you chose to endorse only one Republican candidate in the national general election this week. You also have condemned each of the Legislature's propositions placed on the ballot.
I am not surprised because you have long shown by your editorial positions that you are fundamentally an organ of the Democrat Party.
I am particularly disappointed that you have taken a position on abortion, an issue that divides the state and which will continue to do so long after your one-sided endorsements are forgotten.
A better newspaper, with some respect for the many Tucsonans who do not share your progressive views, would have avoided making endorsements.
I continue my paid subscription only because you have a newspaper monopoly in Tucson.
Dr. James Stewart
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Re: Roadwork funds fall short
Iโve lived within 1/2 mile of Grant Rd. for nearly 4 decades. I voted for the Regional Transportation Authority specifically because improvement of Grant was 20 years behind schedule. Todayโs paper says roadwork now in progress will dry up before RTA is finished. However, it can be completed with renewal. Grant is hostage.
Meanwhile, the exurbs โ those roads beyond the urban and suburban area โ have new roads. This is unacceptable. The City of Tucson has 1 vote, just like the other jurisdictions. But Tucson has half the people. Sahuarita, South Tucson, Marana each have substantially fewer people, but the same votes.
Unless the allocation of funds is more fairly distributed, I cannot support renewal of RTA. Iโm being ripped off by โfairness.โ
John Yoakum
Midtown
January 6 redux
I believe that the amended federal Electoral Count Reform Act does not solve the problem of potential โfake electors.โ After the 2020 presidential election, and after each stateโs popular vote for president determined each stateโs slate of electors, several MAGA state Legislatures picked slates of โfake electors.โ
All the amended law says is that a stateโs Electoral College electors have to be appointed โin accordance with the laws of the state enacted prior to Election Day.โ So if a MAGA state Legislature โappointedโ its own separate slate of electors prior to presidential Election Day, but after the enactment of the previous electors-selection law, the state Legislature would be following a literal reading of the Constitution. Article II, Section 1, paragraph 1 says that โEach State shall appoint (electors), in such manner as the state Legislature thereof may direct ...โ The Constitution does not specify that legislative appointment of electors be enacted into a law signed by the governor.
Gerald Farrington
Foothills
Endorsements come too late for this reader
I was happy to see that the Star finally published endorsements for this critical election. However, I am disappointed you waited until the last day of early voting. I wonโt speculate on why your endorsements are coming so late (you even admit this yourself). I would have changed my vote on two candidates and one proposition, if your endorsements had come sooner. How many others are like me? Also, we were encouraged by our party to vote early.
We are avid supporters of The Star. We understand the importance of having a local paper. Next election, please publish your endorsements at the beginning of early voting and not at the end.
Clarence Chaplin
Foothills
Bring back Doonesbury and prior puzzle page
I agree with others who have submitted opinions that the cartoons on the Sunday paper are lame, very old and need to be changed back to what was presented previously. This also applies to the puzzle page as the current page is worse. Bring back the prior puzzle page.
Don Stevenson
East side
Senior welcomes Jumble return
Thank you Daily Star for returning the Jumble puzzle to our daily paper. We seniors appreciate your contribution to our efforts to maintain and improve our mental acuity.
Lois Spacapan
Northwest side
November and Wildcat football
Our woeful Wildcats.
Steam rolled this week by (Fill in the blank).
How many three โ season coaches have we been subject to?
How long will this new coach last and what will be his buyout price?
Weโve had more than our fill of โrebuildingโ years.
The last guy was pretty good and we beat those jerks from Tempe.
I wonder if he even unpacked his bags before leaving for Washington?
I bet if we ask nicely, Coach Rydenโs State Champs, the Lancers, could
sneak into the locker room, don the red and blue, and nail ASU!
We could call it a recruiting trip ...
Scott Thompson
East side
Thank you, Wendy Simmons
I just read Wendy Simmons eloquent story and feel moved to respond. First, thank you, Wendy, for your courage in sharing your experience. Second, my deepest sympathy for both the loss of your pregnancy and the horror of not receiving essential, life-saving, medical care. Your writing is powerful and important. It shows the personal impact of what can seem like an impersonal political decision. Thank you for sharing your personal loss and traumatic experience for the benefit of your community, your state, and your country. The rights of women to have full access to health care should not be a political pawn.
Juanita Ramsey-Jevne
St. David
At last, athletics not politics
If the University of Arizona cared about its student athletes and its fans instead of money, they would have stayed with Oregon State and Washington State in the rebuilt Pac 12. There would be shorter travel times and distances for the athletes. Fans would be able to conveniently and less expensively attend games. The U of A might also win more games than in the Big 12. Oh no, money talks for the UA. Thatโs all that matters.
Dennis Winsten
Northeast side
Jumble is back!
Thank you for bringing Jumble back to the Star. It provides an oasis of calm in an otherwise chaotic world. I always do it AFTER reading the letters to the editor.
Tony Kuyper
Foothills
No time to lose
I am a mother who wants more than anything for my young son to have a healthy, fulfilling life.
This year Tucson had a record 112 days above 100 degrees, over double last yearโs record of 53. Globally, the last 10 years have been the hottest in recorded human history.
Fossil fuels like oil, natural gas and coal, are created from plants and plankton that stored carbon, died and were compacted over millions of years. When burned, carbon is released forming a greenhouse gas layer in atmosphere that lets sunlight pass through but traps heat waves that normally would reflect off the earth back into space.
If we continue to burn fossil fuels at an unchecked pace, we will all suffer. The days will get hotter, the weather more severe, food supplies will be unstable and social unrest will ensue. The window of opportunity for action is closing rapidly. It is up to us to elect leaders that appreciate the gravity of the situation before it is too late.
Marnie Lamm
Foothills
Red-light cameras
So now โweโ want red light cameras back? It seems to me we voted those out of existence a few years back. Someone didnโt get their way? Stomping their feet? Get over it!
Scott Thompson
East side
- Richard Pierson, Southwest side
Your October 30th front page article, "Israeli strikes kills dozens" citing 1,200 Israelis killed compared to 43,000 Palestinians, reminds me of the Old Testament proverb, "an eye for an eye" and "a tooth for a tooth". Enough already!!
Richard Pierson
Southwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Ed LeGendre, East side
Being a general contractor for 48 years, all the cost of the components that are required to construct a house that is affordable, are best realized by having a manufactured house delivered to a lot.
Manufactured homes these days are resilient and durable with proper maintenance, as all houses require maintenance. Any home that is built under the Federal Housing CBDG grants, is very expensive for the public that pays for the subsidy. Nothing is free. Bureaucracy is expensive, especially federal bureaucracy.
KB Homes or Lennar Homes build a house where every stick of lumber, every door, every shingle, every door bumper, every foot of water line, and all the administrative costs add up to the cost of a home. Production lets these homebuilders spread the administrative costs over many homes. A single affordable subsidized house has to bear all the costs in one project.
To declare that we will build affordable houses out of thin air is exactly what it says, except thin air is hot air.
Ed LeGendre
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Excellence in education and sports
The observations of Richard Janik regarding the focus of the University of Arizona might be viewed along with that in the sports page regarding an autistic high school football player doing extremely well as a lineman.
As the Board of Regents and University Administration seek excellence in serving all citizens of this state, appreciation of pathways to excellence for every individual deserves fresh attention.
The University of Arizona has a very fine record in recognizing special needs and special talents in both the undergraduate and graduate pathways.
There can be a better balance between sports, artistic talent, drive to learn, and attitudes of social responsibility measured and provided to the public without disrupting academic pathways. Along with this, expectations of performance for coaches can adjust to one-year contracts with performance criteria greater than win-and-lose.
The public still remain the ultimate source of support.
John Hughes
Northeast side
Red-light cameras
Dear Mayor and Council members, how many must die before you act? Last weekโs headlines were about the five who died in a red light running accident. Must this be the new reality? Just read that Phoenix will reinstate such cameras. Why them and not us? I understand manpower shortages; but red-light cameras extend police coverage. As Phoenix has recognized and as the headlines underscore, this epidemic must be addressed. Please, put your collective worries about what folks will think of you away and do what is right, what our community needs. Advance the safety of our drivers and pedestrians and reinstate red-light cameras.
Norman Patten
Midtown
Kudos to TPD officers
I would like to express my thanks to the Tucson Police officers who came to our house last Saturday at 2 a.m. to rescue a young girl who was lost, confused and crying. They handled the situation with calm and compassionate efficiency and were able to reunite her with her mother. Kudos for a job well done.
Holly McCarter
Midtown
Affordable housing
Being a general contractor for 48 years, all the cost of the components that are required to construct a house that is affordable, are best realized by having a manufactured house delivered to a lot.
Manufactured homes these days are resilient and durable with proper maintenance, as all houses require maintenance. Any home that is built under the Federal Housing CBDG grants is very expensive for the public that pays for the subsidy. Nothing is free. Bureaucracy is expensive, especially federal bureaucracy.
KB Homes or Lennar Homes build a house where every stick of lumber, every door, every shingle, every door bumper, every foot of water line, and all the administrative costs add up to the cost of a home. Production lets these homebuilders spread the administrative costs over many homes. A single affordable, subsidized house has to bear all the costs in one project.
To declare that we will build affordable houses out of thin air is exactly what it says, except thin air is hot air.
Ed LeGendre
East side
Hamas-Israel War
Your Oct. 30 front-page article, โIsraeli strikes kills dozens,โ citing 1,200 Israelis killed compared to 43,000 Palestinians, reminds me of the Old Testament proverb, โan eye for an eyeโ and โa tooth for a tooth.โ Enough already!!
Richard Pierson
Southwest side
Improvements in access
As a disabled Pima County voter, I want to thank Cรกzares-Kelly and Chubon for the numerous changes they, and their team, have brought to the Pima County Recorders Office to actually make early voting accessible. They have made the website and the public information shared on the website screen-reader accessible, something most city and county departments (and even the Star) have yet to choose to do. I wasnโt able to even find information about early voting four years ago, let alone receive text messages about ballot status. Thanks for caring about my right to vote, listening to the disability community, and acting on access concerns.
Naomi Ortiz
Midtown
Thank you, poll and election workers
As I sit in a library typing this, thereโs a small line of people waiting to vote. Other voters are coming in to drop off their ballots.
Iโd like to thank the hard-working poll workers and election workers who made this possible.
Matt Somers
Midtown
- Bette Bunker Richards, Midtown
I loved the article about the super voters. My father's aunt, Floy Bunker Heideman, was arguing the right of women to vote when she was 12 years old. In her twenties she could finally vote and did so until at age 106 no one came to take her to the polls and she was furious as she "still had a few of her marbles." I first voted in 1960 and have voted in every election since including all the bond elections and local elections for anything. I worked for candidates and in the polling places in Wisconsin, New Mexico, Washington, South Dakota, and Arizona. This is the first election I have not done so due to physical problems, and I really missed it. What a privilege this has been and how very fortunate we all are to live in this amazing country.
Bette Bunker Richards
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Craig Miller, Northwest side
According to the Department of Education in 2020, 54% of adults lack basic literacy skills. Most Scandinavian countries have literacy rates of close to 100%. This does explain why so many people here will accept bluster and bs for answers to complex problems. Neither party seems willing to confront the problems of a populace that is uneducated, is less healthy, has a shorter life span and more chronic disease than other industrial nations. We do have more military might and economic power than any other but it hasn't translated to better outcomes for our populace.
Craig Miller
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Richard Bechtold, West side
If you are considering voting for Trump because the price of food is too high, consider the following:
The government does not sell food or does it have much control over the price of food. But citizen consumers do have control over food prices. The CDC states that 74% of Americans are overweight and 43% of them are obese. If citizen consumers ate less overall and purchased more fruit, vegetables and lean meats, consumers would be healthier and spend less money. When we stop buying expensive processed foods and $15.00 per pound steaks, the price will go down. When we refuse to buy food that isn't good for us anyway, the price of unhealthy food will go down.
When that happens consumers can decide to stay healthy by eating less food and healthier food, or go back to unhealthy food and be overcharged, overweight and unhealthy. It's about supply, demand and being smart and healthy.
Richard Bechtold
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dee Maitland, Marana
Remember hiding under desks in case of nuclear attack? Trump is ignorant about nuclear weapons. He considered using nuclear bombs to weaken hurricanes. This is doubly scary due to his affection for Putin and Kim Jong Un with nuclear ambitions.
Remember when we lost friends to polio, the horrible pictures of iron lungs? Trumpโs minion and vaccination skeptic RFK Jr. has recently claimed that Trump promised him โcontrol of the public health agencies.โ This bodes ill.
Remember when the fastest-growing poverty segment was widows and divorcees? For stay-at-home widows their husbandโs pension died with them; and no work history made them ineligible for Social Security. Women discarded by husbands suffered similar fates due to patriarchal divorce laws and no community property rights. Project 2025 would harm women by forcing costly pregnancies and eliminating no-fault divorce.
We canโt go back to a time of nuclear war risk; people dying for lack of vaccines; and women and their children forced into poverty. Vote Democrat.
Dee Maitland
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Don Ries, Southeast side
In the 1940s the OSS, the precursor of the CIA, published a report on Hitler's rise to power. It was finally declassified in 1972, and much of it was published in a book, "The Mind of Adolf Hitler." Donald Trump's refusal to apologize for the vile comedian at his Madison Square Garden rally follows one of Hitler's rules, never admit wrong for anything. Trump also follows the other 9 rules as he repeats over and over the big lie about winning the 2020 election. He also has denied the support of the dictators of Russia, China, and North Korea. If our greatest enemies work to disrupt our election and elect a certain candidate, as a veteran I would think very hard about supporting that candidate. I am such a veteran and will never support Trump.
Don Ries
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Charity Everitt, Midtown
Pointing out to Trump supporters that he is a Fascist or a would-be dictator intent on destroying our Constitution probably does no good as that is a 10,000-foot view that is meaningless where they live. Perhaps a few ground-level questions would be more effective: Does he exemplify the imperative that we put others ahead of ourselves, work for the good of our neighbor, and be hospitable to the stranger? Would you hire him to manage peacefully and effectively the expert plumbers and electricians and roofers remodeling your house? Would you trust him with your mother's life savings, with your churchโs investments? Would you trust him with your daughter?
Charity Everitt
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Thomas J. Plesniak, Midtown
The best argument against democracy is a conversation with the average voter. --Winston Churchill
Is it asking too much to read a newspaper or watch some TV once in a while? Heaven forbid, that may mean no tik tok or porno sites for ten minutes. Nobody should take the word of a single news organization.
As time goes on, it's harder to discern fact from fiction.
Do these people even know who's running for President?
Undecided are the worst. So self-righteous and obtuse instead of practicing the precepts of a well-informed electorate.
Everyone will agree that your vote is a right and a privilege and the most important element of being a devoted citizen. Campaign feels like a life sentence but the serious cycle lasts 18 months. Ignorance in this case isn't bliss.
Thomas J. Plesniak
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheldon Metz, Northeast side
Inflation rate is 2.1%, without Drumphโs massive loss of jobs, economy, manufacturing, product shortages (toilet paper, anyone?), COVID-19 deaths, businesses and homes were lost, prices dropped, due to his recession and lack of preparation and mismanagement of a national pandemic.
Biden's market and economy (up 16.2 million jobs/unemployment 4.1%) today - the best they've ever been. Crime is down 15% since 2022). Immigration is lower than on January 19, 2021. Border apprehensions are up 201% since 2021 with 50% deported.
More people are insured than ever. S&P +54% under Biden; second straight year of record oil production (up +16%); after-tax corporate profits set records (+42%); federal food assistance dropped slightly; fourth straight year of declining gun sales (down -30%); and manufacturing jobs are up 730,000 over Trump.
Gas prices are up 33%. In 2019, Exxon/Mobil company profits were +$14B, Chevron, +$3B.
2020, Exxon/Mobil profits were +$22M, Chevron, +$6B.
2023, Exxon/Mobil profits were +$36B, while Chevron did +$21B.
Gouging?
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Thank you to Star for making endorsements
Thank you to the Starโs editor for making endorsements in this election. While I do not agree with every single one of the Editorโs recommendations, they are all thoughtful and supported with cogent explanations. This is a service to the Starโs readership that facilitates more informed voting.
Amelia Cramer
Downtown
Sick of out-of-state ads
We now have a Vizio flat TV and get TUBI as a choice for selecting movies. But problem is that movies are interrupted several times with boring, repetitive ads from Nevada. Problem is we live in Arizona. But the biggest problem is that we are getting oodles of political ads from that other state. I donโt know who Jacky Rosen is and canโt vote for her, but I have seen her face way too often. Why is this happening? And I donโt know how to stop it. Will it all end after November 5th? I doubt it.
Kenneth J. Unwin
East side
The holier-than-thou undecided
The best argument against democracy is a conversation with the average voter. โ Winston Churchill
Is it asking too much to read a newspaper or watch some TV once in a while. Nobody should take the word of a single news organization.
As time goes on, itโs harder to discern fact from fiction.
Do these people even know whoโs running for President?
Undecideds are the worst. So self-righteous and obtuse instead of practicing the precepts of a well-informed electorate.
Everyone will agree that your vote is a right and a privilege and the most important element of being a devoted citizen. Campaign feels like a life sentence but the serious cycle lasts 18 months. Ignorance in this case isnโt bliss.
Thomas J. Plesniak
Midtown
The election โ think about it
Pointing out to Trump supporters that he is a Fascist or a would-be dictator intent on destroying our Constitution probably does no good as that is a 10,000-foot view that is meaningless where they live. Perhaps a few ground-level questions would be more effective: Does he exemplify the imperative that we put others ahead of ourselves, work for the good of our neighbor, and be hospitable to the stranger? Would you hire him to manage peacefully and effectively the expert plumbers and electricians and roofers remodeling your house? Would you trust him with your motherโs life savings, with your churchโs investments? Would you trust him with your daughter?
Charity Everitt
Midtown
Release of disputed voter names
Re: Secretary of State ordered to release the list of 98,000 AZ voters who โmay not have provided proof of citizenship.โ
I am not waiting: I have decided to โoutโ myself. I am almost certainly one of those 98,000 (or 345,000? or 218,000?). The reason is that when I registered to vote, over 60 years ago, what sufficed as proof of citizenship would not now pass muster by our esteemed Legislature. And I have compounded my โsinโ by voting in every election since then (except one where I arrived too late). It does not matter, of course, that I was born in Tucson, or that all my ancestors came to this land before 1800, or that I had 20 who served in the American Revolution. None of that is of concern to Stronger Communities Foundation, who seem desperate to prove Mr. Trumpโs false assertion that thousands of illegal aliens are voting. So, bring it!
Abraham R. Byrd III
North side
Tardy endorsements
I have read and found myself in substantial agreement with the Starโs endorsements of candidates and ballot propositions. However, I consider quite tardy their publication on the first of November, three weeks after most people have received ballots and after many have voted. If there are voters who rely on the Starโs recommendations, itโs now too late for them to trust their ballots to the U.S. Postal Service, almost too late to vote any other way than in person on November 5. At least the Star remains committed to making endorsements, unlike the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post. Better late than never, for which I thank Executive Editor David McCumber and the Editorial Advisory Board.
Frank Bergen
Northwest side
Election endorsements
I always find the endorsements of the Star helpful when I am undecided about a candidate or proposition. Is there a reason you couldnโt publish them earlier? The deadline for mailing in ballots was October 29, and your endorsements were published on November 1. They are so much more helpful before I mail in my ballot.
Ann Tower
Midtown
A picture with a message
The front-page picture on the โNation & Worldโ section of the 1 November Arizona Daily Star is striking for two different reasons. It shows two 3-year-old twins in Beirut, Lebanon playing on a statue depicting a revolver with a twisted barrel tied into a knot. One could interpret the statue to be an anti-gun sentiment depicting the only safe gun is one that cannot be fired. However, what is striking to me is the small child innocently putting her finger on the trigger of the weapon as if to fire it. I hope every adult takes the necessary responsibility to place their weapons safely out of the reach of children, with appropriate safety measures to prevent them from being inadvertently fired if they were to be found. Lately, too many children have found a means to a weapon because of poor common sense oversight by adults.
Gary Simons
Oro Valley
Compare โ whose economy was better?
Inflation rate is 2.1%, without Drumphโs massive loss of jobs, economy, manufacturing, product shortages (toilet paper, anyone?), COVID-19 deaths, businesses and homes were lost, prices dropped, due to his recession and lack of preparation and mismanagement of a national pandemic.
Bidenโs market and economy (up 16.2 million jobs/unemployment 4.1%) today โ the best theyโve ever been. Crime is down 15% since 2022). Immigration is lower than on January 19, 2021. Border apprehensions are up 201% since 2021 with 50% deported.
More people are insured than ever. S&P +54% under Biden; second straight year of record oil production (up +16%); after-tax corporate profits set records (+42%); federal food assistance dropped slightly; fourth straight year of declining gun sales (down -30%); and manufacturing jobs are up 730,000 over Trump.
Gas prices are up 33%. In 2019, Exxon/Mobil company profits were +$14B, Chevron, +$3B.
2020, Exxon/Mobil profits were +$22M, Chevron, +$6B.
2023, Exxon/Mobil profits were +$36B, while Chevron did +$21B.
Gouging?
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Remember when
Remember hiding under desks in case of nuclear attack? Trump is ignorant about nuclear weapons. He considered using nuclear bombs to weaken hurricanes. This is doubly scary due to his affection for Putin and Kim Jong Un with nuclear ambitions.
Remember when we lost friends to polio, the horrible pictures of iron lungs? Trumpโs minion and vaccination skeptic RFK Jr. has recently claimed that Trump promised him โcontrol of the public health agencies.โ This bodes ill.
Remember when the fastest-growing poverty segment was widows and divorcees? For stay-at-home widows their husbandโs pension died with them; and no work history made them ineligible for Social Security. Women discarded by husbands suffered similar fates due to patriarchal divorce laws and no community property rights. Project 2025 would harm women by forcing costly pregnancies and eliminating no-fault divorce.
We canโt go back to a time of nuclear war risk; people dying for lack of vaccines; and women and their children forced into poverty. Vote Democrat.
Dee Maitland
Marana
- Cherie Freeman, East side
Trump has called for the murder of Liz Cheney. What is law enforcement doing about this? Immunity for this deranged Ex president? I don't think so. I am scared for me and my country.
Cherie Freeman
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Peter Wehle, Downtown
ENEMIES WITHIN
I have heard recently prior to the November 5th Presidential election that one candidate espouses his thoughts about โThe Enemies Withinโ. He also said that people who are either captured or God-Forbid killed in battle are essentially โLosersโ. Cโmon Man, who are you kidding!
I recall a President by the name of Richard Nixon who was also fixated on his enemies list. You folks who are old enough remember good old tricky Dick and his Watergate henchmen.
He was focused on revenge for people who disagreed with his idea of America. Wait a minute, doesnโt the new President take a solemn oath to defend and protect our nationsโ citizens from both foreign and domestic terrorists?. This oath taken by the newly elected President is sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court!
Wait a minute, this candidate for President wants to deport millions of non-citizens and even naturalized citizens because they are garbage! What, are you kidding me? What are we Nazis?
Peter Wehle
Downtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Thomas Sitzmann, Oro Valley
This election is about one thing, and one thing only: hate. Hatred of Donald Trump and anyone who supports him. You see it daily in letters in this space. The Dems call you deplorable, evil, racist, Nazis, a cult member, garbage, and now if you're a woman, dumb. Remember "Tell them they're not welcome here"? Spurred on by the rabid media that parses and twists every phrase, word or gesture into something vile, how could you not hate? The hatred is so deep that the Dems even run ads on how it's okay to lie to your spouse or friends just so you don't vote for Trump. A campaign that started as "hope and joy" has degenerated into what it has always been about: Hate.
Thomas Sitzmann
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- David Hatch, Southeast side
In times like these, I'm sure we all agree that we obviously need a strong leader. But what is not so obvious is, who has the stronger personality?
Just a reminder to those who may still be on the fence: A person who has high self-esteem does not waste his time disparaging others. He is not easily insulted so he has no need to insult others. He does not speak falsely of others. He has no need to bring others down.
A strong personality is willing and able to take advice from, and work with others. We should not be deceived ... that is not a weakness! In that is her strength!
I think you know where I'm going with this.
David Hatch
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dennis Winsten, Northeast side
Yes, for gullible voters who believe the man, you'll get a chicken in every pot and you all will receive a winning lottery ticket. There'll be much lower taxes, yet you'll get many more government benefits, free electricity, gas prices back to 99 cents, prime steak 75 cents per pound ... and more. We'll be protected from aliens entering our country by a 200-foot-high titanium wall, paid for by Mexico, that encompasses the entire border between the U.S. and Mexico and also, Canada, just in case. Shucks, won't that be great! Vote accordingly.
Dennis Winsten
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Kim Miklofsky Bayne, Foothills
Had enough of Trumpโs tall tales and arrogance? Same here. November 5th Is fast approaching, so itโs time once again to take the gloves off. Here are my freshly minted one-liners about Trumpโs never-ending barrage of falsehoods.
โข Trump lies so often, the National Archives now has a wing labeled โfiction.โ
โข Trump lies so often, heโd autograph the Ten Commandments, then claim he negotiated them down from fifteen.
โข Trump lies so often, fact-checkers have a hotlineโฆand itโs a 24-hour crisis line.
โข Trump lies so often, Pinocchio took out a restraining order for brand protection.
โข Trump lies so often, heโs sure the wall he โbuiltโ can be seen from Mars. Through a telescope made of gold.
โข Trump lies so often, his Christmas card has fine print: โResults not typical.โ
Kim Miklofsky Bayne
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Ron Furtak, East side
Just a short retort to the numerous pro Harris letters in the last several days. If you want a fourth Obama term, or more illegals, more crime, more taxes, an empty pants suit for a President, vote Democrat/progressive/ socialist. If you want a capitalist strong economy, lower taxes, a strong military, more democracy, a controlled border, a strong representative in the world order, vote Republican and put Trump back in the White House!
Ron Furtak
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheila Bourque, North side
I ran into a canvasser on my street today while walking my dog. He seemed discouraged. I have had my door knocked on a few times by both passionate volunteers and paid canvassers.
No matter your party or opinion it doesnโt cost us anything to be kind and polite. Your vote is yours to cast as you wish but kindness to each other is just as important.
Take a moment and a deep breath, kindness is free.
Sheila Bourque
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Fascist Trump
Last night Fascist Trump was in Glendale, calling for the execution of Liz Cheney. All you supporters just take it in stride. The rest of us think you are so pathetic, unbelievable. You still believe, he wonโt get away with it, if elected. Thatโs the most pathetic thing about you. If that crazy fool says heโs going to do it, heโs going to do it. Heโs a fascist! My God, you better get a grip. Donald Trump is the antithesis of America! Donald Trump is the antithesis of a world moving forward, and believe me, know this much, there is no way weโre going back. No way!
Mary Bradley
Northeast side
Neighborโs hate mail about Harris/Walz sign
My neighbors were talking about the letters to the Star about Janice in a northwest neighborhood, who got a hate-filled letter from an anonymous Trumper, because she put up a Harris/Walz sign. Our heartfelt support goes out to Janice.
Our neighborhood is the opposite of hers. Our streets are decorated with Harris/Walz signs, many of which I supplied. There is a single Trump sign in one neighborโs yard, and we would never say anything negative to him about it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
In fact, my best friend in the neighborhood is a Republican. He and I play guitar, eat barbecue, and go to movies together.
We know that hate consumes the vessel that contains it. The Trumper who sent the hate mail to Janice is an antisocial sociopath. He will suffer the loneliness and isolation that only his hate can bring.
Larry Bodine
Foothills
A Chicken in every pot!
Yes, for gullible voters who believe the man, youโll get a chicken in every pot and you all will receive a winning lottery ticket. Thereโll be much lower taxes, yet youโll get many more government benefits, free electricity, gas prices back to 99 cents, prime steak 75 cents per pound โฆ and more. Weโll be protected from aliens entering our country by a 200-foot-high titanium wall, paid for by Mexico, that encompasses the entire border between the U.S. and Mexico and also, Canada, just in case. Shucks, wonโt that be great! Vote accordingly.
Dennis Winsten
Northeast side
Canvassers
I ran into a canvasser on my street today while walking my dog. He seemed discouraged. I have had my door knocked on a few times by both passionate volunteers and paid canvassers.
No matter your party or opinion it doesnโt cost us anything to be kind and polite. Your vote is yours to cast as you wish but kindness to each other is just as important.
Take a moment and a deep breath, kindness is free.
Sheila Bourque
North side
Going back?
When the page opened, it was headed by an advertisement with a banner declaring โWeโre Not Going Backโ paid for by the Democrats. Clearly a motto that thinks it is expressing a worthwhile goal. When considering going back, my memory prior to the Biden/Harris administration clearly includes prices that are more affordable, lower crime levels, an absence of concerns over illegal immigrants, lower unemployment including minorities both black and Latino. While not interested in โGoing Back,โ the last four years with the Biden/Harris administration have given me fond memories of the four years before Biden/Harris. I learned long ago that a person can be a good leader even if I donโt like them, especially if they make life better. Measure the quality of leader based on past performance, not based on promises that canโt be fulfilled. Wondering if Kamala can actually perform? Ask yourself if you are pleased with the last four years.
Loran Hancock
Northwest side
Election
This election is about one thing, and one thing only: hate. Hatred of Donald Trump and anyone who supports him. You see it daily in letters in this space. The Dems call you deplorable, evil, racist, Nazis, a cult member, garbage, and now if youโre a woman, dumb. Remember โTell them theyโre not welcome hereโ? Spurred on by the rabid media that parses and twists every phrase, word or gesture into something vile, how could you not hate? The hatred is so deep that the Dems even run ads on how itโs okay to lie to your spouse or friends just so you donโt vote for Trump. A campaign that started as โhope and joyโ has degenerated into what it has always been about: Hate.
Thomas Sitzmann
Oro Valley
Voting
Just a short retort to the numerous pro Harris letters in the last several days. If you want a fourth Obama term, or more illegals, more crime, more taxes, an empty pants suit for a President, vote Democrat/progressive/ socialist. If you want a capitalist strong economy, lower taxes, a strong military, more democracy, a controlled border, a strong representative in the world order, vote Republican and put Trump back in the White House!
Ron Furtak
East side
A strong leader
In times like these, Iโm sure we all agree that we obviously need a strong leader. But what is not so obvious is, who has the stronger personality?
Just a reminder to those who may still be on the fence: A person who has high self-esteem does not waste his time disparaging others. He is not easily insulted so he has no need to insult others. He does not speak falsely of others. He has no need to bring others down.
A strong personality is willing and able to take advice from, and work with others. We should not be deceived โฆ that is not a weakness! In that is her strength!
I think you know where Iโm going with this.
David Hatch
Southeast side
Presidential election
Many, many congratulations on serving your community, state and country by using your bully pulpit as a free and independent newspaper to endorse candidates who will help further the cause of democracy in America! Unrepressed newspapers and other media outlets are an essential aspect of any functioning republic. Well and truly done.
Gavin Kayner
Northwest side
Call for murder.
Trump has called for the murder of Liz Cheney. What is law enforcement doing about this? Immunity for this deranged Ex president? I donโt think so. I am scared for me and my country.
Cherie Freeman
East side
The importance of voting
My mother was raised by hand by a suffragette, and so it was impressed upon her that voting is a hard won right. I thought of her today after reading the story about Arizona โsuper votersโ in the Arizona Daily Star (by Caitlin McGlade) reproduced from the Arizona Republic. โCall them super voters: about 2750 Arizonans have cast a ballot in every primary and general election for at least three decadesโ
And I thought about Beni Witbooi, my neighbor in Berkeley back in the early 1980s. I remember him paging through his daily issue of the Berkeley Gazette, a daily paper which gave an account of local politics. An election was coming up and I asked him whom he favored. He said: โIโve never voted in my life.โ
He was South African, but not white: and this was back in apartheid days.
Point taken.
Voting is a hard-won right and not to be thrown away heedlessly but exercised judiciously.
John Leech
Foothills
Letter from neighbors
I want to express my sincere appreciation to Janice Reed and the Arizona Daily Star for publishing the hateful letter received from neighbors. Regardless of politics, it is important that all Tucsonans be aware of and reject this extreme hate. I offer my support and apology to the Reed family that they have been threatened in this manner.
This type of behavior serves as more evidence that the Republican party is no longer distinguished by policy differences but on hateful cult-like values. It is a very sad reflection of the current state of our โcommunityโ.
May this election cycle end peacefully.
Carol Bradley
Foothills
The world Is watching
I used to say that Europeans could care less about American politics. Now, not so much. In the six weeks I spent abroad they were not shy about sharing their opinions. The lady in Barcelona at the mom and pop market who scoffed at me, the Airbnb host who did a double take and agreed when I mentioned our crazy politics, the two Australians who bluntly asked my political affiliation before continuing a pleasant conversation on a train platform, and the Scottish family who explained theyโd normally be proud Scottish blood made it to the White House but nae, not Trump.
In each case they were very much interested and they all emphatically agreed that to elect him the first time, okay, we didnโt understand what we were getting. But to elect him again, thatโs on us as Americans.
Iโm not suggesting we vote to appease foreigners, but letโs quit playing the fool. Vote Harris / Walz.
Mark Silva
Foothills
Re: the Jan. 2. article โTucsonโs yearly heat record โcrushedโ in trend that could be repeated
โ
Freedom of the press is a Constitutional guarantee. Our nationโs founders considered it to be a basic freedom for a democratic society. It appears this freedom is eroding. For the 2024 election at least, many of our major newspapers, including the Washington Post, USA Today, and the LA Times, have suddenly decided to opt out of their usual endorsements of political candidates.
Their expressed explanations sound reasoned, but their actions smack of cowardice. Their ownership has succumbed to the bullying of powerful monied interests who donโ t agree with their potential endorsements.
Kudos to Lee Enterprises (owner of the Arizona Daily Star), and to David McCumber, the Starโs Executive Editor, for their courage in bucking this alarming trend and publishing the Starโs political endorsements for 2024.
Appeasement of a bully only encourages his efforts.
John Barringer
Midtown
A silver star for 2024 endorsements
Congratulations on your well-reasoned and thoughtful endorsements for the 2024 election. They are in the finest traditions of journalism and serve notice to current and future politicians that our local paper is a diligent member of the Fourth Estate and will not only serve truth and justice but also demonstrate courage in stating your recommended candidates for office. Your courage is doubly appreciated in this divided election, where well-respected national papers have refused to endorse this year. You will probably lose some Star subscribers preferring other candidates. The debates among your guest editors must have been bloody but I applaud your having the courage of your convictions. My recommended award would have been a Gold Star had you endorsed before most of us voted by mail, but you confirmed most of my choices and changed your endorsement policy of last year. Truth and justice are struggling in this election and as another editor Clare Boothe Luce said, โCourage is the ladder on which all the other virtues mount.โ
Frank Hartline
Foothills
Dad jokes for the ages, Part II
Had enough of Trumpโs tall tales and arrogance? Same here. November 5th Is fast approaching, so itโs time once again to take the gloves off. Here are my freshly minted one-liners about Trumpโs never-ending barrage of falsehoods.
- Trump lies so often, the National Archives now has a wing labeled โfiction.โ
- Trump lies so often, heโd autograph the Ten Commandments, then claim he negotiated them down from fifteen.
- Trump lies so often, fact-checkers have a hotlineโฆand itโs a 24-hour crisis line.
- Trump lies so often, Pinocchio took out a restraining order for brand protection.
- Trump lies so often, heโs sure the wall he โbuiltโ can be seen from Mars. Through a telescope made of gold.
- Trump lies so often, his Christmas card has fine print: โResults not typical.โ
Kim Miklofsky Bayne
Foothills
- Robert Kleps, Downtown
If true Republicans want to keep their party, they must hold their nose and for one time only, vote for Democrats to stop Trumplicans from replacing the Republican Party.
Republicans are conservative and anticommunist. Trumplicans support Putin and Russia. Republicans want government to stay out of their business. Trumplicans work to control our bodies, books and ballots. Republicans believe in law and order. Trumplicans created January 6th. Republicans follow our Constitution. Trumplicans obey only Donald Trump.
If Trump wins, America will have just two parties, a too-liberal Democratic and an anti-conservative Trumplican one. True Republicans will decide to keep or lose their party.
Robert Kleps
Downtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Kim Holmes, Green Valley
For those who support the GOP candidateโs deportation plan, here are some things to think about:
1. Next time you go to a restaurant or stay in a hotel, look around you. Who is most likely cleaning up after you? You think service is slow now, just wait. It will probably get slower. 2. If your roof needs repairing or replacement who is up there doing it? 3. You think produce prices are high now, just wait until there are very few people to pick the crops. Food will rot on trees and in the fields. Prices will increase. 4. These undocumented workers pay in to Social Security and pay federal income taxes. They will never see a penny of it because the Social Security numbers they use are not attached to their names. But they are helping keep Social Security solvent for the rest of us.
Kim Holmes
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Tia Yap, South side
Young Voters: Make Your Voting Plan!
As a young voter, I urge you to make your voting plan today. With November 5 just days away, this is our moment to act and ensure our voices are heard.
This election, Millennials and Gen Z will form the largest voting bloc ever, representing nearly one-fifth of the electorate. With over 40 million Gen Z voters, including 8 million newly eligible since 2022, our power is immense. We face challenges: a climate crisis, threats to reproductive rights, and an economic system that feels stacked against us. With record-setting heat and reproductive rights at risk in Arizona, we canโt wait for change.
We hold the power to drive change. Making a voting plan ensures our voices are heard and fits this civic duty into our lives. We have until November 5 to decide how weโll vote โ whether in person or by mail.
Now is the time to act. Every vote counts, and together, we can shape our future.
Tia Yap
South side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Linda Ford, East side
After reading the letter about the back lash suffered by someone displaying a Harris Walz sign in their yard, I wonder what we have become. This country was founded on the belief in personal freedom and a willingness to let others express their opinions even if we donโt agree with them.
What have we become?
Not to mention all the hate-filled remarks heard at the Trump rally at Madison Square Garden.
Is this the country we want to live in?
I donโt.
We can do better!
Linda Ford
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheldon Metz, Northeast side
On January 6, 2021, disgraced former president Donald Trump stood at the Ellipse, inciting his armies of domestic terrorists to attack the United States and, therefore, America -- you, me and the dead relatives who died protecting us -- the โsuckersโ and โlosers.โ Final attendance that day was about 53,000 (30% drawn by his call-to-arms).
Trump claims, โNo one comes to Harrisโ rallies because she has nothing to say.โ Her rallies continue to outdraw his, however. On Tuesday, October 29, at her rally at the same Ellipse from which Trump ordered his cultist minions to attack us, Kamala Harris drew over 75,000 cheering, positive people supporting America.
Knowing he lies, his obsession with numbers has made him a laughingstock to the saner elements of society. Regarding his "Nรผrnberg Rally" at Madison Square Garden, Trump claimed 200,000 red caps were in attendance. MSGโs maximum capacity is 19,812.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Richard Peddy, East side
Thanks to the Star for the October 29th Letters to the Editor page: eleven letters, each reminding everyone that the Republican candidate is an evil, despicable man and that a vote for him is a vote for fascism and dictatorship.
Thank goodness! After being bludgeoned over the head with letters literally hundreds of times in the past few weeks by frantic and panicked leftists, I think Iโm finally seeing the lighโฆno, I'm not.
Perhaps the popularity of our potential fuhrer has more to do with the abhorrence of a far-left push by the Democratic Party and the potential for a more socialist system going forward. Some people don't want government entangled in every facet of their lives.
Donald Trump is a shameful man by any measure; no competent parent could use him as an example for their child to follow. Imagine, then, what a foregone conclusion this election would be if the Republican Party had simply positioned a decent human to be its candidate for President.
Richard Peddy
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Fran Gordon, Green Valley
As a voter in elections of my youth, I remember one could pull one lever (on stone age voting machines) and all Democrats or all Republicans automatically received straight party votes. Independents had no chance! Thank heavens those old dinosaur machines are no longer in use. At this present time, our votes are more important than ever. We must use our votes to elect the best candidates possible along with the most common-sense propositions. Just vote! There is no better method to stop the hate and move forward to the most positive future!
Fran Gordon
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Loran Hancock, Northwest side
When the page opened, it was headed by an advertisement with a banner declaring "We're Not Going Back" paid for by the Democrats. Clearly a motto that thinks it is expressing a worthwhile goal. When considering going back, my memory prior to the Biden/Harris administration clearly includes prices that are more affordable, lower crime levels, an absence of concerns over illegal immigrants, lower unemployment including minorities both black and Latino. While not interested in "Going Back," the last four years with the Biden/Harris administration have given me fond memories of the four years before Biden/Harris. I learned long ago that a person can be a good leader even if I don't like them, especially if they make life better. Measure the quality of leader based on past performance, not based on promises that can't be fulfilled. Wondering if Kamala can actually perform? Ask yourself if you are pleased with the last four years.
Loran Hancock
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mary Bradley, Northeast side
Last night Fascist Trump was in Glendale, calling for the execution of Liz Cheney. All you supporters just take it in stride. The rest of us think you are so pathetic, unbelievable. You still believe, he wonโt get away with it, if elected. Thatโs the most pathetic thing about you. If that crazy fool says heโs going to do it, heโs going to do it. Heโs a fascist! My God, you better get a grip. Donald Trump is the antithesis of America! Donald Trump is the antithesis of a world moving forward, and believe me, know this much, there is no way weโre going back. No way!
Mary Bradley
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mark Silva, Foothills
I used to say that Europeans could care less about American politics. Now, not so much. In the six weeks I spent abroad they were not shy about sharing their opinions. The lady in Barcelona at the mom and pop market who scoffed at me, the Airbnb host who did a double take and agreed when I mentioned our crazy politics, the two Australians who bluntly asked my political affiliation before continuing a pleasant conversation on a train platform, and the Scottish family who explained theyโd normally be proud Scottish blood made it to the White House but nae, not Trump.
In each case they were very much interested and they all emphatically agreed that to elect him the first time, okay, we didnโt understand what we were getting. But to elect him again, thatโs on us as Americans.
Iโm not suggesting we vote to appease foreigners, but letโs quit playing the fool. Vote Harris / Walz.
Mark Silva
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
ย
The sky is falling
Thanks to the Star for the October 29th Letters to the Editor page: 11 letters, each reminding everyone that the Republican candidate is an evil, despicable man and that a vote for him is a vote for fascism and dictatorship.
Thank goodness! After being bludgeoned over the head with letters literally hundreds of times in the past few weeks by frantic and panicked leftists, I think Iโm finally seeing the lighโฆ no, I'm not.
Perhaps the popularity of our potential fuhrer has more to do with the abhorrence of a far-left push by the Democratic Party and the potential for a more socialist system going forward. Some people don't want government entangled in every facet of their lives.
Donald Trump is a shameful man by any measure; no competent parent could use him as an example for their child to follow. Imagine, then, what a foregone conclusion this election would be if the Republican Party had simply positioned a decent human to be its candidate for President.
Richard Peddy
East side
ELECTION MANIA
After reading the letter about the backlash suffered by someone displaying a Harris Walz sign in their yard, I wonder what we have become. This country was founded on the belief in personal freedom and a willingness to let others express their opinions even if we donโt agree with them.
What have we become?
Not to mention all the hate-filled remarks heard at the Trump rally at Madison Square Garden.
Is this the country we want to live in?
I donโt.
We can do better!
Linda Ford
East side
Political parties and independents work together
As a voter in elections of my youth, I remember one could pull one lever (on stone age voting machines) and all Democrats or all Republicans automatically received straight party votes. Independents had no chance! Thank heavens those old dinosaur machines are no longer in use. At this present time, our votes are more important than ever. We must use our votes to elect the best candidates possible along with the most common-sense propositions. Just vote! There is no better method to stop the hate and move forward to the most positive future!
Fran Gordon
Green Valley
Young voters, our moment is now
Young Voters: Make Your Voting Plan!
As a young voter, I urge you to make your voting plan today. With November 5 just days away, this is our moment to act and ensure our voices are heard.
This election, Millennials and Gen Z will form the largest voting bloc ever, representing nearly one-fifth of the electorate. With over 40 million Gen Z voters, including 8 million newly eligible since 2022, our power is immense. We face challenges: a climate crisis, threats to reproductive rights, and an economic system that feels stacked against us. With record-setting heat and reproductive rights at risk in Arizona, we canโt wait for change.
We hold the power to drive change. Making a voting plan ensures our voices are heard and fits this civic duty into our lives. We have until November 5 to decide how weโll vote โ whether in person or by mail.
Now is the time to act. Every vote counts, and together, we can shape our future.
Tia Yap
South side
One vote, double impact
My ballot for Arizona House of Representatives said, โVote for not more than 2 candidates.โ Living in LD-17, I had a choice of one Democrat and two Republicans. How best to use my two votes? I researched the candidates and discovered that the incumbent Republicans were MAGA-types who spent much of the past legislative session focused on culture war politics and election conspiracies. I wanted a representative who cared about things that impact my daily life โ education, housing, reproductive rights and our water supply. I decided the best use of my two votes was to cast just one vote for Kevin Volk. My second vote wasn't wasted โ rather my one vote now has double the impact.
THEA CHALOW
Oro Valley
Wharton degree, still can't count
On January 6, 2021, disgraced former president Donald Trump stood at the Ellipse, inciting his armies of domestic terrorists to attack the United States and, therefore, Americaย โ you, me and the dead relatives who died protecting usย โ the โsuckersโ and โlosers.โ Final attendance that day was about 53,000 (30% drawn by his call-to-arms).
Trump claims, โNo one comes to Harrisโ rallies because she has nothing to say.โ Her rallies continue to outdraw his, however. On Tuesday, October 29, at her rally at the same Ellipse from which Trump ordered his cultist minions to attack us, Kamala Harris drew over 75,000 cheering, positive people supporting America.
Knowing he lies, his obsession with numbers has made him a laughingstock to the saner elements of society. Regarding his "Nรผrnberg Rally" at Madison Square Garden, Trump claimed 200,000 red caps were in attendance. MSGโs maximum capacity is 19,812.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Asking What Would Jesus Do?
To those positive Jesus would not vote for Trump, are you actual followers of Christ or just pretending? Itโs obvious you believe every lie spouted by the national mediaย โ even this paper printed a full-page ad of the lies about Trump. No reporting on the offenses against Republicans. A friend has put out 5 Trump signsย โ all stolenย โ not to mention those defaced. Democratsย โ get off your high horseย โ most of the destruction in this country has come from your sideย โ remember Antifa?
Are you sure Jesus would vote for Harrisย โ you really need to reconsider. Sheโs a woman that slept her way thru California politics with a married man 30 years her seniorย โ not very admirable. Sheโs a woman that lies constantly about her opponentย โ Hitler, fascist. Does she even know the meaning?
And I really want to hear you defend the Democrats' position on abortion. How do you think Jesus would feel about millions of babies being abortedย โ most for convenience? It's very sad.
Debra Berthelot
Marana
A commitment to CFSD's legacy
Congratulations to the dedicated, skilled teachers and hardworking students of the Catalina Foothills School District for achieving the distinction of being the only K-12 district in Arizona to earn an A rating from the Arizona Department of Education.
As a district resident with a daughter who graduated from CFHS in 2015, I have personally witnessed the high-quality education provided by this district for decades. This success stems from the unwavering commitment to excellence demonstrated by CFSD's dedicated leaders, teachers, and staff.
One slate of candidates running for election stands firmly behind this legacy of success and acknowledges the numerous accolades earned by CFSD. In contrast, the other candidates have perpetuated a misleading narrative suggesting that CFSD is โin declineโ and โat risk.โ Nothing could be further from the truth.
School board members should be staunch advocates for their districtโs students and staff, committed to preserving the long-standing excellence of CFSD. I am proud to support Jacquelyn Davoli, Tom Logue, and Eileen Jackson in this important election.
Tracy Shake
Foothills
Will Republicans save their party?
If true Republicans want to keep their party, they must hold their nose and for one time only, vote for Democrats to stop Trumplicans from replacing the Republican Party.
Republicans are conservative and anticommunist. Trumplicans support Putin and Russia. Republicans want government to stay out of their business. Trumplicans work to control our bodies, books and ballots. Republicans believe in law and order. Trumplicans created January 6th. Republicans follow our Constitution. Trumplicans obey only Donald Trump.
If Trump wins, America will have just two parties, a too-liberal Democratic and an anti-conservative Trumplican one. True Republicans will decide to keep or lose their party.
Robert Kleps
Downtown
Maricopa County and Joe Arpaio
The Starโs October 31 front page article about changes in Maricopa County missed an important element in its political evolution. For decades it elected a tyrant as its sheriff. Lives were lost, persons, particularly Hispanics, were intimidated daily. The county lost hundreds of millions of dollars in litigation expense and payouts.
The overreach of Sheriff Joe Arpaio became apparent to enough Republicans, in combination with the organizing of the minority community and its supporters for some level of justice, that he was finally defeated. He also was convicted of contempt in our federal court.
Arpaio received a pardon, not through the normal process of the Justice Department, but directly from Donald Trump when he had that arbitrary power available to abuse.
Barry Kirschner
Midtown
Something to think about
For those who support the GOP candidateโs deportation plan, here are some things to think about:
1. Next time you go to a restaurant or stay in a hotel, look around you. Who is most likely cleaning up after you? You think service is slow now, just wait. It will probably get slower. 2. If your roof needs repairing or replacement who is up there doing it? 3. You think produce prices are high now, just wait until there are very few people to pick the crops. Food will rot on trees and in the fields. Prices will increase. 4. These undocumented workers pay in to Social Security and pay federal income taxes. They will never see a penny of it because the Social Security numbers they use are not attached to their names. But they are helping keep Social Security solvent for the rest of us.
Kim Holmes
Green Valley
- Debra Berthelot, Marana
To those positive Jesus would not vote for Trump, are you actual followers of Christ or just pretending? Itโs obvious you believe every lie spouted by the national media -- even this paper printed a full-page ad of the lies about Trump. No reporting on the offenses against Republicans. A friend has put out 5 Trump signs - all stolen - not to mention those defaced. Democrats - get off your high horse - most of the destruction in this country has come from your side - remember Antifa?
Are you sure Jesus would vote for Harris - you really need to reconsider. Sheโs a woman that slept her way thru California politics with a married man 30 years her senior - not very admirable. Sheโs a woman that lies constantly about her opponent - Hitler, fascist. Does she even know the meaning?
And I really want to hear you defend the Democrats' position on abortion. How do you think Jesus would feel about millions of babies being aborted - most for convenience? It's very sad.
Debra Berthelot
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Loyal M Johnson Jr, Oro Valley
As all of you have noticed, there are vehicles anywhere you travel in the United States. Nearly all of the vehicles are either gasoline or diesel powered.
As much as the EV proponents wish, it will be many years until EVs power the majority of vehicles. In 2023, the United States used 124 million gallons of gasoline and 42 million gallons of diesel daily. The United States consumes a total of 20.25 million barrels of oil per day, of which 8.51 million barrels are imported from 86 countries. The United States, with vast proven and unproven petroleum reserves, has enough quantity under our own soil to satisfy our demand without any imports. With that in mind, why would we import petroleum from any country, friendly or not, when we could keep those valuable dollars in-house and provide good jobs for thousands of tax-paying oil workers and all the ancillary activities that are required to produce finished products? We are derelict to not harvest this treasure.
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Lisa Wolfe, North side
Voters complain the country is headed in the wrong direction. Thatโs not Democratsโ fault.
The President cannot enact laws without Congress. Republicans in Congress refuse to pass bills needed for a strong economy and immigration reform.
The House of Representatives, ruled by a chaotic Republican majority, opposes all Democratic bills, simply because they are proposed by Democrats. Republicans even voted against an immigration bill they supported โ just to appease the criminal candidate.
Senate rules require a 60% majority to pass most legislation. Because Senate Republicans refuse to work with Democrats to solve problems, the rule prevents passage of Democratic bills.
Vote for Harris/Walz.
Vote for Democrats for Congress (Gallego, Engel, Grijalva) to achieve goals needed for a better America:
- Right to abortion
- Stop inflation and price gouging
- Help families pay for housing and childcare
- Decrease oil/gas subsidies; promote renewable energy
- Help small businesses
- Immigration reform
Lisa Wolfe
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jim Rapp, Southeast side
Which will it be?
Americans have an opportunity in the upcoming election for president to determine the future direction of our country. And it has very little to do with one set of policies versus another, but with character.
Which version of America do you want to live in?
One led by a person who spreads hate and fear, whose facial expression has only two default settings: angry at the world and smug, and who cares about nobody but himself and the very rich.
Or a person who spreads love and happiness, whose default facial expression is smiling and encouraging, and who clearly cares about the middle class, i.e. us.
Jim Rapp
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Gerald Schwartz, Foothills
Letters often reveal much about the mindset of the writer. When I read the daily letters I read the authorโs name first. Many on both sides are frequent writers and I read them all. Some need to do a better job of fact checking before they hit send. But the lead letter on 10/28 appalled me. It may have been written by a single individual and attributed to a group but knowing HOAs which can be polarized for reasons other than politics it is possible for a group letter. Regardless this appears to be a classless act by someone or a group with no sense of human decency regarding a neighbor. This reminds me of an issue some time back involving a Supreme Court justice and his wife and flying of flags. The invective needs to stop.
Gerald Schwartz
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Don Ries, Southeast side
The hateful and racist "comedy" at the Madison Square Garden rally for Trump was obscene and I would condemn it if a Democrat or any other candidate had held it. If those "jokes" were told at a comedy open mike event, J.D. Vance would be right, get over it. But it was at a rally for a Presidential candidate, which means that the candidate being promoted agreed with the presentations at his rally. That was Donald Trump. The organizers of the rally had invited everyone who spoke, had vetted what they would say, and agreed to it. After the obscene message was delivered all the Republicans are trying to run away from it. That's as hypocritical as you can get.
Don Ries
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jack Walters, Northeast side
When Trump announced he would hold a rally in Madison Square garden arena, Hillary took to the airways to remind everyone that there was a Nazi rally held there in 1939, implying forcefully that this was a repeat of that. Since then the media and those who will stop at nothing to prevent his re-election have agreed with reckless abandon, joining in the chorus of Trump haters.
The problem with this is that the people who are voting for him are automatically labeled as fascists. Do you really believe that there could possibly be 75 million or more Nazis living in America today?
If Trump loses this election our country will never recover. The freedoms endowed on us by the creators of the Constitution will be taken away. Under Harris freedom of speech has been curtailed by listing them as disinformation. Wake up before it is too late.
Jack Walters
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mary Zimmerman, SaddleBrooke
When people like Trump talk, listen to them, for they will tell exactly who they are. It can't be a coincidence that Trump's rally in New York was held at the same place as a 1939 American Nazi Party rally. Do you want a country where people are denigrated because of their ethnicity? Where Kamala Harris is called stupid and accused of having pimp handlers and her husband is called a bad Jew? Do you want a country where the Justice Department will be used to persecute anyone Trump doesn't like and the military could be used against our own citizens? His vision, if it can be called that, is very dark indeed. If all this isn't enough for you, he's now saying that he and Mike Johnson have a "little secret" to win this election. Trump supporters, open your eyes and ears.
Mary Zimmerman
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Stop the blame
Letโs get real about why Harris lost โ three overarching reasons: American voters, of all ilk 1) arenโt willing to elect a woman president, 2) arenโt willing to elect a woman of color, and 3) have fallen hook, line, and sinker for fear and hate mongering that started decades ago and increased exponentially over the past decade. It disgusts me to see โprogressivesโ like Sanders and pundits rushing to blame an incredibly talented candidate who ran as good as a campaign as weโve seen in modern history. Too many American voters are so aligned with their โgang,โ and are inundated with a constant barrage of misinformation and appeals to their fears, that it is almost impossible for them to not succumb to our baser side of human nature. So, stop blaming Harris and her team, and recognize there is a darker more insidious cultural and social upheaval that has taken place, and will take generations to undo.
Sonja Stupel
North side
Another day of infamy
Itโs hard to explain, let alone understand what happened on November 5th, 2024, but it surely will be remembered as a day of infamy (to quote Franklin Roosevelt), almost as horrendous as December 7, 1941, September 11, 2001, and January 6, 2021. The main difference among them is that the last two were self-inflicted wounds that have the potential to be far longer lasting in their disastrous effects than the first two. After all, shattered mortar can be rebuilt as good as new relatively quickly, whereas the damaging emotional and practical effects of the Trump catastrophes will likely be felt for generations, not only here, but worldwide as we alienate our (former) allies. Where were all those who enthusiastically cheered Harrisโ candidacy, but didnโt vote on November 5th? Perhaps Trump will declare January 6 a national holiday. Who knows?
Jack Graef
SaddleBrooke
Trump voters get what they voted for
Good job, Trump voters! A political dolt who is easily manipulated by other world leaders will now be serving as our President. Again.
But you donโt care about that. No, you were concerned about our economy โ that has never been better and is the envy of the entire world. You voted for Trumpโs policies, which will weaken the economy.
And thatโs not all! Look at all you voted for:
- Retail prices increasing 20% due to Trumpโs tariffs.
- Tax cuts for billionaires.
- Higher taxes for everyone else.
- Millions of Americans thrown off healthcare.
- Cuts to Social Security and Medicare.
- Loss of human and civil rights.
- 50 more years of ultra-conservatives on the Supreme Court.
- The destruction of democracy.
- And so much more!
He just might make himself President for life, too. But at least you didnโt vote for a Black-Asian-American woman who was supremely qualified to be president and had policies that would have made life better for millions of Americans like you.
Steve Godwin
Midtown
The American presidency
We have just elected a convicted felon, misogynist, with racist tendencies, and unrepentant liar as president of these here United States. The good news for all you moms and dads out there is that character no longer matters. Your sons (not your daughters) can be felons, abuse women, be inveterate liars, hold racist sentiments and still can now ascend to the power of the Presidency! Congratulate yourself America, that glass ceiling is now broken!
Frank J. Perez
Foothills
Trump is what we deserve
So, a good, hard-working, intelligent woman, albeit a little short in resume, is defeated by a convicted felon, habitual liar, blustery airhead. I hate to say it but perhaps he is precisely what we deserve.
Philip Reinecker
East side
What did Democrats do wrong?
The GOP, with the help of Russia and oligarchs, subsidized mirage issues like abortions after birth, forced transitioning of children, and border issues they created. Republicans have stolen Supreme Court seats, invented powers for a President never conceived by our founders, and dazzled media they could not buy with a torrent of lies.
With pundits no more willing to face what they have become than are the remnants of the Republican Party, theyโve made the 4th Estate complicit. Others may swallow whole these lies. But the Democratic Party, however humbled or maligned, will hold to the ideals of our Nation.
Americans will suffer the depredations of the Liar Class, of whom Trump is truly their king. I will not yield to the worldview of exploitation and malignity โ nor will I apologize for having championed the most vulnerable no matter how shamelessly they and I are slurred and misrepresented. I will answer to history, and they may answer to God.
Eric Robbins
Chair, Pima County Democratic Party
South Tucson
The autopsy
For those shocked at the election results, here are the facts.
Kamala Harris, a do-nothing Vice President, was made the Democratic candidate after a palace coup without a single Democratic Party member vote. She said she would not do one thing differently than Biden. She was incapable of formulating one coherent policy she would pursue if President. She was the consummate flip-flopper, supporting each side of every issue. She was the classic word butcherer, leaving many to say โhuhโ after her speeches. She has labeled 50 percent of the population as Nazi supporters, garbage, and now according to todayโs editorials, stupid. Unfortunately, the elite, liberal Democrats, blinded by Trump Derangement Syndrome, failed to recognize that the policies of the last four years damaged and enraged much of the voting public. Common sense would dictate that the border, inflation, crime, men in womenโs sports were extremely important issues and that the mainstream citizen has had enough of this nonsense. Honestly, what did you expect?
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
I weep
I have voted in 15 presidential elections, but I have never cried before this one. I weep for all those experiencing the disastrous effect of climate change โ the excessive heat, more violent hurricanes and tornadoes, wildfires. I weep for our pristine public lands that will be opened up to mining and drilling. I weep for all the people who will not be allowed to read wonderful books because the books offend someoneโs sensibilities. I weep for all the children who will get only a mediocre education. I weep because now lying is ok, bigotry is ok, bullying is ok, name-calling is ok, threatening is ok, profanity is ok. I weep because character no longer matters.
And for what? The price of eggs and an immigration problem that will never be solved until people feel safe in their home countries and will not have to go elsewhere to seek a better life for their children. We are so short-sighted. I weep.
Dottie Fagg
Northeast side
You win, Donald
First, congratulations for accepting the results of this free and fair election. Just like the one in 2020 and 2016.
Congratulations on choosing a message that resonated with so many of the American people: Hate for your neighbors, fear of brown and black people, misogyny, and a lack of common decency. Did I miss anything?
The American people wanted you because at the root of us is a people that is uninformed about the world and our place in it, a people fearful of genders that donโt conform, a people that canโt and wonโt accept our terribly racist past, and a people that hides behind their Christian mask and mocks Jesus with their hate.
Congratulations Donald! You discovered the soul of our nation and won, and you are about to take us to a horrible, well-deserved place.
Dennis Rivera
Foothills
Trump and immigration
In 2016 Trumpโs signature promise to build a barrier along the southwest border of the U.S. (and have it paid for by Mexico) propelled him to victory. The centerpiece of his bid for reelection this year (2024) was a promise to implement the largest deportation effort in American history. Now that he has won the election, it appears that the strategy worked. I have not heard who he plans to have pay for this deportation effort. Does anybody know?
Alan Roehl
Sahuarita
What have we come to?
I volunteer at a local place that serves the homeless. Many of my fellow volunteers are Hispanic. Now that the jack-booted thug has been elected due to the majority of Americans who have lost their minds, I worry that my fellow volunteers will be targeted for deportation regardless of their legal status. For those who say, โIt can never happen here,โ those words echo what happened when Hitler ascended to power. There will be no โadults in the roomโ this time as he will surround himself with only those loyal to him and his word. I am heartsick over what Americans have turned into.
Jean Getek
Foothills
Post-election priorities
Now that the presidential election is over perhaps there could be some discussion about matters which didnโt warrant the candidates attention. You know, lesser matters like an unsustainable deficit, Social Security bankruptcy, climate change, and Ukraine.
Bill Durbin
Foothills
Apt H.L. Mencken Quote
One of H.L. Menckenโs (1880-1956) most famous quotes seems quite apt today:
โAs democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heartโs desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.โ
Eric Weiss
Northwest side
- Deb Klumpp, Oro Valley
Voters worried about price of gas, eggs, their own portfolio, or false claims that FEMA money is going to migrants sent a serial lying, veteran-disparaging, racist bully, woman-assaulting, porn performer-paying, bombastic egomaniac who adores dictators back to the White House.
Willing to ignore his insurrection, Jan. 6 violence, hate rhetoric, stealing of top secret documents, calls for killing his opponents, felon status โ all OK! Moral integrity and decency? Matters not. Little or no thought given to Putin, Ukraine, climate change, or the fact that Donald cares nothing about this country, or them! His VP once denounced him. Elon Musk โ now there's a guy with our best interests in mind! Anti-vaxxer RFK Jr. will have an important position in health where he can "go wild," according to Trump. One thing Trump has said that makes perfect sense โ he loves the uneducated. If not for them, he'd never get near the Oval Office. What a sad day for America โ flags should be at half-mast and upside down.
Deb Klumpp
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Eric Weiss, Northwest side
One of H.L. Mencken's (1880-1956) most famous quotes seems quite apt today:
"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.โ
Eric Weiss
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Alan Roehl, Sahuarita
In 2016 Trumpโs signature promise to build a barrier along the southwest border of the U.S. (and have it paid for by Mexico) propelled him to victory. The centerpiece of his bid for reelection this year (2024) was a promise to implement the largest deportation effort in American history. Now that he has won the election, it appears that the strategy worked. I have not heard who he plans to have pay for this deportation effort. Does anybody know?
Alan Roehl
Sahuarita
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mary Zimmerman, SaddleBrooke
In 1945 when the German people were picking up the pieces of their country, both literally and figuratively, I'm sure they asked themselves the question of how was this allowed to happen. We may be asking ourselves the same question four years from now. Unfortunately, the answer is simple. So many of us blindly allowed it to happen without a thought of the consequences.
Mary Zimmerman
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Richard Fridena, West side
From Jan. โ23 thru April โ24 campaign contributions to U.S. senator, representative and presidential candidates was reported to total $8.6 billion. Of that, $5.6 billion was spent by independent Political Action Committees. These amounts will only balloon when state and local campaigns are factored in, and the final reporting is done. It is fair to say that this level of giving comes primarily from rich individuals and corporations due to the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court ruling. Afterall, if one is having trouble meeting living expenses, one has little to no dollars to send to politicians. Which of these groups will have the most influence on legislation? Should political campaigns have public financing? Your answers are not my point. All this disposable income suggests there is something wrong with the tax code.
Richard Fridena
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Bill Durbin, Foothills
Now that the presidential election is over perhaps there could be some discussion about matters which didn't warrant the candidates attention. You know, lesser matters like an unsustainable deficit, Social Security bankruptcy, climate change, and Ukraine.
Bill Durbin
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jean Getek, Foothills
I volunteer at a local place that serves the homeless. Many of my fellow volunteers are Hispanic. Now that the jack-booted thug has been elected due to the majority of Americans who have lost their minds, I worry that my fellow volunteers will be targeted for deportation regardless of their legal status. For those who say, "It can never happen here," those words echo what happened when Hitler ascended to power. There will be no "adults in the room" this time as he will surround himself with only those loyal to him and his word. I am heartsick over what Americans have turned into.
Jean Getek
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dennis Rivera, Foothills
First, congratulations for accepting the results of this free and fair election. Just like the one in 2020 and 2016.
Congratulations on choosing a message that resonated with so many of the American people: Hate for your neighbors, fear of brown and black people, misogyny, and a lack of common decency. Did I miss anything?
The American people wanted you because at the root of us is a people that is uninformed about the world and our place in it, a people fearful of genders that don't conform, a people that can't and won't accept our terribly racist past, and a people that hides behind their Christian mask and mocks Jesus with their hate.
Congratulations Donald! You discovered the soul of our nation and won, and you are about to take us to a horrible, well-deserved place.
Dennis Rivera
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dottie Fagg, Northeast side
I have voted in 15 presidential elections, but I have never cried before this one. I weep for all those experiencing the disastrous effect of climate change โ the excessive heat, more violent hurricanes and tornadoes, wildfires. I weep for our pristine public lands that will be opened up to mining and drilling. I weep for all the people who will not be allowed to read wonderful books because the books offend someoneโs sensibilities. I weep for all the children who will get only a mediocre education. I weep because now lying is ok, bigotry is ok, bullying is ok, name-calling is ok, threatening is ok, profanity is ok. I weep because character no longer matters.
And for what? The price of eggs and an immigration problem that will never be solved until people feel safe in their home countries and will not have to go elsewhere to seek a better life for their children. We are so short-sighted. I weep.
Dottie Fagg
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Loyal M Johnson Jr, Oro Valley
For those shocked at the election results, here are the facts.
Kamala Harris, a do-nothing Vice President, was made the Democratic candidate after a palace coup without a single Democratic Party member vote. She said she would not do one thing differently than Biden. She was incapable of formulating one coherent policy she would pursue if President. She was the consummate flip-flopper, supporting each side of every issue. She was the classic word butcherer, leaving many to say โhuhโ after her speeches. She has labeled 50 percent of the population as Nazi supporters, garbage, and now according to todayโs editorials, stupid. Unfortunately, the elite, liberal Democrats, blinded by Trump Derangement Syndrome, failed to recognize that the policies of the last four years damaged and enraged much of the voting public. Common sense would dictate that the border, inflation, crime, men in womenโs sports were extremely important issues and that the mainstream citizen has had enough of this nonsense. Honestly, what did you expect?
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Anne Lane, Northeast side
My neighbors told me they'd been harassed and subjected to vile language, yesterday, by a mob of Trump supporters demanding they take down the Harris/Walz signs displayed on their private property. My neighbors said, "He won, what more do you want?" But they took down the signs and are considering moving to New Mexico. Meanwhile, VP Harris, who has intelligence and class, graciously conceded and congratulated the winner. President Biden will ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of power. I urge my fellow citizens who are disappointed by the election outcome, to not respond to intimidation by MAGA cowards who use bullying tactics to mask their fear. Be brave and remain decent humans. To Trump supporters: get a grip; I cannot imagine the violence you'd have perpetrated on America had he lost. Truly despicable and, yes, deplorable.
Anne Lane
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jack Graef, SaddleBrooke
Itโs hard to explain, let alone understand what happened on November 5th, 2024, but it surely will be remembered as a day of infamy (to quote Franklin Roosevelt), almost as horrendous as December 7, 1941, September 11, 2001, and January 6, 2021. The main difference among them is that the last two were self-inflicted wounds that have the potential to be far longer lasting in their disastrous effects than the first two. After all, shattered mortar can be rebuilt as good as new relatively quickly, whereas the damaging emotional and practical effects of the Trump catastrophes will likely be felt for generations, not only here, but worldwide as we alienate our (former) allies. Where were all those who enthusiastically cheered Harrisโ candidacy, but didnโt vote on November 5th? Perhaps Trump will declare January 6 a national holiday. Who knows?
Jack Graef
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sonja Stupel, North side
Letโs get real about why Harris lost โ three overarching reasons: American voters, of all ilk 1) arenโt willing to elect a woman president, 2) arenโt willing to elect a woman of color, and 3) have fallen hook, line, and sinker for fear and hate mongering that started decades ago and increased exponentially over the past decade. It disgusts me to see โprogressivesโ like Sanders and pundits rushing to blame an incredibly talented candidate who ran as good as a campaign as weโve seen in modern history. Too many American voters are so aligned with their โgang,โ and are inundated with a constant barrage of misinformation and appeals to their fears, that it is almost impossible for them to not succumb to our baser side of human nature. So, stop blaming Harris and her team, and recognize there is a darker more insidious cultural and social upheaval that has taken place, and will take generations to undo.
Sonja Stupel
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Eric Robbins, South Tucson
The GOP, with the help of Russia and oligarchs, subsidized mirage issues like abortions after birth, forced transitioning of children, and border issues they created. Republicans have stolen Supreme Court seats, invented powers for a President never conceived by our founders, and dazzled media they could not buy with a torrent of lies.
With pundits no more willing to face what they have become than are the remnants of the Republican Party, theyโve made the 4th Estate complicit. Others may swallow whole these lies. But the Democratic Party, however humbled or maligned, will hold to the ideals of our Nation, American will suffer the depredations of the Liar Class, of whom Trump is truly their king, I will not yield to the worldview of exploitation and malignity โ nor will I apologize for having championed the most vulnerable no matter how shamelessly they and I are slurred and misrepresented. I will answer to history and they may answer to God.
Chair, Pima County Democratic Party
Eric Robbins
South Tucson
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Frank J. Perez, Foothills
We have just elected a convicted felon, misogynist, with racist tendencies, and unrepentant liar as president of these here United States. The good news for all you moms and dads out there is that character no longer matters. Your sons (not your daughters) can be felons, abuse women, be inveterate liars, hold racist sentiments and still can now ascend to the power of the Presidency! Congratulate yourself America, that glass ceiling is now broken!
Frank J. Perez
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Steve Godwin, Midtown
Good job, Trump voters! A political dolt who is easily manipulated by other world leaders will now be serving as our President. Again.
But you don't care about that. No, you were concerned about our economy -- that has never been better and is the envy of the entire world. You voted for Trump's policies, which will weaken the economy.
And that's not all! Look at all you voted for:
- Retail prices increasing 20% due to Trump's tariffs.
- Tax cuts for billionaires.
- Higher taxes for everyone else.
- Millions of Americans thrown off healthcare.
- Cuts to Social Security and Medicare.
- Loss of human and civil rights.
- 50 more years of ultra-conservatives on the Supreme Court.
- The destruction of democracy.
- And so much more!
He just might make himself President for life, too. But at least you didn't vote for a Black-Asian-American woman who was supremely qualified to be president and had policies that would have made life better for millions of Americans like you.
Steve Godwin
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Philip Reinecker, East side
So, a good, hard-working, intelligent woman, albeit a little short in resume, is defeated by a convicted felon, habitual liar, blustery airhead. I hate to say it but perhaps he is precisely what we deserve.
Philip Reinecker
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Michael Sevier, Oro Valley
Democrats suffered an embarrassing defeat because of their singular embrace of a Woke Agenda. Consider. Ya' gotta drive an electric car that you can't afford. Ya' gotta defund the police. Ya' gotta support the citizens of Venezuela that overrun our border. Ya' gotta let boys use the school bathroom with your 10-year-old daughter. Ya' gotta let men play women's collegiate sports. Ya' gotta give up your natural gas stove. Ya' gotta treat a murderer with compassion and sensitivity not like a criminal. Ya' gotta bake a gay-themed cake despite your Christian beliefs. Ya' gotta let demonstrators aka rioters burn down our cities. Ya' gotta pay for sex change operations. And November 5, 20024, the Ya' gottas voted no. No I don't gotta. Many voters objected to this litany of gottas. Perhaps only one. But collectively, this coalition said no. No I don't gotta.
The inspiring news of the day? The world is not ending any time soon. And that ya' gotta believe.
Michael Sevier
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Trumpโs victory
It looks like Trump will be our next president and it is hard to say what comes next. However, I can predict with almost 100% certainty what will not happen:
- The Dems will not file over five dozen frivolous lawsuits claiming election fraud and blame that on their loss
- Harris will not claim the election was stolen and refuse to concede
- Harris will not call state election officials and ask them to find enough non-existent votes to change the outcome
- The Dems will not create a slate of fake electors to go to Washington and replace the votes of the real electors
- The Dems will not form an angry crowd to march on the Capitol and threaten to hang Harris if she certifies the election results
- Health concerns aside, both Harris and Biden will attend the inauguration in January
- As in the Dobbs decision, the GOP got what they wanted. I hope they are prepared to live with the consequences.
Donald Davis
East side
โRejoice readersโ โ not really
Last Saturdayโs newspaper announcement from the Editor about โRejoicingโ struck me as odd, since the AZ Star has reverted to the 1960โs with their choice of comics. In these days of vitriol, hatred and division in our country, the comics were a source of relief, but not anymore. The new selections are just not funny or appraise to current times. Please bring back โPearls Before Swineโ and โNon Sequiturโ, the two best comics out there these days. We need some good humor and insightful comics in our lives, not old worn-out versions being published currently.
Matt Sears
Northeast side
Say what?
When I was coming of age, a trite expression, โIt takes one to know one,โ was considered axiomatic. However, the veracity of that declaration is highly questionable and subject to the character of the people who are invoked.
J. D. Vance recently declared Kamala Harris as โtrashโ. Given that the sanctimonious Vance has flipped from referring to Trump as a โone of USAโs most hated, villainous, douchey celebsโ and โunfit for our nationโs highest officeโ, to being Trumpโs most ardent supporter, itโs apparent that his character assessments are available for sale to whomever can provide him with the fame that he so wantonly craves. MAGA projection is on obvious display in Vanceโs statement as it is clear to any sentient person that the name-calling sycophant is the very thing that he purports Kamala Harris to be.
Rick Cohn
West side
โToilet to Tapโ โ bad marketing approach
The use of reclaimed wastewater for domestic purposes has been attempted using the T to T moniker with terrible results. Hopefully, those promoting acceptance of this source of drinking water will develop a campaign slogan that doesnโt turn everyone off. Incidentally, the Phoenix-based article should be supplemented with kudos to Pima County Wastewater Reclamation about their advances in exploring the potable uses for reclaimed water over 10+ years.
John Bernal
West side
Red Light Cameras
This is a direct response to Scott Thompsonโs 11-5-24 letter on this subject. We were snowbirds here in 2015. There were red-light cameras then, and they were effective. We moved here permanently late in 2016, and the cameras were gone. And we could see the negative effects of removing those cameras, because thatโs when people started blowing through the red lights. Traffic accidents increased substantially since that time. Now the city wants to reinstitute the cameras. Mr. Thompson doesnโt like that. (Is it possible heโs one of the people who ignore red lights)? So, Mr. Thompson, you get over it!
Ken Shearer
Northeast side
Transportation funding
I think itโs time for the city of Tucson to bite the bullet and construct a city-only ballot measure to handle its transportation needs. When the current half cent RTA tax expires, a new half-cent city transportation improvement tax could be installed to take its place. The election to add this tax maybe could happen in May 2025. The replacement tax question for RTA Next, now scheduled for a November 2025 vote, may not do well if the city tax measure passes and if the RTA project mix changes as a result.
Donald Ijams
Midtown
Please start reporting all the news
Now that America has decided the path forward with Donald Trump I plead with this newspaper to report the news. Stop the liberal commentary and report what clearly matters to the citizens of Arizona. The Daily Star has an obligation to inform and educate the public.
Lisa Walker Hart
Oro Valley
Kamala Harris can hold her head high
Kamala Harris ran a phenomenal campaign. She had little time in which she had a tall order. She had to: bring together the Democratic Party; thread the needle develop her own unique policy platform that did not interfere with her ongoing role as vice president obligated to fulfill the international and domestic policy positions of the current president; select an excellent vice presidential candidate; obtain the financial support necessary to campaign across the country; obtain bipartisan support; and to put herself out there with joy, dignity, and determination on a daily basis for months inspiring millions of Americans.
She did it all. She did it expeditiously. And she did it tremendously well. The outcome is not a commentary on her work but rather on our nationโs voters, what matters to the American people, and what we the people will accept. Kamala Harris can hold her head high. Her candidacy did not fail; our people did. May God save us from ourselves.
Amelia Cramer
Downtown
Not too much to ask
I have a few things to ask of President-elect Trump, especially that he recognize the sanctity of our democracy, human rights for all and rational political discourse.
I ask that he recognize quality education for all Americans and not just the privileged. Such education will help instill in future voters and leaders critical thinking and truth-recognition skills. Without this our children may only see a glimpse of history whitewashed by selectivity and fear of truth.
I ask that he govern wisely for all Americans โ a leader for everyone and not just a ruler for a select few. Everyone must demand he that he dispense with reprehensible vulgarity, incessant vitriol and unbridled deceit.
And for women, I urge him to not just protect them whether they like it or not, but to respect and ensure their dignity and inalienable rights without pernicious governmental control of their minds and bodies.
As an American, I donโt think this is too much to ask.
Arne Maki
Green Valley
A sad day for America
The comedian George Carlin once said, โNever underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.โ That certainly fits a large portion of the U.S. electorate who just put Trump back in the White House. In what universe is electing a malignant narcissist who is a convicted felon to the highest office a good idea? He told us what he has planned in his rambling and sometimes incoherent rants during the campaign. There wonโt be any guard rails to keep his ego in check this time. I fear for the future of this country and its democracy.
Mary Zimmerman
SaddleBrooke
Demise of democracy
Looks like we handed the car keys back to our demented grandfather.
What could possibly go wrong there??
Rex Witherspoon
SaddleBrooke
Weep for America, and Ukraine
Today, I weep for America. This is the country where lies work, where dehumanizing people works, where denial of science works, where reality is no longer recognized. And I weep for Ukraine.
Irene Little
Green Valley
The bad news and the bad news
Here are my economic predictions for the next couple of years. Prices at the grocery store will remain pretty much where they are. Any savings on energy costs (if there are any) will be offset by higher labor costs at the farm level. Because of water and weather issues farmers are already cultivating less acreage.
If the Trump tariffs actually happen you will see much higher prices for goods at Costco, Target, and online as our trade partners retaliate with tariffs of their own and U.S. retailers pass on the cost of tariffs to their customers.
The costs of things like construction will continue to increase as the labor force decreases. Young white men do not want to do physical work.
At the end of 2025 or at the beginning of 2026 we will slide into a recession. The unemployment rate will trend upward โ 5-6% as fewer people can afford (or qualify for) purchases that require loans.
Kalvin Smith
Midtown
The gargantuan blob of government
On the morning of October 30, a peaceful animal sanctuary in rural New York was besieged by a squadron of stormtroopers from the stateโs Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation.
Five hours later, they left with paw-shackled Fred the raccoon and PโNut the squirrel, an internet sensation beloved by millions around the world.
For many, internet animals have become our friends: thereโs Messi the puma, Bibi the monkey, and Minki the meerkat. And just like with PโNut, these animals never fail to brighten our day.
Sadly, PโNutโs endearing videos have ended. The state of New York put him and his companion Fred to death just hours after their raid.
This is an egregious example of a government thatโs metastasized into a gargantuan blob of limitless power.
But as stated in the Declaration of Independence, the government receives its power from we the governed. When it becomes destructive, itโs โour right to alter or abolish it.โ
PโNut and Fred, you will be missed.
Scott R. Hammond
Downtown
- Kevin Beard Special to the Arizona Daily Star
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
I like Greg Hansen. I feel like I should just get that out of the way right up front. My father hates him (but undoubtedly has read every word he has written for the last 30 years). I still remember a field trip to the newspaper when I was 12 the highlight of which featured a stop by Mr. Hansenโs desk. He is as indelibly linked to the Wildcats, in my mind, as anyone besides the great Lute Olson.
Having said that โฆsometimes Greg Hansen is just plain wrong. The article in which Mr. Hansen tries to placate the fan baseโs ire over the disastrous 2024 football season by describing the previous seasonโs success as misleading, is a disservice to all the current and former players and coaches involved. It took years of recruiting, game planning, weight room sessions and practice to accomplish what they did. Fisch didnโt land a better gig by tricking the Washington AD. Jordan Morgan didnโt get drafted in the 1st round by deceiving the Green Bay Packers. Akina wasnโt promoted to DC by mistake. The Cats were good, plain and simple, they were just a damn good football team.
My main point of contention is his disparaging remarks on Pac-12 football. You say the teams we beat werenโt that good and they demonstrate as much with their respective records following losses to Arizona. I would like to point out that they were beating each other. The league was good from top to almost the bottom. Eight teams played in nine bowl games. Those games featured convincing wins over ranked opponents like Liberty, Louisville, Oklahoma, and Texas. The losses were to some really good teams like Texas Tech, Notre Dame, and Michigan. I think the biggest demonstration of the Pac-12โs quality should be in the NFL draft. There were six QBs drafted in the 1st round. Half of those players were from the Pac-12 and a 4th was a former Pac-12 player.
I think your stance on the quality of the league shouldnโt apply to football but rather basketball. Arizona lost a game at home to an unranked awful Pac-12 opponent. After a loss like that Arizona should never have been even in consideration for the AP top 25 let alone one of the top seeds in the tournament. Iโm fearful that the poor quality of the league will be on full display this basketball season. I just hope that it will produce a Wildcat team that is better prepared for March Madness.
Iโve never written an opinion piece like this. Even if I disagree the only thing I would ever do is text the article to a buddy followed by a meme showing my disapproval (usually Tim Robinson dressed as a hotdog screaming the word wrong). The reason this article bothers me as much as it does is because it could be read as an excuse for the catastrophe that is Brent Brennan. I believe he is the worst mistake in Arizona history. Just a few months before being hired he was 1-5 at San Jose State and on the verge of being fired. And sure, I know he finished the season well but he still has a dismal winning percentage as a Spartan. He has a losing record as a head coach! He loses more often than not. He is a loser. Losing is what he does. I mean the AD and President responsible for his hiring were both unemployed a month after he got the job.
Iโm a big fan of Hansen but in this case he was wrong and this mistake could lead some misinformed Arizona fan to think that Brennan deserves some leeway. He does not. He will not succeed. He has never been successful and he never will be. If the university could afford it, he would already be gone.
- Mark Insley, West side
This year, I decided to work as an election aide for the Pima County Recorders Office., I wanted to be a part of the political process at a level that would be informative and interesting as well as a way to be helpful to the city of Tucson, and Pima County.
It turned out to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, especially meeting voters from all imaginable backgrounds.
Pima County residents wanting to be counted in the process of electing officials was invigorating and exciting ,far exceeding my expectations.
The enthusiasm and passion I saw displayed by young people, many proudly proclaiming that it was their first time voting, buoyed my confidence in their generation, as well as the future of our country.
I want to thank Pima County, The Recorders office, and my fellow Tucson residents for an experience that was vastly more interesting and rewarding than i ever expected, and I encourage everyone who is interested to give it a try.
Mark Insley
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Douglas R. Holm, East side
Re: The Tucson Opinion by Jim Sinex on Context, Nov. 4. Here are two other examples of the lack of context and they are very prevalent today. Say a big international corporation has a profit of $5 billion. This is a lot -- some would call it an obscene profit. But if the sales and capital are $200 billion each, then the return on sales and capital is only 2.5% -- not obscene at all. Say the deaths from a certain disease increased 50% in one year. This looks like the disease needs much more government funding. But what if this is a very rare disease and the increase in deaths was only from two to three in our population of 345 million. Mr. Sinex is right, a lack of context can cause faulty conclusions.
Douglas R. Holm
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Loyal M Johnson Jr, Oro Valley
Donald Trump announced today that, if elected President, one of his first actions will be to contact the Mexican President. He would inform her that if she did not halt the flow of illegals from their southern border to our southern border, he would impose a graduated level of tariffs on all goods entering from Mexico. The simplest way to halt the majority of illegal immigration is to not allow the people to gather on our southern border. We obviously need immigration but it must be done legally according to our laws. The border situation for the last four years, allowed by the Biden Administration and the Border Czar, definitely displays that Administrationโs incompetence, lack of respect for the law, total disregard for the ongoing costs, and total disrespect the for the American citizens. Because the actions of the last four years were absolutely intentional, those actions should be considered treasonous. The Mexican Government will react to and act to the tariff threat, a 100 percent certainty.
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Joe Aguanno, West side
Jim Sinexโs analysis of our economic history is correct: you canโt change the economy overnight. Trumpโs role in the economic downturn from Obamaโs growth economy, and Bidenโs in our post-Trump recovery is clear. Sinexโs article is an excellent example of critical thinking, the foundation of all curricula. The purpose of public schools is to promote the Great American Experiment to inform all voters. (Parental input into curricula is important but should not be based on religious belief or romanticized American history, but rather on objective analysis of hard facts aimed to improve our future.) I am often irked at Republican commentatorsโ constant refrain (and the Demsโ failure to respond) that โTrump is indeed an SOB but it's the economy and immigration, stupid.โ Sinex just addressed the economy. Regarding Harris as Border Czar, her only task was to explore with our South American neighbors the root causes of massive southern hemisphere migration, such as climate change (drought), political unrest/economic failure, and cartel violence.
Joe Aguanno
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- John Prugh, Foothills
Imagine this: A notorious murderer is pursued by police. With every road blocked, the criminal seeks refuge in a school but the police quickly surround the building. Negotiations ensue, but the criminal refuses to surrender, and after several hours, the police chief - frustrated - contacts the governor. The Air National Guard is called in and ordered to bomb the school. Missiles hit the school targeting the classroom where the police think the gunman is hiding. Dozens of people are killedโฆ.
In most civilized societies, the Governorโs orders and the Guardโs actions would be considered criminally insane. That, however, does not appear to be the case along the Eastern coast of the Mediterranean.
John Prugh
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
My experience as an election aide
This year, I decided to work as an election aide for the Pima County Recorders Office. I wanted to be a part of the political process at a level that would be informative and interesting as well as a way to be helpful to the city of Tucson, and Pima County.
It turned out to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, especially meeting voters from all imaginable backgrounds.
Pima County residents wanting to be counted in the process of electing officials was invigorating and exciting ,far exceeding my expectations.
The enthusiasm and passion I saw displayed by young people, many proudly proclaiming that it was their first time voting, buoyed my confidence in their generation, as well as the future of our country.
I want to thank Pima County, The Recorders office, and my fellow Tucson residents for an experience that was vastly more interesting and rewarding than I ever expected, and I encourage everyone who is interested to give it a try.
Mark Insley
West side
Puzzles in the Arizona Daily Star
What a pleasant surprise the other day amid all of this political stress to see the Jumble return to the Arizona Star.
Thank you for my 10 minutes of happy puzzle solving.
Paulette Brooks
Northeast side
Can we afford jet noise?
The person who wrote about the noise generated by DM and the ANG base is misplaced angst. The ANG and DM were here long before the county/city allowed builders to develop homes near the basesโ runways. Those who bought there knew the consequences of living near an airport.
DM and the 162nd ANG play a critical role in defense of our country. Everyone wants a strong defense, but then say โNIMBY.โ The F-35 is military progress, just like the F-100 took the place of the P-51 and F-86. They are needed to keep up with advancing technology. After all, we are not flying in propeller-driven aircraft out of TIA anymore. Progress can be painful, but necessary for a modern defense.
I hear the same noise as others, but itโs a reassuring noise, one we can and must afford.
James Kelly
Foothills
Israel-Gaza-Lebanon
Imagine this: A notorious murderer is pursued by police. With every road blocked, the criminal seeks refuge in a school but the police quickly surround the building. Negotiations ensue, but the criminal refuses to surrender, and after several hours, the police chief โ frustrated โ contacts the governor. The Air National Guard is called in and ordered to bomb the school. Missiles hit the school targeting the classroom where the police think the gunman is hiding. Dozens of people are killedโฆ.
In most civilized societies, the Governorโs orders and the Guardโs actions would be considered criminally insane. That, however, does not appear to be the case along the Eastern coast of the Mediterranean.
John Prugh
Foothills
Context and public schools
Jim Sinexโs analysis of our economic history is correct: you canโt change the economy overnight. Trumpโs role in the economic downturn from Obamaโs growth economy, and Bidenโs in our post-Trump recovery is clear. Sinexโs article is an excellent example of critical thinking, the foundation of all curricula. The purpose of public schools is to promote the Great American Experiment to inform all voters. (Parental input into curricula is important but should not be based on religious belief or romanticized American history, but rather on objective analysis of hard facts aimed to improve our future.) I am often irked at Republican commentatorsโ constant refrain (and the Demsโ failure to respond) that โTrump is indeed an SOB but itโs the economy and immigration, stupid.โ Sinex just addressed the economy. Regarding Harris as Border Czar, her only task was to explore with our South American neighbors the root causes of massive southern hemisphere migration, such as climate change (drought), political unrest/economic failure, and cartel violence.
Joe Aguanno
West side
Star endorsements
I was disappointed, but not surprised, that you chose to endorse only one Republican candidate in the national general election this week. You also have condemned each of the Legislatureโs propositions placed on the ballot.
I am not surprised because you have long shown by your editorial positions that you are fundamentally an organ of the Democrat Party.
I am particularly disappointed that you have taken a position on abortion, an issue that divides the state and which will continue to do so long after your one-sided endorsements are forgotten.
A better newspaper, with some respect for the many Tucsonans who do not share your progressive views, would have avoided making endorsements.
I continue my paid subscription only because you have a newspaper monopoly in Tucson.
Dr. James Stewart
Foothills
Re: Lack of context
Re: The Tucson Opinion by Jim Sinex on Context, Nov. 4. Here are two other examples of the lack of context and they are very prevalent today. Say a big international corporation has a profit of $5 billion. This is a lot โ some would call it an obscene profit. But if the sales and capital are $200 billion each, then the return on sales and capital is only 2.5% โ not obscene at all. Say the deaths from a certain disease increased 50% in one year. This looks like the disease needs much more government funding. But what if this is a very rare disease and the increase in deaths was only from two to three in our population of 345 million. Mr. Sinex is right, a lack of context can cause faulty conclusions.
Douglas R. Holm
East side
Slowly starving
I am no expert in desert ecology, but I can observe.
Coyotes are among the most successful and stealthiest animals of our hemisphere. But they are no match against developments.
I saw two today while walking my little dog. They were attracted by his scent. They were big and beautiful. They showed no fear, and walked along side for a short while. Fortunately for me, they were not hungry enough.
But only a hungry coyote would let himself be seen that openly.
I live in a development in SE Tucson. Developments are all over. Coyote habitat is shrinking. To live, they must abandon stealth. Now they must come into the open. Most of them know guns. All of them know being seen is a risk.
I do not want to see coyotes starving. But we are the species who wants and gets everything, and damns any creature in our way.
How will this end?
Abigail Hagler
Southeast side
Lies by liberals
I am amazed at the ignorance expressed by the liberal Tucson voters, mainly because they donโt seek the truth, they listen to a talking head that takes comments out of context. A letter from Cherie Freeman declared that โTrump has called for the murder of Liz Cheney.โ The problem is that Trump did not say that but Cherie was willing to believe the worst without making any effort to confirm or refute the lie. Along the same line, Mary Bradley claimed the same distortion โFascist Trump was in Glendale, calling for the execution of Liz Cheney,โ another complete and utter failure to verify. Are liberals incapable of thinking and verifying before drawing conclusions or do they just lie? On top of that, did you catch the name calling? Does Mary actually know what a fascist is?
The actual quote was referred to Liz Cheneyโs radical pro war agenda but she has never had guns pointed at her like military: โYou know, when the guns are trained on her face.โ
Loran Hancock
Northwest side
A brilliant plan
Donald Trump announced today that, if elected President, one of his first actions will be to contact the Mexican President. He would inform her that if she did not halt the flow of illegals from their southern border to our southern border, he would impose a graduated level of tariffs on all goods entering from Mexico. The simplest way to halt the majority of illegal immigration is to not allow the people to gather on our southern border. We obviously need immigration but it must be done legally according to our laws. The border situation for the last four years, allowed by the Biden Administration and the Border Czar, definitely displays that Administrationโs incompetence, lack of respect for the law, total disregard for the ongoing costs, and total disrespect the for the American citizens. Because the actions of the last four years were absolutely intentional, those actions should be considered treasonous. The Mexican Government will react to and act to the tariff threat, a 100 percent certainty.
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
- Dr. James Stewart, Foothills
I was disappointed, but not surprised, that you chose to endorse only one Republican candidate in the national general election this week. You also have condemned each of the Legislature's propositions placed on the ballot.
I am not surprised because you have long shown by your editorial positions that you are fundamentally an organ of the Democrat Party.
I am particularly disappointed that you have taken a position on abortion, an issue that divides the state and which will continue to do so long after your one-sided endorsements are forgotten.
A better newspaper, with some respect for the many Tucsonans who do not share your progressive views, would have avoided making endorsements.
I continue my paid subscription only because you have a newspaper monopoly in Tucson.
Dr. James Stewart
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Re: Roadwork funds fall short
Iโve lived within 1/2 mile of Grant Rd. for nearly 4 decades. I voted for the Regional Transportation Authority specifically because improvement of Grant was 20 years behind schedule. Todayโs paper says roadwork now in progress will dry up before RTA is finished. However, it can be completed with renewal. Grant is hostage.
Meanwhile, the exurbs โ those roads beyond the urban and suburban area โ have new roads. This is unacceptable. The City of Tucson has 1 vote, just like the other jurisdictions. But Tucson has half the people. Sahuarita, South Tucson, Marana each have substantially fewer people, but the same votes.
Unless the allocation of funds is more fairly distributed, I cannot support renewal of RTA. Iโm being ripped off by โfairness.โ
John Yoakum
Midtown
January 6 redux
I believe that the amended federal Electoral Count Reform Act does not solve the problem of potential โfake electors.โ After the 2020 presidential election, and after each stateโs popular vote for president determined each stateโs slate of electors, several MAGA state Legislatures picked slates of โfake electors.โ
All the amended law says is that a stateโs Electoral College electors have to be appointed โin accordance with the laws of the state enacted prior to Election Day.โ So if a MAGA state Legislature โappointedโ its own separate slate of electors prior to presidential Election Day, but after the enactment of the previous electors-selection law, the state Legislature would be following a literal reading of the Constitution. Article II, Section 1, paragraph 1 says that โEach State shall appoint (electors), in such manner as the state Legislature thereof may direct ...โ The Constitution does not specify that legislative appointment of electors be enacted into a law signed by the governor.
Gerald Farrington
Foothills
Endorsements come too late for this reader
I was happy to see that the Star finally published endorsements for this critical election. However, I am disappointed you waited until the last day of early voting. I wonโt speculate on why your endorsements are coming so late (you even admit this yourself). I would have changed my vote on two candidates and one proposition, if your endorsements had come sooner. How many others are like me? Also, we were encouraged by our party to vote early.
We are avid supporters of The Star. We understand the importance of having a local paper. Next election, please publish your endorsements at the beginning of early voting and not at the end.
Clarence Chaplin
Foothills
Bring back Doonesbury and prior puzzle page
I agree with others who have submitted opinions that the cartoons on the Sunday paper are lame, very old and need to be changed back to what was presented previously. This also applies to the puzzle page as the current page is worse. Bring back the prior puzzle page.
Don Stevenson
East side
Senior welcomes Jumble return
Thank you Daily Star for returning the Jumble puzzle to our daily paper. We seniors appreciate your contribution to our efforts to maintain and improve our mental acuity.
Lois Spacapan
Northwest side
November and Wildcat football
Our woeful Wildcats.
Steam rolled this week by (Fill in the blank).
How many three โ season coaches have we been subject to?
How long will this new coach last and what will be his buyout price?
Weโve had more than our fill of โrebuildingโ years.
The last guy was pretty good and we beat those jerks from Tempe.
I wonder if he even unpacked his bags before leaving for Washington?
I bet if we ask nicely, Coach Rydenโs State Champs, the Lancers, could
sneak into the locker room, don the red and blue, and nail ASU!
We could call it a recruiting trip ...
Scott Thompson
East side
Thank you, Wendy Simmons
I just read Wendy Simmons eloquent story and feel moved to respond. First, thank you, Wendy, for your courage in sharing your experience. Second, my deepest sympathy for both the loss of your pregnancy and the horror of not receiving essential, life-saving, medical care. Your writing is powerful and important. It shows the personal impact of what can seem like an impersonal political decision. Thank you for sharing your personal loss and traumatic experience for the benefit of your community, your state, and your country. The rights of women to have full access to health care should not be a political pawn.
Juanita Ramsey-Jevne
St. David
At last, athletics not politics
If the University of Arizona cared about its student athletes and its fans instead of money, they would have stayed with Oregon State and Washington State in the rebuilt Pac 12. There would be shorter travel times and distances for the athletes. Fans would be able to conveniently and less expensively attend games. The U of A might also win more games than in the Big 12. Oh no, money talks for the UA. Thatโs all that matters.
Dennis Winsten
Northeast side
Jumble is back!
Thank you for bringing Jumble back to the Star. It provides an oasis of calm in an otherwise chaotic world. I always do it AFTER reading the letters to the editor.
Tony Kuyper
Foothills
No time to lose
I am a mother who wants more than anything for my young son to have a healthy, fulfilling life.
This year Tucson had a record 112 days above 100 degrees, over double last yearโs record of 53. Globally, the last 10 years have been the hottest in recorded human history.
Fossil fuels like oil, natural gas and coal, are created from plants and plankton that stored carbon, died and were compacted over millions of years. When burned, carbon is released forming a greenhouse gas layer in atmosphere that lets sunlight pass through but traps heat waves that normally would reflect off the earth back into space.
If we continue to burn fossil fuels at an unchecked pace, we will all suffer. The days will get hotter, the weather more severe, food supplies will be unstable and social unrest will ensue. The window of opportunity for action is closing rapidly. It is up to us to elect leaders that appreciate the gravity of the situation before it is too late.
Marnie Lamm
Foothills
Red-light cameras
So now โweโ want red light cameras back? It seems to me we voted those out of existence a few years back. Someone didnโt get their way? Stomping their feet? Get over it!
Scott Thompson
East side
- Richard Pierson, Southwest side
Your October 30th front page article, "Israeli strikes kills dozens" citing 1,200 Israelis killed compared to 43,000 Palestinians, reminds me of the Old Testament proverb, "an eye for an eye" and "a tooth for a tooth". Enough already!!
Richard Pierson
Southwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Ed LeGendre, East side
Being a general contractor for 48 years, all the cost of the components that are required to construct a house that is affordable, are best realized by having a manufactured house delivered to a lot.
Manufactured homes these days are resilient and durable with proper maintenance, as all houses require maintenance. Any home that is built under the Federal Housing CBDG grants, is very expensive for the public that pays for the subsidy. Nothing is free. Bureaucracy is expensive, especially federal bureaucracy.
KB Homes or Lennar Homes build a house where every stick of lumber, every door, every shingle, every door bumper, every foot of water line, and all the administrative costs add up to the cost of a home. Production lets these homebuilders spread the administrative costs over many homes. A single affordable subsidized house has to bear all the costs in one project.
To declare that we will build affordable houses out of thin air is exactly what it says, except thin air is hot air.
Ed LeGendre
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Excellence in education and sports
The observations of Richard Janik regarding the focus of the University of Arizona might be viewed along with that in the sports page regarding an autistic high school football player doing extremely well as a lineman.
As the Board of Regents and University Administration seek excellence in serving all citizens of this state, appreciation of pathways to excellence for every individual deserves fresh attention.
The University of Arizona has a very fine record in recognizing special needs and special talents in both the undergraduate and graduate pathways.
There can be a better balance between sports, artistic talent, drive to learn, and attitudes of social responsibility measured and provided to the public without disrupting academic pathways. Along with this, expectations of performance for coaches can adjust to one-year contracts with performance criteria greater than win-and-lose.
The public still remain the ultimate source of support.
John Hughes
Northeast side
Red-light cameras
Dear Mayor and Council members, how many must die before you act? Last weekโs headlines were about the five who died in a red light running accident. Must this be the new reality? Just read that Phoenix will reinstate such cameras. Why them and not us? I understand manpower shortages; but red-light cameras extend police coverage. As Phoenix has recognized and as the headlines underscore, this epidemic must be addressed. Please, put your collective worries about what folks will think of you away and do what is right, what our community needs. Advance the safety of our drivers and pedestrians and reinstate red-light cameras.
Norman Patten
Midtown
Kudos to TPD officers
I would like to express my thanks to the Tucson Police officers who came to our house last Saturday at 2 a.m. to rescue a young girl who was lost, confused and crying. They handled the situation with calm and compassionate efficiency and were able to reunite her with her mother. Kudos for a job well done.
Holly McCarter
Midtown
Affordable housing
Being a general contractor for 48 years, all the cost of the components that are required to construct a house that is affordable, are best realized by having a manufactured house delivered to a lot.
Manufactured homes these days are resilient and durable with proper maintenance, as all houses require maintenance. Any home that is built under the Federal Housing CBDG grants is very expensive for the public that pays for the subsidy. Nothing is free. Bureaucracy is expensive, especially federal bureaucracy.
KB Homes or Lennar Homes build a house where every stick of lumber, every door, every shingle, every door bumper, every foot of water line, and all the administrative costs add up to the cost of a home. Production lets these homebuilders spread the administrative costs over many homes. A single affordable, subsidized house has to bear all the costs in one project.
To declare that we will build affordable houses out of thin air is exactly what it says, except thin air is hot air.
Ed LeGendre
East side
Hamas-Israel War
Your Oct. 30 front-page article, โIsraeli strikes kills dozens,โ citing 1,200 Israelis killed compared to 43,000 Palestinians, reminds me of the Old Testament proverb, โan eye for an eyeโ and โa tooth for a tooth.โ Enough already!!
Richard Pierson
Southwest side
Improvements in access
As a disabled Pima County voter, I want to thank Cรกzares-Kelly and Chubon for the numerous changes they, and their team, have brought to the Pima County Recorders Office to actually make early voting accessible. They have made the website and the public information shared on the website screen-reader accessible, something most city and county departments (and even the Star) have yet to choose to do. I wasnโt able to even find information about early voting four years ago, let alone receive text messages about ballot status. Thanks for caring about my right to vote, listening to the disability community, and acting on access concerns.
Naomi Ortiz
Midtown
Thank you, poll and election workers
As I sit in a library typing this, thereโs a small line of people waiting to vote. Other voters are coming in to drop off their ballots.
Iโd like to thank the hard-working poll workers and election workers who made this possible.
Matt Somers
Midtown
- Bette Bunker Richards, Midtown
I loved the article about the super voters. My father's aunt, Floy Bunker Heideman, was arguing the right of women to vote when she was 12 years old. In her twenties she could finally vote and did so until at age 106 no one came to take her to the polls and she was furious as she "still had a few of her marbles." I first voted in 1960 and have voted in every election since including all the bond elections and local elections for anything. I worked for candidates and in the polling places in Wisconsin, New Mexico, Washington, South Dakota, and Arizona. This is the first election I have not done so due to physical problems, and I really missed it. What a privilege this has been and how very fortunate we all are to live in this amazing country.
Bette Bunker Richards
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Craig Miller, Northwest side
According to the Department of Education in 2020, 54% of adults lack basic literacy skills. Most Scandinavian countries have literacy rates of close to 100%. This does explain why so many people here will accept bluster and bs for answers to complex problems. Neither party seems willing to confront the problems of a populace that is uneducated, is less healthy, has a shorter life span and more chronic disease than other industrial nations. We do have more military might and economic power than any other but it hasn't translated to better outcomes for our populace.
Craig Miller
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Richard Bechtold, West side
If you are considering voting for Trump because the price of food is too high, consider the following:
The government does not sell food or does it have much control over the price of food. But citizen consumers do have control over food prices. The CDC states that 74% of Americans are overweight and 43% of them are obese. If citizen consumers ate less overall and purchased more fruit, vegetables and lean meats, consumers would be healthier and spend less money. When we stop buying expensive processed foods and $15.00 per pound steaks, the price will go down. When we refuse to buy food that isn't good for us anyway, the price of unhealthy food will go down.
When that happens consumers can decide to stay healthy by eating less food and healthier food, or go back to unhealthy food and be overcharged, overweight and unhealthy. It's about supply, demand and being smart and healthy.
Richard Bechtold
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dee Maitland, Marana
Remember hiding under desks in case of nuclear attack? Trump is ignorant about nuclear weapons. He considered using nuclear bombs to weaken hurricanes. This is doubly scary due to his affection for Putin and Kim Jong Un with nuclear ambitions.
Remember when we lost friends to polio, the horrible pictures of iron lungs? Trumpโs minion and vaccination skeptic RFK Jr. has recently claimed that Trump promised him โcontrol of the public health agencies.โ This bodes ill.
Remember when the fastest-growing poverty segment was widows and divorcees? For stay-at-home widows their husbandโs pension died with them; and no work history made them ineligible for Social Security. Women discarded by husbands suffered similar fates due to patriarchal divorce laws and no community property rights. Project 2025 would harm women by forcing costly pregnancies and eliminating no-fault divorce.
We canโt go back to a time of nuclear war risk; people dying for lack of vaccines; and women and their children forced into poverty. Vote Democrat.
Dee Maitland
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Don Ries, Southeast side
In the 1940s the OSS, the precursor of the CIA, published a report on Hitler's rise to power. It was finally declassified in 1972, and much of it was published in a book, "The Mind of Adolf Hitler." Donald Trump's refusal to apologize for the vile comedian at his Madison Square Garden rally follows one of Hitler's rules, never admit wrong for anything. Trump also follows the other 9 rules as he repeats over and over the big lie about winning the 2020 election. He also has denied the support of the dictators of Russia, China, and North Korea. If our greatest enemies work to disrupt our election and elect a certain candidate, as a veteran I would think very hard about supporting that candidate. I am such a veteran and will never support Trump.
Don Ries
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Charity Everitt, Midtown
Pointing out to Trump supporters that he is a Fascist or a would-be dictator intent on destroying our Constitution probably does no good as that is a 10,000-foot view that is meaningless where they live. Perhaps a few ground-level questions would be more effective: Does he exemplify the imperative that we put others ahead of ourselves, work for the good of our neighbor, and be hospitable to the stranger? Would you hire him to manage peacefully and effectively the expert plumbers and electricians and roofers remodeling your house? Would you trust him with your mother's life savings, with your churchโs investments? Would you trust him with your daughter?
Charity Everitt
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Thomas J. Plesniak, Midtown
The best argument against democracy is a conversation with the average voter. --Winston Churchill
Is it asking too much to read a newspaper or watch some TV once in a while? Heaven forbid, that may mean no tik tok or porno sites for ten minutes. Nobody should take the word of a single news organization.
As time goes on, it's harder to discern fact from fiction.
Do these people even know who's running for President?
Undecided are the worst. So self-righteous and obtuse instead of practicing the precepts of a well-informed electorate.
Everyone will agree that your vote is a right and a privilege and the most important element of being a devoted citizen. Campaign feels like a life sentence but the serious cycle lasts 18 months. Ignorance in this case isn't bliss.
Thomas J. Plesniak
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheldon Metz, Northeast side
Inflation rate is 2.1%, without Drumphโs massive loss of jobs, economy, manufacturing, product shortages (toilet paper, anyone?), COVID-19 deaths, businesses and homes were lost, prices dropped, due to his recession and lack of preparation and mismanagement of a national pandemic.
Biden's market and economy (up 16.2 million jobs/unemployment 4.1%) today - the best they've ever been. Crime is down 15% since 2022). Immigration is lower than on January 19, 2021. Border apprehensions are up 201% since 2021 with 50% deported.
More people are insured than ever. S&P +54% under Biden; second straight year of record oil production (up +16%); after-tax corporate profits set records (+42%); federal food assistance dropped slightly; fourth straight year of declining gun sales (down -30%); and manufacturing jobs are up 730,000 over Trump.
Gas prices are up 33%. In 2019, Exxon/Mobil company profits were +$14B, Chevron, +$3B.
2020, Exxon/Mobil profits were +$22M, Chevron, +$6B.
2023, Exxon/Mobil profits were +$36B, while Chevron did +$21B.
Gouging?
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Thank you to Star for making endorsements
Thank you to the Starโs editor for making endorsements in this election. While I do not agree with every single one of the Editorโs recommendations, they are all thoughtful and supported with cogent explanations. This is a service to the Starโs readership that facilitates more informed voting.
Amelia Cramer
Downtown
Sick of out-of-state ads
We now have a Vizio flat TV and get TUBI as a choice for selecting movies. But problem is that movies are interrupted several times with boring, repetitive ads from Nevada. Problem is we live in Arizona. But the biggest problem is that we are getting oodles of political ads from that other state. I donโt know who Jacky Rosen is and canโt vote for her, but I have seen her face way too often. Why is this happening? And I donโt know how to stop it. Will it all end after November 5th? I doubt it.
Kenneth J. Unwin
East side
The holier-than-thou undecided
The best argument against democracy is a conversation with the average voter. โ Winston Churchill
Is it asking too much to read a newspaper or watch some TV once in a while. Nobody should take the word of a single news organization.
As time goes on, itโs harder to discern fact from fiction.
Do these people even know whoโs running for President?
Undecideds are the worst. So self-righteous and obtuse instead of practicing the precepts of a well-informed electorate.
Everyone will agree that your vote is a right and a privilege and the most important element of being a devoted citizen. Campaign feels like a life sentence but the serious cycle lasts 18 months. Ignorance in this case isnโt bliss.
Thomas J. Plesniak
Midtown
The election โ think about it
Pointing out to Trump supporters that he is a Fascist or a would-be dictator intent on destroying our Constitution probably does no good as that is a 10,000-foot view that is meaningless where they live. Perhaps a few ground-level questions would be more effective: Does he exemplify the imperative that we put others ahead of ourselves, work for the good of our neighbor, and be hospitable to the stranger? Would you hire him to manage peacefully and effectively the expert plumbers and electricians and roofers remodeling your house? Would you trust him with your motherโs life savings, with your churchโs investments? Would you trust him with your daughter?
Charity Everitt
Midtown
Release of disputed voter names
Re: Secretary of State ordered to release the list of 98,000 AZ voters who โmay not have provided proof of citizenship.โ
I am not waiting: I have decided to โoutโ myself. I am almost certainly one of those 98,000 (or 345,000? or 218,000?). The reason is that when I registered to vote, over 60 years ago, what sufficed as proof of citizenship would not now pass muster by our esteemed Legislature. And I have compounded my โsinโ by voting in every election since then (except one where I arrived too late). It does not matter, of course, that I was born in Tucson, or that all my ancestors came to this land before 1800, or that I had 20 who served in the American Revolution. None of that is of concern to Stronger Communities Foundation, who seem desperate to prove Mr. Trumpโs false assertion that thousands of illegal aliens are voting. So, bring it!
Abraham R. Byrd III
North side
Tardy endorsements
I have read and found myself in substantial agreement with the Starโs endorsements of candidates and ballot propositions. However, I consider quite tardy their publication on the first of November, three weeks after most people have received ballots and after many have voted. If there are voters who rely on the Starโs recommendations, itโs now too late for them to trust their ballots to the U.S. Postal Service, almost too late to vote any other way than in person on November 5. At least the Star remains committed to making endorsements, unlike the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post. Better late than never, for which I thank Executive Editor David McCumber and the Editorial Advisory Board.
Frank Bergen
Northwest side
Election endorsements
I always find the endorsements of the Star helpful when I am undecided about a candidate or proposition. Is there a reason you couldnโt publish them earlier? The deadline for mailing in ballots was October 29, and your endorsements were published on November 1. They are so much more helpful before I mail in my ballot.
Ann Tower
Midtown
A picture with a message
The front-page picture on the โNation & Worldโ section of the 1 November Arizona Daily Star is striking for two different reasons. It shows two 3-year-old twins in Beirut, Lebanon playing on a statue depicting a revolver with a twisted barrel tied into a knot. One could interpret the statue to be an anti-gun sentiment depicting the only safe gun is one that cannot be fired. However, what is striking to me is the small child innocently putting her finger on the trigger of the weapon as if to fire it. I hope every adult takes the necessary responsibility to place their weapons safely out of the reach of children, with appropriate safety measures to prevent them from being inadvertently fired if they were to be found. Lately, too many children have found a means to a weapon because of poor common sense oversight by adults.
Gary Simons
Oro Valley
Compare โ whose economy was better?
Inflation rate is 2.1%, without Drumphโs massive loss of jobs, economy, manufacturing, product shortages (toilet paper, anyone?), COVID-19 deaths, businesses and homes were lost, prices dropped, due to his recession and lack of preparation and mismanagement of a national pandemic.
Bidenโs market and economy (up 16.2 million jobs/unemployment 4.1%) today โ the best theyโve ever been. Crime is down 15% since 2022). Immigration is lower than on January 19, 2021. Border apprehensions are up 201% since 2021 with 50% deported.
More people are insured than ever. S&P +54% under Biden; second straight year of record oil production (up +16%); after-tax corporate profits set records (+42%); federal food assistance dropped slightly; fourth straight year of declining gun sales (down -30%); and manufacturing jobs are up 730,000 over Trump.
Gas prices are up 33%. In 2019, Exxon/Mobil company profits were +$14B, Chevron, +$3B.
2020, Exxon/Mobil profits were +$22M, Chevron, +$6B.
2023, Exxon/Mobil profits were +$36B, while Chevron did +$21B.
Gouging?
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Remember when
Remember hiding under desks in case of nuclear attack? Trump is ignorant about nuclear weapons. He considered using nuclear bombs to weaken hurricanes. This is doubly scary due to his affection for Putin and Kim Jong Un with nuclear ambitions.
Remember when we lost friends to polio, the horrible pictures of iron lungs? Trumpโs minion and vaccination skeptic RFK Jr. has recently claimed that Trump promised him โcontrol of the public health agencies.โ This bodes ill.
Remember when the fastest-growing poverty segment was widows and divorcees? For stay-at-home widows their husbandโs pension died with them; and no work history made them ineligible for Social Security. Women discarded by husbands suffered similar fates due to patriarchal divorce laws and no community property rights. Project 2025 would harm women by forcing costly pregnancies and eliminating no-fault divorce.
We canโt go back to a time of nuclear war risk; people dying for lack of vaccines; and women and their children forced into poverty. Vote Democrat.
Dee Maitland
Marana
- Cherie Freeman, East side
Trump has called for the murder of Liz Cheney. What is law enforcement doing about this? Immunity for this deranged Ex president? I don't think so. I am scared for me and my country.
Cherie Freeman
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Peter Wehle, Downtown
ENEMIES WITHIN
I have heard recently prior to the November 5th Presidential election that one candidate espouses his thoughts about โThe Enemies Withinโ. He also said that people who are either captured or God-Forbid killed in battle are essentially โLosersโ. Cโmon Man, who are you kidding!
I recall a President by the name of Richard Nixon who was also fixated on his enemies list. You folks who are old enough remember good old tricky Dick and his Watergate henchmen.
He was focused on revenge for people who disagreed with his idea of America. Wait a minute, doesnโt the new President take a solemn oath to defend and protect our nationsโ citizens from both foreign and domestic terrorists?. This oath taken by the newly elected President is sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court!
Wait a minute, this candidate for President wants to deport millions of non-citizens and even naturalized citizens because they are garbage! What, are you kidding me? What are we Nazis?
Peter Wehle
Downtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Thomas Sitzmann, Oro Valley
This election is about one thing, and one thing only: hate. Hatred of Donald Trump and anyone who supports him. You see it daily in letters in this space. The Dems call you deplorable, evil, racist, Nazis, a cult member, garbage, and now if you're a woman, dumb. Remember "Tell them they're not welcome here"? Spurred on by the rabid media that parses and twists every phrase, word or gesture into something vile, how could you not hate? The hatred is so deep that the Dems even run ads on how it's okay to lie to your spouse or friends just so you don't vote for Trump. A campaign that started as "hope and joy" has degenerated into what it has always been about: Hate.
Thomas Sitzmann
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- David Hatch, Southeast side
In times like these, I'm sure we all agree that we obviously need a strong leader. But what is not so obvious is, who has the stronger personality?
Just a reminder to those who may still be on the fence: A person who has high self-esteem does not waste his time disparaging others. He is not easily insulted so he has no need to insult others. He does not speak falsely of others. He has no need to bring others down.
A strong personality is willing and able to take advice from, and work with others. We should not be deceived ... that is not a weakness! In that is her strength!
I think you know where I'm going with this.
David Hatch
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dennis Winsten, Northeast side
Yes, for gullible voters who believe the man, you'll get a chicken in every pot and you all will receive a winning lottery ticket. There'll be much lower taxes, yet you'll get many more government benefits, free electricity, gas prices back to 99 cents, prime steak 75 cents per pound ... and more. We'll be protected from aliens entering our country by a 200-foot-high titanium wall, paid for by Mexico, that encompasses the entire border between the U.S. and Mexico and also, Canada, just in case. Shucks, won't that be great! Vote accordingly.
Dennis Winsten
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Kim Miklofsky Bayne, Foothills
Had enough of Trumpโs tall tales and arrogance? Same here. November 5th Is fast approaching, so itโs time once again to take the gloves off. Here are my freshly minted one-liners about Trumpโs never-ending barrage of falsehoods.
โข Trump lies so often, the National Archives now has a wing labeled โfiction.โ
โข Trump lies so often, heโd autograph the Ten Commandments, then claim he negotiated them down from fifteen.
โข Trump lies so often, fact-checkers have a hotlineโฆand itโs a 24-hour crisis line.
โข Trump lies so often, Pinocchio took out a restraining order for brand protection.
โข Trump lies so often, heโs sure the wall he โbuiltโ can be seen from Mars. Through a telescope made of gold.
โข Trump lies so often, his Christmas card has fine print: โResults not typical.โ
Kim Miklofsky Bayne
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Ron Furtak, East side
Just a short retort to the numerous pro Harris letters in the last several days. If you want a fourth Obama term, or more illegals, more crime, more taxes, an empty pants suit for a President, vote Democrat/progressive/ socialist. If you want a capitalist strong economy, lower taxes, a strong military, more democracy, a controlled border, a strong representative in the world order, vote Republican and put Trump back in the White House!
Ron Furtak
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheila Bourque, North side
I ran into a canvasser on my street today while walking my dog. He seemed discouraged. I have had my door knocked on a few times by both passionate volunteers and paid canvassers.
No matter your party or opinion it doesnโt cost us anything to be kind and polite. Your vote is yours to cast as you wish but kindness to each other is just as important.
Take a moment and a deep breath, kindness is free.
Sheila Bourque
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Fascist Trump
Last night Fascist Trump was in Glendale, calling for the execution of Liz Cheney. All you supporters just take it in stride. The rest of us think you are so pathetic, unbelievable. You still believe, he wonโt get away with it, if elected. Thatโs the most pathetic thing about you. If that crazy fool says heโs going to do it, heโs going to do it. Heโs a fascist! My God, you better get a grip. Donald Trump is the antithesis of America! Donald Trump is the antithesis of a world moving forward, and believe me, know this much, there is no way weโre going back. No way!
Mary Bradley
Northeast side
Neighborโs hate mail about Harris/Walz sign
My neighbors were talking about the letters to the Star about Janice in a northwest neighborhood, who got a hate-filled letter from an anonymous Trumper, because she put up a Harris/Walz sign. Our heartfelt support goes out to Janice.
Our neighborhood is the opposite of hers. Our streets are decorated with Harris/Walz signs, many of which I supplied. There is a single Trump sign in one neighborโs yard, and we would never say anything negative to him about it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
In fact, my best friend in the neighborhood is a Republican. He and I play guitar, eat barbecue, and go to movies together.
We know that hate consumes the vessel that contains it. The Trumper who sent the hate mail to Janice is an antisocial sociopath. He will suffer the loneliness and isolation that only his hate can bring.
Larry Bodine
Foothills
A Chicken in every pot!
Yes, for gullible voters who believe the man, youโll get a chicken in every pot and you all will receive a winning lottery ticket. Thereโll be much lower taxes, yet youโll get many more government benefits, free electricity, gas prices back to 99 cents, prime steak 75 cents per pound โฆ and more. Weโll be protected from aliens entering our country by a 200-foot-high titanium wall, paid for by Mexico, that encompasses the entire border between the U.S. and Mexico and also, Canada, just in case. Shucks, wonโt that be great! Vote accordingly.
Dennis Winsten
Northeast side
Canvassers
I ran into a canvasser on my street today while walking my dog. He seemed discouraged. I have had my door knocked on a few times by both passionate volunteers and paid canvassers.
No matter your party or opinion it doesnโt cost us anything to be kind and polite. Your vote is yours to cast as you wish but kindness to each other is just as important.
Take a moment and a deep breath, kindness is free.
Sheila Bourque
North side
Going back?
When the page opened, it was headed by an advertisement with a banner declaring โWeโre Not Going Backโ paid for by the Democrats. Clearly a motto that thinks it is expressing a worthwhile goal. When considering going back, my memory prior to the Biden/Harris administration clearly includes prices that are more affordable, lower crime levels, an absence of concerns over illegal immigrants, lower unemployment including minorities both black and Latino. While not interested in โGoing Back,โ the last four years with the Biden/Harris administration have given me fond memories of the four years before Biden/Harris. I learned long ago that a person can be a good leader even if I donโt like them, especially if they make life better. Measure the quality of leader based on past performance, not based on promises that canโt be fulfilled. Wondering if Kamala can actually perform? Ask yourself if you are pleased with the last four years.
Loran Hancock
Northwest side
Election
This election is about one thing, and one thing only: hate. Hatred of Donald Trump and anyone who supports him. You see it daily in letters in this space. The Dems call you deplorable, evil, racist, Nazis, a cult member, garbage, and now if youโre a woman, dumb. Remember โTell them theyโre not welcome hereโ? Spurred on by the rabid media that parses and twists every phrase, word or gesture into something vile, how could you not hate? The hatred is so deep that the Dems even run ads on how itโs okay to lie to your spouse or friends just so you donโt vote for Trump. A campaign that started as โhope and joyโ has degenerated into what it has always been about: Hate.
Thomas Sitzmann
Oro Valley
Voting
Just a short retort to the numerous pro Harris letters in the last several days. If you want a fourth Obama term, or more illegals, more crime, more taxes, an empty pants suit for a President, vote Democrat/progressive/ socialist. If you want a capitalist strong economy, lower taxes, a strong military, more democracy, a controlled border, a strong representative in the world order, vote Republican and put Trump back in the White House!
Ron Furtak
East side
A strong leader
In times like these, Iโm sure we all agree that we obviously need a strong leader. But what is not so obvious is, who has the stronger personality?
Just a reminder to those who may still be on the fence: A person who has high self-esteem does not waste his time disparaging others. He is not easily insulted so he has no need to insult others. He does not speak falsely of others. He has no need to bring others down.
A strong personality is willing and able to take advice from, and work with others. We should not be deceived โฆ that is not a weakness! In that is her strength!
I think you know where Iโm going with this.
David Hatch
Southeast side
Presidential election
Many, many congratulations on serving your community, state and country by using your bully pulpit as a free and independent newspaper to endorse candidates who will help further the cause of democracy in America! Unrepressed newspapers and other media outlets are an essential aspect of any functioning republic. Well and truly done.
Gavin Kayner
Northwest side
Call for murder.
Trump has called for the murder of Liz Cheney. What is law enforcement doing about this? Immunity for this deranged Ex president? I donโt think so. I am scared for me and my country.
Cherie Freeman
East side
The importance of voting
My mother was raised by hand by a suffragette, and so it was impressed upon her that voting is a hard won right. I thought of her today after reading the story about Arizona โsuper votersโ in the Arizona Daily Star (by Caitlin McGlade) reproduced from the Arizona Republic. โCall them super voters: about 2750 Arizonans have cast a ballot in every primary and general election for at least three decadesโ
And I thought about Beni Witbooi, my neighbor in Berkeley back in the early 1980s. I remember him paging through his daily issue of the Berkeley Gazette, a daily paper which gave an account of local politics. An election was coming up and I asked him whom he favored. He said: โIโve never voted in my life.โ
He was South African, but not white: and this was back in apartheid days.
Point taken.
Voting is a hard-won right and not to be thrown away heedlessly but exercised judiciously.
John Leech
Foothills
Letter from neighbors
I want to express my sincere appreciation to Janice Reed and the Arizona Daily Star for publishing the hateful letter received from neighbors. Regardless of politics, it is important that all Tucsonans be aware of and reject this extreme hate. I offer my support and apology to the Reed family that they have been threatened in this manner.
This type of behavior serves as more evidence that the Republican party is no longer distinguished by policy differences but on hateful cult-like values. It is a very sad reflection of the current state of our โcommunityโ.
May this election cycle end peacefully.
Carol Bradley
Foothills
The world Is watching
I used to say that Europeans could care less about American politics. Now, not so much. In the six weeks I spent abroad they were not shy about sharing their opinions. The lady in Barcelona at the mom and pop market who scoffed at me, the Airbnb host who did a double take and agreed when I mentioned our crazy politics, the two Australians who bluntly asked my political affiliation before continuing a pleasant conversation on a train platform, and the Scottish family who explained theyโd normally be proud Scottish blood made it to the White House but nae, not Trump.
In each case they were very much interested and they all emphatically agreed that to elect him the first time, okay, we didnโt understand what we were getting. But to elect him again, thatโs on us as Americans.
Iโm not suggesting we vote to appease foreigners, but letโs quit playing the fool. Vote Harris / Walz.
Mark Silva
Foothills
Re: the Jan. 2. article โTucsonโs yearly heat record โcrushedโ in trend that could be repeated
โ
Freedom of the press is a Constitutional guarantee. Our nationโs founders considered it to be a basic freedom for a democratic society. It appears this freedom is eroding. For the 2024 election at least, many of our major newspapers, including the Washington Post, USA Today, and the LA Times, have suddenly decided to opt out of their usual endorsements of political candidates.
Their expressed explanations sound reasoned, but their actions smack of cowardice. Their ownership has succumbed to the bullying of powerful monied interests who donโ t agree with their potential endorsements.
Kudos to Lee Enterprises (owner of the Arizona Daily Star), and to David McCumber, the Starโs Executive Editor, for their courage in bucking this alarming trend and publishing the Starโs political endorsements for 2024.
Appeasement of a bully only encourages his efforts.
John Barringer
Midtown
A silver star for 2024 endorsements
Congratulations on your well-reasoned and thoughtful endorsements for the 2024 election. They are in the finest traditions of journalism and serve notice to current and future politicians that our local paper is a diligent member of the Fourth Estate and will not only serve truth and justice but also demonstrate courage in stating your recommended candidates for office. Your courage is doubly appreciated in this divided election, where well-respected national papers have refused to endorse this year. You will probably lose some Star subscribers preferring other candidates. The debates among your guest editors must have been bloody but I applaud your having the courage of your convictions. My recommended award would have been a Gold Star had you endorsed before most of us voted by mail, but you confirmed most of my choices and changed your endorsement policy of last year. Truth and justice are struggling in this election and as another editor Clare Boothe Luce said, โCourage is the ladder on which all the other virtues mount.โ
Frank Hartline
Foothills
Dad jokes for the ages, Part II
Had enough of Trumpโs tall tales and arrogance? Same here. November 5th Is fast approaching, so itโs time once again to take the gloves off. Here are my freshly minted one-liners about Trumpโs never-ending barrage of falsehoods.
- Trump lies so often, the National Archives now has a wing labeled โfiction.โ
- Trump lies so often, heโd autograph the Ten Commandments, then claim he negotiated them down from fifteen.
- Trump lies so often, fact-checkers have a hotlineโฆand itโs a 24-hour crisis line.
- Trump lies so often, Pinocchio took out a restraining order for brand protection.
- Trump lies so often, heโs sure the wall he โbuiltโ can be seen from Mars. Through a telescope made of gold.
- Trump lies so often, his Christmas card has fine print: โResults not typical.โ
Kim Miklofsky Bayne
Foothills
- Robert Kleps, Downtown
If true Republicans want to keep their party, they must hold their nose and for one time only, vote for Democrats to stop Trumplicans from replacing the Republican Party.
Republicans are conservative and anticommunist. Trumplicans support Putin and Russia. Republicans want government to stay out of their business. Trumplicans work to control our bodies, books and ballots. Republicans believe in law and order. Trumplicans created January 6th. Republicans follow our Constitution. Trumplicans obey only Donald Trump.
If Trump wins, America will have just two parties, a too-liberal Democratic and an anti-conservative Trumplican one. True Republicans will decide to keep or lose their party.
Robert Kleps
Downtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Kim Holmes, Green Valley
For those who support the GOP candidateโs deportation plan, here are some things to think about:
1. Next time you go to a restaurant or stay in a hotel, look around you. Who is most likely cleaning up after you? You think service is slow now, just wait. It will probably get slower. 2. If your roof needs repairing or replacement who is up there doing it? 3. You think produce prices are high now, just wait until there are very few people to pick the crops. Food will rot on trees and in the fields. Prices will increase. 4. These undocumented workers pay in to Social Security and pay federal income taxes. They will never see a penny of it because the Social Security numbers they use are not attached to their names. But they are helping keep Social Security solvent for the rest of us.
Kim Holmes
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Tia Yap, South side
Young Voters: Make Your Voting Plan!
As a young voter, I urge you to make your voting plan today. With November 5 just days away, this is our moment to act and ensure our voices are heard.
This election, Millennials and Gen Z will form the largest voting bloc ever, representing nearly one-fifth of the electorate. With over 40 million Gen Z voters, including 8 million newly eligible since 2022, our power is immense. We face challenges: a climate crisis, threats to reproductive rights, and an economic system that feels stacked against us. With record-setting heat and reproductive rights at risk in Arizona, we canโt wait for change.
We hold the power to drive change. Making a voting plan ensures our voices are heard and fits this civic duty into our lives. We have until November 5 to decide how weโll vote โ whether in person or by mail.
Now is the time to act. Every vote counts, and together, we can shape our future.
Tia Yap
South side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Linda Ford, East side
After reading the letter about the back lash suffered by someone displaying a Harris Walz sign in their yard, I wonder what we have become. This country was founded on the belief in personal freedom and a willingness to let others express their opinions even if we donโt agree with them.
What have we become?
Not to mention all the hate-filled remarks heard at the Trump rally at Madison Square Garden.
Is this the country we want to live in?
I donโt.
We can do better!
Linda Ford
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheldon Metz, Northeast side
On January 6, 2021, disgraced former president Donald Trump stood at the Ellipse, inciting his armies of domestic terrorists to attack the United States and, therefore, America -- you, me and the dead relatives who died protecting us -- the โsuckersโ and โlosers.โ Final attendance that day was about 53,000 (30% drawn by his call-to-arms).
Trump claims, โNo one comes to Harrisโ rallies because she has nothing to say.โ Her rallies continue to outdraw his, however. On Tuesday, October 29, at her rally at the same Ellipse from which Trump ordered his cultist minions to attack us, Kamala Harris drew over 75,000 cheering, positive people supporting America.
Knowing he lies, his obsession with numbers has made him a laughingstock to the saner elements of society. Regarding his "Nรผrnberg Rally" at Madison Square Garden, Trump claimed 200,000 red caps were in attendance. MSGโs maximum capacity is 19,812.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Richard Peddy, East side
Thanks to the Star for the October 29th Letters to the Editor page: eleven letters, each reminding everyone that the Republican candidate is an evil, despicable man and that a vote for him is a vote for fascism and dictatorship.
Thank goodness! After being bludgeoned over the head with letters literally hundreds of times in the past few weeks by frantic and panicked leftists, I think Iโm finally seeing the lighโฆno, I'm not.
Perhaps the popularity of our potential fuhrer has more to do with the abhorrence of a far-left push by the Democratic Party and the potential for a more socialist system going forward. Some people don't want government entangled in every facet of their lives.
Donald Trump is a shameful man by any measure; no competent parent could use him as an example for their child to follow. Imagine, then, what a foregone conclusion this election would be if the Republican Party had simply positioned a decent human to be its candidate for President.
Richard Peddy
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Fran Gordon, Green Valley
As a voter in elections of my youth, I remember one could pull one lever (on stone age voting machines) and all Democrats or all Republicans automatically received straight party votes. Independents had no chance! Thank heavens those old dinosaur machines are no longer in use. At this present time, our votes are more important than ever. We must use our votes to elect the best candidates possible along with the most common-sense propositions. Just vote! There is no better method to stop the hate and move forward to the most positive future!
Fran Gordon
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Loran Hancock, Northwest side
When the page opened, it was headed by an advertisement with a banner declaring "We're Not Going Back" paid for by the Democrats. Clearly a motto that thinks it is expressing a worthwhile goal. When considering going back, my memory prior to the Biden/Harris administration clearly includes prices that are more affordable, lower crime levels, an absence of concerns over illegal immigrants, lower unemployment including minorities both black and Latino. While not interested in "Going Back," the last four years with the Biden/Harris administration have given me fond memories of the four years before Biden/Harris. I learned long ago that a person can be a good leader even if I don't like them, especially if they make life better. Measure the quality of leader based on past performance, not based on promises that can't be fulfilled. Wondering if Kamala can actually perform? Ask yourself if you are pleased with the last four years.
Loran Hancock
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mary Bradley, Northeast side
Last night Fascist Trump was in Glendale, calling for the execution of Liz Cheney. All you supporters just take it in stride. The rest of us think you are so pathetic, unbelievable. You still believe, he wonโt get away with it, if elected. Thatโs the most pathetic thing about you. If that crazy fool says heโs going to do it, heโs going to do it. Heโs a fascist! My God, you better get a grip. Donald Trump is the antithesis of America! Donald Trump is the antithesis of a world moving forward, and believe me, know this much, there is no way weโre going back. No way!
Mary Bradley
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mark Silva, Foothills
I used to say that Europeans could care less about American politics. Now, not so much. In the six weeks I spent abroad they were not shy about sharing their opinions. The lady in Barcelona at the mom and pop market who scoffed at me, the Airbnb host who did a double take and agreed when I mentioned our crazy politics, the two Australians who bluntly asked my political affiliation before continuing a pleasant conversation on a train platform, and the Scottish family who explained theyโd normally be proud Scottish blood made it to the White House but nae, not Trump.
In each case they were very much interested and they all emphatically agreed that to elect him the first time, okay, we didnโt understand what we were getting. But to elect him again, thatโs on us as Americans.
Iโm not suggesting we vote to appease foreigners, but letโs quit playing the fool. Vote Harris / Walz.
Mark Silva
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
ย
The sky is falling
Thanks to the Star for the October 29th Letters to the Editor page: 11 letters, each reminding everyone that the Republican candidate is an evil, despicable man and that a vote for him is a vote for fascism and dictatorship.
Thank goodness! After being bludgeoned over the head with letters literally hundreds of times in the past few weeks by frantic and panicked leftists, I think Iโm finally seeing the lighโฆ no, I'm not.
Perhaps the popularity of our potential fuhrer has more to do with the abhorrence of a far-left push by the Democratic Party and the potential for a more socialist system going forward. Some people don't want government entangled in every facet of their lives.
Donald Trump is a shameful man by any measure; no competent parent could use him as an example for their child to follow. Imagine, then, what a foregone conclusion this election would be if the Republican Party had simply positioned a decent human to be its candidate for President.
Richard Peddy
East side
ELECTION MANIA
After reading the letter about the backlash suffered by someone displaying a Harris Walz sign in their yard, I wonder what we have become. This country was founded on the belief in personal freedom and a willingness to let others express their opinions even if we donโt agree with them.
What have we become?
Not to mention all the hate-filled remarks heard at the Trump rally at Madison Square Garden.
Is this the country we want to live in?
I donโt.
We can do better!
Linda Ford
East side
Political parties and independents work together
As a voter in elections of my youth, I remember one could pull one lever (on stone age voting machines) and all Democrats or all Republicans automatically received straight party votes. Independents had no chance! Thank heavens those old dinosaur machines are no longer in use. At this present time, our votes are more important than ever. We must use our votes to elect the best candidates possible along with the most common-sense propositions. Just vote! There is no better method to stop the hate and move forward to the most positive future!
Fran Gordon
Green Valley
Young voters, our moment is now
Young Voters: Make Your Voting Plan!
As a young voter, I urge you to make your voting plan today. With November 5 just days away, this is our moment to act and ensure our voices are heard.
This election, Millennials and Gen Z will form the largest voting bloc ever, representing nearly one-fifth of the electorate. With over 40 million Gen Z voters, including 8 million newly eligible since 2022, our power is immense. We face challenges: a climate crisis, threats to reproductive rights, and an economic system that feels stacked against us. With record-setting heat and reproductive rights at risk in Arizona, we canโt wait for change.
We hold the power to drive change. Making a voting plan ensures our voices are heard and fits this civic duty into our lives. We have until November 5 to decide how weโll vote โ whether in person or by mail.
Now is the time to act. Every vote counts, and together, we can shape our future.
Tia Yap
South side
One vote, double impact
My ballot for Arizona House of Representatives said, โVote for not more than 2 candidates.โ Living in LD-17, I had a choice of one Democrat and two Republicans. How best to use my two votes? I researched the candidates and discovered that the incumbent Republicans were MAGA-types who spent much of the past legislative session focused on culture war politics and election conspiracies. I wanted a representative who cared about things that impact my daily life โ education, housing, reproductive rights and our water supply. I decided the best use of my two votes was to cast just one vote for Kevin Volk. My second vote wasn't wasted โ rather my one vote now has double the impact.
THEA CHALOW
Oro Valley
Wharton degree, still can't count
On January 6, 2021, disgraced former president Donald Trump stood at the Ellipse, inciting his armies of domestic terrorists to attack the United States and, therefore, Americaย โ you, me and the dead relatives who died protecting usย โ the โsuckersโ and โlosers.โ Final attendance that day was about 53,000 (30% drawn by his call-to-arms).
Trump claims, โNo one comes to Harrisโ rallies because she has nothing to say.โ Her rallies continue to outdraw his, however. On Tuesday, October 29, at her rally at the same Ellipse from which Trump ordered his cultist minions to attack us, Kamala Harris drew over 75,000 cheering, positive people supporting America.
Knowing he lies, his obsession with numbers has made him a laughingstock to the saner elements of society. Regarding his "Nรผrnberg Rally" at Madison Square Garden, Trump claimed 200,000 red caps were in attendance. MSGโs maximum capacity is 19,812.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Asking What Would Jesus Do?
To those positive Jesus would not vote for Trump, are you actual followers of Christ or just pretending? Itโs obvious you believe every lie spouted by the national mediaย โ even this paper printed a full-page ad of the lies about Trump. No reporting on the offenses against Republicans. A friend has put out 5 Trump signsย โ all stolenย โ not to mention those defaced. Democratsย โ get off your high horseย โ most of the destruction in this country has come from your sideย โ remember Antifa?
Are you sure Jesus would vote for Harrisย โ you really need to reconsider. Sheโs a woman that slept her way thru California politics with a married man 30 years her seniorย โ not very admirable. Sheโs a woman that lies constantly about her opponentย โ Hitler, fascist. Does she even know the meaning?
And I really want to hear you defend the Democrats' position on abortion. How do you think Jesus would feel about millions of babies being abortedย โ most for convenience? It's very sad.
Debra Berthelot
Marana
A commitment to CFSD's legacy
Congratulations to the dedicated, skilled teachers and hardworking students of the Catalina Foothills School District for achieving the distinction of being the only K-12 district in Arizona to earn an A rating from the Arizona Department of Education.
As a district resident with a daughter who graduated from CFHS in 2015, I have personally witnessed the high-quality education provided by this district for decades. This success stems from the unwavering commitment to excellence demonstrated by CFSD's dedicated leaders, teachers, and staff.
One slate of candidates running for election stands firmly behind this legacy of success and acknowledges the numerous accolades earned by CFSD. In contrast, the other candidates have perpetuated a misleading narrative suggesting that CFSD is โin declineโ and โat risk.โ Nothing could be further from the truth.
School board members should be staunch advocates for their districtโs students and staff, committed to preserving the long-standing excellence of CFSD. I am proud to support Jacquelyn Davoli, Tom Logue, and Eileen Jackson in this important election.
Tracy Shake
Foothills
Will Republicans save their party?
If true Republicans want to keep their party, they must hold their nose and for one time only, vote for Democrats to stop Trumplicans from replacing the Republican Party.
Republicans are conservative and anticommunist. Trumplicans support Putin and Russia. Republicans want government to stay out of their business. Trumplicans work to control our bodies, books and ballots. Republicans believe in law and order. Trumplicans created January 6th. Republicans follow our Constitution. Trumplicans obey only Donald Trump.
If Trump wins, America will have just two parties, a too-liberal Democratic and an anti-conservative Trumplican one. True Republicans will decide to keep or lose their party.
Robert Kleps
Downtown
Maricopa County and Joe Arpaio
The Starโs October 31 front page article about changes in Maricopa County missed an important element in its political evolution. For decades it elected a tyrant as its sheriff. Lives were lost, persons, particularly Hispanics, were intimidated daily. The county lost hundreds of millions of dollars in litigation expense and payouts.
The overreach of Sheriff Joe Arpaio became apparent to enough Republicans, in combination with the organizing of the minority community and its supporters for some level of justice, that he was finally defeated. He also was convicted of contempt in our federal court.
Arpaio received a pardon, not through the normal process of the Justice Department, but directly from Donald Trump when he had that arbitrary power available to abuse.
Barry Kirschner
Midtown
Something to think about
For those who support the GOP candidateโs deportation plan, here are some things to think about:
1. Next time you go to a restaurant or stay in a hotel, look around you. Who is most likely cleaning up after you? You think service is slow now, just wait. It will probably get slower. 2. If your roof needs repairing or replacement who is up there doing it? 3. You think produce prices are high now, just wait until there are very few people to pick the crops. Food will rot on trees and in the fields. Prices will increase. 4. These undocumented workers pay in to Social Security and pay federal income taxes. They will never see a penny of it because the Social Security numbers they use are not attached to their names. But they are helping keep Social Security solvent for the rest of us.
Kim Holmes
Green Valley
- Debra Berthelot, Marana
To those positive Jesus would not vote for Trump, are you actual followers of Christ or just pretending? Itโs obvious you believe every lie spouted by the national media -- even this paper printed a full-page ad of the lies about Trump. No reporting on the offenses against Republicans. A friend has put out 5 Trump signs - all stolen - not to mention those defaced. Democrats - get off your high horse - most of the destruction in this country has come from your side - remember Antifa?
Are you sure Jesus would vote for Harris - you really need to reconsider. Sheโs a woman that slept her way thru California politics with a married man 30 years her senior - not very admirable. Sheโs a woman that lies constantly about her opponent - Hitler, fascist. Does she even know the meaning?
And I really want to hear you defend the Democrats' position on abortion. How do you think Jesus would feel about millions of babies being aborted - most for convenience? It's very sad.
Debra Berthelot
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Loyal M Johnson Jr, Oro Valley
As all of you have noticed, there are vehicles anywhere you travel in the United States. Nearly all of the vehicles are either gasoline or diesel powered.
As much as the EV proponents wish, it will be many years until EVs power the majority of vehicles. In 2023, the United States used 124 million gallons of gasoline and 42 million gallons of diesel daily. The United States consumes a total of 20.25 million barrels of oil per day, of which 8.51 million barrels are imported from 86 countries. The United States, with vast proven and unproven petroleum reserves, has enough quantity under our own soil to satisfy our demand without any imports. With that in mind, why would we import petroleum from any country, friendly or not, when we could keep those valuable dollars in-house and provide good jobs for thousands of tax-paying oil workers and all the ancillary activities that are required to produce finished products? We are derelict to not harvest this treasure.
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Lisa Wolfe, North side
Voters complain the country is headed in the wrong direction. Thatโs not Democratsโ fault.
The President cannot enact laws without Congress. Republicans in Congress refuse to pass bills needed for a strong economy and immigration reform.
The House of Representatives, ruled by a chaotic Republican majority, opposes all Democratic bills, simply because they are proposed by Democrats. Republicans even voted against an immigration bill they supported โ just to appease the criminal candidate.
Senate rules require a 60% majority to pass most legislation. Because Senate Republicans refuse to work with Democrats to solve problems, the rule prevents passage of Democratic bills.
Vote for Harris/Walz.
Vote for Democrats for Congress (Gallego, Engel, Grijalva) to achieve goals needed for a better America:
- Right to abortion
- Stop inflation and price gouging
- Help families pay for housing and childcare
- Decrease oil/gas subsidies; promote renewable energy
- Help small businesses
- Immigration reform
Lisa Wolfe
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jim Rapp, Southeast side
Which will it be?
Americans have an opportunity in the upcoming election for president to determine the future direction of our country. And it has very little to do with one set of policies versus another, but with character.
Which version of America do you want to live in?
One led by a person who spreads hate and fear, whose facial expression has only two default settings: angry at the world and smug, and who cares about nobody but himself and the very rich.
Or a person who spreads love and happiness, whose default facial expression is smiling and encouraging, and who clearly cares about the middle class, i.e. us.
Jim Rapp
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Gerald Schwartz, Foothills
Letters often reveal much about the mindset of the writer. When I read the daily letters I read the authorโs name first. Many on both sides are frequent writers and I read them all. Some need to do a better job of fact checking before they hit send. But the lead letter on 10/28 appalled me. It may have been written by a single individual and attributed to a group but knowing HOAs which can be polarized for reasons other than politics it is possible for a group letter. Regardless this appears to be a classless act by someone or a group with no sense of human decency regarding a neighbor. This reminds me of an issue some time back involving a Supreme Court justice and his wife and flying of flags. The invective needs to stop.
Gerald Schwartz
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Don Ries, Southeast side
The hateful and racist "comedy" at the Madison Square Garden rally for Trump was obscene and I would condemn it if a Democrat or any other candidate had held it. If those "jokes" were told at a comedy open mike event, J.D. Vance would be right, get over it. But it was at a rally for a Presidential candidate, which means that the candidate being promoted agreed with the presentations at his rally. That was Donald Trump. The organizers of the rally had invited everyone who spoke, had vetted what they would say, and agreed to it. After the obscene message was delivered all the Republicans are trying to run away from it. That's as hypocritical as you can get.
Don Ries
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jack Walters, Northeast side
When Trump announced he would hold a rally in Madison Square garden arena, Hillary took to the airways to remind everyone that there was a Nazi rally held there in 1939, implying forcefully that this was a repeat of that. Since then the media and those who will stop at nothing to prevent his re-election have agreed with reckless abandon, joining in the chorus of Trump haters.
The problem with this is that the people who are voting for him are automatically labeled as fascists. Do you really believe that there could possibly be 75 million or more Nazis living in America today?
If Trump loses this election our country will never recover. The freedoms endowed on us by the creators of the Constitution will be taken away. Under Harris freedom of speech has been curtailed by listing them as disinformation. Wake up before it is too late.
Jack Walters
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mary Zimmerman, SaddleBrooke
When people like Trump talk, listen to them, for they will tell exactly who they are. It can't be a coincidence that Trump's rally in New York was held at the same place as a 1939 American Nazi Party rally. Do you want a country where people are denigrated because of their ethnicity? Where Kamala Harris is called stupid and accused of having pimp handlers and her husband is called a bad Jew? Do you want a country where the Justice Department will be used to persecute anyone Trump doesn't like and the military could be used against our own citizens? His vision, if it can be called that, is very dark indeed. If all this isn't enough for you, he's now saying that he and Mike Johnson have a "little secret" to win this election. Trump supporters, open your eyes and ears.
Mary Zimmerman
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Stop the blame
Letโs get real about why Harris lost โ three overarching reasons: American voters, of all ilk 1) arenโt willing to elect a woman president, 2) arenโt willing to elect a woman of color, and 3) have fallen hook, line, and sinker for fear and hate mongering that started decades ago and increased exponentially over the past decade. It disgusts me to see โprogressivesโ like Sanders and pundits rushing to blame an incredibly talented candidate who ran as good as a campaign as weโve seen in modern history. Too many American voters are so aligned with their โgang,โ and are inundated with a constant barrage of misinformation and appeals to their fears, that it is almost impossible for them to not succumb to our baser side of human nature. So, stop blaming Harris and her team, and recognize there is a darker more insidious cultural and social upheaval that has taken place, and will take generations to undo.
Sonja Stupel
North side
Another day of infamy
Itโs hard to explain, let alone understand what happened on November 5th, 2024, but it surely will be remembered as a day of infamy (to quote Franklin Roosevelt), almost as horrendous as December 7, 1941, September 11, 2001, and January 6, 2021. The main difference among them is that the last two were self-inflicted wounds that have the potential to be far longer lasting in their disastrous effects than the first two. After all, shattered mortar can be rebuilt as good as new relatively quickly, whereas the damaging emotional and practical effects of the Trump catastrophes will likely be felt for generations, not only here, but worldwide as we alienate our (former) allies. Where were all those who enthusiastically cheered Harrisโ candidacy, but didnโt vote on November 5th? Perhaps Trump will declare January 6 a national holiday. Who knows?
Jack Graef
SaddleBrooke
Trump voters get what they voted for
Good job, Trump voters! A political dolt who is easily manipulated by other world leaders will now be serving as our President. Again.
But you donโt care about that. No, you were concerned about our economy โ that has never been better and is the envy of the entire world. You voted for Trumpโs policies, which will weaken the economy.
And thatโs not all! Look at all you voted for:
- Retail prices increasing 20% due to Trumpโs tariffs.
- Tax cuts for billionaires.
- Higher taxes for everyone else.
- Millions of Americans thrown off healthcare.
- Cuts to Social Security and Medicare.
- Loss of human and civil rights.
- 50 more years of ultra-conservatives on the Supreme Court.
- The destruction of democracy.
- And so much more!
He just might make himself President for life, too. But at least you didnโt vote for a Black-Asian-American woman who was supremely qualified to be president and had policies that would have made life better for millions of Americans like you.
Steve Godwin
Midtown
The American presidency
We have just elected a convicted felon, misogynist, with racist tendencies, and unrepentant liar as president of these here United States. The good news for all you moms and dads out there is that character no longer matters. Your sons (not your daughters) can be felons, abuse women, be inveterate liars, hold racist sentiments and still can now ascend to the power of the Presidency! Congratulate yourself America, that glass ceiling is now broken!
Frank J. Perez
Foothills
Trump is what we deserve
So, a good, hard-working, intelligent woman, albeit a little short in resume, is defeated by a convicted felon, habitual liar, blustery airhead. I hate to say it but perhaps he is precisely what we deserve.
Philip Reinecker
East side
What did Democrats do wrong?
The GOP, with the help of Russia and oligarchs, subsidized mirage issues like abortions after birth, forced transitioning of children, and border issues they created. Republicans have stolen Supreme Court seats, invented powers for a President never conceived by our founders, and dazzled media they could not buy with a torrent of lies.
With pundits no more willing to face what they have become than are the remnants of the Republican Party, theyโve made the 4th Estate complicit. Others may swallow whole these lies. But the Democratic Party, however humbled or maligned, will hold to the ideals of our Nation.
Americans will suffer the depredations of the Liar Class, of whom Trump is truly their king. I will not yield to the worldview of exploitation and malignity โ nor will I apologize for having championed the most vulnerable no matter how shamelessly they and I are slurred and misrepresented. I will answer to history, and they may answer to God.
Eric Robbins
Chair, Pima County Democratic Party
South Tucson
The autopsy
For those shocked at the election results, here are the facts.
Kamala Harris, a do-nothing Vice President, was made the Democratic candidate after a palace coup without a single Democratic Party member vote. She said she would not do one thing differently than Biden. She was incapable of formulating one coherent policy she would pursue if President. She was the consummate flip-flopper, supporting each side of every issue. She was the classic word butcherer, leaving many to say โhuhโ after her speeches. She has labeled 50 percent of the population as Nazi supporters, garbage, and now according to todayโs editorials, stupid. Unfortunately, the elite, liberal Democrats, blinded by Trump Derangement Syndrome, failed to recognize that the policies of the last four years damaged and enraged much of the voting public. Common sense would dictate that the border, inflation, crime, men in womenโs sports were extremely important issues and that the mainstream citizen has had enough of this nonsense. Honestly, what did you expect?
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
I weep
I have voted in 15 presidential elections, but I have never cried before this one. I weep for all those experiencing the disastrous effect of climate change โ the excessive heat, more violent hurricanes and tornadoes, wildfires. I weep for our pristine public lands that will be opened up to mining and drilling. I weep for all the people who will not be allowed to read wonderful books because the books offend someoneโs sensibilities. I weep for all the children who will get only a mediocre education. I weep because now lying is ok, bigotry is ok, bullying is ok, name-calling is ok, threatening is ok, profanity is ok. I weep because character no longer matters.
And for what? The price of eggs and an immigration problem that will never be solved until people feel safe in their home countries and will not have to go elsewhere to seek a better life for their children. We are so short-sighted. I weep.
Dottie Fagg
Northeast side
You win, Donald
First, congratulations for accepting the results of this free and fair election. Just like the one in 2020 and 2016.
Congratulations on choosing a message that resonated with so many of the American people: Hate for your neighbors, fear of brown and black people, misogyny, and a lack of common decency. Did I miss anything?
The American people wanted you because at the root of us is a people that is uninformed about the world and our place in it, a people fearful of genders that donโt conform, a people that canโt and wonโt accept our terribly racist past, and a people that hides behind their Christian mask and mocks Jesus with their hate.
Congratulations Donald! You discovered the soul of our nation and won, and you are about to take us to a horrible, well-deserved place.
Dennis Rivera
Foothills
Trump and immigration
In 2016 Trumpโs signature promise to build a barrier along the southwest border of the U.S. (and have it paid for by Mexico) propelled him to victory. The centerpiece of his bid for reelection this year (2024) was a promise to implement the largest deportation effort in American history. Now that he has won the election, it appears that the strategy worked. I have not heard who he plans to have pay for this deportation effort. Does anybody know?
Alan Roehl
Sahuarita
What have we come to?
I volunteer at a local place that serves the homeless. Many of my fellow volunteers are Hispanic. Now that the jack-booted thug has been elected due to the majority of Americans who have lost their minds, I worry that my fellow volunteers will be targeted for deportation regardless of their legal status. For those who say, โIt can never happen here,โ those words echo what happened when Hitler ascended to power. There will be no โadults in the roomโ this time as he will surround himself with only those loyal to him and his word. I am heartsick over what Americans have turned into.
Jean Getek
Foothills
Post-election priorities
Now that the presidential election is over perhaps there could be some discussion about matters which didnโt warrant the candidates attention. You know, lesser matters like an unsustainable deficit, Social Security bankruptcy, climate change, and Ukraine.
Bill Durbin
Foothills
Apt H.L. Mencken Quote
One of H.L. Menckenโs (1880-1956) most famous quotes seems quite apt today:
โAs democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heartโs desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.โ
Eric Weiss
Northwest side
- Deb Klumpp, Oro Valley
Voters worried about price of gas, eggs, their own portfolio, or false claims that FEMA money is going to migrants sent a serial lying, veteran-disparaging, racist bully, woman-assaulting, porn performer-paying, bombastic egomaniac who adores dictators back to the White House.
Willing to ignore his insurrection, Jan. 6 violence, hate rhetoric, stealing of top secret documents, calls for killing his opponents, felon status โ all OK! Moral integrity and decency? Matters not. Little or no thought given to Putin, Ukraine, climate change, or the fact that Donald cares nothing about this country, or them! His VP once denounced him. Elon Musk โ now there's a guy with our best interests in mind! Anti-vaxxer RFK Jr. will have an important position in health where he can "go wild," according to Trump. One thing Trump has said that makes perfect sense โ he loves the uneducated. If not for them, he'd never get near the Oval Office. What a sad day for America โ flags should be at half-mast and upside down.
Deb Klumpp
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Eric Weiss, Northwest side
One of H.L. Mencken's (1880-1956) most famous quotes seems quite apt today:
"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.โ
Eric Weiss
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Alan Roehl, Sahuarita
In 2016 Trumpโs signature promise to build a barrier along the southwest border of the U.S. (and have it paid for by Mexico) propelled him to victory. The centerpiece of his bid for reelection this year (2024) was a promise to implement the largest deportation effort in American history. Now that he has won the election, it appears that the strategy worked. I have not heard who he plans to have pay for this deportation effort. Does anybody know?
Alan Roehl
Sahuarita
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mary Zimmerman, SaddleBrooke
In 1945 when the German people were picking up the pieces of their country, both literally and figuratively, I'm sure they asked themselves the question of how was this allowed to happen. We may be asking ourselves the same question four years from now. Unfortunately, the answer is simple. So many of us blindly allowed it to happen without a thought of the consequences.
Mary Zimmerman
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Richard Fridena, West side
From Jan. โ23 thru April โ24 campaign contributions to U.S. senator, representative and presidential candidates was reported to total $8.6 billion. Of that, $5.6 billion was spent by independent Political Action Committees. These amounts will only balloon when state and local campaigns are factored in, and the final reporting is done. It is fair to say that this level of giving comes primarily from rich individuals and corporations due to the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court ruling. Afterall, if one is having trouble meeting living expenses, one has little to no dollars to send to politicians. Which of these groups will have the most influence on legislation? Should political campaigns have public financing? Your answers are not my point. All this disposable income suggests there is something wrong with the tax code.
Richard Fridena
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Bill Durbin, Foothills
Now that the presidential election is over perhaps there could be some discussion about matters which didn't warrant the candidates attention. You know, lesser matters like an unsustainable deficit, Social Security bankruptcy, climate change, and Ukraine.
Bill Durbin
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jean Getek, Foothills
I volunteer at a local place that serves the homeless. Many of my fellow volunteers are Hispanic. Now that the jack-booted thug has been elected due to the majority of Americans who have lost their minds, I worry that my fellow volunteers will be targeted for deportation regardless of their legal status. For those who say, "It can never happen here," those words echo what happened when Hitler ascended to power. There will be no "adults in the room" this time as he will surround himself with only those loyal to him and his word. I am heartsick over what Americans have turned into.
Jean Getek
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dennis Rivera, Foothills
First, congratulations for accepting the results of this free and fair election. Just like the one in 2020 and 2016.
Congratulations on choosing a message that resonated with so many of the American people: Hate for your neighbors, fear of brown and black people, misogyny, and a lack of common decency. Did I miss anything?
The American people wanted you because at the root of us is a people that is uninformed about the world and our place in it, a people fearful of genders that don't conform, a people that can't and won't accept our terribly racist past, and a people that hides behind their Christian mask and mocks Jesus with their hate.
Congratulations Donald! You discovered the soul of our nation and won, and you are about to take us to a horrible, well-deserved place.
Dennis Rivera
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dottie Fagg, Northeast side
I have voted in 15 presidential elections, but I have never cried before this one. I weep for all those experiencing the disastrous effect of climate change โ the excessive heat, more violent hurricanes and tornadoes, wildfires. I weep for our pristine public lands that will be opened up to mining and drilling. I weep for all the people who will not be allowed to read wonderful books because the books offend someoneโs sensibilities. I weep for all the children who will get only a mediocre education. I weep because now lying is ok, bigotry is ok, bullying is ok, name-calling is ok, threatening is ok, profanity is ok. I weep because character no longer matters.
And for what? The price of eggs and an immigration problem that will never be solved until people feel safe in their home countries and will not have to go elsewhere to seek a better life for their children. We are so short-sighted. I weep.
Dottie Fagg
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Loyal M Johnson Jr, Oro Valley
For those shocked at the election results, here are the facts.
Kamala Harris, a do-nothing Vice President, was made the Democratic candidate after a palace coup without a single Democratic Party member vote. She said she would not do one thing differently than Biden. She was incapable of formulating one coherent policy she would pursue if President. She was the consummate flip-flopper, supporting each side of every issue. She was the classic word butcherer, leaving many to say โhuhโ after her speeches. She has labeled 50 percent of the population as Nazi supporters, garbage, and now according to todayโs editorials, stupid. Unfortunately, the elite, liberal Democrats, blinded by Trump Derangement Syndrome, failed to recognize that the policies of the last four years damaged and enraged much of the voting public. Common sense would dictate that the border, inflation, crime, men in womenโs sports were extremely important issues and that the mainstream citizen has had enough of this nonsense. Honestly, what did you expect?
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Anne Lane, Northeast side
My neighbors told me they'd been harassed and subjected to vile language, yesterday, by a mob of Trump supporters demanding they take down the Harris/Walz signs displayed on their private property. My neighbors said, "He won, what more do you want?" But they took down the signs and are considering moving to New Mexico. Meanwhile, VP Harris, who has intelligence and class, graciously conceded and congratulated the winner. President Biden will ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of power. I urge my fellow citizens who are disappointed by the election outcome, to not respond to intimidation by MAGA cowards who use bullying tactics to mask their fear. Be brave and remain decent humans. To Trump supporters: get a grip; I cannot imagine the violence you'd have perpetrated on America had he lost. Truly despicable and, yes, deplorable.
Anne Lane
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jack Graef, SaddleBrooke
Itโs hard to explain, let alone understand what happened on November 5th, 2024, but it surely will be remembered as a day of infamy (to quote Franklin Roosevelt), almost as horrendous as December 7, 1941, September 11, 2001, and January 6, 2021. The main difference among them is that the last two were self-inflicted wounds that have the potential to be far longer lasting in their disastrous effects than the first two. After all, shattered mortar can be rebuilt as good as new relatively quickly, whereas the damaging emotional and practical effects of the Trump catastrophes will likely be felt for generations, not only here, but worldwide as we alienate our (former) allies. Where were all those who enthusiastically cheered Harrisโ candidacy, but didnโt vote on November 5th? Perhaps Trump will declare January 6 a national holiday. Who knows?
Jack Graef
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sonja Stupel, North side
Letโs get real about why Harris lost โ three overarching reasons: American voters, of all ilk 1) arenโt willing to elect a woman president, 2) arenโt willing to elect a woman of color, and 3) have fallen hook, line, and sinker for fear and hate mongering that started decades ago and increased exponentially over the past decade. It disgusts me to see โprogressivesโ like Sanders and pundits rushing to blame an incredibly talented candidate who ran as good as a campaign as weโve seen in modern history. Too many American voters are so aligned with their โgang,โ and are inundated with a constant barrage of misinformation and appeals to their fears, that it is almost impossible for them to not succumb to our baser side of human nature. So, stop blaming Harris and her team, and recognize there is a darker more insidious cultural and social upheaval that has taken place, and will take generations to undo.
Sonja Stupel
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Eric Robbins, South Tucson
The GOP, with the help of Russia and oligarchs, subsidized mirage issues like abortions after birth, forced transitioning of children, and border issues they created. Republicans have stolen Supreme Court seats, invented powers for a President never conceived by our founders, and dazzled media they could not buy with a torrent of lies.
With pundits no more willing to face what they have become than are the remnants of the Republican Party, theyโve made the 4th Estate complicit. Others may swallow whole these lies. But the Democratic Party, however humbled or maligned, will hold to the ideals of our Nation, American will suffer the depredations of the Liar Class, of whom Trump is truly their king, I will not yield to the worldview of exploitation and malignity โ nor will I apologize for having championed the most vulnerable no matter how shamelessly they and I are slurred and misrepresented. I will answer to history and they may answer to God.
Chair, Pima County Democratic Party
Eric Robbins
South Tucson
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Frank J. Perez, Foothills
We have just elected a convicted felon, misogynist, with racist tendencies, and unrepentant liar as president of these here United States. The good news for all you moms and dads out there is that character no longer matters. Your sons (not your daughters) can be felons, abuse women, be inveterate liars, hold racist sentiments and still can now ascend to the power of the Presidency! Congratulate yourself America, that glass ceiling is now broken!
Frank J. Perez
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Steve Godwin, Midtown
Good job, Trump voters! A political dolt who is easily manipulated by other world leaders will now be serving as our President. Again.
But you don't care about that. No, you were concerned about our economy -- that has never been better and is the envy of the entire world. You voted for Trump's policies, which will weaken the economy.
And that's not all! Look at all you voted for:
- Retail prices increasing 20% due to Trump's tariffs.
- Tax cuts for billionaires.
- Higher taxes for everyone else.
- Millions of Americans thrown off healthcare.
- Cuts to Social Security and Medicare.
- Loss of human and civil rights.
- 50 more years of ultra-conservatives on the Supreme Court.
- The destruction of democracy.
- And so much more!
He just might make himself President for life, too. But at least you didn't vote for a Black-Asian-American woman who was supremely qualified to be president and had policies that would have made life better for millions of Americans like you.
Steve Godwin
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Philip Reinecker, East side
So, a good, hard-working, intelligent woman, albeit a little short in resume, is defeated by a convicted felon, habitual liar, blustery airhead. I hate to say it but perhaps he is precisely what we deserve.
Philip Reinecker
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Michael Sevier, Oro Valley
Democrats suffered an embarrassing defeat because of their singular embrace of a Woke Agenda. Consider. Ya' gotta drive an electric car that you can't afford. Ya' gotta defund the police. Ya' gotta support the citizens of Venezuela that overrun our border. Ya' gotta let boys use the school bathroom with your 10-year-old daughter. Ya' gotta let men play women's collegiate sports. Ya' gotta give up your natural gas stove. Ya' gotta treat a murderer with compassion and sensitivity not like a criminal. Ya' gotta bake a gay-themed cake despite your Christian beliefs. Ya' gotta let demonstrators aka rioters burn down our cities. Ya' gotta pay for sex change operations. And November 5, 20024, the Ya' gottas voted no. No I don't gotta. Many voters objected to this litany of gottas. Perhaps only one. But collectively, this coalition said no. No I don't gotta.
The inspiring news of the day? The world is not ending any time soon. And that ya' gotta believe.
Michael Sevier
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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