Letters to the editor
Fitz confuses socialism, social programs
Re: the Oct. 11 cartoon “Protester at Bernie Sanders Rally.”
It’s clear to me that inane cartoonist Fitz doesn’t know or care what the differences are between “social” programs and “socialist” programs. Socialism is generally when the organization, planning and means of production of wealth in a country are owned and fully controlled by the government, and the “profits,” if any, are collected by the government and used as some government toad sees fit.
So Fitz tries to convince us the military is now a means of production? Soldiers get profits distributed to them?
No, it’s the means of national defense, done on a national level because individuals can’t repel foreign enemies themselves. National defense is not a economic model, it’s an essential government service for a nation’s survival. As a veteran, I voluntarily served to enable all of us to rise as high as our individual capabilities allow us. Fitz’s characterization is just a lie.
Mark Johnson
North side
Limit vote on bonds
to property owners
Re: the Oct. 4 county bond proposal column by Pima County Supervisor Ray Carroll “Yes: Homeowners’ burden is light, Miller’s story incomplete.”
According to Carroll, “The actual cost for the average homeowner, including interest, is about $17 a year in added taxes.” That’s an egregious mischaracterization of the facts. If there were a million homes in Pima County and the average additional tax for the upcoming bond is $17, then it would take nearly 50 years to pay it off. So what is Carroll’s definition of “average homeowner”? It certainly isn’t anyone who owns a single-family residence.
In fact, the property owners should be the only ones voting for an additional burdensome tax to their property, not the general voters in the county.
Dave Efnor
East side
Use common sense
in gun regulation
A Northern Arizona University freshman snuffed out the promise of his adulthood because he had a gun in his car. Apparently, fisticuffs and yelling profanities weren’t enough.
It made sense at the time for him to shoot. But in the sober light of day, it makes no sense at all. He killed an adversary and nearly three others. The life his parents invested in him is over, as is the life of the boy who was killed.
Surely, given the privilege of the Second Amendment, we can ensure that a “well-regulated militia” means we can preserve the personal right to bear arms without abandoning common sense in regulating their availability.
Melanie Jacobson
Prescott
Play football during cooler times, please
As a 20-year season-ticket holder and one of 40,000-plus fans who were roasted in Arizona Stadium on Oct. 10, I have a few suggestions for athletic director Greg Byrne.
One, never hold a home game in September before 7 p.m. Two, never hold a home game in October before 5 p.m. Three, never play a game on the first week of the season. Always play a game on the last week of the season (this year, Dec. 5). Start a new tradition: the University of Arizona vs. Arizona State University on the last allowable week of the season every year. Play as many home games in November and December as you do in September and October. Tucson has great football weather in November and December. This can be a great recruiting tool. Use it. Don’t blame the schedule on the Pac-12 or TV. Fight them. Stand up for your fans before we have a tragedy.
Robert Mackay
Foothills
Stop the Cuba subsidies now
Re: the Oct. 10 and 11 articles on Cuban immigrants and welfare.
This series is a shocking revelation of the misuse and abuse of taxpayers’ dollars to subsidize Cubans. It needs to end immediately. The House and Senate should take this up and stop this today.
It would be refreshing to see the Republicans pass legislation to end this program rather than watch their endless attacks on the Benghazi tragedy, voting rights, Planned Parenthood’s women’s health issues, gay marriage, killing Obamacare, ending Social Security, etc. The Republicans preach fiscal conservatism. Put their money where their mouths are.
Judy Bullington
West side
