Arizona Daily Star speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Feb. 5, 2021
- Updated
Our weekly round-up of letters published in the tucson.com.
- D. K. Currin, Northwest side
Anyone concerned about the threat that extremist and para-military groups pose may want to check out the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). The SPLC has been tracking these groups for decades and bringing successful lawsuits against them. Including the case that bankrupted the United Klan KKK group back in the 80's.
D. K. Currin
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Alan Barreuther, Foothills
It is horribly ironic that people in Russia are being jailed because of their opposition and desire to remove an authoritarian oligarch whereas people in the United States are rioting and protesting to return one to power?
Alan Barreuther
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Ford burkhart, Midtown
Re: the Feb. 1 article "Dispelling myths about undocumented immigrants.'
Start with Rick Brusca and Oma Vidal's fine piece on "Dispelling myths about undocumented immigrants". Then look below on the same page at the warning for the press. Brusca and Vidal give facts some of us wouldn't welcome, how migrants enrich the American dream. Mr. Stirewalt says the press must stop feeding the "unhealthy craving" of readers and viewers and give facts that may change attitudes and maybe deter future mobs out to "sack the Capitol."
Ford burkhart
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Greg Lewis, Midtown
A January 29 letter expressed fear for what might happen to conservatives during the Biden administration: βThere are talks of deprograming Trump supportersβ like Communist China would do, the writer claimed.
Reading this caused me to recall fears conservatives had during Obamaβs administration:
A friend from Wilcox called me in distress after Obamaβs 2012 reelection. When I asked what she was afraid of, she couldnβt cite anything specific but said, βHe just lies all the time.β
I met a school bus driver in 2014 who was convinced that Obama would not leave office after the 2016 election. Heβd declare martial law and take over as a dictator.
Funny how it worked out β I mean, about the lying and grasping for power.
Donβt be afraid of Democrats. We donβt want to do bad things to you or see you suffer. Your lives matter to us.
Greg Lewis
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheldon Metz, Northeast side
I disagree with the politics of Congressman Adam Kinzinger of Illinois. A big however should be added to that. Somehow, this 42-year old young man has absorbed the soul of politIcs and compromise as it should be.
The old know-it-all Republicans in Congress should heed Kinzingerβs advice and support his ideas. Answers should come from compromise. Thatβs what Grand Old Politicians did in the smoke-filled rooms under the Capitol with a cigar in one hand and a brandy in the other, later celebrating, together, at Old Ebbitt Grill.
This for that. And it was always for the good of the country, not corporations. That was before Newt Gingrich and Mitch McConnell and Citizensβ United. These are the enemies of unity, responsible for changing America into an angry, divided country.
It was fun watching real people who were the representatives of real people and not Big Business. Politicians did not compromise on the Senate or House floors, but rather in those fumy rooms.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jeffrey McConnell, West side
America clearly needs a bit more help from D.C. to put this pandemic in the rear-view mirror and Republican Senators Collins, Murkowski, Romney, Portman and others are negotiating with the WH on relief legislation. They are GOP liberals.
I ask Senate Democrat liberals to also step up and compromise, but alas, there are no longer any liberals in their party. They are all leftists.
Jeffrey McConnell
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dale Secord, Southwest side
Search over. Trumpβs search for lawyers to represent him at the pending impeachment trial continues. Time for Rudy to step up and demonstrate his legal acuity.
However, I suspect this prolonged legal beagle search is a ruse to delay the impeachment trial. Hoping this at the January 6th Trump incited attack will continue to fade from the collective memory of the public.
Stay tuned.
Dale Secord
Southwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Francis Saitta, Downtown
Impeachment by the US House of Representatives is a "quasi" legal proceeding comparable to an Indictment by a Grand Jury, in this case, the US House of Representatives. After an Indictment, the Case moves on to a Trial; for Impeachment, to the US Senate.
The US Constitution places no time constraints or conditions for an Impeachment Trial by the US Senate.
Thus, as with a Criminal Indictment by a Grand Jury, Trump's Impeachment trial by the US Senate must proceed as a Matter of Law!!
Francis Saitta
Downtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Raymond D Trombino, Green Valley
- Updated
When I read Sen. Martin Quezadaβs (D-Glendale) comments on the election (Tucson & Region front page, Friday, January 22, 2021), βThe reason thereβs doubts out there about our elections right now is because of uncorroborated claims, misinformation, and flat-out lies that have been told over and overβ¦β, I thought he was talking about 2016, when Democrats first tried to get the electors to repudiate Donald Trump, then they embraced the βSteele Dossierβ which we now know was bought and paid for by the Clinton campaign and the DNC. Then we had the Mueller investigation, trying to undermine the President. When that failed, we had the first impeachment, and then the second impeachment. Joe Biden blackmailed the Ukrainian government, threatening to withhold one billion dollars unless they fired the prosecutor who was investigating his son, and then bragged about it on video. This is why no one trusts the media!
Raymond D Trombino
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- roger Engels, Oro Valley
- Updated
On January 6th, the world saw a prior president and his stooge private attorney call for the overthrow of Congress. Five died and one of our three branches of government hid for fear of death.
Any Republican Senator who votes down the impeachment of the former president is guilty of being a traitor to the constitution and its people.
Know who they are and never forget their stain on our Republic.
roger Engels
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Miriam Burt, Green Valley
- Updated
The actions of Trump in the past four years, but especially since he lost the election last November, put me in mind of two Shakespeare quotations, both from Julius Caesar. The first is spoken by Mark Antony in soliloquy as he imagines the chaos his words will wreak in an upcoming eulogy of Caesar: "Cry 'Havoc!', and let slip the dogs of war.β The second is also spoken by Antony when he says, βThe evil that men do lives after them.β
On January 6, Trump incited his mob to insurrection, letting slip the dogs of war as he urged supporters to march onto the Capitol. This action, and countless others of his, have ensured that the evil he has done to our country and to democracy will live on long after he has left the presidency.
Miriam Burt
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dorothy Johnson, Midtown
- Updated
Miriam Webster defines impeachment: βto charge with a crime or misdemeanor; specifically: to charge (a public official) before a competent tribunal with misconduct in office.β
The House charged Trump with a high crime that occurred while holding the office of President of the United States. The Senate is responsible to βtry all impeachments.β
Removal from office is one of TWO possible CONSEQUENCES if found guilty. Article I, Section 3, Clause 7 states: βJudgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States--β.
As the crime charged was committed while in office, being out of office after the crime occurred does not remove the Constitutional requirement for Senate trial, though it removes the requirement of Article I Section 3 ΒΆ 6 for the Chief Justice to preside. Senators, judge the charges.
Dorothy Johnson
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Edmond Schaefer, Marana
- Updated
We teach our children to stand up for what they believe and what is right even if they are the lone voice in a crowd. It takes courage, but there are circumstances that oblige an ethical person to be honest to oneβs beliefs no matter how painful the truth might be. As Americans we have been imbued with the cherry tree myth, a lesson & model of good behavior and the need to take full responsibility for oneβs actions. Another lesson learned at home is to discern & to verify information to avoid spreading rumors or gossip. This coming week as the Senate deliberates on the question of impeachment, I ask that our representatives, be they Democrats, Republicans, or Independents, be true to their souls and be courageous in the decisions they are going to make. Please remember that βIf it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it probably is a duck.β
Edmond Schaefer
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Donald Ries, Southeast side
- Updated
Promises Made, Promises Broken by Trump:
1. βMexico will pay for the wallβ. Zero paid.
2. βWeβll have the best peopleβ. If so, why was there the highest rate of corruption and the greatest turnover of high officials in Trumpβs administration of any administration ever?
3. βWeβll have better and cheaper health care for everyone.β No plan except gut the ACA.
4. Weβll have an infrastructure to rebuild our country. No plan, and even ditched the Democratic plan.
5. China is paying us billions in tariffs. No, either businesses passed the cost of tariffs on to consumers or they absorbed some or all of the cost, hurting their bottom line.
6. Covid-19 will soon go away, like a miracle. No, but 420,000 Americans died, millions are unemployed through no fault of their own, thousands are hospitalized and thousands more suffer debilitating long term affects.
How did this make America great?
Donald Ries
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
Democrats familiar
with βflat-out liesβ
Re: the Jan. 22 article βGOP lawmakers advance changes to election laws after Trumpβs loss.β
When I read Sen. Martin Quezadaβs (D-Glendale) comments on the election, βThe reason thereβs doubts out there about our elections right now is because of uncorroborated claims, misinformation, and flat-out lies that have been told over and over,β I thought he was talking about 2016, when Democrats first tried to get the electors to repudiate Donald Trump, then they embraced the Steele dossier.
Raymond D. Trombino
Green Valley
Only the audit
will be proof for some
Re: the Jan. 30 article βAZ Senate changes mind, will conduct own audit of Maricopa County election results.β
Yes, the full forensic audits need to be done. I want to know if my senator, representative and president were duly elected. There is a reasonable doubt of integrity and the board not willing to be transparent just makes them look like they are hiding something.
I have a stake in the outcome. Yes, corruption has happened before and the board owes the people it swore to serve some respect. Thank you, State Sen. Karen Fann and Kelli Ward.
Martha Wicklund
Southwest side
Promises made, promises broken
Promises made, promises broken by Donald Trump:
1. Mexico will pay for the wall. Zero paid.
2. Weβll have the best people. If so, why was there the highest rate of corruption and the greatest turnover of high officials in Trumpβs administration of any administration ever?
3. Weβll have better and cheaper health care for everyone. No plan except gut the ACA.
4. Weβll have an infrastructure plan to rebuild our country. No plan, and even ditched the Democratic plan.
5. China is paying us billions in tariffs. No, either businesses passed the cost of tariffs on to consumers or they absorbed some or all of the cost, hurting their bottom line.
6. COVID-19 will soon go away, like a miracle. No, but 420,000 Americans died, millions are unemployed through no fault of their own, thousands are hospitalized and thousands more suffer debilitating long-term effects.
How did this make America great?
Donald Ries
Southeast side
Failure to rein in dogs
of war will reverberate
The actions of Donald Trump in the past four years, but especially since he lost the election last November, put me in mind of two quotations from Shakespeare, both from Julius Caesar. The first is spoken by Mark Antony in soliloquy as he imagines the chaos his words will wreak in an upcoming eulogy of Caesar: βCry βHavoc!β and let slip the dogs of war.β
The second is also spoken by Antony when he says, βThe evil that men do lives after them.β
On Jan. 6, Trump incited his mob to insurrection, letting slip the dogs of war as he urged supporters to march to the Capitol. This action, and countless others of his, have ensured that the evil he has done to our country and to democracy will live on long after he has left the presidency.
Miriam Burt
Green Valley
Arizona leadership lacks judgment
Funny how the Republicans continue to complain about their rights (to not wear masks, not social-distance, eat in restaurants, work out in gyms, etc.). On the other hand they are working hard at making it extremely difficult to allow people their right to vote (example: needing a notary for mail-in votes).
Andy Biggs is an embarrassment, and he and his cronies are responsible for many deaths, including Republicans in the state of Arizona. Trump is gone, and Doug Ducey is too weak, so time for us to shift the blame and vote out the Arizona Republican leadership. We need Arizona to heal.
Linda Rodriquez
South side
Can Pima County restaurants survive?
The Arizona Daily Star reports that after two decades, the B Line restaurant, an icon on Fourth Avenue, has folded, joining many other downtown restaurants that are now shuttered due to the economic stress of COVID.
For those local restaurants still struggling to keep afloat, the good news is that help is on the way because the new occupant of the Oval Office has carefully constructed virus relief legislation for small businesses like yours.
The bad news is that he will demand that you pay your employees $15 an hour.
Iβm learning to cook because I donβt think that any of you will still be around in a year.
Jeffrey McConnell
West side
New energy standards a threat to Republicans
For nearly two years, the Arizona Corporation Commission has been requesting public comment and discussing clean energy standards for Arizona utilities. This process involved input from all stakeholders, subject matter experts and ACC technical staff.
During that period, the Arizona Legislature had no problem with the ACC taking action on energy standards. Now that the ACC reached a bipartisan conclusion that the Republicans in the Arizona Legislature donβt like, the Republicans have decided that the ACC didnβt have the authority to decide on this matter.
Isnβt it strange that the Republicans in the Legislature had no problem with the ACC taking action on energy standards until the conclusions that they reached didnβt agree with what the Republicans in the Legislature wanted to hear? So the Republicans in the Legislature introduced two partisan bills, HR 2248 and SB 1175, to limit the authority of the ACC.
James Moule
Downtown
Gambling expansion is a suckerβs bet
Re: the Feb. 2 article βGov. Ducey proposes plan to vastly expand legal gambling across state.β
Gov. Doug Duceyβs proposal to vastly expand gambling and reduce conventional taxes to zero, transfers the stateβs tax burden from those with discretionary income to those without. State-sponsored gambling is a voluntary tax on those least able to afford it.
People with no hope can have hope for a few days for only $2 with a Mega Millions ticket. Iβm sure the governor thinks this is a painless way to raise revenue, because itβs voluntary, but the impact on the gamblers and on society is far from painless.
Loring Green
Foothills
Rep. Bolick doesnβt trust democracy
Re: the Jan. 30 article βProposed law would let Legislature overturn presidential election results.β
State Rep. Shawnna Bolickβs recently proposed bill that would allow the Arizona Legislature to overturn the result of the presidential election in Arizona doesnβt go far enough. She could save Arizonans a lot of time voting and a lot of money setting up polling places and counting votes if her bill simply provided that the Arizona Republican Party will select who gets Arizonaβs Electoral College votes. Ms. Bolick, is there any part of democracy you like?
Ira Leavitt
Foothills
Build another
Barnum Hill
As a native Tucsonan, I have many fond memories of chasing boats down the Barnum Hill waterfalls with my parents. I also have many fond memories of sprinting to see otters at the zoo.
Now, as the zoo prepares to annex Barnum Hill to expand, many in our community are upset. Although I genuinely am saddened to see the hill go, I think we are missing a win-win opportunity here.
What is Barnum Hill? It is a tree-covered hill with a simple little stream flowing down to the lakes. How difficult would it be to move/re-create the hill (complete with multiple streams) to the north side of the lake? It would be a wonderful opportunity for a 21st-century Tucson community project and we would end up with a much improved zoo. Win-win.
Matthew Berkman
Midtown
Those who vote to acquit betray the Constitution
On Jan. 6, the world saw a prior president and his stooge private attorney call for the overthrow of Congress. Five died and one of our three branches of government hid for fear of death.
Any Republican senator who votes down the impeachment of the former president is guilty of being a traitor to the Constitution and its people.
Know who they are and never forget their stain on our republic.
Roger Engels
Oro Valley
Vaccination at Fryβs took under 30 minutes
I was fortunate to get an appointment for my first COVID-19 shot at the Fryβs on Ina Road and Thornydale Road. I want to say thanks to Kroger for setting this up.
While there was a certain amount of luck in getting the appointment, from then on the process was smooth. Pharmacy personnel were helpful in filling out the necessary paperwork and I was in and out in under 30 minutes. A special shout out to Jackie, who was most helpful.
The Biden administration is moving to get more shots in arms via local pharmacies; my experience at Fryβs indicates this is a good move. Thanks again to Fryβs.
Rosemary Halsey
SaddleBrooke
Senators, ready yourselves
Merriam-Webster defines impeachment: βto charge with a crime or misdemeanor; specifically: to charge (a public official) before a competent tribunal with misconduct in office.β
The House charged Donald Trump with a high crime that occurred while holding the office of president of the United States. The Senate is responsible to try all impeachments.
Removal from office is one of two possible consequences if found guilty. Article I, Section 3, Clause 7 states: βJudgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States.β
As the crime charged was committed while in office, being out of office after the crime occurred does not remove the constitutional requirement for a Senate trial, though it removes the requirement for the chief justice to preside. Senators, judge the charges.
Dorothy Johnson
Midtown
Tucson families benefit from zoo expansion
Our family has been enjoying the Reid Park Zoo since the 1970s and now visit the zoo with our three grandsons. It seems to us that a public parkβs goal should be the highest and best use for all citizens. While we are at the zoo, we often use the playgrounds and we have observed that far many more families use the zoo than the hill.
More people will benefit from the expansion of the zoo as well as serving as an attraction for tourists. It is also a great education for children to see and learn about the animals.
No it is not free, but it is a lot less expensive than than seeing the animals in their natural habitat. Tucson has a lot of nature opportunities but only one zoo.
Mike Sturgis
Foothills
- Roland Biser, Virginia
- Updated
I am a Voter in Virginia, but doing my best to follow progress on the examination of the presidential vote in Maricopa County. It is hard to get news because there is so much censorship on this issue. I pray that a full forensic audit of machines and ballots takes place, otherwise, what is the point? If 100% of ballots aren't examined, then auditors could easily miss 2% of ballots that could have been falsely adjudicated. Likewise with machines and software. I'll bet fewer than 10% of voters have any clue about the inner workings of the code that counts, tallies, and transmits voting results. Everyone can understand ballots filled in and counted by hand, but who knows the inside a computer program? Or worse, whether an outside trojan entered through an allowable internet or thumb-drive connection? Hiding this level of detail merely fuels speculation. America is watching.
Roland Biser
Virginia
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mike Wahl, Downtown
- Updated
Editor,
Prior to Social Security's introduction in America, people took care of each other. Family members, churches, communities, and even businesses helped support the down-trodden. When the Great Depression occurred, these capabilities were reduced or eliminated, due to widespread effects of a compromised economy. Because corruption and asset manipulations by the federal government (characteristics of socialism) contributed greatly to the economic collapse, it became an associated "duty" to help those it had ruined financially. That does not make it GOOD.
The proclaimed intent of Social Security was to help Americans recover from depression years, but history is showing that it was opportunistic to get a foot in the door, so that more widespread socialist practices could be introduced later. Americans in general are a compassionate bunch, and if given a chance to redeem history, they just might prefer to take care of each other, rather than leave that in the hands of a non-compassionate government. Just because everyone else is doing something doesnβt necessarily make it right.
Mike Wahl
Downtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Kenneth Unwin, East side
- Updated
I wonder how many face masks are going to end-up in the Ocean, lakes or rivers. There is already way too much pollution in our waterways! Discarded and lost masks can be seen on streets and parking lots today. Our Mayor, Governor and new President all have their policies about wearing face coverings. Do they have that right to tell us what to do/wear, or is it just all about CONTROL? Dr. Fauci is now saying in February 2021 that face masks donβt do/prove anything. But last month some experts were recommending not one but TWO masks on the face. Who do we listen to? Who do we believe? Who has the answers?
The Lone Ranger on TV wore a mask, but he never covered his nose or mouth. Thatβs the kind of mask I want to wear, so I can breathe!
Kenneth Unwin
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Craig Miller, Northwest side
- Updated
I used to respect the Republican party even if I disagreed. I still have respect for Collins, Murkowski, Sasse, Romney, Thune, Cheney, etc. Unfortunately it has been hijacked by people who can only be described as deranged. Marjorie Taylor Greene has suggested that 9/11 wasn't a plane, she doesn't believe Parkland and other shootings occurred, she blames California wildfires on Jewish lasers from space. Instead of getting her the mental health she so desperately needs, the Republicans have given her seats on committees. Please stop pandering to the stupid people. This also condemns Gosar, Biggs, Finchem and other treasonous supporters of coup to overthrow the government.
Craig Miller
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Chris Roe, Southeast side
- Updated
I recently read about the passing of Hilton Valentine, who was the guitarist in the rock and roll band called βThe Animalsβ. It brought back a memory of when I was a young Army lieutenant stationed in West Germany in the early 1970s. Another lieutenant in the officer quarters, where I lived, had been transferred from Vietnam to Germany. While in Vietnam, he had purchased a video camera and one day he showed me some of the scenes he had recorded there. One scene was inside an officers club somewhere in Vietnam on a Saturday night. A band was playing an Animals song and everybody in the club was singing along as loud as they could. The song was, βWe gotta get out of this place! If it's the last thing we ever doβ¦β The lieutenant told me it was a very popular song in Vietnam at the time.
Chris Roe
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jean Tittle, Green Valley
- Updated
In 1989, those of us living in the civilized world were horrified when an Iranian ayatollah issued a "death fatwa" against Salmand Rushdie after his novel Satanic Verses dared to criticize Mohammad. I find myself wondering what the civilized world now thinks of the death threats issued by Americans against fellow Americans who dare to criticize, contradict or condemn "Dear Leader DJT."
Are death threats against Dr. Fauci, Mike Pence, Adam Kinzinger, Liz Cheney, Fred Upton, Hakeem Jeffries, George Stephanopoulos, Nancy Pelosi, Gretchen Whitmer - the list goes on ad nauseam - any less horrifying?
When/how will this insanity end? We are asked to listen with respect to the other side. Really? How about the other side shut down the death threats, the lies concerning a stolen election, and listen to reason and the facts? As Pogo once quipped, "Yep, Son, we have met the enemy and he is us." Heaven help us.
Jean Tittle
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Don Weaver, Midtown
- Updated
Why would anyone want to get back to βnormalβ? Normal 4 years ago? Eight years ago? Or maybe
12 years ago? More? Those normal times had at least one thing in common: βpolitics.β Pure and simple. Politics in the pursuit of who governs our Nation has historically been combative, war-like, mean-spirited, and by most standards, just plain ugly. Say or do anything to seize the reigns of the ultimate power. And all is forgiven. Since when? Maybe the day will come when itβs recognized that βnormalβ isnβt likely to change until todayβs politics is weeded out of the equation; and we as a Nation commit to living peacefully and civilly with one another. Committed to a simple set of standards of partisan respect, to which some are hailing a βnew normal.β Getting to a new normal depends on which way each of us is pointed. Where are you headed?
Don Weaver
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Polly Smith, Northwest side
- Updated
Several recently printed letters were highly critical of Senator Sinema's vote not to eliminate the filibuster rule. After getting my Masters here at the University of Arizona, I worked in politics and on campaigns for ten years in New York State. In my view Senator Sinema is one of the smartest and savviest politicians we have on our Arizona delegation today. She is always "thinking the long game". I have no inside information as to her thought process or vote. I suspect she clearly realized the huge future risk for Democrats if the filibuster rule was done away with. What would happen if the Democrats lost control of the Senate either in the next election cycle or some future cycle which is certainly a possibility? Without the filibuster rule, Democrats would be defenseless against the GOP's worst social and economic policies. We should all thank our stars that Senator Sinema has the knowledge, foresight and courage to head off this horrific possibility.
Polly Smith
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Virginia Bohme, Midtown
- Updated
I agree that a stimulus and relief package is needed to support people, small businesses, and education. I have been a registered voting democrat for many years. The relief package proposed by President Biden needs trimming. This is a perfect time to work cooperatively with Republicans to craft a better proposal. We need to provide help without crippling our deficit to irreparable levels.
My husband and I are retired. We live frugally on our Social Security payments and my state retirement checks from being a teacher for many years. Our mortgage is paid off. We know how to live on a meager budget. We do not need more stimulus checks from the government. Those payments should limited to those who are out of work and are struggling.
Virginia Bohme
Virginia Bohme
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Christine Flanagan, West side
- Updated
An open letter to Senators Sinema and Kelly,
You will be called upon to consider ending the filibuster in the Senate. I urge you to vote to end it. Arguments against say that removing it will empower a future Republican Senate and Democrats will lose a cudgel, but it is used now against Democrats even though they are in the (ever so slender) majority.
Ending the filibuster will require that senators vote on issues as they reach the floor. Now, Senators can hide behind the filibuster, telling voters they are for an issue when they won't ever have to vote in favor of it. This lets politicians, Republicans and Democrats, have it both ways.
Ending the filibuster is a vote for transparency. I ask--why aren't Senators willing to vote openly on issues that matter to their constituents? You and I know the answer.
Write our Senators!!
Christine Flanagan
Christine Flanagan
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dan Pendergrass, West side
- Updated
Seems to me the Republicans are making an argument that Donald Trump isn't the president, so he can't be impeached, but they will surely say he can't charged with Sedition for his actions on Jan 6th because he was the President. If he can't be impeached then he should be tried as a private citizen in Federal court with the sentence to be imprisonment and banned from holding public office for life pursuant to 18 US code 2384/2385. If he's not liable as a private citizen then he is subject to impeachment and if convicted should suffer a similar fate. This garbage about allowing the people to decide his fate by election denies the evidence that he abused judicial process on numerous occasions and persisted in fomenting violence against multiple parties in both state and federal governments for an extended period of time. Time for Law and order.
Dan Pendergrass
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jim Dreis, East side
- Updated
Trump incited supporters to storm the Capitol by lying to them. When they arrived they looked to hang Pence and dismember Pelosi while Trump headed to the White House to watch the carnage play out on TV. He and Pence eventually made up then claimed those who stormed the Capitol were really not members of Trump's Make America movement, instead goons operating on their own, thus he's not responsible for what they did.
Republican Senators now have to address the impeachment article handed them by the House. Everyone knows Trump's guilty. Thus the trial isn't about Trump. It's about Republican Senator's sense of right and wrong. They're on trial. Do they cover up for Trump, or do what's right, and impeach him?
Jim Dreis
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Larry Robinson, Northwest side
- Updated
A therapist I know once used the analogy of an infected wound and what it takes to heal. How it was necessary to thoroughly dig out the infection regardless of how painful it may be. Only then could healing begin.
The Capital insurrection on Jan 6th opened up an infected wound that has been festering for at least the last four years.
Some politicians say to just move on, that attempts to clean out past corruption will only cause more unrest.
Just like the physical wound, no healing can even begin without first digging and scrubbing out the infection regardless of superficial pain. Any attempts at covering things up without a just and proper cleaning will leave us with a raging infection that will only get worse.
Larry Robinson
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
Getting stimulus cash where itβs needed most
The economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic has not fallen equally on all households in Tucson. While some families have lost jobs and homes, other families are barely touched.
The federal stimulus checks have been deposited in our accounts; it is money we donβt need. So, we are committed to donating all of the stimulus dollars to Tucson food banks.
The Arizona Daily Star could help encourage others to donate their stimulus checks by featuring a local charity on its front page and a comprehensive list in their Tucson & Region section.
Thomas Hefley
East side
GOP senators
are on trial
Donald Trump incited supporters to storm the Capitol by lying to them. When they arrived, they looked to hang Mike Pence and dismember Nancy Pelosi while Trump headed to the White House to watch the carnage play out on TV. He and Pence eventually made up then claimed those who stormed the Capitol were really not members of Trumpβs Make America Great Again movement, but instead goons operating on their own. Thus, Trump is not responsible for what they did.
Republican senators now have to address the impeachment article handed to them by the House. Everyone knows Trumpβs guilty. Thus the trial isnβt about Trump. Itβs about Republican senatorsβ sense of right and wrong.
Theyβre on trial. Do they cover up for Trump, or do whatβs right and impeach him?
Jim Dreis
East side
Kudos to Kino vaccine workers
Congratulations to the doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers who are responsible for the distribution of the COVID vaccine at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium. Every person there was pleasant, organized and competent. My husband and I were in and out of the stadium in less than an hour, including the extra 15-30 minutes required for observation after vaccination because of prior medication allergies.
Our friends who have visited this location have raved about what a pleasant experience they had as well.
Mary Carey
Northeast side
Responding to claims
on migration, abortion
Re; the Feb 1 article βDispelling myths about undocumented immigrants.β
The authors have ignored a major concern with undocumented immigrants: They did not enter or simply are not here legally. They ignored a very long line of people who are attempting to legally enter this country. They apparently chose to ignore this major impediment to their status. What message does this send to others about respecting the laws of this country?
And, to Mr. Steven Brown, who does not consider a fetus a human child, I ask why a person who kills a pregnant woman and her fetus can be charged with two murders?
John Cioffi
Northeast side
Zoo expansion
benefits all of Tucson
The Reid Park Zooβs expansion will provide significant benefits for all Tucsonans.
Think about the important role that accredited zoos like the Reid Park Zoo play in preserving the planet. The zoo provides a relaxing and restorative experience, encouraging a love of nature and an understanding of the importance of conservation of all the earthβs species and resources.
And if youβve seen the wonder in a childβs eyes during a visit there you know that yes, we do need nature, now and in the future. An expanded zoo will create an even greater good for the public and the planet.
The voters were right to support our zooβs expansion, and we can all benefit from it, both in the short and long term. The Community Access Programs section of the zooβs website details many programs to invite the public in, either free or for a nominal cost β please take a look.
Sarah Kim
East side
Relief proposal needs a trim
I agree that a stimulus and relief package is needed to support people, small businesses and education. I have been a registered, voting Democrat for many years. The relief package proposed by President Joe Biden needs trimming. This is a perfect time to work cooperatively with Republicans to craft a better proposal. We need to provide help without crippling our deficit to irreparable levels.
My husband and I are retired. We live frugally on our Social Security payments and my state retirement checks from being a teacher for many years. Our mortgage is paid off. We know how to live on a meager budget. We do not need more stimulus checks from the government. Those payments should limited to those who are out of work and are struggling.
Virginia Bohme
Midtown
Sinema right
to defend filibuster
Several recently printed letters were highly critical of Sen. Kyrsten Sinemaβs vote not to eliminate the filibuster rule. After getting my masterβs degree here at the University of Arizona, I worked in politics and on campaigns for 10 years in New York State. In my view, Sen. Sinema is one of the smartest and savviest politicians we have in our Arizona delegation today. She is always βthinking the long game.β
I have no inside information as to her thought process or vote. I suspect she clearly realized the huge future risk for Democrats if the filibuster rule was done away with. What would happen if the Democrats lost control of the Senate either in the next election cycle or some future cycle which is certainly a possibility?
Without the filibuster rule, Democrats would be defenseless against the GOPβs worst social and economic policies. We should all thank our stars that Sen. Sinema has the knowledge, foresight and courage to head off this horrific possibility.
Polly Smith
Northwest side
Filibuster allows
lawmakers to hide
An open letter to Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly,
You will be called upon to consider ending the filibuster in the Senate. I urge you to vote to end it. Arguments against say that removing it will empower a future Republican Senate and Democrats will lose a cudgel, but it is used now against Democrats even though they are in the (ever so slender) majority.
Ending the filibuster will require that senators vote on issues as they reach the floor. Now, senators can hide behind the filibuster, telling voters they are for an issue when they wonβt ever have to vote in favor of it. This lets politicians, Republicans and Democrats, have it both ways.
Ending the filibuster is a vote for transparency. I ask β why arenβt senators willing to vote openly on issues that matter to their constituents? You and I know the answer.
Write your senators.
Christine Flanagan
West side
Voter suppression
at its worst in Arizona
Re: the Jan. 30 article βProposed law would let Legislature overturn presidential election results.β
I keep wondering what devious and outlandish proposals will come from Republicans to try to suppress voters.
To my surprise, horror and dismay, I read in the Daily Star that Rep. Shawnna Bolick of Phoenix is proposing a law that would let the Arizona state Legislature overturn presidential election results even after the count has been certified by the governor and secretary of state if they are unhappy with the election results.
This is outrageous. What would be the point of having an election? Our constitutional right to vote is precious and is critical to American democracy. This cannot be allowed to happen. Please remember this at the polls and vote these un-American officials out of office.
Deane Ford
West side
New normal?
Iβll pass
Why would anyone want to get back to normal? Normal four years ago? Eight years ago? Or maybe 12 years ago? More?
Those normal times had at least one thing in common: βpolitics.β Pure and simple. Politics in the pursuit of who governs our nation has historically been combative, war-like, mean-spirited, and by most standards, just plain ugly. Say or do anything to seize the reigns of the ultimate power. And all is forgiven.
Since when? Maybe the day will come when itβs recognized that βnormalβ isnβt likely to change until todayβs politics is weeded out of the equation and we as a nation commit to living peacefully and civilly with one another.
Committed to a simple set of standards of partisan respect, to which some are hailing a βnew normal.β Getting to a new normal depends on which way each of us is pointed. Where are you headed?
Don Weaver
Midtown
Trump canβt escape
accountability
Seems to me the Republicans are making an argument that Donald Trump isnβt the president, so he canβt be impeached, but they will surely say he canβt be charged with sedition for his actions on Jan. 6 because he was the president of the U.S. at the time.
If he canβt be impeached then he should be tried as a private citizen in federal court, with the sentence to be imprisonment and banishment from holding public office for life. If heβs not liable as a private citizen then he is subject to impeachment and if convicted should suffer a similar fate.
This garbage about allowing the people to decide his fate by election denies the evidence that he abused judicial process on numerous occasions and persisted in fomenting violence against multiple parties in both state and federal governments for an extended period of time. Time for law and order.
Dan Pendergrass
West side
GOP craziness
at an all-time high
I used to respect the Republican party, even if I disagreed. I still have respect for Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Ben Sasse, Mitt Romney, Liz Cheney, etc. Unfortunately, the GOP has been hijacked by people who can only be described as deranged.
Marjorie Taylor Greene has suggested that on 9/11, it wasnβt a plane that hit the Pentagon, she believes Parkland and other shootings were staged, she blames California wildfires on Jewish lasers from space. Instead of getting her the mental health she so desperately needs, the Republicans have given her seats on committees.
Please stop pandering to the stupid people. This also condemns Rep. Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs and state Rep. Mark Finchem and other treasonous supporters of the coup to overthrow the government.
Craig Miller
Northwest side
- Ted Wierman, SaddleBrooke
- Updated
Many congress members and acquaintances have suggested that in the pursuit of unity we should βlet sleeping dogs lie and look forward β. In other words-donβt pursue punishment for the representatives, senators and president that instigated the insurgents to attack the capital on January 6th. To those people I would ask if their son, daughter, wife, parent or close friend were killed or injured in a violent attack-would you still βlet the dog lie and look forwardβ? The people killed in that attack also have family snd friends mourning their death and/or injuries. Letβs pursue justice for all the deaths and damage done on Jan 6th and hold the president, senators and representatives accountable for the damage they encouraged at their rallies and on TV. Once that is accomplished we can better move forward in unity!!
Ted Wierman
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- KENNETH COHN, Northwest side
- Updated
How sad that Trump was obviously more interested in defeating Biden than defeating the corona virus. From the very beginning he fought the election results tirelessly. It seemed he was never that excited or concerned about the trail of death and destruction left behind by an out of control pandemic. How many lives might have been saved if he had simply followed the same medical advice that President Biden considers so vital to saving lives and beating this virus?
KENNETH COHN
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Don Finch, Midtown
- Updated
What an excellent series on immigration and the US-Mexico border by Tim Steller. I especially appreciate the Jan. 31 article, "450 miles of border wall are monument to a motto." The background of how Trump and his enablers marketed this over-built and terribly expensive wall was very telling and makes me sad. Thank you Mr. Steller. Keep up the good work!
Don Finch
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Tim Helentjaris, Northwest side
- Updated
The Covid virus is not the biggest threat to our country, itβs stupidity. When many people are more likely to believe that prominent Democrats eat babies or that Jews started the CA wildfires with space lasers than vaccines can beat disease, this country cannot survive. The reason that life in Wuhan China is almost back to normal is not that their citizenry was resistant to the virus but that they were willing to accept individual responsibility and follow public health directives for the greater good. Sounds like patriotism. If we want a thriving economy, kids back in schools, feel comfortable eating in restaurants again, we first need to beat this virus by wearing masks, social-distancing, and getting vaccinated, at least 80% of us. Your learning should not have ended when you left high school, make the effort to get real knowledge about what is going on around you and stop falling for fake news because it sounds better to you. Thatβs what real patriotism looks like.
Tim Helentjaris
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sue Garcia, Foothills
- Updated
On January 31st, I read that Kyrsten Sinema is one of two Democratic Senators to oppose ending the filibuster and that she is not open to changing her mind. What? Why? Ending the filibuster is essential to passing critical legislation to improve health care, economic justice, protection of the environment, sound immigration policy and much more. Frankly, I am more than disappointed in Senator Sinema; I am embarrassed that I worked for her election and continued to support her when her allegiance to causes of small "d" democracy were questioned. The Republicans in Congress, like their counterparts in Phoenix, are interested only in holding onto power by any means, including overturning the will of the voters! They wield power in support of power! Trusting them, giving them the benefit of the doubt in the name of bipartisan unity is a fool's errand. It will not advance the needs of the majority for whom the McConnell's of the world hold disdain. Senator Sinema must reconsider, or many voters will.
Sue Garcia
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- John Cioffi, Northeast side
- Updated
The authors of "dispelling myths...', have ignored a major concern with "undocumented immigrants": they did not enter or simply are not here legally. They ignored a very long line of people who are attempting to legally enter this country. They apparently chose to ignore this major impediment to their status. What message does this send to others about respecting the laws of this country?
And, to Mr. Steven Brown, who does not consider a fetus a human child, I ask why a person who kills a pregnant woman and her fetus can be charged with two murders?
John Cioffi
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dave Glicksman, Northwest side
- Updated
The US Department of Justice waited until after noon on January 20, 2021 to report that the pardons given to Steve Bannon and Roger Stone may not keep them out of prison. The only offenses that their pardons cover are for those for which they were convicted, but not for other crimes that they have admitted to have committed.
This was either deliberate on Trump's part or like so much the former president did was done without help from people who know how something should be done, like scientist, generals and diplomats. Oopsie Steve and Roger!!
Dave Glicksman
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Craig Miller, Northwest side
- Updated
I used to respect the Republican party even if I disagreed. I still have respect for Collins, Murkowski, Sasse, Romney, Thune, Cheney, etc. Unfortunately it has been hijacked by people who can only be described as deranged. Marjorie Taylor Greene has suggested that 9/11 wasn't a plane, she doesn't believe Parkland and other shootings occurred, she blames California wildfires on Jewish lasers from space. Instead of getting her the mental health she so desperately needs, the Republicans have given her seats on committees. Please stop pandering to the stupid people. This also condemns Gosar, Biggs, Finchem and other treasonous supporters of coup to overthrow the government.
Craig Miller
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Carol Pfister, Green Valley
- Updated
I keep reading in the paper about the jobs being cut by pausing the XL pipeline. This is not an American oil product, it is Canadian. And guess what? All the people living in Canada said NO WAY are you bringing this oil through our territories. It would be so much easier to take it across Canada. British Columbia said you are not bringing it here. It is an environment nightmare waiting to happen. As for jobs..... A study was made and the jobs would be in sections of maybe 8-10 months and then your job is done.. All of the sections are being built at once and when you connect to the next section, your job is done. Oil sand is extremely hard to clean up, especially when it is mainly above ground. Native Americans do not want it across their land and ranchers don't want it across their grazing lands. I am praying that Canada finds some other route to get their oil sand to market,
Carol Pfister
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mark Moe, Vail
- Updated
Accusing Tim Stellar of hypocrisy because he doesnβt discuss βabuse of impeachment powersβ is laughable. The second impeachment isnβt a result of Pelosiβs βhatred of Trumpβ - itβs a result of Trumpβs seditious incitement of the Capitol riot designed to overturn the legitimate election of Joe Biden. Period. And , if Trumpβs treasonous actions didnβt cause you to hate him, perhaps your loyalties need adjusting.
Mark Moe
Vail
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheldon Metz, Northeast side
- Updated
Donald Trump, who incited insurrection against democracy, has followed his family's consistency with lies and deceptions. After WWII, until 1983, his father, Fred, told people his family was Swedish, ignoring the family's predominant German background. Even after becoming a U.S. citizen, Trump's grandfather, Friedrich, believed in the National- Socialist German Workers' Party's ideals. You know the acronym. Fred inherited his beliefs. Ironically, Friedrich dies during the Spanish Flu epidemic.
Fred Trump had been under the law's scrutiny for many years as he continued to get charged with crimes. Crimes that, somehow, "disappeared." Using an inheritance, Fred and his mother created a real estate empire. Donald became president of the soon-to-be renamed Trump Organization in 1971. In 1973, they were sued by the Feds for violating the Fair Housing Act.
Fred died in 1999 and $14 million in loans from his father, most additional fortunes passed on to Donald.
Republican politicians visit and call as if paying homage to the Patron Saint of Republicans, a monarch or Pope.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jeffrey McConnell, West side
- Updated
I have mixed emotions about how our country is protecting American lives in these troubling times.
There is an unacceptable high daily death rate due to Covid-19 but with the new vaccines, itβs now declining. There is also a repugnantly high daily death rate due to legal abortion, but with the new president, it will soon be rising.
Our medical community is struggling to prevent the Covid death toll from exceeding a half million, while our society has all the scientific tools yet not the political will necessary to save the lives of twice that, each year of the soon-to-be born.
Letβs accomplish both.
Jeffrey McConnell
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Cindy Chojnacky, Foothills
- Updated
Two letters in January 29 Star caught my attention. One illustrated our national crisis of false or misleading information and the next offered a solution I endorse. Ron Furtak offered unsubstantiated charges against Biden and others: ideas that βsmell of socialism,β conservatives βcensored, canceled and blacklisted.β Robert Mann suggested a regulatory information agency which resonated with me as a journalist (UA grad) and federal professional in Washington DC under 4 Presidents. Conservatives have claimed βgovernment is bad, science is suspect, profits are everythingβ for 40 years, turning much of U.S. anti-government. As a result, Big Tech and βnewsβ media have grown up market-based with little accountability. Google and Microsoft destroy innovation by buying up startups; social media algorithms promote controversy. Many βnewsβ outlets so pander to audience that people see any information that undercuts their beliefs or indicates defeat ββ¦as an attack on them personallyβ (according to fired Fox reporter Chris Stirewalt). We need to discuss an entity for Information, Technology and Truth (IT&T).
Cindy Chojnacky
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- DAVID VERNON, East side
- Updated
Candidates and winners of positions in the House of Representatives have "Congressional Immunity" for their expressed views about almost anything. However, it is a Federal felony to make threats on the life of any Federal employee, includiing the Speaker of the House. Furthermore, no conspiracy theory is believable if any of the assumptions is not physically possible. Those who claim a mass shooting was staged have no idea how difficult and expensive it is to stage a violent movie scene, because for every supposed victim to be faked there must be 10 production staff persons to make the show happen. All you need for a real mass hooting is one nut with a loaded gun. Much the same applies to stealing an election. One must steal six urban counties in six different States, a feat not accomplished since the election of Benjamin Harrison. Get real. Voting for nonsense achieves nothing.
DAVID VERNON
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Cindy Coffer Chojnacky, Foothills
- Updated
Two letters in January 29 Star caught my attention. One illustrated our national crisis of false or misleading information and the next offered a solution I endorse. Ron Furtak offered unsubstantiated charges against Biden and others: ideas that βsmell of socialism,β conservatives βcensored, canceled and blacklisted.β Robert Mann suggested a regulatory information agency which resonated with me as a journalist (UA grad) and federal professional in Washington DC under 4 Presidents. Conservatives have claimed βgovernment is bad, science is suspect, profits are everythingβ for 40 years, turning much of U.S. anti-government. As a result, Big Tech and βnewsβ media have grown up market-based with little accountability. Google and Microsoft destroy innovation by buying up startups; social media algorithms promote controversy. Many βnewsβ outlets so pander to audience that people see any information that undercuts their beliefs or indicates defeat ββ¦as an attack on them personallyβ (according to fired Fox reporter Chris Stirewalt). We need to discuss an entity for Information, Technology and Truth (IT&T).
Cindy Coffer Chojnacky
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jacolyn Marshall, Oro Valley
- Updated
The assault on our Capitol by a mob of insurrectionists who desecrated our halls of Congress, terrorized our representatives, and imperiled our democracy has been a shocking wake-up call. In its aftermath, twenty corporations withdrew their funding for legislators who betrayed their oaths of office. Three social media sites closed the accounts of those who promoted and incited violence.
Our new administration will address and redress many of the ills that plague us, but they cannot do it alone. Mainstream media outlets need to evaluate their role in amplifying falsehoods and spreading propaganda these past five years and recommit to their duty to publish the facts and disseminate the truth. Our policing agencies need to police themselves and recommit to their duty to serve and protect us all. We the people must speak out against injustice, demanding that those who betray their duty are held accountable. We must speak up in defense of our democratic ideals and act to preserve them. We must be the change we seek.
Jacolyn Marshall
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jerry Knoski, East side
- Updated
ο»ΏPresident Bidenβs inaugural speech calling for unity was inspiring and necessary. I wish him Godspeed in toning down the rhetoric and suggest he start by engaging the media. A few examples: On CNN, Don Lemon called Trump supporters "mental" insisting they have "cognitive dissonance" saying βthey like the racism and the misogyny;β like drug addicts. After the Jan. 6, demonstration Lemon lumped all 74 million Trump voters with the "Klan" and "Nazis." Atlantic staff writer Jemele Hill, tweeted "If you vote for Donald Trump, you are a racist." "The View" co-host Sunny Hostin called Trump voters "un-American" and "selfish." Hostin shamed the 74 million voters that voted for Trump. MSNBC contributor Eddie Glaude said Trump supporters are culpable for the devastation caused by coronavirus. MSNBC host Chris Hayes declared that "the entire Republican Party" has "basically taken the side of the virus and are actively trying to spread it" by opposing lockdown restrictions.
Jerry Knoski
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- K-Lynn Paul, Northwest side
- Updated
Conspiracy theories mutate faster than the Corona virus. Some theories are just dropped like John F. Kennedy, Jr. coming to life just before the last election to save the country. Others are modified when a previous theory doesn't pan out. In the aftermath of the recent election each step of the election certification process was going to declare that Trump, not Biden was the winner. When Congress met to read and formally certify the winner, Trump was going to be declared the winner. When that didn't happen, Trump was going to declare martial law. We are already under martial law. 'They' are just letting Biden think he is the president. The United States is not a country, but is a corporation according to some law from the 1870's so Biden is the president of the corporation and not the country. And so it goes. True believers believe the latest version and don't seem to realize that all these mutations which contradict each other can't possibly be true.
K-Lynn Paul
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Deedee Bruster, Northwest side
- Updated
RE: "Don't give in to domestic terrorists"
So the writer wants to prosecute the militant group that attacked the capitol so as "to send the message that we are not afraid of treating domestic terrorists any differently than other terrorists".
Which other terrorists is he referring to? Could they be the ones that destroyed several cities across America for months? The ones linked to black lives matter and antifa? The ones on the left? And who is the party of the left? Democrats.
And while we're at it, why not prosecute the mayors of these cities that did nothing to stop the riots and by their silence encouraged it.
Deedee Bruster
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- IHOR KUNASZ, Oro Valley
- Updated
So our president is restricting travel to all the European countries and now has added South Africa to the list.
Why is The People's Republic (?) of China not included, the country from which COVID has infected the whole world???? Perhaps Hunter or Swawell advised our president to exclude China ?
IHOR KUNASZ
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- SUSAN SYRACUSE, East side
- Updated
This is beyond sad. Imagine what they could do to benefit those who aren't the 1%. The list is endless, vaccines, food, clean water, scholarships, grants, dwellings, clothing, blankets. I only get 150 words here or I could keep going.
Assuming they made their fortunes on this planet, perhaps they could reconsider and invest in it and its people.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Syracuse
SUSAN SYRACUSE
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Max McConkey, Foothills
- Updated
Item: The Old Testament prescribes beating swords into plowshares.
Item: The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that more than 230,000 bridges in the U.S. need major repair work or replacement.
Item: President Biden has halted construction of former President Trumpβs wall on our southern border.
Suggestion: The new Secretary of Transportation and new Director of Homeland Security heed the Biblical prescription for purposeful recycling and collaborate by dismantling the wall and using the then-available steel to repair our bridges.
Max McConkey
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- D. K. Currin, Northwest side
Anyone concerned about the threat that extremist and para-military groups pose may want to check out the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). The SPLC has been tracking these groups for decades and bringing successful lawsuits against them. Including the case that bankrupted the United Klan KKK group back in the 80's.
D. K. Currin
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Alan Barreuther, Foothills
It is horribly ironic that people in Russia are being jailed because of their opposition and desire to remove an authoritarian oligarch whereas people in the United States are rioting and protesting to return one to power?
Alan Barreuther
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Ford burkhart, Midtown
Re: the Feb. 1 article "Dispelling myths about undocumented immigrants.'
Start with Rick Brusca and Oma Vidal's fine piece on "Dispelling myths about undocumented immigrants". Then look below on the same page at the warning for the press. Brusca and Vidal give facts some of us wouldn't welcome, how migrants enrich the American dream. Mr. Stirewalt says the press must stop feeding the "unhealthy craving" of readers and viewers and give facts that may change attitudes and maybe deter future mobs out to "sack the Capitol."
Ford burkhart
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Greg Lewis, Midtown
A January 29 letter expressed fear for what might happen to conservatives during the Biden administration: βThere are talks of deprograming Trump supportersβ like Communist China would do, the writer claimed.
Reading this caused me to recall fears conservatives had during Obamaβs administration:
A friend from Wilcox called me in distress after Obamaβs 2012 reelection. When I asked what she was afraid of, she couldnβt cite anything specific but said, βHe just lies all the time.β
I met a school bus driver in 2014 who was convinced that Obama would not leave office after the 2016 election. Heβd declare martial law and take over as a dictator.
Funny how it worked out β I mean, about the lying and grasping for power.
Donβt be afraid of Democrats. We donβt want to do bad things to you or see you suffer. Your lives matter to us.
Greg Lewis
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheldon Metz, Northeast side
I disagree with the politics of Congressman Adam Kinzinger of Illinois. A big however should be added to that. Somehow, this 42-year old young man has absorbed the soul of politIcs and compromise as it should be.
The old know-it-all Republicans in Congress should heed Kinzingerβs advice and support his ideas. Answers should come from compromise. Thatβs what Grand Old Politicians did in the smoke-filled rooms under the Capitol with a cigar in one hand and a brandy in the other, later celebrating, together, at Old Ebbitt Grill.
This for that. And it was always for the good of the country, not corporations. That was before Newt Gingrich and Mitch McConnell and Citizensβ United. These are the enemies of unity, responsible for changing America into an angry, divided country.
It was fun watching real people who were the representatives of real people and not Big Business. Politicians did not compromise on the Senate or House floors, but rather in those fumy rooms.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jeffrey McConnell, West side
America clearly needs a bit more help from D.C. to put this pandemic in the rear-view mirror and Republican Senators Collins, Murkowski, Romney, Portman and others are negotiating with the WH on relief legislation. They are GOP liberals.
I ask Senate Democrat liberals to also step up and compromise, but alas, there are no longer any liberals in their party. They are all leftists.
Jeffrey McConnell
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dale Secord, Southwest side
Search over. Trumpβs search for lawyers to represent him at the pending impeachment trial continues. Time for Rudy to step up and demonstrate his legal acuity.
However, I suspect this prolonged legal beagle search is a ruse to delay the impeachment trial. Hoping this at the January 6th Trump incited attack will continue to fade from the collective memory of the public.
Stay tuned.
Dale Secord
Southwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Francis Saitta, Downtown
Impeachment by the US House of Representatives is a "quasi" legal proceeding comparable to an Indictment by a Grand Jury, in this case, the US House of Representatives. After an Indictment, the Case moves on to a Trial; for Impeachment, to the US Senate.
The US Constitution places no time constraints or conditions for an Impeachment Trial by the US Senate.
Thus, as with a Criminal Indictment by a Grand Jury, Trump's Impeachment trial by the US Senate must proceed as a Matter of Law!!
Francis Saitta
Downtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Raymond D Trombino, Green Valley
When I read Sen. Martin Quezadaβs (D-Glendale) comments on the election (Tucson & Region front page, Friday, January 22, 2021), βThe reason thereβs doubts out there about our elections right now is because of uncorroborated claims, misinformation, and flat-out lies that have been told over and overβ¦β, I thought he was talking about 2016, when Democrats first tried to get the electors to repudiate Donald Trump, then they embraced the βSteele Dossierβ which we now know was bought and paid for by the Clinton campaign and the DNC. Then we had the Mueller investigation, trying to undermine the President. When that failed, we had the first impeachment, and then the second impeachment. Joe Biden blackmailed the Ukrainian government, threatening to withhold one billion dollars unless they fired the prosecutor who was investigating his son, and then bragged about it on video. This is why no one trusts the media!
Raymond D Trombino
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- roger Engels, Oro Valley
On January 6th, the world saw a prior president and his stooge private attorney call for the overthrow of Congress. Five died and one of our three branches of government hid for fear of death.
Any Republican Senator who votes down the impeachment of the former president is guilty of being a traitor to the constitution and its people.
Know who they are and never forget their stain on our Republic.
roger Engels
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Miriam Burt, Green Valley
The actions of Trump in the past four years, but especially since he lost the election last November, put me in mind of two Shakespeare quotations, both from Julius Caesar. The first is spoken by Mark Antony in soliloquy as he imagines the chaos his words will wreak in an upcoming eulogy of Caesar: "Cry 'Havoc!', and let slip the dogs of war.β The second is also spoken by Antony when he says, βThe evil that men do lives after them.β
On January 6, Trump incited his mob to insurrection, letting slip the dogs of war as he urged supporters to march onto the Capitol. This action, and countless others of his, have ensured that the evil he has done to our country and to democracy will live on long after he has left the presidency.
Miriam Burt
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dorothy Johnson, Midtown
Miriam Webster defines impeachment: βto charge with a crime or misdemeanor; specifically: to charge (a public official) before a competent tribunal with misconduct in office.β
The House charged Trump with a high crime that occurred while holding the office of President of the United States. The Senate is responsible to βtry all impeachments.β
Removal from office is one of TWO possible CONSEQUENCES if found guilty. Article I, Section 3, Clause 7 states: βJudgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States--β.
As the crime charged was committed while in office, being out of office after the crime occurred does not remove the Constitutional requirement for Senate trial, though it removes the requirement of Article I Section 3 ΒΆ 6 for the Chief Justice to preside. Senators, judge the charges.
Dorothy Johnson
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Edmond Schaefer, Marana
We teach our children to stand up for what they believe and what is right even if they are the lone voice in a crowd. It takes courage, but there are circumstances that oblige an ethical person to be honest to oneβs beliefs no matter how painful the truth might be. As Americans we have been imbued with the cherry tree myth, a lesson & model of good behavior and the need to take full responsibility for oneβs actions. Another lesson learned at home is to discern & to verify information to avoid spreading rumors or gossip. This coming week as the Senate deliberates on the question of impeachment, I ask that our representatives, be they Democrats, Republicans, or Independents, be true to their souls and be courageous in the decisions they are going to make. Please remember that βIf it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it probably is a duck.β
Edmond Schaefer
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Donald Ries, Southeast side
Promises Made, Promises Broken by Trump:
1. βMexico will pay for the wallβ. Zero paid.
2. βWeβll have the best peopleβ. If so, why was there the highest rate of corruption and the greatest turnover of high officials in Trumpβs administration of any administration ever?
3. βWeβll have better and cheaper health care for everyone.β No plan except gut the ACA.
4. Weβll have an infrastructure to rebuild our country. No plan, and even ditched the Democratic plan.
5. China is paying us billions in tariffs. No, either businesses passed the cost of tariffs on to consumers or they absorbed some or all of the cost, hurting their bottom line.
6. Covid-19 will soon go away, like a miracle. No, but 420,000 Americans died, millions are unemployed through no fault of their own, thousands are hospitalized and thousands more suffer debilitating long term affects.
How did this make America great?
Donald Ries
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Democrats familiar
with βflat-out liesβ
Re: the Jan. 22 article βGOP lawmakers advance changes to election laws after Trumpβs loss.β
When I read Sen. Martin Quezadaβs (D-Glendale) comments on the election, βThe reason thereβs doubts out there about our elections right now is because of uncorroborated claims, misinformation, and flat-out lies that have been told over and over,β I thought he was talking about 2016, when Democrats first tried to get the electors to repudiate Donald Trump, then they embraced the Steele dossier.
Raymond D. Trombino
Green Valley
Only the audit
will be proof for some
Re: the Jan. 30 article βAZ Senate changes mind, will conduct own audit of Maricopa County election results.β
Yes, the full forensic audits need to be done. I want to know if my senator, representative and president were duly elected. There is a reasonable doubt of integrity and the board not willing to be transparent just makes them look like they are hiding something.
I have a stake in the outcome. Yes, corruption has happened before and the board owes the people it swore to serve some respect. Thank you, State Sen. Karen Fann and Kelli Ward.
Martha Wicklund
Southwest side
Promises made, promises broken
Promises made, promises broken by Donald Trump:
1. Mexico will pay for the wall. Zero paid.
2. Weβll have the best people. If so, why was there the highest rate of corruption and the greatest turnover of high officials in Trumpβs administration of any administration ever?
3. Weβll have better and cheaper health care for everyone. No plan except gut the ACA.
4. Weβll have an infrastructure plan to rebuild our country. No plan, and even ditched the Democratic plan.
5. China is paying us billions in tariffs. No, either businesses passed the cost of tariffs on to consumers or they absorbed some or all of the cost, hurting their bottom line.
6. COVID-19 will soon go away, like a miracle. No, but 420,000 Americans died, millions are unemployed through no fault of their own, thousands are hospitalized and thousands more suffer debilitating long-term effects.
How did this make America great?
Donald Ries
Southeast side
Failure to rein in dogs
of war will reverberate
The actions of Donald Trump in the past four years, but especially since he lost the election last November, put me in mind of two quotations from Shakespeare, both from Julius Caesar. The first is spoken by Mark Antony in soliloquy as he imagines the chaos his words will wreak in an upcoming eulogy of Caesar: βCry βHavoc!β and let slip the dogs of war.β
The second is also spoken by Antony when he says, βThe evil that men do lives after them.β
On Jan. 6, Trump incited his mob to insurrection, letting slip the dogs of war as he urged supporters to march to the Capitol. This action, and countless others of his, have ensured that the evil he has done to our country and to democracy will live on long after he has left the presidency.
Miriam Burt
Green Valley
Arizona leadership lacks judgment
Funny how the Republicans continue to complain about their rights (to not wear masks, not social-distance, eat in restaurants, work out in gyms, etc.). On the other hand they are working hard at making it extremely difficult to allow people their right to vote (example: needing a notary for mail-in votes).
Andy Biggs is an embarrassment, and he and his cronies are responsible for many deaths, including Republicans in the state of Arizona. Trump is gone, and Doug Ducey is too weak, so time for us to shift the blame and vote out the Arizona Republican leadership. We need Arizona to heal.
Linda Rodriquez
South side
Can Pima County restaurants survive?
The Arizona Daily Star reports that after two decades, the B Line restaurant, an icon on Fourth Avenue, has folded, joining many other downtown restaurants that are now shuttered due to the economic stress of COVID.
For those local restaurants still struggling to keep afloat, the good news is that help is on the way because the new occupant of the Oval Office has carefully constructed virus relief legislation for small businesses like yours.
The bad news is that he will demand that you pay your employees $15 an hour.
Iβm learning to cook because I donβt think that any of you will still be around in a year.
Jeffrey McConnell
West side
New energy standards a threat to Republicans
For nearly two years, the Arizona Corporation Commission has been requesting public comment and discussing clean energy standards for Arizona utilities. This process involved input from all stakeholders, subject matter experts and ACC technical staff.
During that period, the Arizona Legislature had no problem with the ACC taking action on energy standards. Now that the ACC reached a bipartisan conclusion that the Republicans in the Arizona Legislature donβt like, the Republicans have decided that the ACC didnβt have the authority to decide on this matter.
Isnβt it strange that the Republicans in the Legislature had no problem with the ACC taking action on energy standards until the conclusions that they reached didnβt agree with what the Republicans in the Legislature wanted to hear? So the Republicans in the Legislature introduced two partisan bills, HR 2248 and SB 1175, to limit the authority of the ACC.
James Moule
Downtown
Gambling expansion is a suckerβs bet
Re: the Feb. 2 article βGov. Ducey proposes plan to vastly expand legal gambling across state.β
Gov. Doug Duceyβs proposal to vastly expand gambling and reduce conventional taxes to zero, transfers the stateβs tax burden from those with discretionary income to those without. State-sponsored gambling is a voluntary tax on those least able to afford it.
People with no hope can have hope for a few days for only $2 with a Mega Millions ticket. Iβm sure the governor thinks this is a painless way to raise revenue, because itβs voluntary, but the impact on the gamblers and on society is far from painless.
Loring Green
Foothills
Rep. Bolick doesnβt trust democracy
Re: the Jan. 30 article βProposed law would let Legislature overturn presidential election results.β
State Rep. Shawnna Bolickβs recently proposed bill that would allow the Arizona Legislature to overturn the result of the presidential election in Arizona doesnβt go far enough. She could save Arizonans a lot of time voting and a lot of money setting up polling places and counting votes if her bill simply provided that the Arizona Republican Party will select who gets Arizonaβs Electoral College votes. Ms. Bolick, is there any part of democracy you like?
Ira Leavitt
Foothills
Build another
Barnum Hill
As a native Tucsonan, I have many fond memories of chasing boats down the Barnum Hill waterfalls with my parents. I also have many fond memories of sprinting to see otters at the zoo.
Now, as the zoo prepares to annex Barnum Hill to expand, many in our community are upset. Although I genuinely am saddened to see the hill go, I think we are missing a win-win opportunity here.
What is Barnum Hill? It is a tree-covered hill with a simple little stream flowing down to the lakes. How difficult would it be to move/re-create the hill (complete with multiple streams) to the north side of the lake? It would be a wonderful opportunity for a 21st-century Tucson community project and we would end up with a much improved zoo. Win-win.
Matthew Berkman
Midtown
Those who vote to acquit betray the Constitution
On Jan. 6, the world saw a prior president and his stooge private attorney call for the overthrow of Congress. Five died and one of our three branches of government hid for fear of death.
Any Republican senator who votes down the impeachment of the former president is guilty of being a traitor to the Constitution and its people.
Know who they are and never forget their stain on our republic.
Roger Engels
Oro Valley
Vaccination at Fryβs took under 30 minutes
I was fortunate to get an appointment for my first COVID-19 shot at the Fryβs on Ina Road and Thornydale Road. I want to say thanks to Kroger for setting this up.
While there was a certain amount of luck in getting the appointment, from then on the process was smooth. Pharmacy personnel were helpful in filling out the necessary paperwork and I was in and out in under 30 minutes. A special shout out to Jackie, who was most helpful.
The Biden administration is moving to get more shots in arms via local pharmacies; my experience at Fryβs indicates this is a good move. Thanks again to Fryβs.
Rosemary Halsey
SaddleBrooke
Senators, ready yourselves
Merriam-Webster defines impeachment: βto charge with a crime or misdemeanor; specifically: to charge (a public official) before a competent tribunal with misconduct in office.β
The House charged Donald Trump with a high crime that occurred while holding the office of president of the United States. The Senate is responsible to try all impeachments.
Removal from office is one of two possible consequences if found guilty. Article I, Section 3, Clause 7 states: βJudgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States.β
As the crime charged was committed while in office, being out of office after the crime occurred does not remove the constitutional requirement for a Senate trial, though it removes the requirement for the chief justice to preside. Senators, judge the charges.
Dorothy Johnson
Midtown
Tucson families benefit from zoo expansion
Our family has been enjoying the Reid Park Zoo since the 1970s and now visit the zoo with our three grandsons. It seems to us that a public parkβs goal should be the highest and best use for all citizens. While we are at the zoo, we often use the playgrounds and we have observed that far many more families use the zoo than the hill.
More people will benefit from the expansion of the zoo as well as serving as an attraction for tourists. It is also a great education for children to see and learn about the animals.
No it is not free, but it is a lot less expensive than than seeing the animals in their natural habitat. Tucson has a lot of nature opportunities but only one zoo.
Mike Sturgis
Foothills
- Roland Biser, Virginia
I am a Voter in Virginia, but doing my best to follow progress on the examination of the presidential vote in Maricopa County. It is hard to get news because there is so much censorship on this issue. I pray that a full forensic audit of machines and ballots takes place, otherwise, what is the point? If 100% of ballots aren't examined, then auditors could easily miss 2% of ballots that could have been falsely adjudicated. Likewise with machines and software. I'll bet fewer than 10% of voters have any clue about the inner workings of the code that counts, tallies, and transmits voting results. Everyone can understand ballots filled in and counted by hand, but who knows the inside a computer program? Or worse, whether an outside trojan entered through an allowable internet or thumb-drive connection? Hiding this level of detail merely fuels speculation. America is watching.
Roland Biser
Virginia
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mike Wahl, Downtown
Editor,
Prior to Social Security's introduction in America, people took care of each other. Family members, churches, communities, and even businesses helped support the down-trodden. When the Great Depression occurred, these capabilities were reduced or eliminated, due to widespread effects of a compromised economy. Because corruption and asset manipulations by the federal government (characteristics of socialism) contributed greatly to the economic collapse, it became an associated "duty" to help those it had ruined financially. That does not make it GOOD.
The proclaimed intent of Social Security was to help Americans recover from depression years, but history is showing that it was opportunistic to get a foot in the door, so that more widespread socialist practices could be introduced later. Americans in general are a compassionate bunch, and if given a chance to redeem history, they just might prefer to take care of each other, rather than leave that in the hands of a non-compassionate government. Just because everyone else is doing something doesnβt necessarily make it right.
Mike Wahl
Downtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Kenneth Unwin, East side
I wonder how many face masks are going to end-up in the Ocean, lakes or rivers. There is already way too much pollution in our waterways! Discarded and lost masks can be seen on streets and parking lots today. Our Mayor, Governor and new President all have their policies about wearing face coverings. Do they have that right to tell us what to do/wear, or is it just all about CONTROL? Dr. Fauci is now saying in February 2021 that face masks donβt do/prove anything. But last month some experts were recommending not one but TWO masks on the face. Who do we listen to? Who do we believe? Who has the answers?
The Lone Ranger on TV wore a mask, but he never covered his nose or mouth. Thatβs the kind of mask I want to wear, so I can breathe!
Kenneth Unwin
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Craig Miller, Northwest side
I used to respect the Republican party even if I disagreed. I still have respect for Collins, Murkowski, Sasse, Romney, Thune, Cheney, etc. Unfortunately it has been hijacked by people who can only be described as deranged. Marjorie Taylor Greene has suggested that 9/11 wasn't a plane, she doesn't believe Parkland and other shootings occurred, she blames California wildfires on Jewish lasers from space. Instead of getting her the mental health she so desperately needs, the Republicans have given her seats on committees. Please stop pandering to the stupid people. This also condemns Gosar, Biggs, Finchem and other treasonous supporters of coup to overthrow the government.
Craig Miller
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Chris Roe, Southeast side
I recently read about the passing of Hilton Valentine, who was the guitarist in the rock and roll band called βThe Animalsβ. It brought back a memory of when I was a young Army lieutenant stationed in West Germany in the early 1970s. Another lieutenant in the officer quarters, where I lived, had been transferred from Vietnam to Germany. While in Vietnam, he had purchased a video camera and one day he showed me some of the scenes he had recorded there. One scene was inside an officers club somewhere in Vietnam on a Saturday night. A band was playing an Animals song and everybody in the club was singing along as loud as they could. The song was, βWe gotta get out of this place! If it's the last thing we ever doβ¦β The lieutenant told me it was a very popular song in Vietnam at the time.
Chris Roe
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jean Tittle, Green Valley
In 1989, those of us living in the civilized world were horrified when an Iranian ayatollah issued a "death fatwa" against Salmand Rushdie after his novel Satanic Verses dared to criticize Mohammad. I find myself wondering what the civilized world now thinks of the death threats issued by Americans against fellow Americans who dare to criticize, contradict or condemn "Dear Leader DJT."
Are death threats against Dr. Fauci, Mike Pence, Adam Kinzinger, Liz Cheney, Fred Upton, Hakeem Jeffries, George Stephanopoulos, Nancy Pelosi, Gretchen Whitmer - the list goes on ad nauseam - any less horrifying?
When/how will this insanity end? We are asked to listen with respect to the other side. Really? How about the other side shut down the death threats, the lies concerning a stolen election, and listen to reason and the facts? As Pogo once quipped, "Yep, Son, we have met the enemy and he is us." Heaven help us.
Jean Tittle
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Don Weaver, Midtown
Why would anyone want to get back to βnormalβ? Normal 4 years ago? Eight years ago? Or maybe
12 years ago? More? Those normal times had at least one thing in common: βpolitics.β Pure and simple. Politics in the pursuit of who governs our Nation has historically been combative, war-like, mean-spirited, and by most standards, just plain ugly. Say or do anything to seize the reigns of the ultimate power. And all is forgiven. Since when? Maybe the day will come when itβs recognized that βnormalβ isnβt likely to change until todayβs politics is weeded out of the equation; and we as a Nation commit to living peacefully and civilly with one another. Committed to a simple set of standards of partisan respect, to which some are hailing a βnew normal.β Getting to a new normal depends on which way each of us is pointed. Where are you headed?
Don Weaver
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Polly Smith, Northwest side
Several recently printed letters were highly critical of Senator Sinema's vote not to eliminate the filibuster rule. After getting my Masters here at the University of Arizona, I worked in politics and on campaigns for ten years in New York State. In my view Senator Sinema is one of the smartest and savviest politicians we have on our Arizona delegation today. She is always "thinking the long game". I have no inside information as to her thought process or vote. I suspect she clearly realized the huge future risk for Democrats if the filibuster rule was done away with. What would happen if the Democrats lost control of the Senate either in the next election cycle or some future cycle which is certainly a possibility? Without the filibuster rule, Democrats would be defenseless against the GOP's worst social and economic policies. We should all thank our stars that Senator Sinema has the knowledge, foresight and courage to head off this horrific possibility.
Polly Smith
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Virginia Bohme, Midtown
I agree that a stimulus and relief package is needed to support people, small businesses, and education. I have been a registered voting democrat for many years. The relief package proposed by President Biden needs trimming. This is a perfect time to work cooperatively with Republicans to craft a better proposal. We need to provide help without crippling our deficit to irreparable levels.
My husband and I are retired. We live frugally on our Social Security payments and my state retirement checks from being a teacher for many years. Our mortgage is paid off. We know how to live on a meager budget. We do not need more stimulus checks from the government. Those payments should limited to those who are out of work and are struggling.
Virginia Bohme
Virginia Bohme
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Christine Flanagan, West side
An open letter to Senators Sinema and Kelly,
You will be called upon to consider ending the filibuster in the Senate. I urge you to vote to end it. Arguments against say that removing it will empower a future Republican Senate and Democrats will lose a cudgel, but it is used now against Democrats even though they are in the (ever so slender) majority.
Ending the filibuster will require that senators vote on issues as they reach the floor. Now, Senators can hide behind the filibuster, telling voters they are for an issue when they won't ever have to vote in favor of it. This lets politicians, Republicans and Democrats, have it both ways.
Ending the filibuster is a vote for transparency. I ask--why aren't Senators willing to vote openly on issues that matter to their constituents? You and I know the answer.
Write our Senators!!
Christine Flanagan
Christine Flanagan
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dan Pendergrass, West side
Seems to me the Republicans are making an argument that Donald Trump isn't the president, so he can't be impeached, but they will surely say he can't charged with Sedition for his actions on Jan 6th because he was the President. If he can't be impeached then he should be tried as a private citizen in Federal court with the sentence to be imprisonment and banned from holding public office for life pursuant to 18 US code 2384/2385. If he's not liable as a private citizen then he is subject to impeachment and if convicted should suffer a similar fate. This garbage about allowing the people to decide his fate by election denies the evidence that he abused judicial process on numerous occasions and persisted in fomenting violence against multiple parties in both state and federal governments for an extended period of time. Time for Law and order.
Dan Pendergrass
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jim Dreis, East side
Trump incited supporters to storm the Capitol by lying to them. When they arrived they looked to hang Pence and dismember Pelosi while Trump headed to the White House to watch the carnage play out on TV. He and Pence eventually made up then claimed those who stormed the Capitol were really not members of Trump's Make America movement, instead goons operating on their own, thus he's not responsible for what they did.
Republican Senators now have to address the impeachment article handed them by the House. Everyone knows Trump's guilty. Thus the trial isn't about Trump. It's about Republican Senator's sense of right and wrong. They're on trial. Do they cover up for Trump, or do what's right, and impeach him?
Jim Dreis
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Larry Robinson, Northwest side
A therapist I know once used the analogy of an infected wound and what it takes to heal. How it was necessary to thoroughly dig out the infection regardless of how painful it may be. Only then could healing begin.
The Capital insurrection on Jan 6th opened up an infected wound that has been festering for at least the last four years.
Some politicians say to just move on, that attempts to clean out past corruption will only cause more unrest.
Just like the physical wound, no healing can even begin without first digging and scrubbing out the infection regardless of superficial pain. Any attempts at covering things up without a just and proper cleaning will leave us with a raging infection that will only get worse.
Larry Robinson
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Getting stimulus cash where itβs needed most
The economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic has not fallen equally on all households in Tucson. While some families have lost jobs and homes, other families are barely touched.
The federal stimulus checks have been deposited in our accounts; it is money we donβt need. So, we are committed to donating all of the stimulus dollars to Tucson food banks.
The Arizona Daily Star could help encourage others to donate their stimulus checks by featuring a local charity on its front page and a comprehensive list in their Tucson & Region section.
Thomas Hefley
East side
GOP senators
are on trial
Donald Trump incited supporters to storm the Capitol by lying to them. When they arrived, they looked to hang Mike Pence and dismember Nancy Pelosi while Trump headed to the White House to watch the carnage play out on TV. He and Pence eventually made up then claimed those who stormed the Capitol were really not members of Trumpβs Make America Great Again movement, but instead goons operating on their own. Thus, Trump is not responsible for what they did.
Republican senators now have to address the impeachment article handed to them by the House. Everyone knows Trumpβs guilty. Thus the trial isnβt about Trump. Itβs about Republican senatorsβ sense of right and wrong.
Theyβre on trial. Do they cover up for Trump, or do whatβs right and impeach him?
Jim Dreis
East side
Kudos to Kino vaccine workers
Congratulations to the doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers who are responsible for the distribution of the COVID vaccine at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium. Every person there was pleasant, organized and competent. My husband and I were in and out of the stadium in less than an hour, including the extra 15-30 minutes required for observation after vaccination because of prior medication allergies.
Our friends who have visited this location have raved about what a pleasant experience they had as well.
Mary Carey
Northeast side
Responding to claims
on migration, abortion
Re; the Feb 1 article βDispelling myths about undocumented immigrants.β
The authors have ignored a major concern with undocumented immigrants: They did not enter or simply are not here legally. They ignored a very long line of people who are attempting to legally enter this country. They apparently chose to ignore this major impediment to their status. What message does this send to others about respecting the laws of this country?
And, to Mr. Steven Brown, who does not consider a fetus a human child, I ask why a person who kills a pregnant woman and her fetus can be charged with two murders?
John Cioffi
Northeast side
Zoo expansion
benefits all of Tucson
The Reid Park Zooβs expansion will provide significant benefits for all Tucsonans.
Think about the important role that accredited zoos like the Reid Park Zoo play in preserving the planet. The zoo provides a relaxing and restorative experience, encouraging a love of nature and an understanding of the importance of conservation of all the earthβs species and resources.
And if youβve seen the wonder in a childβs eyes during a visit there you know that yes, we do need nature, now and in the future. An expanded zoo will create an even greater good for the public and the planet.
The voters were right to support our zooβs expansion, and we can all benefit from it, both in the short and long term. The Community Access Programs section of the zooβs website details many programs to invite the public in, either free or for a nominal cost β please take a look.
Sarah Kim
East side
Relief proposal needs a trim
I agree that a stimulus and relief package is needed to support people, small businesses and education. I have been a registered, voting Democrat for many years. The relief package proposed by President Joe Biden needs trimming. This is a perfect time to work cooperatively with Republicans to craft a better proposal. We need to provide help without crippling our deficit to irreparable levels.
My husband and I are retired. We live frugally on our Social Security payments and my state retirement checks from being a teacher for many years. Our mortgage is paid off. We know how to live on a meager budget. We do not need more stimulus checks from the government. Those payments should limited to those who are out of work and are struggling.
Virginia Bohme
Midtown
Sinema right
to defend filibuster
Several recently printed letters were highly critical of Sen. Kyrsten Sinemaβs vote not to eliminate the filibuster rule. After getting my masterβs degree here at the University of Arizona, I worked in politics and on campaigns for 10 years in New York State. In my view, Sen. Sinema is one of the smartest and savviest politicians we have in our Arizona delegation today. She is always βthinking the long game.β
I have no inside information as to her thought process or vote. I suspect she clearly realized the huge future risk for Democrats if the filibuster rule was done away with. What would happen if the Democrats lost control of the Senate either in the next election cycle or some future cycle which is certainly a possibility?
Without the filibuster rule, Democrats would be defenseless against the GOPβs worst social and economic policies. We should all thank our stars that Sen. Sinema has the knowledge, foresight and courage to head off this horrific possibility.
Polly Smith
Northwest side
Filibuster allows
lawmakers to hide
An open letter to Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly,
You will be called upon to consider ending the filibuster in the Senate. I urge you to vote to end it. Arguments against say that removing it will empower a future Republican Senate and Democrats will lose a cudgel, but it is used now against Democrats even though they are in the (ever so slender) majority.
Ending the filibuster will require that senators vote on issues as they reach the floor. Now, senators can hide behind the filibuster, telling voters they are for an issue when they wonβt ever have to vote in favor of it. This lets politicians, Republicans and Democrats, have it both ways.
Ending the filibuster is a vote for transparency. I ask β why arenβt senators willing to vote openly on issues that matter to their constituents? You and I know the answer.
Write your senators.
Christine Flanagan
West side
Voter suppression
at its worst in Arizona
Re: the Jan. 30 article βProposed law would let Legislature overturn presidential election results.β
I keep wondering what devious and outlandish proposals will come from Republicans to try to suppress voters.
To my surprise, horror and dismay, I read in the Daily Star that Rep. Shawnna Bolick of Phoenix is proposing a law that would let the Arizona state Legislature overturn presidential election results even after the count has been certified by the governor and secretary of state if they are unhappy with the election results.
This is outrageous. What would be the point of having an election? Our constitutional right to vote is precious and is critical to American democracy. This cannot be allowed to happen. Please remember this at the polls and vote these un-American officials out of office.
Deane Ford
West side
New normal?
Iβll pass
Why would anyone want to get back to normal? Normal four years ago? Eight years ago? Or maybe 12 years ago? More?
Those normal times had at least one thing in common: βpolitics.β Pure and simple. Politics in the pursuit of who governs our nation has historically been combative, war-like, mean-spirited, and by most standards, just plain ugly. Say or do anything to seize the reigns of the ultimate power. And all is forgiven.
Since when? Maybe the day will come when itβs recognized that βnormalβ isnβt likely to change until todayβs politics is weeded out of the equation and we as a nation commit to living peacefully and civilly with one another.
Committed to a simple set of standards of partisan respect, to which some are hailing a βnew normal.β Getting to a new normal depends on which way each of us is pointed. Where are you headed?
Don Weaver
Midtown
Trump canβt escape
accountability
Seems to me the Republicans are making an argument that Donald Trump isnβt the president, so he canβt be impeached, but they will surely say he canβt be charged with sedition for his actions on Jan. 6 because he was the president of the U.S. at the time.
If he canβt be impeached then he should be tried as a private citizen in federal court, with the sentence to be imprisonment and banishment from holding public office for life. If heβs not liable as a private citizen then he is subject to impeachment and if convicted should suffer a similar fate.
This garbage about allowing the people to decide his fate by election denies the evidence that he abused judicial process on numerous occasions and persisted in fomenting violence against multiple parties in both state and federal governments for an extended period of time. Time for law and order.
Dan Pendergrass
West side
GOP craziness
at an all-time high
I used to respect the Republican party, even if I disagreed. I still have respect for Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Ben Sasse, Mitt Romney, Liz Cheney, etc. Unfortunately, the GOP has been hijacked by people who can only be described as deranged.
Marjorie Taylor Greene has suggested that on 9/11, it wasnβt a plane that hit the Pentagon, she believes Parkland and other shootings were staged, she blames California wildfires on Jewish lasers from space. Instead of getting her the mental health she so desperately needs, the Republicans have given her seats on committees.
Please stop pandering to the stupid people. This also condemns Rep. Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs and state Rep. Mark Finchem and other treasonous supporters of the coup to overthrow the government.
Craig Miller
Northwest side
- Ted Wierman, SaddleBrooke
Many congress members and acquaintances have suggested that in the pursuit of unity we should βlet sleeping dogs lie and look forward β. In other words-donβt pursue punishment for the representatives, senators and president that instigated the insurgents to attack the capital on January 6th. To those people I would ask if their son, daughter, wife, parent or close friend were killed or injured in a violent attack-would you still βlet the dog lie and look forwardβ? The people killed in that attack also have family snd friends mourning their death and/or injuries. Letβs pursue justice for all the deaths and damage done on Jan 6th and hold the president, senators and representatives accountable for the damage they encouraged at their rallies and on TV. Once that is accomplished we can better move forward in unity!!
Ted Wierman
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- KENNETH COHN, Northwest side
How sad that Trump was obviously more interested in defeating Biden than defeating the corona virus. From the very beginning he fought the election results tirelessly. It seemed he was never that excited or concerned about the trail of death and destruction left behind by an out of control pandemic. How many lives might have been saved if he had simply followed the same medical advice that President Biden considers so vital to saving lives and beating this virus?
KENNETH COHN
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Don Finch, Midtown
What an excellent series on immigration and the US-Mexico border by Tim Steller. I especially appreciate the Jan. 31 article, "450 miles of border wall are monument to a motto." The background of how Trump and his enablers marketed this over-built and terribly expensive wall was very telling and makes me sad. Thank you Mr. Steller. Keep up the good work!
Don Finch
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Tim Helentjaris, Northwest side
The Covid virus is not the biggest threat to our country, itβs stupidity. When many people are more likely to believe that prominent Democrats eat babies or that Jews started the CA wildfires with space lasers than vaccines can beat disease, this country cannot survive. The reason that life in Wuhan China is almost back to normal is not that their citizenry was resistant to the virus but that they were willing to accept individual responsibility and follow public health directives for the greater good. Sounds like patriotism. If we want a thriving economy, kids back in schools, feel comfortable eating in restaurants again, we first need to beat this virus by wearing masks, social-distancing, and getting vaccinated, at least 80% of us. Your learning should not have ended when you left high school, make the effort to get real knowledge about what is going on around you and stop falling for fake news because it sounds better to you. Thatβs what real patriotism looks like.
Tim Helentjaris
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sue Garcia, Foothills
On January 31st, I read that Kyrsten Sinema is one of two Democratic Senators to oppose ending the filibuster and that she is not open to changing her mind. What? Why? Ending the filibuster is essential to passing critical legislation to improve health care, economic justice, protection of the environment, sound immigration policy and much more. Frankly, I am more than disappointed in Senator Sinema; I am embarrassed that I worked for her election and continued to support her when her allegiance to causes of small "d" democracy were questioned. The Republicans in Congress, like their counterparts in Phoenix, are interested only in holding onto power by any means, including overturning the will of the voters! They wield power in support of power! Trusting them, giving them the benefit of the doubt in the name of bipartisan unity is a fool's errand. It will not advance the needs of the majority for whom the McConnell's of the world hold disdain. Senator Sinema must reconsider, or many voters will.
Sue Garcia
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- John Cioffi, Northeast side
The authors of "dispelling myths...', have ignored a major concern with "undocumented immigrants": they did not enter or simply are not here legally. They ignored a very long line of people who are attempting to legally enter this country. They apparently chose to ignore this major impediment to their status. What message does this send to others about respecting the laws of this country?
And, to Mr. Steven Brown, who does not consider a fetus a human child, I ask why a person who kills a pregnant woman and her fetus can be charged with two murders?
John Cioffi
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dave Glicksman, Northwest side
The US Department of Justice waited until after noon on January 20, 2021 to report that the pardons given to Steve Bannon and Roger Stone may not keep them out of prison. The only offenses that their pardons cover are for those for which they were convicted, but not for other crimes that they have admitted to have committed.
This was either deliberate on Trump's part or like so much the former president did was done without help from people who know how something should be done, like scientist, generals and diplomats. Oopsie Steve and Roger!!
Dave Glicksman
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Craig Miller, Northwest side
I used to respect the Republican party even if I disagreed. I still have respect for Collins, Murkowski, Sasse, Romney, Thune, Cheney, etc. Unfortunately it has been hijacked by people who can only be described as deranged. Marjorie Taylor Greene has suggested that 9/11 wasn't a plane, she doesn't believe Parkland and other shootings occurred, she blames California wildfires on Jewish lasers from space. Instead of getting her the mental health she so desperately needs, the Republicans have given her seats on committees. Please stop pandering to the stupid people. This also condemns Gosar, Biggs, Finchem and other treasonous supporters of coup to overthrow the government.
Craig Miller
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Carol Pfister, Green Valley
I keep reading in the paper about the jobs being cut by pausing the XL pipeline. This is not an American oil product, it is Canadian. And guess what? All the people living in Canada said NO WAY are you bringing this oil through our territories. It would be so much easier to take it across Canada. British Columbia said you are not bringing it here. It is an environment nightmare waiting to happen. As for jobs..... A study was made and the jobs would be in sections of maybe 8-10 months and then your job is done.. All of the sections are being built at once and when you connect to the next section, your job is done. Oil sand is extremely hard to clean up, especially when it is mainly above ground. Native Americans do not want it across their land and ranchers don't want it across their grazing lands. I am praying that Canada finds some other route to get their oil sand to market,
Carol Pfister
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Mark Moe, Vail
Accusing Tim Stellar of hypocrisy because he doesnβt discuss βabuse of impeachment powersβ is laughable. The second impeachment isnβt a result of Pelosiβs βhatred of Trumpβ - itβs a result of Trumpβs seditious incitement of the Capitol riot designed to overturn the legitimate election of Joe Biden. Period. And , if Trumpβs treasonous actions didnβt cause you to hate him, perhaps your loyalties need adjusting.
Mark Moe
Vail
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheldon Metz, Northeast side
Donald Trump, who incited insurrection against democracy, has followed his family's consistency with lies and deceptions. After WWII, until 1983, his father, Fred, told people his family was Swedish, ignoring the family's predominant German background. Even after becoming a U.S. citizen, Trump's grandfather, Friedrich, believed in the National- Socialist German Workers' Party's ideals. You know the acronym. Fred inherited his beliefs. Ironically, Friedrich dies during the Spanish Flu epidemic.
Fred Trump had been under the law's scrutiny for many years as he continued to get charged with crimes. Crimes that, somehow, "disappeared." Using an inheritance, Fred and his mother created a real estate empire. Donald became president of the soon-to-be renamed Trump Organization in 1971. In 1973, they were sued by the Feds for violating the Fair Housing Act.
Fred died in 1999 and $14 million in loans from his father, most additional fortunes passed on to Donald.
Republican politicians visit and call as if paying homage to the Patron Saint of Republicans, a monarch or Pope.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jeffrey McConnell, West side
I have mixed emotions about how our country is protecting American lives in these troubling times.
There is an unacceptable high daily death rate due to Covid-19 but with the new vaccines, itβs now declining. There is also a repugnantly high daily death rate due to legal abortion, but with the new president, it will soon be rising.
Our medical community is struggling to prevent the Covid death toll from exceeding a half million, while our society has all the scientific tools yet not the political will necessary to save the lives of twice that, each year of the soon-to-be born.
Letβs accomplish both.
Jeffrey McConnell
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Cindy Chojnacky, Foothills
Two letters in January 29 Star caught my attention. One illustrated our national crisis of false or misleading information and the next offered a solution I endorse. Ron Furtak offered unsubstantiated charges against Biden and others: ideas that βsmell of socialism,β conservatives βcensored, canceled and blacklisted.β Robert Mann suggested a regulatory information agency which resonated with me as a journalist (UA grad) and federal professional in Washington DC under 4 Presidents. Conservatives have claimed βgovernment is bad, science is suspect, profits are everythingβ for 40 years, turning much of U.S. anti-government. As a result, Big Tech and βnewsβ media have grown up market-based with little accountability. Google and Microsoft destroy innovation by buying up startups; social media algorithms promote controversy. Many βnewsβ outlets so pander to audience that people see any information that undercuts their beliefs or indicates defeat ββ¦as an attack on them personallyβ (according to fired Fox reporter Chris Stirewalt). We need to discuss an entity for Information, Technology and Truth (IT&T).
Cindy Chojnacky
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- DAVID VERNON, East side
Candidates and winners of positions in the House of Representatives have "Congressional Immunity" for their expressed views about almost anything. However, it is a Federal felony to make threats on the life of any Federal employee, includiing the Speaker of the House. Furthermore, no conspiracy theory is believable if any of the assumptions is not physically possible. Those who claim a mass shooting was staged have no idea how difficult and expensive it is to stage a violent movie scene, because for every supposed victim to be faked there must be 10 production staff persons to make the show happen. All you need for a real mass hooting is one nut with a loaded gun. Much the same applies to stealing an election. One must steal six urban counties in six different States, a feat not accomplished since the election of Benjamin Harrison. Get real. Voting for nonsense achieves nothing.
DAVID VERNON
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Cindy Coffer Chojnacky, Foothills
Two letters in January 29 Star caught my attention. One illustrated our national crisis of false or misleading information and the next offered a solution I endorse. Ron Furtak offered unsubstantiated charges against Biden and others: ideas that βsmell of socialism,β conservatives βcensored, canceled and blacklisted.β Robert Mann suggested a regulatory information agency which resonated with me as a journalist (UA grad) and federal professional in Washington DC under 4 Presidents. Conservatives have claimed βgovernment is bad, science is suspect, profits are everythingβ for 40 years, turning much of U.S. anti-government. As a result, Big Tech and βnewsβ media have grown up market-based with little accountability. Google and Microsoft destroy innovation by buying up startups; social media algorithms promote controversy. Many βnewsβ outlets so pander to audience that people see any information that undercuts their beliefs or indicates defeat ββ¦as an attack on them personallyβ (according to fired Fox reporter Chris Stirewalt). We need to discuss an entity for Information, Technology and Truth (IT&T).
Cindy Coffer Chojnacky
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jacolyn Marshall, Oro Valley
The assault on our Capitol by a mob of insurrectionists who desecrated our halls of Congress, terrorized our representatives, and imperiled our democracy has been a shocking wake-up call. In its aftermath, twenty corporations withdrew their funding for legislators who betrayed their oaths of office. Three social media sites closed the accounts of those who promoted and incited violence.
Our new administration will address and redress many of the ills that plague us, but they cannot do it alone. Mainstream media outlets need to evaluate their role in amplifying falsehoods and spreading propaganda these past five years and recommit to their duty to publish the facts and disseminate the truth. Our policing agencies need to police themselves and recommit to their duty to serve and protect us all. We the people must speak out against injustice, demanding that those who betray their duty are held accountable. We must speak up in defense of our democratic ideals and act to preserve them. We must be the change we seek.
Jacolyn Marshall
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jerry Knoski, East side
ο»ΏPresident Bidenβs inaugural speech calling for unity was inspiring and necessary. I wish him Godspeed in toning down the rhetoric and suggest he start by engaging the media. A few examples: On CNN, Don Lemon called Trump supporters "mental" insisting they have "cognitive dissonance" saying βthey like the racism and the misogyny;β like drug addicts. After the Jan. 6, demonstration Lemon lumped all 74 million Trump voters with the "Klan" and "Nazis." Atlantic staff writer Jemele Hill, tweeted "If you vote for Donald Trump, you are a racist." "The View" co-host Sunny Hostin called Trump voters "un-American" and "selfish." Hostin shamed the 74 million voters that voted for Trump. MSNBC contributor Eddie Glaude said Trump supporters are culpable for the devastation caused by coronavirus. MSNBC host Chris Hayes declared that "the entire Republican Party" has "basically taken the side of the virus and are actively trying to spread it" by opposing lockdown restrictions.
Jerry Knoski
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- K-Lynn Paul, Northwest side
Conspiracy theories mutate faster than the Corona virus. Some theories are just dropped like John F. Kennedy, Jr. coming to life just before the last election to save the country. Others are modified when a previous theory doesn't pan out. In the aftermath of the recent election each step of the election certification process was going to declare that Trump, not Biden was the winner. When Congress met to read and formally certify the winner, Trump was going to be declared the winner. When that didn't happen, Trump was going to declare martial law. We are already under martial law. 'They' are just letting Biden think he is the president. The United States is not a country, but is a corporation according to some law from the 1870's so Biden is the president of the corporation and not the country. And so it goes. True believers believe the latest version and don't seem to realize that all these mutations which contradict each other can't possibly be true.
K-Lynn Paul
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Deedee Bruster, Northwest side
RE: "Don't give in to domestic terrorists"
So the writer wants to prosecute the militant group that attacked the capitol so as "to send the message that we are not afraid of treating domestic terrorists any differently than other terrorists".
Which other terrorists is he referring to? Could they be the ones that destroyed several cities across America for months? The ones linked to black lives matter and antifa? The ones on the left? And who is the party of the left? Democrats.
And while we're at it, why not prosecute the mayors of these cities that did nothing to stop the riots and by their silence encouraged it.
Deedee Bruster
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- IHOR KUNASZ, Oro Valley
So our president is restricting travel to all the European countries and now has added South Africa to the list.
Why is The People's Republic (?) of China not included, the country from which COVID has infected the whole world???? Perhaps Hunter or Swawell advised our president to exclude China ?
IHOR KUNASZ
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- SUSAN SYRACUSE, East side
This is beyond sad. Imagine what they could do to benefit those who aren't the 1%. The list is endless, vaccines, food, clean water, scholarships, grants, dwellings, clothing, blankets. I only get 150 words here or I could keep going.
Assuming they made their fortunes on this planet, perhaps they could reconsider and invest in it and its people.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Syracuse
SUSAN SYRACUSE
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Max McConkey, Foothills
Item: The Old Testament prescribes beating swords into plowshares.
Item: The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that more than 230,000 bridges in the U.S. need major repair work or replacement.
Item: President Biden has halted construction of former President Trumpβs wall on our southern border.
Suggestion: The new Secretary of Transportation and new Director of Homeland Security heed the Biblical prescription for purposeful recycling and collaborate by dismantling the wall and using the then-available steel to repair our bridges.
Max McConkey
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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