Clerk of the House of the Representatives Cheryl Johnson calls the roll as Republicans try to elect Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, a top Donald Trump ally, to be the new House speaker, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.
House of Representatives
Well, this is not what our country needs now, but it is what we have. Our country is at a crossroads of what path we will venture down. Who wins? Right now, in the early state of the chaos of the house, God help us! I truly believe in the goodness of the American people. I also believe we can learn from history and not repeat England’s Chamberlain’s mistakes. We must be a beacon of hope for and direction for the world. This “walk with” democracy is not easy, always finding its way. We must support Ukraine as they are so deserving of our pledge and commitment. When and where did we decide not to be a true American? We need our love as a country and what we have always thought of our direction, moving together for a goal for our futures. That’s what WWII was, teamwork and working across the aisle for a common goal for all.
Mary Beth Schneider
East side
Freedom
Our democracy is under assault by some Americans who openly embrace autocracy. They take for granted the freedoms that we enjoy in our democracy.
In China, access to YouTube is blocked. In North Korea, males must serve in the military for ten years. In Russia, people who want to see the movie Barbie must do so in secret. In Saudi Arabia, women are discouraged — and sometimes banned — from going certain places without a male escort. And I could go on and on.
Some flirt with autocracy due to fear of changing demographics, loss of control, and frustration with the slow maturation of democracy itself. Others want to follow and not be led. Unlike autocrat wannabe Donald Trump, who is only out for himself, Joe Biden has the experience, wisdom and kindness to lead us out of chaos during this grave moment in our history. For those who want to destroy our democracy, be careful what you wish for.
Cynthia Bordelon, retired lawyer and member of
CommonSense American
Downtown
Yes on Proposition 413
The YWCA is committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. That’s why we support Proposition 413. Tucson City Council Members earn a meager $24,000 annually, equivalent to less than the current hourly minimum wage. Salary levels also lag significantly behind those of their counterparts in Arizona’s five other largest cities. Pay disparities further rob women of purchasing power and security. All of these factors create a financial barrier limiting who can afford to hold office. This means Tucson is less likely to have women and people of color providing voice to their communities and contributing to our city’s growth and progress. Just as we work towards pay parity for women, we insist on parity for our public servants. Proposition 413 is a crucial step towards equity and another step forward for Tucson to take its place as a major American city. We urge you to vote “Yes” on Prop 413.
Lara Ruggles, Director of
Development, YWCA
Southern AZ
Downtown
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American discord spurs Hamas
I hope Americans realize we are headed for World War III. Iran’s actions in supplying Hamas and Hezbollah with armaments, are deliberately meant to arouse America’s need to support Israel. This draws us into an armed conflict. We witness in Gaza, Iran’s collaboration with Russia sprouting seeds. Russia is ramping up its efforts in Ukraine after an infusion of weapons and munitions from North Korea.
Worldwide, evils are becoming more courageous because they now realize that the greatest nation in the world is running amok politically. The Republican Party, governed by 10-20 extremists too young to understand history, makes decisions laughed at 30-40 years ago. They have tried their best to destroy America.
“History repeats itself” is NOT just words on a calendar — it is a reality that affects us, learned in our ancestors’ blood. The Freedom Caucus plays with our descendants’ lives.
In other Islamic theocracies and monarchies, we have seen the outcome autocracy.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Candidate requirements
Our homeowner’s association is soliciting for new board members. Here are the qualifications needed:
Willingness to Serve; good people skills; calm judgement; good character; strong integrity; relevant work or volunteer experience; desire to put the best interests of the “association” first.
Sounds like great requirements for candidates for elected office. Plus realizing that violent rhetoric is as intrinsic to fascism as civil dialogue is to democracy. There ought to be a law.
Dee Maitland
Marana
If only...
I am shocked and amazed to read that tax cuts for rich people and limitless expansion of an already expensive, Republican backed program is resulting in a 400 million dollar budget hole.
Speechless really.
If only somebody would have said something at the time. Or, I don’t know, perhaps we could have had decades of experience with this sort of Republican backed, trickle down fiscal responsibility that could have warned us that, somehow, there was even the slightest possibility that this could have happened.
I wish we knew then what we know now.
David Reynolds
East side
Choices
Re: the Oct. 13 letter “Ageism is appropriate.”
Yes, getting to Joe Biden’s age does take a toll on one’s mind and body. But this is a mind and body with decades of experience in our federal government, and is a steady hand at the helm. We do have a strict two-party system. The next President will be either Republican or Democrat. And with the cadre of nut cases the Republicans are offering, led by the most dangerous nutcase who is the most imminent danger to our Democracy in history, I’d vote for Bugs Bunny to defeat Trump!
Thad Appelman
Northwest side
The Santa Ritas
I find it alarming that no one is speaking of the permanent damage planned for the Santa Ritas by the aggressive copper mining companies. The several-miles-long flattop tailings pile to the west of Green Valley will be an eyesore for much longer than Green Valley will exist, even as ruins. It will take tens, even hundreds, of millions of years before that damage is gone. So another extreme tailings pile and slag heap, as a testament to greed and indifference to the earth, is in the works for the Santa Ritas. No wonder there is opposition to it.
William Winkelman
Southeast side
More roundabouts needed
There are multiple four-way stops and traffic lights which hold up traffic. Roundabouts slow down traffic at intersections but they keep the traffic moving. As a comparison to traffic lights where at times of low traffic a whole direction of traffic needs to be stopped to let a few people go in the other direction. It would also eliminate the need for speed bumps on side roads, as people would need to slow down at the intersections. The speed bumps create an unnecessary need to slow down and speed up in between intersections. People at four way stops aren’t sure whether or not to go. People end up going when they shouldn’t or don’t go and slow down traffic by not going. A roundabout would solve this problem as it is more clear as to when to go. Although some people struggle with them, if they are more common people will quickly learn how to use them leading to smoother flow of traffic and safer intersections.
Elias Kadlec
Northeast side
