Border confusion
The closing of the Lukeville border crossing is a direct result of Biden’s liberal definition of legitimate amnesty, and then Biden using his presidential power to enforce that definition. Trump had a conservative definition for legitimate amnesty, and he also used his presidential power to enforce his definition.
These two diverse approaches show that appealing to Congress to solve the “immigration problem” is ridiculous. Both presidents hired administrators to enforce their policy without waiting on an impotent Congress to do something.
I think the conservative policy by Trump was far superior to the disaster we have now under Biden’s policy. But the purpose of my letter is to point out that blaming Congress is childish, because they will never come to an agreement. So when our Democratic senators and governor complain about the disaster at Lukeville, they just have to tell their president that he should shift back to Trump’s conservative policies to fix the problem.
Tom Gordon
Northeast side
Confused U of A graduate
Re: the Dec. 10 article “How much UA admin, colleges made or lost.”
Perhaps it’s Alzheimer’s. I read Sunday’s article about the UA budget twice. I am confused. First, what are “unrepayable ‘loans’ to athletics”? I thought loans were meant to be repaid — and WHY are they “unrepayable”? Second, according to Gary Rhoades, Chairman of the General Faculty Financial Recalibration Committee, UA faculty members produce more, have more students, teach more classes, and get more grants, but get less money. I understand times have changed, but don’t grants still bring in money? Seems to me that most of the UA’s financial problems are the responsibility of the administration. Judging by their performance in this budget debacle, that’s were layoffs and dismissals should begin, along with reductions in salaries. That’s how it would work in the business world and if the UA is teaching survival skills along with its academics, perhaps it should teach by example.
Cynthia Schiesel
East side
A thousand to one
I am saddened and angry by the lack of backbone the US displayed as it pertains to the Israel/Hamas war with the down vote at the United Nations Security Council for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between the parties. The loss of life on both sides is horrendous. However, the bombardment of Palestinian civilians is unprecedented. Israel has every right to defend itself, but in doing so must also follow the rules of the Geneva Convention regarding war. I guess the example in the past wherein Israel traded one captured Israeli soldier for one thousand Palestinian prisoners sums it up; 1,000 to one seems to be the ratio for which Israel assigns value to Palestinian lives.
Terri Hicks
Northwest side
January 6 insurrection
Apparently Mike Johnson, the most recent, perhaps short term, Speaker of the House, is in tune with a justice system, except it’s not ours; it’s that of a third world or Banana Republic system. He believes selected criminal behavior, like insurrection, is beyond prosecution, and that “justice” is protecting those known or suspected of such criminality. Why else would he “blur” images (but, to his credit, “only” faces) of such miscreants? Obviously, it’s to prevent the long arm of the law from prosecuting some who stormed the Capital on January 6, 2021, attacked and injured police, broke into congressional offices, and destroyed government property. No doubt he regrets being unable to “protect” (blur images of) the former president, likely to be convicted of the same criminality (that is, insurrection) as, those he hopes to “blur” from justice.
Jack Graef
SaddleBrooke
Energizing McKale
Coach Lloyd has challenged season ticket holders to ensure their seats are filled by energized fans for every game. There are many community members who would absolutely love to help create McKale magic/Arizona Stadium fervor, but do not have the resources to attend games. As an avid University of Arizona fan, McKale heart attack survivor, and Wildcat game attendee for over 50 years, I recommend a U of A-sponsored digital portal where season ticket holders can donate unused single game tickets with one simple click. The seats could then be accessed by 501©(3) pre-approved charities such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, advocates for foster children, Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Clubs, etc. The Athletic Department would reaffirm its stated dedication to community outreach and set a standard for similar NCAA schools. Winners all around? Ticket holders would get a charitable tax deduction, ticket recipients would get an unforgettable experience, and Coaches Lloyd, Barnes, Fisch, and their players could get the energy boost they so deserve. Bear Down!
Robin Gwozdz
Northeast side
Ciscomani fighting to secure our border
Having grown up in Southern Arizona, Congressman Juan Ciscomani is the best person to convey the concerns of America’s border crisis to his fellow Members of Congress. Who is better than someone who comes from a community disproportionately affected by opioid and illicit drug usage and human trafficking? Juan Ciscomani represents a portion of the population that is seemingly ignored, despite our cries for comprehensive immigration reform and border security. Our border is being overrun by undocumented immigrants, and deadly drugs — including fentanyl — which are pouring into the United States through our unsecure border. I applaud the Congressman for continuing to wade through the inaction of the Biden-Harris Administration, and for fighting for more resources — and policy improvements — to finally secure our southern border with Mexico.
Dr. Eric G. Cornidez
Northeast side
Performance metrics tied to compensation
ReL the Dec. 12 article “U of A Faculty Senate calls for external audit.”
As the faculty and administration of the University of Arizona formulate the details of an expected external audit, there has been a suggestion that we need measurable performance metrics tied to compensation. It is greatly appreciated that certain individuals and departments have enhanced their revenue stream.
It seems appropriate to look back 20 years at tuition and service costs with program changes and focus most critically on the last five years in regard to the Return on Equity that students and their families have appreciated in terms of knowledge and skills acquired, positive emotional and social growth, and the evolution of positive character.
While difficult to quantify, enhanced creativity and skills in critical thinking are metrics that can be overlooked in a pure financial audit.
Program-specific parameters deserve to be considered in developing the model.
Perhaps an internal audit along these lines prior to the arrival of an external reviewer would expedite this process.
John Hughes
Northeast side
Our better angels
Feeling like I’m stuck in a real-life, dystopian Christmas pageant where visitors from afar — Hungary, Russia, and Turkey — come bearing gifts of authoritarian rule amidst unsilent nights where discordant songs of grievance and resentment reverberate across the barren skies of the reactionary media echo chamber.
The shepherds of our democracy cower in fear before the infantile Trump, rendering to an autocrat their spines and commitment to democracy as refugees fleeing modern-day Herods are greeted with concertina wire and the threat of massive internment camps. How can we say, “Merry Christmas?”
In this darkness, the better angels of our nature still remind us to take courage, to stand for democracy and for decency so that we can pass on to our children the precious, 247-year-old gift given unto us — a representative republic.
Ron Nason
East side
Arizona healthcare
Re: the Dec. 13 article “AZ Supreme Court to decide state abortion law.”
I am so thankful for our Attorney General Kris Mayes and our Governor Katie Hobbs for protecting a woman’s right to privacy and bodily autonomy.
We’re watching the inhumane attack on women occurring in multiple states. In Texas, after learning her fetus had a fatal condition and that her life and fertility were in danger, Kate Cox made the difficult decision to seek an abortion but AG Ken Paxton and their draconian supreme court interfered and ruled against her. Also, the cruel treatment of Brittany Watts in Ohio who had a miscarriage and who was charged with a felony. And in Missouri, the republicans there are seeking homicide charges against women who obtain abortions.
When will those in power realize that reproductive healthcare and all healthcare is fundamentally a person’s right and no one else’s business? Hopefully they will get the message once they’re voted out of power.
Karen Allison
Three Points
How the Huskies messed up ESPN
There has been such whining from the Florida State fans that their football team did not make the College Football Playoff. In fact, the Florida Attorney General is “investigating” why the undefeated Florida State team did not make the the final four team playoffs. He’s thinking antitrust. He’s looking the wrong way. Blame the Washington Huskies.
Had the 10.5 point favorite Oregon Ducks beaten Washington in the PAC12 playoffs, then both Oregon and Washington would have one loss. Florida State or Ohio State would then be playing Texas. ESPN’s college football gods would be satisfied.
ESPN could have given a lifeline to the PAC12 and saved the conference — but didn’t. Unfortunately, ESPN seems to hate broadcasting west of the Continental Divide. I sometimes think ESPN wishes an earthquake took out every place in the Mountain and Pacific time zones because it is too inconvenient to schedule four times zones and much easier and cheaper to schedule just the Eastern and Central time zones teams, especially college football teams.
Matt Somers
Midtown
My fellow Americans
Should we abandon Israel because of its “overreaction” to the attack by Hamas on October 7, an idea that is gaining traction in the US?
I’m a parent. The thought of my child being brutally murdered (like Huns and Visigoths did) makes me shake with terror and sick with fear.
The thought of being brutally murdered myself, leaving my minor-age child(ren) without a parent generates the same reaction.
The thought of my family members being taken hostage generates the same reaction. I would want my government to bring them home at any cost.
I’m not a fan of Netanyahu, but bringing the hostages home in any way possible is the right thing to do. The Israeli government agreed to a prisoner exchange, giving up women and children who had been caught trying to murder Israelis in Israel. After three days the Palestinians reneged, restarting the tragic destruction of Gaza.
What would you have Israel do?
Cindy Soffrrin
Northeast side
No more silence
As I contemplate the end of the Hanukkah season and the almost 400% increase in antisemitism, I remember how Elie Wiesel responded to questions of ‘but what could I have done’. Mr. Wiesel survived the Nazi concentration camps as a child, whereas his family did not. He wrote about his experiences in ‘Night” and was later nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. His words reminded us that when we remain silent regarding violence, persecution, dehumanization, and hatred of others, we remain complicit in such behaviors. I do not want my fear of speaking out to keep me quiet and complicit. I want to learn from history. I do not want a repeat of Nazi Germany in my country. I do stand in support of my Jewish friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and community members. While I do not wish to appropriate a culture or tradition which is not mine, I plan to light a candle at sundown for seven days starting tonight to show my support and solidarity.
Beverly Tobiason
Green Valley
Shame on Winterhaven
I was an activity director for many years here in Tucson. I use to take my residents from Catalina Village Assisted Living every year on one of their drive thru nights to enjoy the many light displays. They were low income and all had various disabilities.
I know many of my peers who worked at skilled nursing facilities took their residents as well.
Winterhaven did away with these designated nights years ago taking away our residents the one Christmas outing they truly enjoyed.
Apparently Winterhaven has become a greedy event which probably gets some kind of funding from the various corporation’s and vendors who participate every year.
While residents sit in their facilities deprived from participating because they cannot walk the area, afford the rides or even get up on those rides.
To me it only shows how disgusting Winterhaven has become!
John Bartlett
Northwest side
Follow these steps to easily submit a letter to the editor or guest opinion to the Arizona Daily Star.
