UA rugby player Mattox King rumbles past San Diego’s defense on Nov. 9 in the Wildcats’ 50-17 win.
Arizona rugby
What a pleasure to read the recent article on the U of A Rugby Club! Formed in 1969, U of A Rugby really blossomed under Coach Dave Sitton. Dave was a ubiquitous figure in Tucson in media and in tireless support of many non-profits. But his overwhelming passion was U of A Rugby, and he led the program to national recognition. Another leader deserving mention with Dave is Michael Veth, a great player and greatly loved coach. Sean Duffy came to the team after Coach Sitton’s untimely death. He has done an outstanding job, elevating U of A Rugby to a whole new level. The U of A and the young men who play for Coach Duffy are very fortunate indeed that he is at the helm! Thank you, Arizona Daily Star, for featuring this great program!
Hank Peck
Foothills
One nation under Trump
We’ve just had the first signs of winter for the nation. Chaos was everywhere.
Like creatures emerging from Down Under or lower, Trump and Musk are sending thunderclouds of bigger storms to come. They are not blowing smoke either. This country is likely to be set afire.
Our leaders, brave beyond measure, are ready to roll out the first of their critical edicts, cutting Social Security, Medicare, and VA benefits. This proves that lunacy is still part of their management style.
But it could be a storm-breaker and cause many MAGA men to hang up their hats. They depend on those monthly funds to survive and make their truck payments. They voted against Democrats, not themselves or their families.
MAGA was promised a large role in the new America, One Nation Under Trump, by defending harsh priorities with hard hearts and hard heads.
Now look, it is the end of all their illusions of being wanted somewhere.
Ron Lancaster
North side
Executions
There has been much discussion regarding the Arizona execution policy and procedure. To be absolutely clear, I believe that there are several crimes that are so heinous that the offender has forfeited the right to exist on this planet. That offender should not be rewarded by an additional 20 to 60 years of life. Several states currently have workable assisted suicide programs that are quite successful. In these programs, individuals, generally with uncurable diseases or cancers, after consultation with at least two doctors, end their lives in a humane, honorable manner instead of lingering in a narcotic-induced state. What I find interesting is that with the success of assisted suicide for appropriate cases, why cannot states with death penalties not emulate these successful procedures? Is it because anti-death penalty advocates are presenting insurmountable hurdles, or it is that the Corrections departments are just incompetent? A final point. Why is it acceptable to oppose executions of deserving individuals but support abortion?
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
Arizona’s wildfires
The article “How Arizona’s monsoons could help ignite next year’s wildfires” really gives the reader the wrong impression. The monsoons alone are not the cause for the increased frequency and the intensity of fire in the Sonoran Desert. The reason fire threat has increased is the result of the introduction of invasive grasses such as Buffelgrass and Fountain Grass. These invasives out-compete plants native to the Sonoran Desert and greatly reduce the biodiversity of our lovely Sonoran Desert. When ignited, these invasive grasses burn at up to 1,600 degrees, killing cacti, trees, and other native plants. The Sonoran Desert is not adapted to fire! These invasives are seen growing along our highways, alleys, streets, private property, and on federal lands. The City of Tucson, Pima County, U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management need to give more resources to this problem. They need to enforce ordinances against invasive grasses and develop management strategies.
Lee Cooper
Foothills
Christmas gifts?
The recent kerfuffle caused by Musk’s and Trump’s objections to the bipartisan funding agreement resulted in House Republicans defeating the agreed-upon bill. The second bill, approved by the two objectors, was defeated. The final bill, which passed in the nick of time, had many of the elements of the original.
However, three significant things were eliminated in the final bill: increased scrutiny and regulation of the operations of US businesses in China; restructuring of payments for pharmacy benefit managers; and $20 billion in IRS funding. So, Musk (who is expanding his technology operations in China), United Heath Group (which has the largest PBM operation in the U.S.), and wealthy tax cheats all received nice gifts this Christmas.
Barbara Hall
Midtown
Fair ball
“If you think back to before the election and all of the lies the liberals were spewing about Trump and, already, there are more lies attempting to influence people.” The quote: “Like creatures emerging from the underbrush.” Someone actually wrote this. Who in the history of the U.S. has told more lies while in office than the felon and liar-in-chief? When you complain about “liberals” you’re complaining about most of your neighbors, who really aren’t liberals but that’s the label you’ve attached to them. Elon Musk is the richest man in the world, not some guy emerging from the underbrush. He’s decided to attack our political system with his money. And it worked, money won. The lies about Joe Biden’s “crime family” that the GOP has used have proven to be that, lies. Whereas #47 still thinks the 2020 election was stolen. Who is actually lying, Loran?
John Bingham
Northwest side
No thank you, Sharon Winderl
The letter from Sharon Winderl praising Camille Guice’s recent letter objecting to reporting numbers of abortions is so wrong. Comparing men’s vasectomies to women’s having their tubes tied is a reasonable comparison. In no way is either one comparable to killing an innocent baby in the womb! Yes, we should have statistics and reports of abortions, in the same way murders, suicides, and other types of deaths are reported.
Lois Kimminau
Northeast side
Deportation issues
In Trump’s deportation promises, I have yet to read (1) An explanation of exactly how “illegal criminal” is defined — are traffic court convictions for speeding, no insurance, running a red light, enough? (2) among his targets are “drug dealers and human traffickers.” Are these people arrested but not yet indicted? Indicted but not convicted? (3) How many who are serving state prison sentences with an ICE detainer are getting a release and free ride home? Does the public really want them going home to rejoin a cartel? (4) Most importantly, there has to be a country willing to take them. The Mariel boat people from Cuba couldn’t be sent back, and they languished in federal prisons for years. (5) Do the taxpayers really want to warehouse non-deportables as federal prisoners, formerly held in state prisons paid for by those states? (5) How many state felony inmates with ICE detainers are there? Does Trump know or even care?
Sally Wasielewski
East side
Abolish The death penalty
Arizona State legislator Patty Contreras is proposing a constitutional amendment to abolish the death penalty in Arizona. Only 27 of our 50 states currently have a death penalty statute. Most of those executed are poor or ethnic minorities whose public defenders may have little time to prepare an adequate defense. Justice should be equal under the law, but it is not.
If it is wrong to kill, how is it OK for the State to do it? The United States is the only civilized country that still executes people. This is not a club I’m proud to be in. Our tax dollars would be better spent providing health care for disadvantaged men, women and children, including mental health and drug rehabilitation programs to decrease violent crime.
It shouldn’t be someone’s zip code, the color of their skin, or their tax bracket that sends them to the gallows.
I support Representative Contreras’ proposal, and if it gets on the ballot in 2026, we should vote for it.
LeaDawn Anderton
Southwest side
Follow these steps to easily submit a letter to the editor or guest opinion to the Arizona Daily Star.
