Tucson speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Dec. 20, 2019
- Updated
Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Expect future to be more of the same
Following current events to their likely conclusion, Democrats in the House impeach President Trump. Republicans in the Senate vote not to remove President Trump from office. President Trump proclaims total exoneration.
The following week President Trump makes the following pronouncement: Any foreign country that expects to receive financial or military aid from the U.S., or expects to enter into negotiations for a trade agreement with the U.S., shall first publicly announce an investigation into any and all business dealings of Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren (list to be amended later at my discretion). If your announcement is sufficiently vociferous, you may earn a visit to the White House with up to two nights in the Lincoln bedroom.
And my question is, would this be considered wrong by the U.S. electorate, or alternatively, be considered βperfect?β
Bob Foster
East side
If Biden was a big deal, whereβs GOP probe?
So a letter writer thinks the Democrats should investigate Joe Biden. This begs the question: If the Biden issue was so onerous, then why didnβt the Republican-controlled House handle it? After all, it wasnβt a real big secret and they were in charge during the time in question.
I should think there were two possibilities: one is that there wasnβt any crime there and they knew it, or maybe that there was, but they knew they were all guilty of the same or much worse? Itβs hard to drain the swamp when youβre a snake or maybe even an alligator.
Itβs only an issue now because the swamp master needs a new pizza-gate to feed his minions.
Dan Pendergrass
West side
Why were Bush, Obama not impeached?
A Democrat-controlled House of Representatives is impeaching President Trump for abuse of power and obstructing Congress. But where were the impeachments of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama for far more serious abuses of power? Was Bush impeached by a Democrat-controlled House in 2006 for his Iraq war over Weapons of Mass Destruction that were not there, wherein thousands of our troops were killed or injured, costing billions of dollars?
Was Obama impeached by a Republican-controlled House in 2011 for joining with France to oust Libyaβs leader Moammar Gadhafi , which resulted in the country falling into chaos with Islamic extremists militias controlling the place and their murder of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and several other brave Americans at Benghazi?
Add to that Obamaβs failure to deal early on with the βJV team,β ISIS, that slaughtered thousands, his refusal to provide Congress with all records they wanted in Fast and Furious, his campaignβs use of U.S. tax dollars to oust Israelβs Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, etc. Only an impeachment of Trump by hate-filled Democrats.
David Burford
Northwest side
βBe Bestβ campaign
should hit close to home
Donald Trump, a supposed adult and leader of the free world, uses his stature in life to bully Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old girl with Aspergerβs syndrome, because heβs jealous that she was named Timeβs Person of the Year. Meanwhile, Melania Trump stays conspicuously silent, despite her signature βBe Bestβ anti-cyberbullying campaign. And the country wonders why?
Why does Melania stay silent with such an obvious case of cyberbullying staring her in the face? The answer is probably very simple: Melania doesnβt want to get primaried and lose her office.
James Nesci
East side
McSally should honor her jurorβs oath
Senators will soon be swearing a special jurorβs oath to conduct impeachment hearings impartially. I contacted Martha McSallyβs office to ask whether the senator plans to honor her jurorβs oath and her Senate oath to protect the Constitution by calling for impartial hearings and testimony from witnesses who have information about the Ukraine issue.
Since Sen. Mitch McConnell has already made it clear he would not honor his, I was interested whether McSally would honor hers. Her staff responded that she βhas no position statementβ on whether she will honor her oath. This is a curious response to a fundamental βprocessβ question, since congressional Republicans have been entirely focused on process, not substance, on this issue. Yet they wonβt commit to honoring their sworn oaths?
Thatβs dereliction of duty, plain and simple. And the public should know about it.
Jeff Anderson
Foothills
Mayor Pete has stuff to be president
Re: the Dec. 13. article βLocal Opinion: A Mayor of Tucson to the Presidency?β
Regarding the recent opinion piece that Pete Buttigieg is not the answer to Trump, it seems that the writer does not understand why Mayor Pete is the only one among the Democratic candidates that can deliver us from Trump.
Trump has broken the tradition of the experienced, next-in-line candidate getting the nomination. Trump has also broken the guardrails of democracy, and we need somebody that can restore our trust and faith in America. Mayor Pete is all the things Trump is not β he is a military veteran, a religious churchgoer, married to one partner whom he is faithful to, and a smart Rhodes scholar.
Pete connects with all, and we need a candidate that people feel is βsafeβ to vote for and wonβt engage in radical change.
Supporting Mayor Pete is the best way to save our democracy and bring us back from the current chaos and corruption.
Tony Zinman
Foothills
Feeling like somebodyβs watching me
The other day I went to the Ironwood Picnic Area in Tucson Mountain Park to see the sunset. As I was walking back to my vehicle I heard a strange, high-pitched sound that kept getting louder. I looked up and about 200 feet away was a drone.
The drone hovered for a few seconds, then flew slowly directly over me. To me it was clear that the droneβs operator had directed it to βcheck me out.β I donβt know if drone surveillance is a regular thing here in Tucson, but I didnβt appreciate being spied on while recreating in the desert. If this is the work of a government agency, they should knock it off.
If itβs not, then the sheriff or FAA or someone needs to learn who is responsible and shut them down. I donβt like living in a surveillance state.
Eric Stimson
Oro Valley
Letβs make Winterhaven more accessible
Last year, I pushed my mom through Winterhaven in a wheelchair. It was hard work, but the real battle was getting to the neighborhood from where we parked. I pushed her several blocks through dark, rutted streets, alongside sidewalks too uneven and full of slopes for a wheelchair. We had a blast, but it was scary getting to and from Winterhaven.
Should Winterhaven go back to long lines of cars inching along versus the happy hubbub of walkers now? No. Why gut the fun for thousands of families? There is so much more vitality now. Could things be made easier for mobility-challenged people? Sure.
How about a special drop off area at the entrance for wheelchair-bound individuals, or even designated able-bodied people for hire to push wheelchairs? A ready pool of volunteers could generate lots of funding for the food bank.
Cindy Hansen
Foothills
- Jeff Anderson, Foothills
- Updated
Senators will soon be swearing a special jurorβs oath to conduct impeachment hearings impartially. I contacted Martha McSallyβs office to ask whether the senator plans to honor her jurorβs oath AND her Senate oath to protect the Constitution by calling for impartial hearings and testimony from witnesses who have information about the Ukraine issue. Since Sen. McConnell has already made it clear he would not honor his, I was interested whether Sen. McSally would honor hers. Her staff responded that she βhas no position statementβ on whether she will honor her oath. This is a curious response to a fundamental βprocessβ question, since congressional Republicans have been entirely focused on process, not substance, on this issue. Yet they wonβt commit to honoring their sworn oaths? Thatβs dereliction of duty, plain and simple. And the public should know about it.
Jeff Anderson
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Tony ZInman, Foothills
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Regarding the recent opinion piece that Mayor Pete is not the answer to Trump, it seems that the writer does not understand why Mayor Pete is the only one among the Democratic candidates that can deliver us from Trump.
Trump has broken the tradition of the experienced next in line candidate getting the nomination. Trump has also broken the guardrails of Democracy, and we need somebody that can restore our Trust and Faith in America. Mayor Pete is all the things Trump is not- is a military veteran, a religious churchgoer, married to one partner whom he is faithful to, and a smart Rhodes scholar.
Pete connects with all, and we need a candidate that people feel is "safe" to vote for and won't engage in radical change.
Supporting Mayor Pete is the best way to save our Democracy and bring us back from the current chaos and corruption.
Tony ZInman
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dan Pendergrass, West side
- Updated
So a letter writer thinks the Democrats should investigate Biden. This begs the question; If the Biden issue was so onerous, then why didn't the Republican controlled house do it? After all it wasn't a real big secret and they were in cahrge during the time in question. I should think there were two possibilities. One is that there wasn't any crime there and they knew it or maybe that there was, but they knew they were all guilty of the same or much worse? It's hard to drain the swamp when you're a snake or maybe an alligator.
It's only an issue now because the swamp master needs a new pizza-gate to feed his minions.
Dan Pendergrass
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- David Burford, Northwest side
- Updated
A Democrat controlled House of Representatives is impeaching President Trump for Abuse of Power and Obstructing Congress. But where were the impeachments of Presidents Bush and Obama for far more serious Abuses of Power? Was Bush impeached by a Democrat controlled House in 2006 for his Iraq war over Weapons of Mass Destruction that were not there, wherein thousands of our troops were killed or injured, costing $billions. Was Obama impeached by a Republican controlled House in 2011 for joining with France to oust Libya's leader Gaddafi, which resulted in the country falling into chaos with Islamic extremists militias controlling the place and their murder of Ambassador Stevens and several other brave Americans at Benghazi. Add to that Obama's failure to deal early on with "JV team ISIS" that slaughtered thousands; his refusal to provide Congress with all records they wanted in Fast and Furious; his campaign's use of U.S. tax dollars to oust Israel's PM Netanyahu, etc. Only an impeachment of Trump by hate filled Democrats!
David Burford
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- James Nesci, East side
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Donald Trump, a supposed adult and leader of the free world, uses his stature in life to bully Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old girl with Aspergerβs Syndrome, because heβs jealous that she was named Time Magazineβs Person of the Year. Meanwhile, Melania Trump stays conspicuously silent, despite her signature βBe Bestβ anti-cyberbullying campaign. And the country wonders why? Why does Melania stay silent with such an obvious case of cyber-bullying staring her in the face? The answer is probably very simple: Melania doesnβt want to get primaried and lose her office.
James Nesci
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Victor Panizzon, Northwest side
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The federal grants for charter schools is just another example of federal government overreach; the program takes the power, and responsibility, away from the states. The answer for government to address problems, is to throw more taxpayer's dollars at them without addressing the root of the problem. There is a major problem with our public school system, but we should look on ways to repair it, rather than scrap it altogether. Here are two ways that might improve the quality of education, without spending additional tax dollars. First of all, link existing funding to student's performance; it is a sure way to get the attention of a school bureaucrat. Secondly, eliminate the tenure for non-performing educators. Tenure reduces the incentive to be the best at your job, because you know by just showing up, you get paid. If you eliminated tenure, then you will get rid of non-performing teachers and have additional monies to pay to the best teachers. We have a moral responsibility to educate our children.
Victor Panizzon
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Debbi DeSisto, North side
- Updated
Today Lindsey Graham has said, "I am not trying to pretend to be a fair juror here.β Mitch McConnell has admitted to being on the same page as the president during impeachment. Is this supposed to be the way impeachment works? I hope Sen. McSally and Sen. Sinema will stand up for the oath that they will take as a juror in this impeachment trial and not let these people get away with treating impeachment as a joke. It's not. More than 1/2 the country wants there to be justice done. If my elected officials don't pay us any mind we will make sure they are voted out. Assuming, of course, that we have any country left since the President thinks the Constitution is just another piece of paper that means nothing and is already planning on running for a third time. Impeachment is important. This president is a criminal. I urge Sen. McSally and Sen. Sinema to do their duty.
Debbi DeSisto
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jerry Hutchison, Southwest side
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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer:
With all the media Information concerning the Investigation/Impeachment of Donald J. Trump, there has been numerous reports about the time, (3+ Years and counting), but rarely any comment about the cost of this nonsense.
I ran some numbers and thought the taxpayers might be interested in learning that:
1) Google says that Congress meets an average of 133 days per yr. And at $175K ea. + an approx. estimate
of $25K ea. for office supplies, postage, etc.
2) Multiply That Amt. times 435 Congress persons= $87,000000.00 per year.
3) Divided by 133( Lets be generous and call it 140 days) = $621,142.86 per DAY! The rest of their year is spent running for re-election and vacationing.
4) NOW, Mr . and Mrs. taxpayer, Do you REALLY want your Money spent like this? Now multiply that # times the 3 years this has been going on! Then add the $33+ million spent on the Mueller report!!!
Jerry Hutchison
Southwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Peggy Hendrickson, Green Valley
- Updated
Dear Editor:
The photo and caption in todayβs Star is a false and misleading depiction of what happened last night along Congress Street beginning at 4:30 p.m. when hundreds of protestors lined the street, holding signs and chanting in support of impeaching this president. We were there to defend our democracy and to save our republic from the travesty of a law-smashing president. Instead of capturing the energy and passion that impeachment supporters exhibited at the rally, you chose, instead, to photograph the maybe 20 presidential supporters and their black flags and to claim their presence there as a core feature of the event. Shame on you and shame on your reporter who, if they had actually been there, would have known full well what really happened there last night but chose to intentionally misrepresent it to the people who read your paper. Fake news!
Peggy Hendrickson
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Laura Martinez, Southwest side
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There was outrage over mass family separation at the border and it ended. The Migrant Protection Protocol, known as Remain in Mexico, deserves equal outrage. Families who have already endured repression and violence in their countries and a dangerous journey to our border are now turned away and bussed 300 miles to Juarez to await mass asylum hearings, most with no representation.
Children, who could be celebrating Christmas with relatives already in the US or with caring people here in Tucson will instead be in the streets of a dangerous city we are advised not to visit. Human Rights First has documented over 800 cases of migrant abuse in Mexico including extortion, beatings and rape.
A stated reason by the Administration is that immigrants released do not show up for their asylum hearings. Yet their own Department of Justice fical year 2018 figures show 89 percent do show up.
Remain in Mexico is immoral, illegal under international law and US asylum law,and just plain cruel.
Laura Martinez
Southwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Harry Peck, Tubac
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I find it interesting that as the trial of the President approaches, the Republicans who prevented the witnesses from testifying, are complaining that the witnesses didn't testify.
Harry Peck
Tubac
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheldon Metz, Northeast side
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Linsey Graham brags to all that he "β¦won't be fair." In fact, he wants "no evidence," already making up his mind. Most Republicans, if not all, have stated similar expressions of support for President Whiner.
According to the Washington Post, Mitch McConnell all but guaranteed a Trump acquittal, saying there was "zero chance" the president would be removed from office, and promised, "total coordination" with the White House and Trump's defense team. According to Senator Chris Murphy, "The Majority Leader proudly announced he is planning to rig the impeachment trial for Trump." McConnell suggested even "skipping the trial altogether." until reminded it was in the Constitution.
Senators must take an oath - "I solemnly swear (or affirm) that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of____, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws: so help me God." Sen. John Cornyn responded late Friday, saying, "We will do our duty under the Constitution in a dignified and serious mannerβ¦" Impartial? Really?
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Denny Murano, East side
- Updated
Jim Jordan is the Ohio congressman accused of turning a blind eye to the actions of a sexual predator while he was a coach at OSU. Multiple victims complained to Jordan but he denied everything. The House Ethics Committee may yet hold him accountable. Even so, Jordan is the guy the GOP leadership picked to head the Trump defense at the impeachment hearings. Why? Heβ s shown that he can deny evidence when itβs right in front of him. See no evil, hear no evil. Heβs very skilled at faking outrage and thus firing up the Trump base as did Graham at the Kavanaugh hearings. His rapid fire snake oil salesmen style of rhetoric is well suited to distract from the evidence at hand. Still, the lies and misinformation he spews comes through loud and clear. Jim Jordan is indeed the true face of the GOP.
Denny Murano
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Martin Greene, East side
- Updated
While campaigning, Trump stated that he could kill someone in the middle of 5th Avenue and get away with it. Sad to say, but he was right. The current impeachment hearings and upcoming Senate trial prove his point. We are told that Senator McConnell will be acting as the equivalent of a Jury foreman. By announcing in advance of any witness testimony, before the first gavel is struck, that there is "no way that Trump will be found guilty", why bother? I doubt that a single senator on either side will be swayed by the "trial". It is sad that the outcome is already predetermined. I could only hope that each senator is able to look themselves in the mirror and say that they took the best interests of the country in mind in casting their vote. Would they cast the same vote if it was a closed vote?
Martin Greene
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Tom House, Midtown
- Updated
Re: the Dec. 15 letter βPay offered to pitcher is an indictment of society.β
The author rightfully questions our values in paying professional athletes millions of dollars annually while teachers receive a starting salary of just $40,000 per year. Citing the salary of one major league ballplayer specifically as an example, the author could have included yet another example of this gross disparity by mentioning the compensation paid to the CEO of an S&P 500 (entertainment) company. The Wall Street Journal reported this individualβs compensation amounted to $129 million in 2018, or a few bucks more than the $36 million (annually) to be paid to the ballplayer in question. While the CEOβs pay was performance-based, the Yankees also have high expectations that their newly acquired pitcher will add value to their organization as well.
Tom House
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Alan Kohl, Northwest side
- Updated
The writer appears overlooks "separation of powers" constitutionally established in three co-equal branches of government: Legislative, Executive, Judicial (Articles I, II, and III).
Article III, Section 2 states βThe judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States . . .β
Legislative branch may subpoena Executive branch. If Executive branch chooses, it can ignore such subpoenas. In that circumstance, Legislative branch may take its case to the Judicial branch.
To demonstrate, on 12/13/2019, the Supreme Court agreed to review/rule on a dispute between the Legislative and Executive branch regarding subpoenas for the PresidentΒ΄s tax returns.
In the current impeachment proceedings, because of urgency to impeach, Democrat leaders chose not to take their case to court. Instead, they claim Obstruction of Congress. Nonsense. They are obstructing by not following the Constitutional remedy of referral to the courts.
Alan Kohl
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Bob Foster, East side
- Updated
Following current events to their likely conclusion, Democrats in the House impeach President Trump. Republicans in the Senate vote not to remove President Trump from office. President Trump proclaims total exoneration.
The following week President Trump makes the following pronouncement: Any foreign country that expects to receive financial or military aid from the US, or expects to enter into negotiations for a trade agreement with the US, shall first publicly announce an investigation into any and all business dealings of Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren (list to be amended later at my discretion). If your announcement is sufficiently vociferous, you may earn a visit to the White House with up to two nights in the Lincoln bedroom.
And my question is would this be considered wrong by the US electorate, or alternatively, be considered βperfectβ?
Bob Foster
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
Star has played a role
in Trump impeachment
Back before last Novemberβs election, the Arizona Daily Starβs Editorial Board, including President and Publisher John DβOrlando and Opinion Page Editor Sarah Garrecht Gassen, endorsed all Democrats for Congress for Southern Arizona. That included RaΓΊl Grijalva, Ann Kirkpatrick, and Tom OβHalleran for the U.S. House of Representatives. All have supported the impeachment inquiry of President Trump.
The Starβs endorsement of all Democrats for Congress helped them to win a majority in the House of Representatives. The Star was not ignorant to the fact that many Democrats in Congress had previously stated they would impeach Trump if they had the majority. Well, now they do and now they are impeaching Trump.
Meanwhile, there is no legislation being passed on the new trade deals that Trump negotiated with Mexico and Canada, no infrastructure legislation being passed, et cetera. The partisan rift among Democrats and Republicans in Congress is wide and getting wider because of partisan impeachment. So thanks to the Star for helping to ferment this. And, they will likely endorse all Democrats again in 2020, including for president.
Alice Moreno
Midtown
Just donβt drink
and drive or ride or ...
Re: the Dec. 15. column βDrink and scoot? Youβll fly β into the ground.β
Mr. Edward Celaya, this was a great column. You should be commended for having the courage to admit a big mistake, and in print for all to see and hopefully profit from your advice.
You express yourself well on the dangers of driving cars, electronic scooters, and, I might add, riding a bicycle, after drinking. I might add smoking pot as well.
A suggestion: Consider writing an article on the dangers of allowing drinking on the University of Arizona campus. The UA should be declared an alcohol-free zone.
I hope that you will support this and initiate efforts in protecting the health and safety of the university community.
Francis Saitta
Downtown
Arizona senators have a duty to fulfill
Lindsey Graham has said, βI am not trying to pretend to be a fair juror here.β Mitch McConnell has admitted to being on the same page as the president during impeachment. Is this supposed to be the way impeachment works?
I hope U.S. Sens. Martha McSally and Kyrsten Sinema will stand up for the oath that they will take as a juror in this impeachment trial and not let these people get away with treating impeachment as a joke. Itβs not. More than half the country wants there to be justice done.
If my elected officials donβt pay us any mind, we will make sure they are voted out. Assuming, of course, that we have any country left since the president thinks the Constitution is just another piece of paper that means nothing. Impeachment is important. This president is a criminal. I urge Sens. McSally and Sinema to do their duty.
Debbi DeSisto
North side
CEO makes pitcherβs pay look like chump change
Re: the Dec. 15 letter βPay offered to pitcher is an indictment of society.β
The author of this letter rightfully questions our values in paying professional athletes millions of dollars annually while teachers receive a starting salary of just $40,000 per year. Citing the salary of one major-league ballplayer specifically, the author could have included yet another example of this gross disparity by mentioning the compensation paid to the CEO of an S&P 500 (entertainment) company.
The Wall Street Journal reported this individualβs compensation amounted to $129 million in 2018, or a few bucks more than the $36 million annually to be paid to the ballplayer in question. While the CEOβs pay was performance-based, the Yankees also have high expectations that their newly acquired pitcher will add value to their organization.
Tom House
Midtown
Would a secret ballot change senatorsβ votes?
While campaigning, Trump stated that he could shoot someone in the middle of Fifth Avenue and get away with it. Sad to say, but he was right. The current impeachment hearings and upcoming Senate trial prove his point. We are told that Sen. Mitch McConnell will be acting as the equivalent of a jury foreman. By announcing in advance of any witness testimony, before the first gavel is struck, that there is βno way that Trump will be found guilty,β why bother?
I doubt that a single senator on either side will be swayed by the βtrial.β It is sad that the outcome is already predetermined. I could only hope that each senator is able to look themselves in the mirror and say that they took the best interests of the country in mind in casting their vote. Would they cast the same vote if it was a closed vote?
Martin Greene
East side
Jim Jordan is new face of Republican Party
Jim Jordan is the Ohio congressman accused of turning a blind eye to the actions of a sexual predator while he was a coach at Ohio State University. Multiple victims complained to Jordan, but he denied everything. The House Ethics Committee may yet hold him accountable.
Even so, Jordan is the guy the GOP leadership picked to head the Trump defense at the impeachment hearings. Why? Heβ s shown that he can deny evidence when itβs right in front of him.
See no evil, hear no evil. Heβs very skilled at faking outrage and thus firing up the Trump base as did Sen. Linsey Graham at the Kavanaugh hearings.
His rapid-fire snake oil salesmen style of rhetoric is well suited to distract from the evidence at hand.
Still, the lies and misinformation he spews come through loud and clear. Jim Jordan is indeed the true face of the GOP.
Denny Murano
East side
Republicans are set
to violate their oaths
Linsey Graham brags to all that he βwonβt be fair.β In fact, he wants βno evidence,β already making up his mind.
Most Republicans, if not all, have stated similar expressions of support for President Trump.
According to the Washington Post, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell all but guaranteed a Trump acquittal, saying there was βzero chanceβ the president would be removed from office, and promised, βtotal coordinationβ with the White House and Trumpβs defense team.
According to Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, βThe Majority Leader proudly announced he is planning to rig the impeachment trial for Trump.β
McConnell suggested even βskipping the trial altogether,β until reminded it was in the Constitution.
Senators must take an oath: βI solemnly swear (or affirm) that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of ____, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws: so help me God.β
Republican Sen. John Cornyn responded late Friday, saying, βWe will do our duty under the Constitution in a dignified and serious manner.β
Impartial? Really?
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Local, federal taxes are out of control
Re: the March 12 article βArizona House votes to cut new $32 vehicle registration fee to $18.β
Absurd! We have multiple vehicles, so we are being robbed more than others.
We already pay taxes for police, roads, highways, and, hell, everything.
Every time some politician thinks they need more money to balance a budget, they make up some new way to extort money from people. Itβs sick how out of control all of this is.
From the local level to a national level, we the people should be able to decide how the money, that we work for every day is spent. Unfortunately, we have a bunch of people that have a false sense of superiority in positions they probably shouldnβt hold. Taxes are to protect people from foreign intruders. Thatβs it. Period.
Our nation has gotten carried away with all the taxes and fees that people are just expected to swallow. We donβt support this, or any new tax. Live within your means!
Jackie Vanderlin
Northwest side
- Roger Engels, Northwest side
- Updated
It seems the best we can do is "thoughts and prayers" for the 6-7 year olds murdered and hundreds of thousands since.
Are we better than this, or is this who we are?
Roger Engels
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Roger Engels, Northwest side
- Updated
Timed perfectly for a White House visit, the Ukraine Russia negotiations are on going in France. Whose side are we on......see photo of Russia and Trump this week. It's more than show! It says, the United States backs Russia and Ukraine loses it invaded property and perhaps its sovereignty. Just another gift from our President to his friend.
Roger Engels
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheldon Metz, Northeast side
- Updated
Why are Republicans bowing at the orders of Donald Trump? Apparently he's made substantial promises to Republicans in the House and Senate to back his anti-America agenda, what-ever that is?
The money, power or prestige Trump has promised Republicans for their support in backing his aristocratic desires is unknown. They may never be known unless one of the Republicans honors βduty to countryβ and the oath to defend Americans, βForeign or Domestic.β
If Trump wins the 2020 election, it is possible he will assume higher powers and declare empirical victory, which will be an abstraction of our Democracy and Democratic ideals. Edicts and fiats will be utilized. Minorities castigated and arrested. Chaos will occur, as will riots. And the Free Press will become a model of Russiaβs State Free Press. When Trump decides on some idiotic, spur-of-the-moment, whim, he will eliminate some social program upon which millions depend. Heβs already looking to substantially cut Social Security and Medicare benefits, despite saying the opposite.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Peg Forgey, Midtown
- Updated
It is so sad that representatives are voting based on politics rather than on the facts.
Peg Forgey
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dr. Richard Packard, Oro Valley
- Updated
Itβs easy to see who and what individual people inherit and own in this country. I/we individually more or less inherited nothing or several things from our family; we βallβ inherited from our ancestors who declared our independence from a selfish and personally needy king and formulated important guides like βourβ Constitution and laws. For examples, itβs not my military but ours, and I/we do not know more than the generals, police, FBI, intelligence agencies, justice department, public education and not our place to call any of them names like βscumβ β public entities are all of ours. If people of different political parties, religions, values, actions, words and deeds want public officials to own them and our public institutions, they will have to share them with the public who continue to be made up of individuals and arenβt βownedβ by anyone; unless we go back to kings or powerful self-serving dictators who will claim us and everything.
Dr. Richard Packard
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Stephen Saltonstall, Northeast side
- Updated
In his seminal history "Hitler's Willing Executioners," Daniel Goldhagen argues that ordinary Germans supported and enjoyed the killing of Jews, and that the Holocaust could not have occurred without their active and enthusiastic participation. With analogous horror, I watch the televised Trump rallies as the attendees go wild with smirking pleasure for their president's Kids-in-Cages Culture of Cruelty.
As Rudyard Kipling once observed of such people:
We are the Little Folkβwe!
Too little to love or to hate.
Leave us alone and youβll see
How we can drag down the State!
We are the worm in the wood!
We are the rot at the root!
We are the taint in the blood!
We are the thorn in the foot!
Mistletoe killing an oakβ
Rats gnawing cables in twoβ
Moths making holes in a cloakβ
How they must love what they do!
We should fear Trump's mean-spirited, fawning crowd as much as their leader.
Stephen Saltonstall
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Richard Byrd, Bisbee
- Updated
Editor,
How can President Trump legally have a personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, who advises him on matters that are not personal, but are classified government matters. Legally isnβt that the purpose of the Attorney Generalβs office ?
Richard Byrd
Bisbee
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Frank J Cota, Southwest side
- Updated
Re: Voice for Accountability
As a proud military veteran from Tucson, Arizona, I swore an oath to support and defend the
Constitution. President Trump put his hand on the Bible and took a similar oath when he
assumed office, but he has failed to uphold that sacred promise, and Congress must hold him
accountable.
President Trump asked a foreign government to investigate a political rival, used taxpayer-funded military aid as leverage for this βfavor.β
In the U. S. Marine Corps I learned the
importance of accountability and integrity. I believe President Trump has put the United States at risk and violated his oath.
Our nation is at a time where we must ask ourselves, do we want a President who believes heβs above the law and is willing to put the
security of our democracy at risk? Thatβs why I believe Senators Martha
McSally & Kyrsten Sinema must vote to impeach President Trump.
Sincerely,
U. S. Marine Corps Veteran
Frank J. Cota
Frank J Cota
Southwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Francis McDermott, South side
- Updated
Jack O'Sullivan's commentary (Dec. 13) said Mayor Pete Buttigieg isn't qualified for the White House. I agree because as far as we know:
-- He has never hosted a network reality show.
-- Not once has he filed for bankruptcy for a major development, leaving hundreds unpaid, then later styled himself a friend of American workers.
-- He has not been accused of infidelity or serial sexual misconduct.
-- He does not use social media and public appearances to spread lies and insult opponents.
-- He doesn't demean war heroes and Gold Star families while passing himself off as pro-veteran.
-- He has never used his office for personal or political gain.
Compared to the current occupant, he clearly is not qualified for the Oval Office.
Francis McDermott
South side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Kathleen Pastryk, Oro Valley
- Updated
The reasons why so many are saying "Trump is not MY President" or "Tmpeach this POTUS, please!" are too numerous to even begin listing. You know what they are. No one can be so ignorant as to not know why he's so objectionable. Remember "ignorant" is directly related to "ignore," and there are those who happily ignore the daily atrocities because they won't see what they don't want to see and they won't admit what's uncomfortable to admit, albeit the evidence is overwhelming! So, kudos, Trump-fans! It takes tremendous fortitude to ignore the truth that's hitting us all in the face. I keep thinking Republicans will soon become totally fed up--but--oops! Wrong again! The Beloved Leader can do no wring! When will we ever learn? Or is it too late?
Kathleen Pastryk
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Bette Bunker Richards, Northwest side
- Updated
I get sick and tired of hearing about how great our economy is under the Greatest president that ever lived. I am a state retiree. I have not had a raise in my pension since 2007. My Social Security has risen only enough to barely cover the increased cost of Medicare. I am 82 years old and disabled. Not much work available out there for me. Since 2007 the cost of groceries has increased by 2.02% so a previous grocery bill of $200 a month is now $254. Housing costs have increased by over 20% in this city with the Second highest increase in housing costs in the country. Average rent is $1,295 a month. Health insurance has gone from $1,056 a month for a family to $1,168. Minimum wages less taxes, etc. deducted from your check nets about $1,600 a month. This does not include the increase in sales taxes. Don't tell me how great the economy is. Many of us can barely survive.
Bette Bunker Richards
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Charles Jones, East side
- Updated
Reading Ken Wolfeβs bold letter declaring Trumpβs βPromises Keptβ left me wondering if recently arriving from California Wolfeβs mind remains living there. Reflecting on Trumpβs many promises I would ask our new Arizonan to open his eyes to the reality. First, Trumpβs constant lies are counted and published weekly by reputable news sources. Second, Trumpβs promised wall has not been completed, and completed pieces of Trumpβs wall have not been paid for by Mexico as he promised. Third, Hillary Clinton remains free despite Trumpβs promise to βlock her up.β Fourth, gee, there still are so many more to comment on. Great again? I hold that America WAS great prior to the Trump presidency. However our greatness has diminished under Trump. When other democracies note that China is a more dependable ally than the US, and the leaders of Americaβs closest allies are seen laughing at Trump in public, itβs obvious that Americaβs stature has diminished greatly.
Charles Jones
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Charles Jones, East side
- Updated
Reading Ken Wolfeβs bold letter declaring Trumpβs βPromises Keptβ left me wondering if recently arriving from California Wolfeβs mind remains living there. Reflecting on Trumpβs many promises I would ask our new Arizonan to open his eyes to the reality. First, Trumpβs constant lies are counted and published weekly by reputable news sources. Second, Trumpβs promised wall has not been completed, and completed pieces of Trumpβs wall have not been paid for by Mexico as he promised. Third, Hillary Clinton remains free despite Trumpβs promise to βlock her up.β Fourth, gee, there still are so many more to comment on. Great again? I hold that America WAS great prior to the Trump presidency. However our greatness has diminished under Trump. When other democracies note that China is a more dependable ally than the US, and the leaders of Americaβs closest allies are seen laughing at Trump in public, itβs obvious that Americaβs stature has diminished greatly.
Charles Jones
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Terry Hlivko, Northeast side
- Updated
As long as Nancy Pelosi brought it up, I thought I might mention that the Catholic Church has a Patron Saint for Journalists. He is St. Francois de Sales, who was the bishop of Geneva in the early 1600's. She might be interested.
Under his banner it reads as follows:
βLord, you have called me to serve others by means of information. Grant that I may always work in obedience to the truth, with courage to pay a personal price so that truth will never be betrayed.
Help me to join truth to charity, to never injure anyoneβs dignity, and to promote in all, to the best of my ability, justice and peace.β
As long as Nancy brought her faith up, we might as well highlight the responsibility that all journalists have been given with their chosen trade.
Be true to your trade folks.
Terry Hlivko
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Franklin Utech, Northwest side
- Updated
When President Trump chose Elaine Chao, Mcconnel's wife, as Secretary of Transportation he bought Mcconnel's
Senate seat. Now, with impeachment looming, Mcconnel is not only protecting Trump but his wife's job as well when
he came out on Fox and admitted his working with Trump's lawyers to prevent Trump's conviction. A rigged trial
doesn't clear Trump of his impeachable acts.
Franklin Utech
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Cindy Soffrin, Northeast side
- Updated
I read the Mueller report and some of the testimony of those interviewed by the US House Intelligence Committee. I also listened to most of the witness testimony at the public hearings.
Mueller stopped his investigation short because the Justice Department ordered him to do so. His report indicated that it was now in the hands of the US House to provide the Constitutional "check" of the Executive branch.
Trump's method is do whatever serves his purposes and, if challenged, just say "so sue me" knowing full well that the justice system works slowly and that he can continue to do as he pleases until his hand is slapped and he is assessed a fine.
This country cannot wait. An election is imminent and the issues being weighed now affect the legitimacy of the coming election.
I hope that both our Senators will decide to analyze the facts and not follow their parties in lock-step.
Cindy Soffrin
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Larry Huff, Midtown
- Updated
As I sit and read the news I canβt help but wonder at the continuing and collective stupidity of our elected representatives in Washington.
During the Obama administration the Republicans wasted millions of tax payer dollars seeking to destroy Hillary Clinton thru the Benghazi fiasco. They ended up spending that money for nothing and it took Comeyβs last minute email comments to sink any remote chance for the Presidency for her.
Now itβs the Democrats turn for stupidity seeking to impeach this President and though they may be successful in the house, there is no way on Gods green earth that the Republicans in the senate will convict this man, millions more wasted!
They donβt like him, heck, I donβt like him but I firmly believe that if anything should happen, it should be at the ballot box next year. And at this point in time I see absolutely no possibility of any of the Democratic hopefuls being able to accomplish that task.
Larry Huff
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Larry Huff, Midtown
- Updated
As I sit and read the news I canβt help but wonder at the continuing and collective stupidity of our elected representatives in Washington.
During the Obama administration the Republicans wasted millions of tax payer dollars seeking to destroy Hillary Clinton thru the Benghazi fiasco. They ended up spending that money for nothing and it took Comeyβs last minute email comments to sink any remote chance for the Presidency for her.
Now itβs the Democrats turn for stupidity seeking to impeach this President and though they may be successful in the house, there is no way on Gods green earth that the Republicans in the senate will convict this man, millions more wasted!
They donβt like him, heck, I donβt like him but I firmly believe that if anything should happen, it should be at the ballot box next year. And at this point in time I see absolutely no possibility of any of the Democratic hopefuls being able to accomplish that task.
Larry Huff
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Gaye Adams, Midtown
- Updated
Re: 'Reasons to Believe We Can Adapt to Warming' and 'Give the Gift of a Clean Future' Dec. 6, 2019
The juxtaposition of these letters gives one hope. In the former, the writer believes the current climate instability is a natural cycle. The writer states that we would be wise not to try to βstop (warming),β and instead make efforts to adapt.
Until recently, arguments minimizing climate change concerned the causes of warming. Now more people are saying they acknowledge the problem, if unsure of solutions.
The second writer lists several concrete solutions to global climate change, e.g. giving the gift of a secure future. The letter exemplifies the human sensibility, the βvisionβ we will need to continue to coexist on our suffering planet.
I applaud both writers' thoughtfulness. I exhort the first (who stresses adaptation) to take a look at the letter proposing appropriate behaviors: attending climate actions, pricing carbon, and lobbying government.
If you're worried about the coming climate, you should be, especially for our descendants.
Gaye Adams
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Darel Mayo, East side
- Updated
Donald Trump. You may like him, you may hate him , or anything in between but one thing for sure you can not ignore him. He is a looming presence for sure but he is on other thing. He is like a mirror reflecting what we Americans have become. It is certain the we have become a divided nation but even more we have become a people that do not like or trust each other. Our lack of civility or even the ability to speak or recognize the truth is not wasted on the other countries of the world. Many countries now believe that we are the biggest problem in the world. They too do not like or trust us. So, I say we owe Donald Trump a debt of gratitude for so accurately, and disturbingly, showing us up for what we are. We all can change this if we have the desire but one thing is for sure, we will surely get what we deserve.
Darel Mayo
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
Where is this
great economy?
I get sick and tired of hearing about how great our economy is under the Greatest President that Ever Lived. I am a state retiree. I have not had a raise in my pension since 2007. My Social Security has risen only enough to barely cover the increased cost of Medicare.
I am 82 years old and disabled. Not much work available out there for me. Housing costs have increased by over 20% in this city with the second highest increase in housing costs in the country. Average rent is $1,295 a month. Health insurance has gone from $1,056 a month for a family to $1,168. Minimum wages, taxes, etc. deducted from your check nets about $1,600 a month. This does not include the increase in sales taxes.
Donβt tell me how great the economy is. Many of us can barely survive.
Bette Bunker Richards
Northwest side
In the end, we got what we deserved
Donald Trump. You may like him, you may hate him or anything in between, but one thing for sure is you cannot ignore him. He is a looming presence, but he is one other thing. He is like a mirror reflecting what we Americans have become.
It is certain that we have become a divided nation but even more we have become a people that do not like or trust each other. Our lack of civility or even the ability to speak or recognize the truth is not wasted on the other countries of the world.
Many countries now believe that we are the biggest problem in the world. They too do not like or trust us.
So, I say we owe Trump a debt of gratitude for so accurately, and disturbingly, showing us up for what we are. We all can change this if we have the desire but one thing is for sure, we will surely get what we deserve.
Darel Mayo
East side
Truth and the patron saint of journalists
As long as Nancy Pelosi brought it up, I thought I might mention that the Catholic Church has a patron saint for journalists. He is St. Francois de Sales, who was the bishop of Geneva in the early 1600s. She might be interested.
Under his banner it reads as follows:
βLord, you have called me to serve others by means of information. Grant that I may always work in obedience to the truth, with courage to pay a personal price so that truth will never be betrayed.
βHelp me to join truth to charity, to never injure anyoneβs dignity, and to promote in all, to the best of my ability, justice and peace.β
As long as Pelosi brought her faith up, we might as well highlight the responsibility that all journalists have been given with their chosen trade.
Be true to your trade folks.
Terry Hlivko
Northeast side
For Arizona senators,
a call to conscience
I read the Mueller report and some of the testimony of those interviewed by the U.S. House Intelligence Committee. I also listened to most of the witness testimony at the public hearings.
Mueller stopped his investigation short because the Justice Department ordered him to do so. His report indicated that it was now in the hands of the House of Representatives to provide the constitutional βcheckβ of the executive branch.
Trumpβs method is to do whatever serves his purposes and, if challenged, just say βso sue me,β knowing full well that the justice system works slowly and that he can continue to do as he pleases until his hand is slapped and he is assessed a fine.
This country cannot wait. An election is imminent and the issues being weighed now affect the legitimacy of the coming election.
I hope that both our senators will decide to analyze the facts and not follow their parties in lock-step.
Cindy Soffrin
Northeast side
Dems should get a clue; itβs just wasting money
As I sit and read the news I canβt help but wonder at the continuing and collective stupidity of our elected representatives in Washington.
During the Obama administration, the Republicans wasted millions of tax payer dollars seeking to destroy Hillary Clinton through the Benghazi fiasco. They ended up spending that money for nothing and it took Jim Comeyβs last-minute email comments to sink any remote chance for the presidency for her.
Now itβs the Democrats turn for stupidity, seeking to impeach this President. Though they may be successful in the House, there is no way on Godβs green earth that the Republicans in the Senate will convict this man. Millions more wasted.
They donβt like him, heck, I donβt like him, but I firmly believe that if anything should happen, it should be at the ballot box next year. And at this point in time I see absolutely no possibility of any of the Democratic hopefuls being able to accomplish that task.
Larry Huff
Midtown
Climate action
is better than inaction
Re: Dec. 6 letters to the editor βReasons to believe we can adapt to warmingβ and βGive the gift of a clean future.β
The juxtaposition of these letters gives one hope. In the former, the writer believes the current climate instability is a natural cycle. The writer states that we would be wise not to try to βstop (warming),β and instead make efforts to adapt.
Until recently, arguments minimizing climate change concerned the causes of warming. Now more people are saying they acknowledge the problem, if unsure of solutions.
The second writer lists several concrete solutions to global climate change, e.g., giving the gift of a secure future. The letter exemplifies the human sensibility, the βvisionβ we will need to continue to coexist on our suffering planet.
I applaud both writersβ thoughtfulness. I exhort the first (who stresses adaptation) to take a look at the letter proposing appropriate behaviors: attending climate actions, pricing carbon and lobbying government.
If youβre worried about the coming climate, you should be, especially for our descendants.
Gaye Adams
Midtown
Impeachment a family affair for McConnell
When President Trump chose Elaine Chao, Sen. Mitch McConnellβs wife, as Secretary of Transportation, he bought McConnellβs Senate seat.
Now, with impeachment looming, McConnell is not only protecting Trump, but his wifeβs job as well when he came out on Fox and admitted his working with Trumpβs lawyers to prevent Trumpβs conviction. A rigged trial doesnβt clear Trump of his impeachable acts.
Franklin Utech
Northwest side
Salary comparison needs to have context
A recent letter complained that a baseball player had just signed a contract for $325 million dollars, compared to a starting salary of $40,000 for beginning teachers in TUSD. This was a false comparison.
Starting professional baseball players make $6,500 per year. Since each was a superb local athlete, the salary seems inconsequential. There is no guarantee for continued employment. The majority never reach the major leagues.
In comparison the graduate with a teaching degree is an average student, yet receives six times the salary of the ball player. Once tenure is achieved, job security is guaranteed. As in baseball, the most talented rise to the top. Some make over $1 million per year.
Comparing the very best in one job to the beginner in another, makes no sense. The discussion of teacher pay is entirely another matter. Letβs not confuse the two.
Al Westerfield
Southwest side
- Steve Sollenberger, Foothills
- Updated
Re the December 11 letter, "Justice, not hatred, drives impeachment." The writer stated, "The president himself is guilty of the Seven Deadly Sins (envy, greed, gluttony, sloth. lust, anger and pride), and his supporters rally behind him in vicious and slanderous campaigns, thus becoming equally guilty, no one should tolerate that."
Just before that, the writer stated, "We have disagreed with one another, which is actually good in a democracy," and turns right around and slams not just Trump, but also the tens of thousands of American citizens who show up at Trump campaign rallies. We are then instructed that no one should tolerate that. None of the letter doesn't strike me as very tolerant.
Steve Sollenberger
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Pam Farris, Oro Valley
- Updated
The US House of Representatives has passed the Elijah Cummings Drug Pricing bill designed to permit the federal government to negotiate drug prices for Medicare and private citizens. This would permit a cancer drug to cost $10,000 instead of $40,000. Limit insulin to $100 a vial instead of its current $300. Other countries negotiate with US drug companies--only our country doesn't permit it. Sickness such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease hits us all. It doesn't just strike the Democrats or the Republicans.
Please contact Senator McSally and encourage her to persuade Senator McConnell to bring the bill to a vote. No one should have to decide whether to eat or buy medicine due to high cost of prescription drugs.
Pam Farris
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Rosalie Wright, Oro Valley
- Updated
Several opinion pieces have been written by those who canβt understand why President Trump has so many supporters. Yes, Trump can be caustic, but he gets things done. Those who support his policies of America 1st, donβt understand how you can support a party whose main objective is to bring down a president for a supposed βquid pro quoβ which every politician does daily to keep his/her voters. Also, your party leaders, using federal tax-payer dollars, fight harder for non-citizens breaking the law than they do for the American worker.
Now, the βpushβ is to make those that think differently than you be ashamed to support a leader who believes in America 1st even to the point of calling us a βcultβ. Well, our cult got a president elected who reduced taxes and got the economy going with the best employment numbers in over 50 years. So, guess what, our cult is better for America than your cult.
Rosalie Wright
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Edward Beshore, North side
- Updated
Two thumbs up for Mike Carranβs Dec 11th op-ed βEncourage Congress to tax carbon, change the future.β With discouraging news about the lack of progress in fighting climate change, itβs heartening to know that there are solutions that can be effective, good for people and the economy, and revenue neutral.
The op-ed mentioned support from a 2014 study (the REMI report.) In October, Columbia University issued an independent report echoing REMIβs conclusion β carbon pricing can work.
We can make huge progress in solving the climate change problem by enacting the legislation mentioned in the op-ed (HR 763). Shorter than most magazine articles, I checked this bill out on congress.gov. It’s simple, understandable, it creates regulatory certainty, and would be a great start to a clean-energy economy.
I called Ann Kirkpatrick to let her know this is the kind of action we need on climate change.
Edward Beshore
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Charles Jones, East side
- Updated
Reading Ken Wolfeβs bold letter declaring Trumpβs βPromises Keptβ left me wondering if recently arriving from California Wolfeβs mind remains living there. Reflecting on Trumpβs many promises I would ask our new Arizonan to open his eyes to the reality. First, Trumpβs constant lies are counted and published weekly by reputable news sources. Second, Trumpβs promised wall has not been completed, and completed pieces of Trumpβs wall have not been paid for by Mexico as he promised. Third, Hillary Clinton remains free despite Trumpβs promise to βlock her up.β Fourth, gee, there still are so many more to comment on. Great again? I hold that America WAS great prior to the Trump presidency. However our greatness has diminished under Trump. When other democracies note that China is a more dependable ally than the US, and the leaders of Americaβs closest allies are seen laughing at Trump in public, itβs obvious that Americaβs stature has diminished greatly.
Charles Jones
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- David Pearse, Foothills
- Updated
Josh Hoxie is worried re the food stamp program that "700,000 people face the prospect of going hungry when the new rules take effect." I find this supremely ironic in that 40 million people receive food stamps yet 70% of Americans are either overweight or obese. Seems to me we should deny food stamps to all 40 million to slim them down some.
David Pearse
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Bruce Dockter, Sierra Vista
- Updated
Schiff, Nadler and Pelosi are charging Trump with abuse of power for asserting Executive Privilege. That will be fought out in the courts over months and the Supreme Court will eventually side with the President, proving once again that their only goal is trying to discredit Trump and tarnish his repution in advance of the election. Talk about abuse of power. I sure hope Congresswoman Kirkpatrick gives this more "prayerful" consideration than Nancy Pelosi seems to be doing.
Bruce Dockter
Sierra Vista
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Juan Santiago, Southwest side
- Updated
The House Judiciary Committee lead by Jerry Nadler (D-NY), voted along partisan lines to impeach President Trump on Abuse of Power and Obstructing Congress, neither is a crime. But let us look back to 1998 when a Republican controlled House impeached President Clinton for real federal crimes of Perjury under oath in federal court and Suborning Perjury. Nadler said then, "There must never be a narrowly voted impeachment or an impeachment substantially supported by one of our major political parties and largely opposed by the other, such an impeachment would lack legitimacy, would produce divisiveness and bitterness in our politics for years to come and will call into question the very legitimacy of our political institutions." In 1999 Rep. Adam Schiff (D), now head of the House Intelligence Committee, when campaigning for Congress said of his Republican opponent "I think impeachment for most people in this district is only the most graphic illustration of an incumbent who has put the national partisan, ideological fights ahead of representing his district."
Juan Santiago
Southwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
Winterhaven lights are not for everyone
I want to express my disappointment in the Winterhaven Festival of Lights.
Adults and children β theyβre remembered, but what about those who reside in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities?
Winterhaven has cut back on drive-through days.
I was an activity director for nearly 20 years in Tucson. My residents, myself and many other peers were disappointed in the changes regarding the Winterhaven festival.
These residents use to look forward to going through and seeing the lights before Christmas. It was a gift of enjoyment to them.
Doing the trolley or walking around is not possible.
Now Winterhaven offers only one night to drive through, and that is only available after Christmas.
Many residents may have mental and physical disabilities and canβt bear long, drawn-out drives. What if it were a friend or a family member of yours? Or you, some day? Wouldnβt you be disappointed?
Shame on Winterhaven and shame on those who support them.
John Bartlett
Northwest side
Our cult is better than your cult
Several opinion pieces have been written by those who canβt understand why President Trump has so many supporters. Yes, Trump can be caustic, but he gets things done.
Those who support his policies of βAmerica firstβ donβt understand how you can support a party whose main objective is to bring down a president for a supposed βquid pro quoβ that I contend every politician does daily to keep his/her voters.
Also, your party leaders, using federal tax dollars, fight harder for noncitizens breaking the law than they do for the American worker.
Now, the βpushβ is to make those that think differently than you be ashamed to support a leader who believes in America first, even to the point of calling us a βcult.β
Well, our cult got a president elected who reduced taxes and got the economy going with the best employment numbers in over 50 years.
So, guess what, our cult is better for America than your cult.
Rosalie Wright
Oro Valley
Letβs urge senators
to pass drug-costs bill
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which is designed to permit the federal government to negotiate drug prices for Medicare and private citizens. This would permit a cancer drug to cost $10,000 instead of $40,000 and limit insulin to $100 a vial instead of its current $300.
Other countries negotiate with U.S. drug companies β only our country doesnβt permit it. Sicknesses such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease hits us all. It doesnβt just strike the Democrats or the Republicans.
Please contact Sen. Martha McSally and encourage her to persuade Sen. McConnell to bring the bill to a vote. No one should have to decide whether to eat or buy medicine due to high cost of prescription drugs.
Pam Farris
Oro Valley
Climate-change column was right on the mark
Two thumbs up for Mike Carranβs Dec. 11 column, βEncourage Congress to tax carbon, change the future.β With discouraging news about the lack of progress in fighting climate change, itβs heartening to know that there are solutions that can be effective, good for people and the economy, and revenue neutral.
The column mentioned support from a 2014 study (the REMI report). In October, Columbia University issued an independent report echoing REMIβs conclusion β carbon pricing can work.
We can make huge progress in solving the climate change problem by enacting the legislation mentioned in the column (H.R. 763). Shorter than most magazine articles, I checked this bill out on congress.gov. It’s simple and understandable. It creates regulatory certainty and would be a great start to a clean-energy economy.
I called Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick to let her know this is the kind of action we need on climate change.
Edward Beshore
North side
Trump has diminished Americaβs stature
Re: the Dec. 13 letter to the editor βTrump has delivered on his promises.β
This letter left me wondering if after recently arriving from California the writerβs mind-set remains living there.
Reflecting on Trumpβs many promises, I would ask our new Arizonan to open his eyes to the reality. First, Trumpβs constant lies are counted and published weekly by reputable news sources.
Second, Trumpβs promised wall has not been completed, and completed pieces of Trumpβs wall have not been paid for by Mexico, as he promised.
Third, Hillary Clinton remains free despite Trumpβs promise to βlock her up.β Fourth, gee, there still are so many more to comment on.
Great again? I hold that America WAS great prior to the Trump presidency. However our greatness has diminished under Trump.
When other democracies note that China is a more dependable ally than the U.S., and the leaders of Americaβs closest allies are seen laughing at Trump in public, itβs obvious that Americaβs stature has diminished greatly.
Charles Jones
East side
Welcome sign soon to be tarnished
Itβs ironic that one of the highway signs welcoming visitors to our beautiful state will show Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. But I wonder if the sign will also show the before and after view of when cacti were ripped from their natural habitat to make way for the wall?
I also wonder if the sign will show before and after views of the huge swath of land that has been cleared and the monument desecrated for the wall? I wonder, too, will the before and after view be shown of the beautiful expansive desert which will now be abruptly cut in two by the ugly wall?
Itβs a stark dichotomy between our natural treasure and how we treat it. Should we thank Gov. Doug Doucey for allowing the Trump administration to carry out this desecration? The highway sign may be the only reminder of what it once actually looked like.
Lynda Franka
Southwest side
Letter about tolerance was lacking tolerance
Re: the Dec. 11 letter βJustice, not hatred, drives impeachment.β
The writer stated, βThe president himself is guilty of the seven deadly sins (envy, greed, gluttony, sloth, lust, anger and pride), and his supporters rally behind him in vicious and slanderous campaigns, thus becoming equally guilty, no one should tolerate that.β
Just before that, the writer stated, βWe have disagreed with one another, which is actually good in a democracy,β and turns right around and slams not just Trump, but also the tens of thousands of American citizens who show up at Trump campaign rallies.
We are then instructed that no one should tolerate that. Nothing in the letter strikes me as very tolerant.
Steve Sollenberger
Foothills
Democratic hypocrisy on impeachment
The House Judiciary Committee led by Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., voted along partisan lines to impeach President Trump on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
But let us look back to 1998, when a Republican-controlled House impeached President Clinton for real federal crimes of perjury under oath in federal court and suborning perjury.
Nadler said then, βThere must never be a narrowly voted impeachment or an impeachment substantially supported by one of our major political parties and largely opposed by the other. Such an impeachment would lack legitimacy, would produce divisiveness and bitterness in our politics for years to come and will call into question the very legitimacy of our political institutions.β
In 1999, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, now head of the House Intelligence Committee, when campaigning for Congress said of his Republican opponent, βI think impeachment for most people in this district is only the most graphic illustration of an incumbent who has put the national partisan, ideological fights ahead of representing his district.β
Juan Santiago
Southwest side
- Eric Gormally, Oro Valley
- Updated
Republicans are attempting to negate direct evidence; President Trump's phone call with the Ukrainian president that served his own interests and violated our Constitution that forbids foreign influence in our elections. Democrats are not bringing up all his other acts that violated Mr. Trump's oath in a more serious way; failing to protect us from a sworn foreign enemy by serving the interests of Vladimir Putin. Look at the evidence: OKing the annexation of Crimea by Russia at the Republican Convention, directly asking for Russian help during the election(in exchange for what?), having Mr. Flynn call the Russians after the election to let them know that severe sanctions would be lifted, meeting with Putin secretly, believing Russian intelligence over American, and withholding aid to Ukraine. Republicans say that the Moeller report proved he didn't collude with the Russians, but it only couldn't prove a conspiracy. It did prove he obstructed justice multiple times, all crimes which prevented proof of collusion. With pardon-power his underlings have taken the falls.
Eric Gormally
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Expect future to be more of the same
Following current events to their likely conclusion, Democrats in the House impeach President Trump. Republicans in the Senate vote not to remove President Trump from office. President Trump proclaims total exoneration.
The following week President Trump makes the following pronouncement: Any foreign country that expects to receive financial or military aid from the U.S., or expects to enter into negotiations for a trade agreement with the U.S., shall first publicly announce an investigation into any and all business dealings of Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren (list to be amended later at my discretion). If your announcement is sufficiently vociferous, you may earn a visit to the White House with up to two nights in the Lincoln bedroom.
And my question is, would this be considered wrong by the U.S. electorate, or alternatively, be considered βperfect?β
Bob Foster
East side
If Biden was a big deal, whereβs GOP probe?
So a letter writer thinks the Democrats should investigate Joe Biden. This begs the question: If the Biden issue was so onerous, then why didnβt the Republican-controlled House handle it? After all, it wasnβt a real big secret and they were in charge during the time in question.
I should think there were two possibilities: one is that there wasnβt any crime there and they knew it, or maybe that there was, but they knew they were all guilty of the same or much worse? Itβs hard to drain the swamp when youβre a snake or maybe even an alligator.
Itβs only an issue now because the swamp master needs a new pizza-gate to feed his minions.
Dan Pendergrass
West side
Why were Bush, Obama not impeached?
A Democrat-controlled House of Representatives is impeaching President Trump for abuse of power and obstructing Congress. But where were the impeachments of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama for far more serious abuses of power? Was Bush impeached by a Democrat-controlled House in 2006 for his Iraq war over Weapons of Mass Destruction that were not there, wherein thousands of our troops were killed or injured, costing billions of dollars?
Was Obama impeached by a Republican-controlled House in 2011 for joining with France to oust Libyaβs leader Moammar Gadhafi , which resulted in the country falling into chaos with Islamic extremists militias controlling the place and their murder of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and several other brave Americans at Benghazi?
Add to that Obamaβs failure to deal early on with the βJV team,β ISIS, that slaughtered thousands, his refusal to provide Congress with all records they wanted in Fast and Furious, his campaignβs use of U.S. tax dollars to oust Israelβs Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, etc. Only an impeachment of Trump by hate-filled Democrats.
David Burford
Northwest side
βBe Bestβ campaign
should hit close to home
Donald Trump, a supposed adult and leader of the free world, uses his stature in life to bully Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old girl with Aspergerβs syndrome, because heβs jealous that she was named Timeβs Person of the Year. Meanwhile, Melania Trump stays conspicuously silent, despite her signature βBe Bestβ anti-cyberbullying campaign. And the country wonders why?
Why does Melania stay silent with such an obvious case of cyberbullying staring her in the face? The answer is probably very simple: Melania doesnβt want to get primaried and lose her office.
James Nesci
East side
McSally should honor her jurorβs oath
Senators will soon be swearing a special jurorβs oath to conduct impeachment hearings impartially. I contacted Martha McSallyβs office to ask whether the senator plans to honor her jurorβs oath and her Senate oath to protect the Constitution by calling for impartial hearings and testimony from witnesses who have information about the Ukraine issue.
Since Sen. Mitch McConnell has already made it clear he would not honor his, I was interested whether McSally would honor hers. Her staff responded that she βhas no position statementβ on whether she will honor her oath. This is a curious response to a fundamental βprocessβ question, since congressional Republicans have been entirely focused on process, not substance, on this issue. Yet they wonβt commit to honoring their sworn oaths?
Thatβs dereliction of duty, plain and simple. And the public should know about it.
Jeff Anderson
Foothills
Mayor Pete has stuff to be president
Re: the Dec. 13. article βLocal Opinion: A Mayor of Tucson to the Presidency?β
Regarding the recent opinion piece that Pete Buttigieg is not the answer to Trump, it seems that the writer does not understand why Mayor Pete is the only one among the Democratic candidates that can deliver us from Trump.
Trump has broken the tradition of the experienced, next-in-line candidate getting the nomination. Trump has also broken the guardrails of democracy, and we need somebody that can restore our trust and faith in America. Mayor Pete is all the things Trump is not β he is a military veteran, a religious churchgoer, married to one partner whom he is faithful to, and a smart Rhodes scholar.
Pete connects with all, and we need a candidate that people feel is βsafeβ to vote for and wonβt engage in radical change.
Supporting Mayor Pete is the best way to save our democracy and bring us back from the current chaos and corruption.
Tony Zinman
Foothills
Feeling like somebodyβs watching me
The other day I went to the Ironwood Picnic Area in Tucson Mountain Park to see the sunset. As I was walking back to my vehicle I heard a strange, high-pitched sound that kept getting louder. I looked up and about 200 feet away was a drone.
The drone hovered for a few seconds, then flew slowly directly over me. To me it was clear that the droneβs operator had directed it to βcheck me out.β I donβt know if drone surveillance is a regular thing here in Tucson, but I didnβt appreciate being spied on while recreating in the desert. If this is the work of a government agency, they should knock it off.
If itβs not, then the sheriff or FAA or someone needs to learn who is responsible and shut them down. I donβt like living in a surveillance state.
Eric Stimson
Oro Valley
Letβs make Winterhaven more accessible
Last year, I pushed my mom through Winterhaven in a wheelchair. It was hard work, but the real battle was getting to the neighborhood from where we parked. I pushed her several blocks through dark, rutted streets, alongside sidewalks too uneven and full of slopes for a wheelchair. We had a blast, but it was scary getting to and from Winterhaven.
Should Winterhaven go back to long lines of cars inching along versus the happy hubbub of walkers now? No. Why gut the fun for thousands of families? There is so much more vitality now. Could things be made easier for mobility-challenged people? Sure.
How about a special drop off area at the entrance for wheelchair-bound individuals, or even designated able-bodied people for hire to push wheelchairs? A ready pool of volunteers could generate lots of funding for the food bank.
Cindy Hansen
Foothills
- Jeff Anderson, Foothills
Senators will soon be swearing a special jurorβs oath to conduct impeachment hearings impartially. I contacted Martha McSallyβs office to ask whether the senator plans to honor her jurorβs oath AND her Senate oath to protect the Constitution by calling for impartial hearings and testimony from witnesses who have information about the Ukraine issue. Since Sen. McConnell has already made it clear he would not honor his, I was interested whether Sen. McSally would honor hers. Her staff responded that she βhas no position statementβ on whether she will honor her oath. This is a curious response to a fundamental βprocessβ question, since congressional Republicans have been entirely focused on process, not substance, on this issue. Yet they wonβt commit to honoring their sworn oaths? Thatβs dereliction of duty, plain and simple. And the public should know about it.
Jeff Anderson
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Tony ZInman, Foothills
Regarding the recent opinion piece that Mayor Pete is not the answer to Trump, it seems that the writer does not understand why Mayor Pete is the only one among the Democratic candidates that can deliver us from Trump.
Trump has broken the tradition of the experienced next in line candidate getting the nomination. Trump has also broken the guardrails of Democracy, and we need somebody that can restore our Trust and Faith in America. Mayor Pete is all the things Trump is not- is a military veteran, a religious churchgoer, married to one partner whom he is faithful to, and a smart Rhodes scholar.
Pete connects with all, and we need a candidate that people feel is "safe" to vote for and won't engage in radical change.
Supporting Mayor Pete is the best way to save our Democracy and bring us back from the current chaos and corruption.
Tony ZInman
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dan Pendergrass, West side
So a letter writer thinks the Democrats should investigate Biden. This begs the question; If the Biden issue was so onerous, then why didn't the Republican controlled house do it? After all it wasn't a real big secret and they were in cahrge during the time in question. I should think there were two possibilities. One is that there wasn't any crime there and they knew it or maybe that there was, but they knew they were all guilty of the same or much worse? It's hard to drain the swamp when you're a snake or maybe an alligator.
It's only an issue now because the swamp master needs a new pizza-gate to feed his minions.
Dan Pendergrass
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- David Burford, Northwest side
A Democrat controlled House of Representatives is impeaching President Trump for Abuse of Power and Obstructing Congress. But where were the impeachments of Presidents Bush and Obama for far more serious Abuses of Power? Was Bush impeached by a Democrat controlled House in 2006 for his Iraq war over Weapons of Mass Destruction that were not there, wherein thousands of our troops were killed or injured, costing $billions. Was Obama impeached by a Republican controlled House in 2011 for joining with France to oust Libya's leader Gaddafi, which resulted in the country falling into chaos with Islamic extremists militias controlling the place and their murder of Ambassador Stevens and several other brave Americans at Benghazi. Add to that Obama's failure to deal early on with "JV team ISIS" that slaughtered thousands; his refusal to provide Congress with all records they wanted in Fast and Furious; his campaign's use of U.S. tax dollars to oust Israel's PM Netanyahu, etc. Only an impeachment of Trump by hate filled Democrats!
David Burford
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- James Nesci, East side
Donald Trump, a supposed adult and leader of the free world, uses his stature in life to bully Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old girl with Aspergerβs Syndrome, because heβs jealous that she was named Time Magazineβs Person of the Year. Meanwhile, Melania Trump stays conspicuously silent, despite her signature βBe Bestβ anti-cyberbullying campaign. And the country wonders why? Why does Melania stay silent with such an obvious case of cyber-bullying staring her in the face? The answer is probably very simple: Melania doesnβt want to get primaried and lose her office.
James Nesci
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Victor Panizzon, Northwest side
The federal grants for charter schools is just another example of federal government overreach; the program takes the power, and responsibility, away from the states. The answer for government to address problems, is to throw more taxpayer's dollars at them without addressing the root of the problem. There is a major problem with our public school system, but we should look on ways to repair it, rather than scrap it altogether. Here are two ways that might improve the quality of education, without spending additional tax dollars. First of all, link existing funding to student's performance; it is a sure way to get the attention of a school bureaucrat. Secondly, eliminate the tenure for non-performing educators. Tenure reduces the incentive to be the best at your job, because you know by just showing up, you get paid. If you eliminated tenure, then you will get rid of non-performing teachers and have additional monies to pay to the best teachers. We have a moral responsibility to educate our children.
Victor Panizzon
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Debbi DeSisto, North side
Today Lindsey Graham has said, "I am not trying to pretend to be a fair juror here.β Mitch McConnell has admitted to being on the same page as the president during impeachment. Is this supposed to be the way impeachment works? I hope Sen. McSally and Sen. Sinema will stand up for the oath that they will take as a juror in this impeachment trial and not let these people get away with treating impeachment as a joke. It's not. More than 1/2 the country wants there to be justice done. If my elected officials don't pay us any mind we will make sure they are voted out. Assuming, of course, that we have any country left since the President thinks the Constitution is just another piece of paper that means nothing and is already planning on running for a third time. Impeachment is important. This president is a criminal. I urge Sen. McSally and Sen. Sinema to do their duty.
Debbi DeSisto
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Jerry Hutchison, Southwest side
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer:
With all the media Information concerning the Investigation/Impeachment of Donald J. Trump, there has been numerous reports about the time, (3+ Years and counting), but rarely any comment about the cost of this nonsense.
I ran some numbers and thought the taxpayers might be interested in learning that:
1) Google says that Congress meets an average of 133 days per yr. And at $175K ea. + an approx. estimate
of $25K ea. for office supplies, postage, etc.
2) Multiply That Amt. times 435 Congress persons= $87,000000.00 per year.
3) Divided by 133( Lets be generous and call it 140 days) = $621,142.86 per DAY! The rest of their year is spent running for re-election and vacationing.
4) NOW, Mr . and Mrs. taxpayer, Do you REALLY want your Money spent like this? Now multiply that # times the 3 years this has been going on! Then add the $33+ million spent on the Mueller report!!!
Jerry Hutchison
Southwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Peggy Hendrickson, Green Valley
Dear Editor:
The photo and caption in todayβs Star is a false and misleading depiction of what happened last night along Congress Street beginning at 4:30 p.m. when hundreds of protestors lined the street, holding signs and chanting in support of impeaching this president. We were there to defend our democracy and to save our republic from the travesty of a law-smashing president. Instead of capturing the energy and passion that impeachment supporters exhibited at the rally, you chose, instead, to photograph the maybe 20 presidential supporters and their black flags and to claim their presence there as a core feature of the event. Shame on you and shame on your reporter who, if they had actually been there, would have known full well what really happened there last night but chose to intentionally misrepresent it to the people who read your paper. Fake news!
Peggy Hendrickson
Green Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Laura Martinez, Southwest side
There was outrage over mass family separation at the border and it ended. The Migrant Protection Protocol, known as Remain in Mexico, deserves equal outrage. Families who have already endured repression and violence in their countries and a dangerous journey to our border are now turned away and bussed 300 miles to Juarez to await mass asylum hearings, most with no representation.
Children, who could be celebrating Christmas with relatives already in the US or with caring people here in Tucson will instead be in the streets of a dangerous city we are advised not to visit. Human Rights First has documented over 800 cases of migrant abuse in Mexico including extortion, beatings and rape.
A stated reason by the Administration is that immigrants released do not show up for their asylum hearings. Yet their own Department of Justice fical year 2018 figures show 89 percent do show up.
Remain in Mexico is immoral, illegal under international law and US asylum law,and just plain cruel.
Laura Martinez
Southwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Harry Peck, Tubac
I find it interesting that as the trial of the President approaches, the Republicans who prevented the witnesses from testifying, are complaining that the witnesses didn't testify.
Harry Peck
Tubac
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheldon Metz, Northeast side
Linsey Graham brags to all that he "β¦won't be fair." In fact, he wants "no evidence," already making up his mind. Most Republicans, if not all, have stated similar expressions of support for President Whiner.
According to the Washington Post, Mitch McConnell all but guaranteed a Trump acquittal, saying there was "zero chance" the president would be removed from office, and promised, "total coordination" with the White House and Trump's defense team. According to Senator Chris Murphy, "The Majority Leader proudly announced he is planning to rig the impeachment trial for Trump." McConnell suggested even "skipping the trial altogether." until reminded it was in the Constitution.
Senators must take an oath - "I solemnly swear (or affirm) that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of____, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws: so help me God." Sen. John Cornyn responded late Friday, saying, "We will do our duty under the Constitution in a dignified and serious mannerβ¦" Impartial? Really?
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Denny Murano, East side
Jim Jordan is the Ohio congressman accused of turning a blind eye to the actions of a sexual predator while he was a coach at OSU. Multiple victims complained to Jordan but he denied everything. The House Ethics Committee may yet hold him accountable. Even so, Jordan is the guy the GOP leadership picked to head the Trump defense at the impeachment hearings. Why? Heβ s shown that he can deny evidence when itβs right in front of him. See no evil, hear no evil. Heβs very skilled at faking outrage and thus firing up the Trump base as did Graham at the Kavanaugh hearings. His rapid fire snake oil salesmen style of rhetoric is well suited to distract from the evidence at hand. Still, the lies and misinformation he spews comes through loud and clear. Jim Jordan is indeed the true face of the GOP.
Denny Murano
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Martin Greene, East side
While campaigning, Trump stated that he could kill someone in the middle of 5th Avenue and get away with it. Sad to say, but he was right. The current impeachment hearings and upcoming Senate trial prove his point. We are told that Senator McConnell will be acting as the equivalent of a Jury foreman. By announcing in advance of any witness testimony, before the first gavel is struck, that there is "no way that Trump will be found guilty", why bother? I doubt that a single senator on either side will be swayed by the "trial". It is sad that the outcome is already predetermined. I could only hope that each senator is able to look themselves in the mirror and say that they took the best interests of the country in mind in casting their vote. Would they cast the same vote if it was a closed vote?
Martin Greene
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Tom House, Midtown
Re: the Dec. 15 letter βPay offered to pitcher is an indictment of society.β
The author rightfully questions our values in paying professional athletes millions of dollars annually while teachers receive a starting salary of just $40,000 per year. Citing the salary of one major league ballplayer specifically as an example, the author could have included yet another example of this gross disparity by mentioning the compensation paid to the CEO of an S&P 500 (entertainment) company. The Wall Street Journal reported this individualβs compensation amounted to $129 million in 2018, or a few bucks more than the $36 million (annually) to be paid to the ballplayer in question. While the CEOβs pay was performance-based, the Yankees also have high expectations that their newly acquired pitcher will add value to their organization as well.
Tom House
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Alan Kohl, Northwest side
The writer appears overlooks "separation of powers" constitutionally established in three co-equal branches of government: Legislative, Executive, Judicial (Articles I, II, and III).
Article III, Section 2 states βThe judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States . . .β
Legislative branch may subpoena Executive branch. If Executive branch chooses, it can ignore such subpoenas. In that circumstance, Legislative branch may take its case to the Judicial branch.
To demonstrate, on 12/13/2019, the Supreme Court agreed to review/rule on a dispute between the Legislative and Executive branch regarding subpoenas for the PresidentΒ΄s tax returns.
In the current impeachment proceedings, because of urgency to impeach, Democrat leaders chose not to take their case to court. Instead, they claim Obstruction of Congress. Nonsense. They are obstructing by not following the Constitutional remedy of referral to the courts.
Alan Kohl
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Bob Foster, East side
Following current events to their likely conclusion, Democrats in the House impeach President Trump. Republicans in the Senate vote not to remove President Trump from office. President Trump proclaims total exoneration.
The following week President Trump makes the following pronouncement: Any foreign country that expects to receive financial or military aid from the US, or expects to enter into negotiations for a trade agreement with the US, shall first publicly announce an investigation into any and all business dealings of Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren (list to be amended later at my discretion). If your announcement is sufficiently vociferous, you may earn a visit to the White House with up to two nights in the Lincoln bedroom.
And my question is would this be considered wrong by the US electorate, or alternatively, be considered βperfectβ?
Bob Foster
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Star has played a role
in Trump impeachment
Back before last Novemberβs election, the Arizona Daily Starβs Editorial Board, including President and Publisher John DβOrlando and Opinion Page Editor Sarah Garrecht Gassen, endorsed all Democrats for Congress for Southern Arizona. That included RaΓΊl Grijalva, Ann Kirkpatrick, and Tom OβHalleran for the U.S. House of Representatives. All have supported the impeachment inquiry of President Trump.
The Starβs endorsement of all Democrats for Congress helped them to win a majority in the House of Representatives. The Star was not ignorant to the fact that many Democrats in Congress had previously stated they would impeach Trump if they had the majority. Well, now they do and now they are impeaching Trump.
Meanwhile, there is no legislation being passed on the new trade deals that Trump negotiated with Mexico and Canada, no infrastructure legislation being passed, et cetera. The partisan rift among Democrats and Republicans in Congress is wide and getting wider because of partisan impeachment. So thanks to the Star for helping to ferment this. And, they will likely endorse all Democrats again in 2020, including for president.
Alice Moreno
Midtown
Just donβt drink
and drive or ride or ...
Re: the Dec. 15. column βDrink and scoot? Youβll fly β into the ground.β
Mr. Edward Celaya, this was a great column. You should be commended for having the courage to admit a big mistake, and in print for all to see and hopefully profit from your advice.
You express yourself well on the dangers of driving cars, electronic scooters, and, I might add, riding a bicycle, after drinking. I might add smoking pot as well.
A suggestion: Consider writing an article on the dangers of allowing drinking on the University of Arizona campus. The UA should be declared an alcohol-free zone.
I hope that you will support this and initiate efforts in protecting the health and safety of the university community.
Francis Saitta
Downtown
Arizona senators have a duty to fulfill
Lindsey Graham has said, βI am not trying to pretend to be a fair juror here.β Mitch McConnell has admitted to being on the same page as the president during impeachment. Is this supposed to be the way impeachment works?
I hope U.S. Sens. Martha McSally and Kyrsten Sinema will stand up for the oath that they will take as a juror in this impeachment trial and not let these people get away with treating impeachment as a joke. Itβs not. More than half the country wants there to be justice done.
If my elected officials donβt pay us any mind, we will make sure they are voted out. Assuming, of course, that we have any country left since the president thinks the Constitution is just another piece of paper that means nothing. Impeachment is important. This president is a criminal. I urge Sens. McSally and Sinema to do their duty.
Debbi DeSisto
North side
CEO makes pitcherβs pay look like chump change
Re: the Dec. 15 letter βPay offered to pitcher is an indictment of society.β
The author of this letter rightfully questions our values in paying professional athletes millions of dollars annually while teachers receive a starting salary of just $40,000 per year. Citing the salary of one major-league ballplayer specifically, the author could have included yet another example of this gross disparity by mentioning the compensation paid to the CEO of an S&P 500 (entertainment) company.
The Wall Street Journal reported this individualβs compensation amounted to $129 million in 2018, or a few bucks more than the $36 million annually to be paid to the ballplayer in question. While the CEOβs pay was performance-based, the Yankees also have high expectations that their newly acquired pitcher will add value to their organization.
Tom House
Midtown
Would a secret ballot change senatorsβ votes?
While campaigning, Trump stated that he could shoot someone in the middle of Fifth Avenue and get away with it. Sad to say, but he was right. The current impeachment hearings and upcoming Senate trial prove his point. We are told that Sen. Mitch McConnell will be acting as the equivalent of a jury foreman. By announcing in advance of any witness testimony, before the first gavel is struck, that there is βno way that Trump will be found guilty,β why bother?
I doubt that a single senator on either side will be swayed by the βtrial.β It is sad that the outcome is already predetermined. I could only hope that each senator is able to look themselves in the mirror and say that they took the best interests of the country in mind in casting their vote. Would they cast the same vote if it was a closed vote?
Martin Greene
East side
Jim Jordan is new face of Republican Party
Jim Jordan is the Ohio congressman accused of turning a blind eye to the actions of a sexual predator while he was a coach at Ohio State University. Multiple victims complained to Jordan, but he denied everything. The House Ethics Committee may yet hold him accountable.
Even so, Jordan is the guy the GOP leadership picked to head the Trump defense at the impeachment hearings. Why? Heβ s shown that he can deny evidence when itβs right in front of him.
See no evil, hear no evil. Heβs very skilled at faking outrage and thus firing up the Trump base as did Sen. Linsey Graham at the Kavanaugh hearings.
His rapid-fire snake oil salesmen style of rhetoric is well suited to distract from the evidence at hand.
Still, the lies and misinformation he spews come through loud and clear. Jim Jordan is indeed the true face of the GOP.
Denny Murano
East side
Republicans are set
to violate their oaths
Linsey Graham brags to all that he βwonβt be fair.β In fact, he wants βno evidence,β already making up his mind.
Most Republicans, if not all, have stated similar expressions of support for President Trump.
According to the Washington Post, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell all but guaranteed a Trump acquittal, saying there was βzero chanceβ the president would be removed from office, and promised, βtotal coordinationβ with the White House and Trumpβs defense team.
According to Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, βThe Majority Leader proudly announced he is planning to rig the impeachment trial for Trump.β
McConnell suggested even βskipping the trial altogether,β until reminded it was in the Constitution.
Senators must take an oath: βI solemnly swear (or affirm) that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of ____, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws: so help me God.β
Republican Sen. John Cornyn responded late Friday, saying, βWe will do our duty under the Constitution in a dignified and serious manner.β
Impartial? Really?
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Local, federal taxes are out of control
Re: the March 12 article βArizona House votes to cut new $32 vehicle registration fee to $18.β
Absurd! We have multiple vehicles, so we are being robbed more than others.
We already pay taxes for police, roads, highways, and, hell, everything.
Every time some politician thinks they need more money to balance a budget, they make up some new way to extort money from people. Itβs sick how out of control all of this is.
From the local level to a national level, we the people should be able to decide how the money, that we work for every day is spent. Unfortunately, we have a bunch of people that have a false sense of superiority in positions they probably shouldnβt hold. Taxes are to protect people from foreign intruders. Thatβs it. Period.
Our nation has gotten carried away with all the taxes and fees that people are just expected to swallow. We donβt support this, or any new tax. Live within your means!
Jackie Vanderlin
Northwest side
- Roger Engels, Northwest side
It seems the best we can do is "thoughts and prayers" for the 6-7 year olds murdered and hundreds of thousands since.
Are we better than this, or is this who we are?
Roger Engels
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Roger Engels, Northwest side
Timed perfectly for a White House visit, the Ukraine Russia negotiations are on going in France. Whose side are we on......see photo of Russia and Trump this week. It's more than show! It says, the United States backs Russia and Ukraine loses it invaded property and perhaps its sovereignty. Just another gift from our President to his friend.
Roger Engels
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Sheldon Metz, Northeast side
Why are Republicans bowing at the orders of Donald Trump? Apparently he's made substantial promises to Republicans in the House and Senate to back his anti-America agenda, what-ever that is?
The money, power or prestige Trump has promised Republicans for their support in backing his aristocratic desires is unknown. They may never be known unless one of the Republicans honors βduty to countryβ and the oath to defend Americans, βForeign or Domestic.β
If Trump wins the 2020 election, it is possible he will assume higher powers and declare empirical victory, which will be an abstraction of our Democracy and Democratic ideals. Edicts and fiats will be utilized. Minorities castigated and arrested. Chaos will occur, as will riots. And the Free Press will become a model of Russiaβs State Free Press. When Trump decides on some idiotic, spur-of-the-moment, whim, he will eliminate some social program upon which millions depend. Heβs already looking to substantially cut Social Security and Medicare benefits, despite saying the opposite.
Sheldon Metz
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Dr. Richard Packard, Oro Valley
Itβs easy to see who and what individual people inherit and own in this country. I/we individually more or less inherited nothing or several things from our family; we βallβ inherited from our ancestors who declared our independence from a selfish and personally needy king and formulated important guides like βourβ Constitution and laws. For examples, itβs not my military but ours, and I/we do not know more than the generals, police, FBI, intelligence agencies, justice department, public education and not our place to call any of them names like βscumβ β public entities are all of ours. If people of different political parties, religions, values, actions, words and deeds want public officials to own them and our public institutions, they will have to share them with the public who continue to be made up of individuals and arenβt βownedβ by anyone; unless we go back to kings or powerful self-serving dictators who will claim us and everything.
Dr. Richard Packard
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Stephen Saltonstall, Northeast side
In his seminal history "Hitler's Willing Executioners," Daniel Goldhagen argues that ordinary Germans supported and enjoyed the killing of Jews, and that the Holocaust could not have occurred without their active and enthusiastic participation. With analogous horror, I watch the televised Trump rallies as the attendees go wild with smirking pleasure for their president's Kids-in-Cages Culture of Cruelty.
As Rudyard Kipling once observed of such people:
We are the Little Folkβwe!
Too little to love or to hate.
Leave us alone and youβll see
How we can drag down the State!
We are the worm in the wood!
We are the rot at the root!
We are the taint in the blood!
We are the thorn in the foot!
Mistletoe killing an oakβ
Rats gnawing cables in twoβ
Moths making holes in a cloakβ
How they must love what they do!
We should fear Trump's mean-spirited, fawning crowd as much as their leader.
Stephen Saltonstall
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Richard Byrd, Bisbee
Editor,
How can President Trump legally have a personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, who advises him on matters that are not personal, but are classified government matters. Legally isnβt that the purpose of the Attorney Generalβs office ?
Richard Byrd
Bisbee
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Frank J Cota, Southwest side
Re: Voice for Accountability
As a proud military veteran from Tucson, Arizona, I swore an oath to support and defend the
Constitution. President Trump put his hand on the Bible and took a similar oath when he
assumed office, but he has failed to uphold that sacred promise, and Congress must hold him
accountable.
President Trump asked a foreign government to investigate a political rival, used taxpayer-funded military aid as leverage for this βfavor.β
In the U. S. Marine Corps I learned the
importance of accountability and integrity. I believe President Trump has put the United States at risk and violated his oath.
Our nation is at a time where we must ask ourselves, do we want a President who believes heβs above the law and is willing to put the
security of our democracy at risk? Thatβs why I believe Senators Martha
McSally & Kyrsten Sinema must vote to impeach President Trump.
Sincerely,
U. S. Marine Corps Veteran
Frank J. Cota
Frank J Cota
Southwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Francis McDermott, South side
Jack O'Sullivan's commentary (Dec. 13) said Mayor Pete Buttigieg isn't qualified for the White House. I agree because as far as we know:
-- He has never hosted a network reality show.
-- Not once has he filed for bankruptcy for a major development, leaving hundreds unpaid, then later styled himself a friend of American workers.
-- He has not been accused of infidelity or serial sexual misconduct.
-- He does not use social media and public appearances to spread lies and insult opponents.
-- He doesn't demean war heroes and Gold Star families while passing himself off as pro-veteran.
-- He has never used his office for personal or political gain.
Compared to the current occupant, he clearly is not qualified for the Oval Office.
Francis McDermott
South side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Kathleen Pastryk, Oro Valley
The reasons why so many are saying "Trump is not MY President" or "Tmpeach this POTUS, please!" are too numerous to even begin listing. You know what they are. No one can be so ignorant as to not know why he's so objectionable. Remember "ignorant" is directly related to "ignore," and there are those who happily ignore the daily atrocities because they won't see what they don't want to see and they won't admit what's uncomfortable to admit, albeit the evidence is overwhelming! So, kudos, Trump-fans! It takes tremendous fortitude to ignore the truth that's hitting us all in the face. I keep thinking Republicans will soon become totally fed up--but--oops! Wrong again! The Beloved Leader can do no wring! When will we ever learn? Or is it too late?
Kathleen Pastryk
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Bette Bunker Richards, Northwest side
I get sick and tired of hearing about how great our economy is under the Greatest president that ever lived. I am a state retiree. I have not had a raise in my pension since 2007. My Social Security has risen only enough to barely cover the increased cost of Medicare. I am 82 years old and disabled. Not much work available out there for me. Since 2007 the cost of groceries has increased by 2.02% so a previous grocery bill of $200 a month is now $254. Housing costs have increased by over 20% in this city with the Second highest increase in housing costs in the country. Average rent is $1,295 a month. Health insurance has gone from $1,056 a month for a family to $1,168. Minimum wages less taxes, etc. deducted from your check nets about $1,600 a month. This does not include the increase in sales taxes. Don't tell me how great the economy is. Many of us can barely survive.
Bette Bunker Richards
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Charles Jones, East side
Reading Ken Wolfeβs bold letter declaring Trumpβs βPromises Keptβ left me wondering if recently arriving from California Wolfeβs mind remains living there. Reflecting on Trumpβs many promises I would ask our new Arizonan to open his eyes to the reality. First, Trumpβs constant lies are counted and published weekly by reputable news sources. Second, Trumpβs promised wall has not been completed, and completed pieces of Trumpβs wall have not been paid for by Mexico as he promised. Third, Hillary Clinton remains free despite Trumpβs promise to βlock her up.β Fourth, gee, there still are so many more to comment on. Great again? I hold that America WAS great prior to the Trump presidency. However our greatness has diminished under Trump. When other democracies note that China is a more dependable ally than the US, and the leaders of Americaβs closest allies are seen laughing at Trump in public, itβs obvious that Americaβs stature has diminished greatly.
Charles Jones
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Charles Jones, East side
Reading Ken Wolfeβs bold letter declaring Trumpβs βPromises Keptβ left me wondering if recently arriving from California Wolfeβs mind remains living there. Reflecting on Trumpβs many promises I would ask our new Arizonan to open his eyes to the reality. First, Trumpβs constant lies are counted and published weekly by reputable news sources. Second, Trumpβs promised wall has not been completed, and completed pieces of Trumpβs wall have not been paid for by Mexico as he promised. Third, Hillary Clinton remains free despite Trumpβs promise to βlock her up.β Fourth, gee, there still are so many more to comment on. Great again? I hold that America WAS great prior to the Trump presidency. However our greatness has diminished under Trump. When other democracies note that China is a more dependable ally than the US, and the leaders of Americaβs closest allies are seen laughing at Trump in public, itβs obvious that Americaβs stature has diminished greatly.
Charles Jones
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Terry Hlivko, Northeast side
As long as Nancy Pelosi brought it up, I thought I might mention that the Catholic Church has a Patron Saint for Journalists. He is St. Francois de Sales, who was the bishop of Geneva in the early 1600's. She might be interested.
Under his banner it reads as follows:
βLord, you have called me to serve others by means of information. Grant that I may always work in obedience to the truth, with courage to pay a personal price so that truth will never be betrayed.
Help me to join truth to charity, to never injure anyoneβs dignity, and to promote in all, to the best of my ability, justice and peace.β
As long as Nancy brought her faith up, we might as well highlight the responsibility that all journalists have been given with their chosen trade.
Be true to your trade folks.
Terry Hlivko
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Franklin Utech, Northwest side
When President Trump chose Elaine Chao, Mcconnel's wife, as Secretary of Transportation he bought Mcconnel's
Senate seat. Now, with impeachment looming, Mcconnel is not only protecting Trump but his wife's job as well when
he came out on Fox and admitted his working with Trump's lawyers to prevent Trump's conviction. A rigged trial
doesn't clear Trump of his impeachable acts.
Franklin Utech
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Cindy Soffrin, Northeast side
I read the Mueller report and some of the testimony of those interviewed by the US House Intelligence Committee. I also listened to most of the witness testimony at the public hearings.
Mueller stopped his investigation short because the Justice Department ordered him to do so. His report indicated that it was now in the hands of the US House to provide the Constitutional "check" of the Executive branch.
Trump's method is do whatever serves his purposes and, if challenged, just say "so sue me" knowing full well that the justice system works slowly and that he can continue to do as he pleases until his hand is slapped and he is assessed a fine.
This country cannot wait. An election is imminent and the issues being weighed now affect the legitimacy of the coming election.
I hope that both our Senators will decide to analyze the facts and not follow their parties in lock-step.
Cindy Soffrin
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Larry Huff, Midtown
As I sit and read the news I canβt help but wonder at the continuing and collective stupidity of our elected representatives in Washington.
During the Obama administration the Republicans wasted millions of tax payer dollars seeking to destroy Hillary Clinton thru the Benghazi fiasco. They ended up spending that money for nothing and it took Comeyβs last minute email comments to sink any remote chance for the Presidency for her.
Now itβs the Democrats turn for stupidity seeking to impeach this President and though they may be successful in the house, there is no way on Gods green earth that the Republicans in the senate will convict this man, millions more wasted!
They donβt like him, heck, I donβt like him but I firmly believe that if anything should happen, it should be at the ballot box next year. And at this point in time I see absolutely no possibility of any of the Democratic hopefuls being able to accomplish that task.
Larry Huff
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Larry Huff, Midtown
As I sit and read the news I canβt help but wonder at the continuing and collective stupidity of our elected representatives in Washington.
During the Obama administration the Republicans wasted millions of tax payer dollars seeking to destroy Hillary Clinton thru the Benghazi fiasco. They ended up spending that money for nothing and it took Comeyβs last minute email comments to sink any remote chance for the Presidency for her.
Now itβs the Democrats turn for stupidity seeking to impeach this President and though they may be successful in the house, there is no way on Gods green earth that the Republicans in the senate will convict this man, millions more wasted!
They donβt like him, heck, I donβt like him but I firmly believe that if anything should happen, it should be at the ballot box next year. And at this point in time I see absolutely no possibility of any of the Democratic hopefuls being able to accomplish that task.
Larry Huff
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Gaye Adams, Midtown
Re: 'Reasons to Believe We Can Adapt to Warming' and 'Give the Gift of a Clean Future' Dec. 6, 2019
The juxtaposition of these letters gives one hope. In the former, the writer believes the current climate instability is a natural cycle. The writer states that we would be wise not to try to βstop (warming),β and instead make efforts to adapt.
Until recently, arguments minimizing climate change concerned the causes of warming. Now more people are saying they acknowledge the problem, if unsure of solutions.
The second writer lists several concrete solutions to global climate change, e.g. giving the gift of a secure future. The letter exemplifies the human sensibility, the βvisionβ we will need to continue to coexist on our suffering planet.
I applaud both writers' thoughtfulness. I exhort the first (who stresses adaptation) to take a look at the letter proposing appropriate behaviors: attending climate actions, pricing carbon, and lobbying government.
If you're worried about the coming climate, you should be, especially for our descendants.
Gaye Adams
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Darel Mayo, East side
Donald Trump. You may like him, you may hate him , or anything in between but one thing for sure you can not ignore him. He is a looming presence for sure but he is on other thing. He is like a mirror reflecting what we Americans have become. It is certain the we have become a divided nation but even more we have become a people that do not like or trust each other. Our lack of civility or even the ability to speak or recognize the truth is not wasted on the other countries of the world. Many countries now believe that we are the biggest problem in the world. They too do not like or trust us. So, I say we owe Donald Trump a debt of gratitude for so accurately, and disturbingly, showing us up for what we are. We all can change this if we have the desire but one thing is for sure, we will surely get what we deserve.
Darel Mayo
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Where is this
great economy?
I get sick and tired of hearing about how great our economy is under the Greatest President that Ever Lived. I am a state retiree. I have not had a raise in my pension since 2007. My Social Security has risen only enough to barely cover the increased cost of Medicare.
I am 82 years old and disabled. Not much work available out there for me. Housing costs have increased by over 20% in this city with the second highest increase in housing costs in the country. Average rent is $1,295 a month. Health insurance has gone from $1,056 a month for a family to $1,168. Minimum wages, taxes, etc. deducted from your check nets about $1,600 a month. This does not include the increase in sales taxes.
Donβt tell me how great the economy is. Many of us can barely survive.
Bette Bunker Richards
Northwest side
In the end, we got what we deserved
Donald Trump. You may like him, you may hate him or anything in between, but one thing for sure is you cannot ignore him. He is a looming presence, but he is one other thing. He is like a mirror reflecting what we Americans have become.
It is certain that we have become a divided nation but even more we have become a people that do not like or trust each other. Our lack of civility or even the ability to speak or recognize the truth is not wasted on the other countries of the world.
Many countries now believe that we are the biggest problem in the world. They too do not like or trust us.
So, I say we owe Trump a debt of gratitude for so accurately, and disturbingly, showing us up for what we are. We all can change this if we have the desire but one thing is for sure, we will surely get what we deserve.
Darel Mayo
East side
Truth and the patron saint of journalists
As long as Nancy Pelosi brought it up, I thought I might mention that the Catholic Church has a patron saint for journalists. He is St. Francois de Sales, who was the bishop of Geneva in the early 1600s. She might be interested.
Under his banner it reads as follows:
βLord, you have called me to serve others by means of information. Grant that I may always work in obedience to the truth, with courage to pay a personal price so that truth will never be betrayed.
βHelp me to join truth to charity, to never injure anyoneβs dignity, and to promote in all, to the best of my ability, justice and peace.β
As long as Pelosi brought her faith up, we might as well highlight the responsibility that all journalists have been given with their chosen trade.
Be true to your trade folks.
Terry Hlivko
Northeast side
For Arizona senators,
a call to conscience
I read the Mueller report and some of the testimony of those interviewed by the U.S. House Intelligence Committee. I also listened to most of the witness testimony at the public hearings.
Mueller stopped his investigation short because the Justice Department ordered him to do so. His report indicated that it was now in the hands of the House of Representatives to provide the constitutional βcheckβ of the executive branch.
Trumpβs method is to do whatever serves his purposes and, if challenged, just say βso sue me,β knowing full well that the justice system works slowly and that he can continue to do as he pleases until his hand is slapped and he is assessed a fine.
This country cannot wait. An election is imminent and the issues being weighed now affect the legitimacy of the coming election.
I hope that both our senators will decide to analyze the facts and not follow their parties in lock-step.
Cindy Soffrin
Northeast side
Dems should get a clue; itβs just wasting money
As I sit and read the news I canβt help but wonder at the continuing and collective stupidity of our elected representatives in Washington.
During the Obama administration, the Republicans wasted millions of tax payer dollars seeking to destroy Hillary Clinton through the Benghazi fiasco. They ended up spending that money for nothing and it took Jim Comeyβs last-minute email comments to sink any remote chance for the presidency for her.
Now itβs the Democrats turn for stupidity, seeking to impeach this President. Though they may be successful in the House, there is no way on Godβs green earth that the Republicans in the Senate will convict this man. Millions more wasted.
They donβt like him, heck, I donβt like him, but I firmly believe that if anything should happen, it should be at the ballot box next year. And at this point in time I see absolutely no possibility of any of the Democratic hopefuls being able to accomplish that task.
Larry Huff
Midtown
Climate action
is better than inaction
Re: Dec. 6 letters to the editor βReasons to believe we can adapt to warmingβ and βGive the gift of a clean future.β
The juxtaposition of these letters gives one hope. In the former, the writer believes the current climate instability is a natural cycle. The writer states that we would be wise not to try to βstop (warming),β and instead make efforts to adapt.
Until recently, arguments minimizing climate change concerned the causes of warming. Now more people are saying they acknowledge the problem, if unsure of solutions.
The second writer lists several concrete solutions to global climate change, e.g., giving the gift of a secure future. The letter exemplifies the human sensibility, the βvisionβ we will need to continue to coexist on our suffering planet.
I applaud both writersβ thoughtfulness. I exhort the first (who stresses adaptation) to take a look at the letter proposing appropriate behaviors: attending climate actions, pricing carbon and lobbying government.
If youβre worried about the coming climate, you should be, especially for our descendants.
Gaye Adams
Midtown
Impeachment a family affair for McConnell
When President Trump chose Elaine Chao, Sen. Mitch McConnellβs wife, as Secretary of Transportation, he bought McConnellβs Senate seat.
Now, with impeachment looming, McConnell is not only protecting Trump, but his wifeβs job as well when he came out on Fox and admitted his working with Trumpβs lawyers to prevent Trumpβs conviction. A rigged trial doesnβt clear Trump of his impeachable acts.
Franklin Utech
Northwest side
Salary comparison needs to have context
A recent letter complained that a baseball player had just signed a contract for $325 million dollars, compared to a starting salary of $40,000 for beginning teachers in TUSD. This was a false comparison.
Starting professional baseball players make $6,500 per year. Since each was a superb local athlete, the salary seems inconsequential. There is no guarantee for continued employment. The majority never reach the major leagues.
In comparison the graduate with a teaching degree is an average student, yet receives six times the salary of the ball player. Once tenure is achieved, job security is guaranteed. As in baseball, the most talented rise to the top. Some make over $1 million per year.
Comparing the very best in one job to the beginner in another, makes no sense. The discussion of teacher pay is entirely another matter. Letβs not confuse the two.
Al Westerfield
Southwest side
- Steve Sollenberger, Foothills
Re the December 11 letter, "Justice, not hatred, drives impeachment." The writer stated, "The president himself is guilty of the Seven Deadly Sins (envy, greed, gluttony, sloth. lust, anger and pride), and his supporters rally behind him in vicious and slanderous campaigns, thus becoming equally guilty, no one should tolerate that."
Just before that, the writer stated, "We have disagreed with one another, which is actually good in a democracy," and turns right around and slams not just Trump, but also the tens of thousands of American citizens who show up at Trump campaign rallies. We are then instructed that no one should tolerate that. None of the letter doesn't strike me as very tolerant.
Steve Sollenberger
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Pam Farris, Oro Valley
The US House of Representatives has passed the Elijah Cummings Drug Pricing bill designed to permit the federal government to negotiate drug prices for Medicare and private citizens. This would permit a cancer drug to cost $10,000 instead of $40,000. Limit insulin to $100 a vial instead of its current $300. Other countries negotiate with US drug companies--only our country doesn't permit it. Sickness such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease hits us all. It doesn't just strike the Democrats or the Republicans.
Please contact Senator McSally and encourage her to persuade Senator McConnell to bring the bill to a vote. No one should have to decide whether to eat or buy medicine due to high cost of prescription drugs.
Pam Farris
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Rosalie Wright, Oro Valley
Several opinion pieces have been written by those who canβt understand why President Trump has so many supporters. Yes, Trump can be caustic, but he gets things done. Those who support his policies of America 1st, donβt understand how you can support a party whose main objective is to bring down a president for a supposed βquid pro quoβ which every politician does daily to keep his/her voters. Also, your party leaders, using federal tax-payer dollars, fight harder for non-citizens breaking the law than they do for the American worker.
Now, the βpushβ is to make those that think differently than you be ashamed to support a leader who believes in America 1st even to the point of calling us a βcultβ. Well, our cult got a president elected who reduced taxes and got the economy going with the best employment numbers in over 50 years. So, guess what, our cult is better for America than your cult.
Rosalie Wright
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Edward Beshore, North side
Two thumbs up for Mike Carranβs Dec 11th op-ed βEncourage Congress to tax carbon, change the future.β With discouraging news about the lack of progress in fighting climate change, itβs heartening to know that there are solutions that can be effective, good for people and the economy, and revenue neutral.
The op-ed mentioned support from a 2014 study (the REMI report.) In October, Columbia University issued an independent report echoing REMIβs conclusion β carbon pricing can work.
We can make huge progress in solving the climate change problem by enacting the legislation mentioned in the op-ed (HR 763). Shorter than most magazine articles, I checked this bill out on congress.gov. It’s simple, understandable, it creates regulatory certainty, and would be a great start to a clean-energy economy.
I called Ann Kirkpatrick to let her know this is the kind of action we need on climate change.
Edward Beshore
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Charles Jones, East side
Reading Ken Wolfeβs bold letter declaring Trumpβs βPromises Keptβ left me wondering if recently arriving from California Wolfeβs mind remains living there. Reflecting on Trumpβs many promises I would ask our new Arizonan to open his eyes to the reality. First, Trumpβs constant lies are counted and published weekly by reputable news sources. Second, Trumpβs promised wall has not been completed, and completed pieces of Trumpβs wall have not been paid for by Mexico as he promised. Third, Hillary Clinton remains free despite Trumpβs promise to βlock her up.β Fourth, gee, there still are so many more to comment on. Great again? I hold that America WAS great prior to the Trump presidency. However our greatness has diminished under Trump. When other democracies note that China is a more dependable ally than the US, and the leaders of Americaβs closest allies are seen laughing at Trump in public, itβs obvious that Americaβs stature has diminished greatly.
Charles Jones
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- David Pearse, Foothills
Josh Hoxie is worried re the food stamp program that "700,000 people face the prospect of going hungry when the new rules take effect." I find this supremely ironic in that 40 million people receive food stamps yet 70% of Americans are either overweight or obese. Seems to me we should deny food stamps to all 40 million to slim them down some.
David Pearse
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Bruce Dockter, Sierra Vista
Schiff, Nadler and Pelosi are charging Trump with abuse of power for asserting Executive Privilege. That will be fought out in the courts over months and the Supreme Court will eventually side with the President, proving once again that their only goal is trying to discredit Trump and tarnish his repution in advance of the election. Talk about abuse of power. I sure hope Congresswoman Kirkpatrick gives this more "prayerful" consideration than Nancy Pelosi seems to be doing.
Bruce Dockter
Sierra Vista
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Juan Santiago, Southwest side
The House Judiciary Committee lead by Jerry Nadler (D-NY), voted along partisan lines to impeach President Trump on Abuse of Power and Obstructing Congress, neither is a crime. But let us look back to 1998 when a Republican controlled House impeached President Clinton for real federal crimes of Perjury under oath in federal court and Suborning Perjury. Nadler said then, "There must never be a narrowly voted impeachment or an impeachment substantially supported by one of our major political parties and largely opposed by the other, such an impeachment would lack legitimacy, would produce divisiveness and bitterness in our politics for years to come and will call into question the very legitimacy of our political institutions." In 1999 Rep. Adam Schiff (D), now head of the House Intelligence Committee, when campaigning for Congress said of his Republican opponent "I think impeachment for most people in this district is only the most graphic illustration of an incumbent who has put the national partisan, ideological fights ahead of representing his district."
Juan Santiago
Southwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Winterhaven lights are not for everyone
I want to express my disappointment in the Winterhaven Festival of Lights.
Adults and children β theyβre remembered, but what about those who reside in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities?
Winterhaven has cut back on drive-through days.
I was an activity director for nearly 20 years in Tucson. My residents, myself and many other peers were disappointed in the changes regarding the Winterhaven festival.
These residents use to look forward to going through and seeing the lights before Christmas. It was a gift of enjoyment to them.
Doing the trolley or walking around is not possible.
Now Winterhaven offers only one night to drive through, and that is only available after Christmas.
Many residents may have mental and physical disabilities and canβt bear long, drawn-out drives. What if it were a friend or a family member of yours? Or you, some day? Wouldnβt you be disappointed?
Shame on Winterhaven and shame on those who support them.
John Bartlett
Northwest side
Our cult is better than your cult
Several opinion pieces have been written by those who canβt understand why President Trump has so many supporters. Yes, Trump can be caustic, but he gets things done.
Those who support his policies of βAmerica firstβ donβt understand how you can support a party whose main objective is to bring down a president for a supposed βquid pro quoβ that I contend every politician does daily to keep his/her voters.
Also, your party leaders, using federal tax dollars, fight harder for noncitizens breaking the law than they do for the American worker.
Now, the βpushβ is to make those that think differently than you be ashamed to support a leader who believes in America first, even to the point of calling us a βcult.β
Well, our cult got a president elected who reduced taxes and got the economy going with the best employment numbers in over 50 years.
So, guess what, our cult is better for America than your cult.
Rosalie Wright
Oro Valley
Letβs urge senators
to pass drug-costs bill
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which is designed to permit the federal government to negotiate drug prices for Medicare and private citizens. This would permit a cancer drug to cost $10,000 instead of $40,000 and limit insulin to $100 a vial instead of its current $300.
Other countries negotiate with U.S. drug companies β only our country doesnβt permit it. Sicknesses such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease hits us all. It doesnβt just strike the Democrats or the Republicans.
Please contact Sen. Martha McSally and encourage her to persuade Sen. McConnell to bring the bill to a vote. No one should have to decide whether to eat or buy medicine due to high cost of prescription drugs.
Pam Farris
Oro Valley
Climate-change column was right on the mark
Two thumbs up for Mike Carranβs Dec. 11 column, βEncourage Congress to tax carbon, change the future.β With discouraging news about the lack of progress in fighting climate change, itβs heartening to know that there are solutions that can be effective, good for people and the economy, and revenue neutral.
The column mentioned support from a 2014 study (the REMI report). In October, Columbia University issued an independent report echoing REMIβs conclusion β carbon pricing can work.
We can make huge progress in solving the climate change problem by enacting the legislation mentioned in the column (H.R. 763). Shorter than most magazine articles, I checked this bill out on congress.gov. It’s simple and understandable. It creates regulatory certainty and would be a great start to a clean-energy economy.
I called Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick to let her know this is the kind of action we need on climate change.
Edward Beshore
North side
Trump has diminished Americaβs stature
Re: the Dec. 13 letter to the editor βTrump has delivered on his promises.β
This letter left me wondering if after recently arriving from California the writerβs mind-set remains living there.
Reflecting on Trumpβs many promises, I would ask our new Arizonan to open his eyes to the reality. First, Trumpβs constant lies are counted and published weekly by reputable news sources.
Second, Trumpβs promised wall has not been completed, and completed pieces of Trumpβs wall have not been paid for by Mexico, as he promised.
Third, Hillary Clinton remains free despite Trumpβs promise to βlock her up.β Fourth, gee, there still are so many more to comment on.
Great again? I hold that America WAS great prior to the Trump presidency. However our greatness has diminished under Trump.
When other democracies note that China is a more dependable ally than the U.S., and the leaders of Americaβs closest allies are seen laughing at Trump in public, itβs obvious that Americaβs stature has diminished greatly.
Charles Jones
East side
Welcome sign soon to be tarnished
Itβs ironic that one of the highway signs welcoming visitors to our beautiful state will show Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. But I wonder if the sign will also show the before and after view of when cacti were ripped from their natural habitat to make way for the wall?
I also wonder if the sign will show before and after views of the huge swath of land that has been cleared and the monument desecrated for the wall? I wonder, too, will the before and after view be shown of the beautiful expansive desert which will now be abruptly cut in two by the ugly wall?
Itβs a stark dichotomy between our natural treasure and how we treat it. Should we thank Gov. Doug Doucey for allowing the Trump administration to carry out this desecration? The highway sign may be the only reminder of what it once actually looked like.
Lynda Franka
Southwest side
Letter about tolerance was lacking tolerance
Re: the Dec. 11 letter βJustice, not hatred, drives impeachment.β
The writer stated, βThe president himself is guilty of the seven deadly sins (envy, greed, gluttony, sloth, lust, anger and pride), and his supporters rally behind him in vicious and slanderous campaigns, thus becoming equally guilty, no one should tolerate that.β
Just before that, the writer stated, βWe have disagreed with one another, which is actually good in a democracy,β and turns right around and slams not just Trump, but also the tens of thousands of American citizens who show up at Trump campaign rallies.
We are then instructed that no one should tolerate that. Nothing in the letter strikes me as very tolerant.
Steve Sollenberger
Foothills
Democratic hypocrisy on impeachment
The House Judiciary Committee led by Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., voted along partisan lines to impeach President Trump on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
But let us look back to 1998, when a Republican-controlled House impeached President Clinton for real federal crimes of perjury under oath in federal court and suborning perjury.
Nadler said then, βThere must never be a narrowly voted impeachment or an impeachment substantially supported by one of our major political parties and largely opposed by the other. Such an impeachment would lack legitimacy, would produce divisiveness and bitterness in our politics for years to come and will call into question the very legitimacy of our political institutions.β
In 1999, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, now head of the House Intelligence Committee, when campaigning for Congress said of his Republican opponent, βI think impeachment for most people in this district is only the most graphic illustration of an incumbent who has put the national partisan, ideological fights ahead of representing his district.β
Juan Santiago
Southwest side
- Eric Gormally, Oro Valley
Republicans are attempting to negate direct evidence; President Trump's phone call with the Ukrainian president that served his own interests and violated our Constitution that forbids foreign influence in our elections. Democrats are not bringing up all his other acts that violated Mr. Trump's oath in a more serious way; failing to protect us from a sworn foreign enemy by serving the interests of Vladimir Putin. Look at the evidence: OKing the annexation of Crimea by Russia at the Republican Convention, directly asking for Russian help during the election(in exchange for what?), having Mr. Flynn call the Russians after the election to let them know that severe sanctions would be lifted, meeting with Putin secretly, believing Russian intelligence over American, and withholding aid to Ukraine. Republicans say that the Moeller report proved he didn't collude with the Russians, but it only couldn't prove a conspiracy. It did prove he obstructed justice multiple times, all crimes which prevented proof of collusion. With pardon-power his underlings have taken the falls.
Eric Gormally
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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