Spotlight
Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Arizona Daily Star.
1
Letter: The future is here
- Sally Mayersohn, Northwest side
- Updated
The Democratic Party rally, in Philadelphia on Tuesday, August 6th, will linger in our memories for a long time. It was a gift presented by Kamala Harris and her vice-presidential pick Tim Walz. Their gift included hope, joy, enthusiasm, humor and promise. Freedoms and rights will be restored in their new administration. We will continue to move forward. Our democracy will survive and thrive.
On November 5th, 2024, we will show our gratitude for their gift by voting for Kamala Harris for President and Tim Walz for Vice-President of the United States of America! Because when we fight, we win.
Sally Mayersohn
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
2
Letter: Just the facts
- Mary Keerins, Foothills
- Updated
Donald Trump constantly makes false statements. Don’t be fooled by his lies — check the facts. Here is one. Trump stated, “The only jobs (President Biden) created were for illegal immigrants and bounce back jobs…” (June 27th debate). The truth is that under Trump, even excluding the COVID impact, the average job increase was 182,000 per month. Under Biden (excluding the post COVID bounce) the average is 277,000 per month. Repeating a lie over and over doesn’t magically make it truth.
Mary Keerins
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
3
Letter: A Democrat's response to Gary Franks' guest opinion
- Sandra Katz, M.D., J.D., Foothills
- Updated
"Why Democrats don't invoke the 25th Amendment to remove him from office immediately." Franks speculates that "Democrats do not really want Harris as president" or that "some actually think Biden is not mentally impaired." Look at the windfall of donations Harris received in one week to answer the question about Democrats wanting her as president. See that Biden is still mentally fit enough to free the Russian prisoners, make changes to the Supreme Court, work on immigration reform and inflation — issues Trump never accomplished. The concern is not Biden's present mental fitness. It is obvious age is taking a toll, so the concern is his condition in four years when he's 86 years old. Perhaps the Republicans should address the same issue with their candidate who is truly mentally unfit to be president a second time — lying, ranting and raving, confusion, non-sequiturs, unable to give a straight (and honest) answer ... and if he should legitimately and tragically win the election, he will be 82, older than Biden is now.
Sandra Katz, M.D., J.D.
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
4
Letter: Looking toward a better future
- Lois Croly, Marana
- Updated
It is wonderful to have a presidential campaign that is positive and looking forward to the future. Both Harris and Walz come from middle class backgrounds/values and have worked for years for the betterment of their communities. A district attorney and veteran/schoolteacher/governor who have put their communities first for years are the type of candidates one can be proud of and support. America functions better with positive people in the White House who are committed to having a strong middle class.
Lois Croly
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
5
Letter: Veeps and weirdness
- Herbert Schneidau, Foothills
- Updated
It is truly weird that Vance should be complaining about the inferiority of Walz's military service, when he is working for someone who scoffs at such service and who played his own "4-F heel spurs" card. Trump was called "unfit to serve as President" by all his military advisers: true in every sense. (Look up their signed letter.)
But if Vance helps his ticket to lose, maybe he and Kristi Noem can go in together on a pet disposal business, him for cats and her for dogs and goats.
Herbert Schneidau
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
6
Letter: Belittling of opponents
- Joseph Malberg, Marana
- Updated
Why do people like Donald Trump and JD Vance always belittle or denigrate their opponents? Most of you probably already realize the signs of such behavior but here is what I found, and I am not even a psychologist. 1. They are trying to make themselves feel more powerful or important. 2 They have low self-esteem and need to build themselves up by making others feel inferior. 3. They are insecure in relationships. 4. It is a form of narcissism in that they need to belittle, degrade, and insult in order to chip away at your self-confidence. I think you get the picture. I also wonder if this if part of Trump's strategy or just his natural personality. I remember Trump always calling Biden a "loser", when in fact Trump lost 62 out of 63 court cases where he challenged the results of the 2020 election. He also has 34 felony convictions. Do we really want someone like this in the White House? God help us.
Joseph Malberg
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
7
Tucson speaks out: Aug. 8 letters to the editor
- Updated
Looking toward a better future
It is wonderful to have a presidential campaign that is positive and looking forward to the future. Both Harris and Walz come from middle class backgrounds/values and have worked for years for the betterment of their communities. A district attorney and veteran/schoolteacher/governor who have put their communities first for years are the type of candidates one can be proud of and support. America functions better with positive people in the White House who are committed to having a strong middle class.
Lois Croly
Marana
The future is here
The Democratic Party rally, in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Aug. 6, will linger in our memories for a long time. It was a gift presented by Kamala Harris and her vice-presidential pick Tim Walz. Their gift included hope, joy, enthusiasm, humor and promise. Freedoms and rights will be restored in their new administration. We will continue to move forward. Our democracy will survive and thrive.
On Nov. 5, 2024, we will show our gratitude for their gift by voting for Kamala Harris for President and Tim Walz for Vice-President of the United States of America! Because when we fight, we win.
Sally Mayersohn
Northwest side
Belittling of opponents
Why do people like Donald Trump and JD Vance always belittle or denigrate their opponents? Most of you probably already realize the signs of such behavior but here is what I found, and I am not even a psychologist. 1. They are trying to make themselves feel more powerful or important. 2 They have low self-esteem and need to build themselves up by making others feel inferior. 3. They are insecure in relationships. 4. It is a form of narcissism in that they need to belittle, degrade, and insult in order to chip away at your self-confidence. I think you get the picture. I also wonder if this if part of Trump’s strategy or just his natural personality. I remember Trump always calling Biden a “loser”, when in fact Trump lost 62 out of 63 court cases where he challenged the results of the 2020 election. He also has 34 felony convictions. Do we really want someone like this in the White House? God help us.
Joseph Malberg
Marana
Just the facts
Donald Trump constantly makes false statements. Don’t be fooled by his lies — check the facts. Here is one. Trump stated, “The only jobs (President Biden) created were for illegal immigrants and bounce back jobs …” (June 27 debate). The truth is that under Trump, even excluding the COVID impact, the average job increase was 182,000 per month. Under Biden (excluding the post COVID bounce) the average is 277,000 per month. Repeating a lie over and over doesn’t magically make it truth.
Mary Keerins
Foothills
Response to Gary Franks’ guest opinion
“Why Democrats don’t invoke the 25th Amendment to remove him from office immediately.” Franks speculates that “Democrats do not really want Harris as president” or that “some actually think Biden is not mentally impaired.” Look at the windfall of donations Harris received in one week to answer the question about Democrats wanting her as president. See that Biden is still mentally fit enough to free the Russian prisoners, make changes to the Supreme Court, work on immigration reform and inflation — issues Trump never accomplished. The concern is not Biden’s present mental fitness. It is obvious age is taking a toll, so the concern is his condition in four years when he’s 86 years old. Perhaps the Republicans should address the same issue with their candidate who is truly mentally unfit to be president a second time — lying, ranting and raving, confusion, non-sequiturs, unable to give a straight (and honest) answer … and if he should legitimately and tragically win the election, he will be 82, older than Biden is now.
Sandra Katz, M.D., J.D.
Foothills
Copper World
Armed with “irrefutable facts” and labeling environmental degradation “laughable,” Copper World proponents would have you believe that we are so desperate for copper that we must destroy more valuable resources to obtain it. The Santa Rita Mountains and other Madrean Sky Island ranges are one of 36 biodiversity hotspots worldwide. Combined, those 36 locations make up a mere 2.5% of the Earth’s land surface. However, they hold 50% of the planet’s vascular plant species and about 40% of the known invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Biodiversity is the life support system for all life as we know it; our failure to realize this is at our peril. Humans have already degraded the ecological integrity of more than 50% of the planet’s surface. There is no rational justification for allowing mining in biodiversity hotspots. Destroying the valuable genomes of many species that are part of our life-support system seems exceptionally foolish when we compare it to the benefit of increasing Hudbay stockholder’s dividends.
John Murphy
Green Valley
Teaching
A teacher came to discuss a young girl in her class. The girl, Rita, was unresponsive and reluctant to participate in activities. Ms. Jones suggested I visit the class to observe her. When I visited, I saw Rita looking sad and lost. Ms. Jones pointed out a bald spot on Rita’s head, explaining that she pulled her hair out at night due to stress. I recommended a referral to our nurse and counselor, but first, a home visit seemed necessary. After the home visit, Ms. Jones reported that Rita’s parents were having severe arguments, deeply affecting Rita. Ms. Jones committed to continuing home visits and providing Rita with the warmth and comfort she needed.
Years later, Rita, now in 5th grade, was part of our Wright Flight Class. This program required students to complete tasks for the reward of flying in a small plane with a volunteer pilot. Rita, confident and proud, participated in the flight, with Ms. Jones and her parents present. A teacher can change a life!
Peter Palazzo
East side
Veeps and weirdness
It is truly weird that Vance should be complaining about the inferiority of Walz’s military service, when he is working for someone who scoffs at such service and who played his own “4-F heel spurs” card. Trump was called “unfit to serve as President” by all his military advisers: true in every sense. (Look up their signed letter.)
But if Vance helps his ticket to lose, maybe he and Kristi Noem can go in together on a pet disposal business, him for cats and her for dogs and goats.
Herbert Schneidau
Foothills
8
- RICHARD BECHTOLD, West side
I spent some time looking up information I have heard that bothered me. I went to Factcheck.org. They say that 2.5 million immigrants were released into the US in the last four years, and 2.8 million were expelled. Trump says 10 million have been released into the country in the last four years. Truth matters. Next I checked the effects of immigration. Go to Carnegie.org and look up "15 Myths about Immigration. It's very enlightening. Next I checked on Inflation. In 1950 a gallon of gas cost 27 cents. in today's value 27 cents is $3.40. Does $3.40 look familiar for gasoline? A $1 in 1972 is now worth $7.03. America is not in ruins. Inflation has been going on forever. It is the nature of our monetary system. The bottom line is you have to find the truth and do the math.
RICHARD BECHTOLD
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
9
Letter: What's in a name?
- Weaver Barkman, Midtown
Picture this: If Trump somehow becomes President, JD Vance, alias James Donald Bowman, alias James David Hamel, alias J.D. Hamel, alias J.D. Vance, alias James David Vance is one Big Mac away from the nuclear launch codes. Want fries with that?
Weaver Barkman
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
10
Letter: Beliefs versus facts
- Rick Cohn, West side
Mr. Styles believes that everyone involved in Trump's hush money trial is a Trump-hating Democrat that conspired to convict him. Trump's lawyers discovered 63 times in their attempts to declare the 2020 election fraudulent, that the courts don't accept beliefs as evidence. Mr. Styles' prediction of Trump's conviction being overturned is therefore unwarranted.
Either Mr. Styles didn't follow the trial or he slept through Blanche's cross examination of Cohen wherin Blanche accused Cohen of stealing $30,000 from Trump and, under oath, Cohen admitted that was true. That exchange revealed the truth that the money given to Cohen wasn't for legal retainers but rather as payoffs to be transmitted surreptitiously to the participants in Trump's scheme. Case closed.
As the payoffs were made from Trump's personal account and then declared as business legal expenses, it's surprising that he hasn't been charged with income tax fraud also.
Rick Cohn
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
11
Letter: Choice is a must
- Linda Dobbyn, Midtown
Donating an organ to improve or save another’s life is always a choice. Abortion involves the same difficult and personal decision.
A person’s body is one’s temple and no being or entity should make this otherwise.
We would never make organ donation a mandate. Wait… would we?
Linda Dobbyn
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
12
Letter: Biden wasn't bullied
- Jim Dreis, East side
President Biden wasn't bullied out of running for reelection! No, he made a rational decision based on facts presented to him. His debate performance against Trump likely topping the list.
He sought the opinion of those he loved and respected, weighed the pros and cons of running versus stepping aside, stepped aside knowing he had a competent Vice President to turn the reins over to and concluded he'd be better off focusing on being president than running for reelection. Plus he hasn't been convicted of 34 felonies so can sleep well nights while another unnamed person doesn't have that luxury which helps understand why they're awake most nights tweeting.
Jim Dreis
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
13
Letter: Mr. Trump's Mocking Behavior
- Frank J. Perez, Foothills
Recently, on television, I heard former President Trump and the current Republican Party nominee mock his former opponent and the current President of our country. Trump imitated stuttering negatively as a bully would. As a pediatric speech-language pathologist working with children for the past 50 years, I found this to be totally insensitive and immature. Stuttering typically begins in childhood. For some it continues into adulthood. Some are never “cured” but can manage it in a positive manner. It may surface, at times, under stress, fatigue, or illness, perhaps. This mocking of another person’s different speech pattern is very disconcerting as children may hear this and think that since an adult can do it, especially a former president, then it’s okay to do it as well. Mr. Trump should never be allowed to be around children in case he “slips” and produces another denigrating utterance of a person’s different ability. For the sake of our children, please don’t allow them to listen to this behavior.
Frank J. Perez
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
14
Tucson speaks out: Aug. 7 letters to the editor
- Updated
Copper World and histrionic letters
The Aug. 2 letter, “Copper World’s air quality permit,” was a perfect example of histrionics infecting opponents of Copper World. Example from the letter: “we know that Copper World is polluting the water of our Santa Rita neighbors and now, we live with poor air quality.” This is laughable nonsense. Copper World hasn’t even been given permission to start mining operations.
I pose an irrefutable fact to low-information opponents of copper mining. Modern civilization does not exist without copper, nor does any so-called green energy. An average home contains 400 pounds of copper. What the heck do you think is behind your ability to turn on/off your home furnace, air conditioner, other appliances and lights? Copper. How much copper is in just one of today’s multi-megawatt wind turbines? Three tons.
That’s the real world, Copper World critics. Join it.
Steve Sollenberger
Foothills
Response to Apache Christ controversy
I would like to share my view and perspective on the Apache Christ controversy article that was written Aug. 5, 2024. I have created fine art for over 50 years with a focus on liturgical art for the last 25 years. One of my most extensive commissions was liturgical art for a Catholic church in Oro Valley St. Mark the evangelist: I created a life-size crucifix of Christ for this parish and its worshipers. When I read the article this morning, I was surprised by the description of the altarpiece controversy. Although the images are unique it is not a traditional Catholic presentation. If the crucified Christ was emerged as a medicine man, it would require combining these two concepts, but it never should be a matter of either /or. This would have been possible if the artist considered the responsibility of creating the art for a Catholic Christ with the Apache imaging combined into a crucified Jesus; very possible to do, but that is not what exists.
Matthew Moutafis
Oro Valley
Here we go again
It was recently reported that the Arizona Department of Education is reducing programs that help students due to budget issues.
Now there is a report that millions of education dollars have been lost due to Department of Education mismanagement.
But all is not lost! There’s plenty of money for Tom Horne to get his mug on TV every evening during prime-time Olympics. At a cost of around $7 million for a 30-second spot.
What a surprise that Horne is turning out to be just as much of a disaster as he was the first time around. Way to go voters of Arizona!
P.S. Remember when Horne dropped out to avoid an election funds misuse investigation? Good times.
David Reynolds
East side
Mr. Trump’s Mocking Behavior
Recently, on television, I heard former President Trump and the current Republican Party nominee mock his former opponent and the current President of our country. Trump imitated stuttering negatively as a bully would. As a pediatric speech-language pathologist working with children for the past 50 years, I found this to be totally insensitive and immature. Stuttering typically begins in childhood. For some it continues into adulthood. Some are never “cured” but can manage it in a positive manner. It may surface, at times, under stress, fatigue, or illness, perhaps. This mocking of another person’s different speech pattern is very disconcerting as children may hear this and think that since an adult can do it, especially a former president, then it’s okay to do it as well. Mr. Trump should never be allowed to be around children in case he “slips” and produces another denigrating utterance of a person’s different ability. For the sake of our children, please don’t allow them to listen to this behavior.
Frank J. Perez
Foothills
Biden wasn’t bullied
President Biden wasn’t bullied out of running for reelection! No, he made a rational decision based on facts presented to him. His debate performance against Trump likely topping the list.
He sought the opinion of those he loved and respected, weighed the pros and cons of running versus stepping aside, stepped aside knowing he had a competent Vice President to turn the reins over to and concluded he’d be better off focusing on being president than running for reelection. Plus he hasn’t been convicted of 34 felonies so can sleep well nights while another unnamed person doesn’t have that luxury which helps understand why they’re awake most nights tweeting.
Jim Dreis
East side
Choice is a must
Donating an organ to improve or save another’s life is always a choice. Abortion involves the same difficult and personal decision.
A person’s body is one’s temple and no being or entity should make this otherwise.
We would never make organ donation a mandate. Wait … would we?
Linda Dobbyn
Midtown
Beliefs versus facts
Mr. Styles believes that everyone involved in Trump’s hush money trial is a Trump-hating Democrat that conspired to convict him. Trump’s lawyers discovered 63 times in their attempts to declare the 2020 election fraudulent, that the courts don’t accept beliefs as evidence. Mr. Styles’ prediction of Trump’s conviction being overturned is therefore unwarranted.
Either Mr. Styles didn’t follow the trial or he slept through Blanche’s cross examination of Cohen wherein Blanche accused Cohen of stealing $30,000 from Trump and, under oath, Cohen admitted that was true. That exchange revealed the truth that the money given to Cohen wasn’t for legal retainers but rather as payoffs to be transmitted surreptitiously to the participants in Trump’s scheme. Case closed.
As the payoffs were made from Trump’s personal account and then declared as business legal expenses, it’s surprising that he hasn’t been charged with income tax fraud also.
Rick Cohn
West side
What’s in a name?
Picture this: If Trump somehow becomes President, JD Vance, alias James Donald Bowman, alias James David Hamel, alias J.D. Hamel, alias J.D. Vance, alias James David Vance is one Big Mac away from the nuclear launch codes. Want fries with that?
Weaver Barkman
Midtown
Facts and math
I spent some time looking up information I have heard that bothered me. I went to Factcheck.org. They say that 2.5 million immigrants were released into the U.S. in the last four years, and 2.8 million were expelled. Trump says 10 million have been released into the country in the last four years. Truth matters. Next I checked the effects of immigration. Go to Carnegie.org and look up “15 Myths about Immigration”. It’s very enlightening. Next I checked on inflation. In 1950, a gallon of gas cost 27 cents. In today’s value, 27 cents is $3.40. Does $3.40 look familiar for gasoline? A $1 in 1972 is now worth $7.03. America is not in ruins. Inflation has been going on forever. It is the nature of our monetary system. The bottom line is you have to find the truth and do the math.
Richard Bechtold
West side
15
Letter: Trump's need for chaos
- Matt Somers, Midtown
Has anyone else noticed Donald Trump and his Republican allies need to have chaos in order to be the "saviors" of an issue instead of just working on helping the nation?
When there was a possible bill for consideration for the immigration problem, Trump stopped it cold in the House of Representatives.
When Trump negotiated for a withdrawal from Afghanistan without the Afghanistan problem, which is a recipe for disaster, Trump and Republicans blame Biden for chaos even though Trump and the Republicans negotiated a no-win treaty for the United States.
Now Trump congratulates Vladimir Putin for out-negotiating the United States and its allies when it came to the hostage crisis with Russia. It kind of reminds us of when Trump said Russia didn't try to affect the 2016 Presidential election because Putin says so.
Friedrich Nietzsche was quoted as saying from chaos comes order. For Trump and the Republicans the order comes from Project 2025.
Matt Somers
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
16
Letter: August 5 LTE_Liberals lying about Project 2025
- Rick Rappaport, Oro Valley
The writer concludes that anyone continuing to connect Trump with Project 2025 is lying -- because Trump says he is not associated with that project. I see...so this time is really different; he's not lying this time?
Hey, have you seen the Trump ads accusing Harris of total responsibility for the deaths of 250,000 people from Fentanyl overdosing? Or accusing Harris of personally allowing 10,000,000 illegal immigrants to cross USA borders? I don't know about you but that kind of Harris/bad things happened/she's bad association requires a much greater leap in logic to accept what Trump said about Project 2025 at a Heritage Foundation dinner in 2022: “This is a great group, and they’re going to lay the groundwork and detail plans for exactly what our movement will do and what your movement will do when the American people give us a colossal mandate to save America.”
It's right out of the horse's mouth. You cannot unring that bell.
Rick Rappaport
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
17
Letter: Single issue voter
- Susan VonKersburg, Foothills
Trump just congratulated Putin at a Georgia rally on the great hostage deal he pulled off a couple of days ago. Trump had denigrated Biden’s diplomatic triumph in bringing several innocent hostages home to America but applauded Putin for getting an international assassin plus Russian adjudicated criminals in the deal.
I can never vote for anyone who sucks up to a mortal enemy of my country.
Susan VonKersburg
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
18
Letter: Project 2025 and Trump
- Larry Huff, Midtown
Mr. Sollenberger's letter to the editor on August 5 stated that Trump disavowed any association with project 2025 months ago, however he fails to mention that early on when he thought it would help his campaign he agreed with it. Suddenly when he saw the massive amount of negative publicity on it he changed his story. That’s what it looked like to me, thank you.
Larry Huff
Midtown
Larry Huff
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
19
Letter: Trump's tactics boring and simplistic
- Don Dickinson, Oro Valley
Donald J. Trump is the master of denigration and accusations in a mirror. Quite frankly, his methods are tedious. His denigration attacks include pool-hall characterizations. Mirror accusations are an old strategy used by Joseph Goebbels. They are false claims that accuse the target of something the perpetrator, himself, is doing or intends to do. Today's national and international solutions involve complex research and analysis, plus a team of good advisers. With his ego-driven mentality, he seems incapable of this. Trump's simplistic tactics have become dull and boring for me.
Don Dickinson
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
20
Letter: Candidate selection
- Barbara Hall, Midtown
For those who have written of the “anti-democratic Democratic Party” because of President Biden’s replacement as the presumptive nominee, please read the procedures established by the party for the selection of candidates. Each party establishes its own process, and the details differ by party. Primaries and caucuses are part of the process, but the candidate decision is only finalized officially when delegates vote at the convention.
Older readers will remember past conventions (before primaries were as important in the delegate selection process) when numerous votes were taken, finally coalescing on one candidate. Even today, “committed” delegates are required to vote for their candidate only on the first vote, and whether delegates are “committed” depends on state party rules.
This time, other candidates were free to run if they received a certain number of signatures from the delegate pool. They decided not to do so, but to unify behind Vice-President Harris.
The Republican Party has a similar process.
Barbara Hall
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
21
Tucson Speaks Out: Aug. 6 letters of the day
- Updated
Candidate selection
For those who have written of the “anti-democratic Democratic Party” because of President Biden’s replacement as the presumptive nominee, please read the procedures established by the party for the selection of candidates. Each party establishes its own process, and the details differ by party. Primaries and caucuses are part of the process, but the candidate decision is only finalized officially when delegates vote at the convention.
Older readers will remember past conventions (before primaries were as important in the delegate selection process) when numerous votes were taken, finally coalescing on one candidate. Even today, “committed” delegates are required to vote for their candidate only on the first vote, and whether delegates are “committed” depends on state party rules.
This time, other candidates were free to run if they received a certain number of signatures from the delegate pool. They decided not to do so, but to unify behind Vice-President Harris.
The Republican Party has a similar process.
Barbara Hall
Midtown
DHS halts ‘migrant’ flight program
DHS has suddenly halted an advance “migrant” authorization flight program that has allowed 30,000 a month, over 400,000 thus far, to fly here on commercial airlines from Venezuela, Haiti, Nicaragua and Honduras via a parole program. DHS discovered large amounts of fraud in applications for those sponsoring the applicants. The fraud included the same social security numbers, addresses and phone numbers being used hundreds of times. Will any of these “sponsors” who committed fraud be prosecuted or the applicants be returned to their home country? I doubt it. This is what happens when you allow massive numbers of people to enter the country. The same document fraud will happen under any comprehensive immigration deal wherein only people can apply if entered before a certain date and need to show some documentation to prove it. This is all on Biden-Harris and part of their open-borders scheme, abusing the parole system that was meant to be applied on a case-by-case basis, not blanketed to thousands.
David Burford Northwest side
Trump’s tactics boring and simplistic
Donald J. Trump is the master of denigration and accusations in a mirror. Quite frankly, his methods are tedious. His denigration attacks include pool-hall characterizations. Mirror accusations are an old strategy used by Joseph Goebbels. They are false claims that accuse the target of something the perpetrator, himself, is doing or intends to do. Today’s national and international solutions involve complex research and analysis, plus a team of good advisers. With his ego-driven mentality, he seems incapable of this. Trump’s simplistic tactics have become dull and boring for me.
Don Dickinson
Oro Valley
Single-issue voter
Trump just congratulated Putin at a Georgia rally on the great hostage deal he pulled off a couple of days ago. Trump had denigrated Biden’s diplomatic triumph in bringing several innocent hostages home to America but applauded Putin for getting an international assassin plus Russian adjudicated criminals in the deal.
I can never vote for anyone who sucks up to a mortal enemy of my country.
Susan VonKersburg
Foothills
Star Editorial: A win for ‘restorative justice’
The AZ Star published their unauthored Editorial: “A win for restorative justice”, congratulating current County Attorney Laura Conover on her primary win against Mike Jette. The Star has published dozens of Letters to the Editor and Local Opinions from people, some having worked in Conover’s office, that detailed the chaos that has been ongoing there. Common complaints of felony charges being dropped down to misdemeanors without justification and most importantly, victims of crimes being ignored. But this is what “restorative justice” is all about, placing the criminal’s needs over the victim. Having the victims accept some phony apology from the criminal in order to get a lesser sentence. Did the Star ever read those Letters and Opinions? If so, they should have learned that something stinks in the County Attorney’s Office and it ain’t cheese. I doubt that many of the people who voted for Conover even knew of the many complaints. In celebrating “restorative justice” the Star really revealed how far left of a publication they continue to be.
Langhorne Bilby
Marana
Project 2025 and Trump
Mr. Sollenberger’s letter to the editor on August 5 stated that Trump disavowed any association with project 2025 months ago, however he fails to mention that early on when he thought it would help his campaign he agreed with it. Suddenly when he saw the massive amount of negative publicity on it he changed his story. That’s what it looked like to me, thank you.
Larry Huff
Midtown
Re: Liberals lying about Project 2025
The writer concludes that anyone continuing to connect Trump with Project 2025 is lying — because Trump says he is not associated with that project. I see ... so this time is really different; he’s not lying this time?
Hey, have you seen the Trump ads accusing Harris of total responsibility for the deaths of 250,000 people from Fentanyl overdosing? Or accusing Harris of personally allowing 10,000,000 illegal immigrants to cross USA borders? I don’t know about you but that kind of Harris/bad things happened/she’s bad association requires a much greater leap in logic to accept what Trump said about Project 2025 at a Heritage Foundation dinner in 2022: “This is a great group, and they’re going to lay the groundwork and detail plans for exactly what our movement will do and what your movement will do when the American people give us a colossal mandate to save America.”
It’s right out of the horse’s mouth. You cannot unring that bell.
Rick Rappaport
Oro Valley
Calling Trump a ‘felon’
The Progressive Democrat mantra, before Trump’s conviction, was to stop referring to people as “felon,” as it was dehumanizing, promoted dangerous stereotypes, etc. It has been the same Democrats advocating to reinstate voting rights to “felons.” But I digress, that case in Manhattan was a farce and a political persecution. AZ Star Democratic readers should understand this. A registered Democrat biased Judge, who had made campaign donations to Democratic candidates, and his daughter a Democratic fund-raising activist. The prosecutors were Democrats, one top level federal prosecutor leaving Biden’s USDOJ to join the Manhattan DA’s office. The judge allowing salacious testimony from Stormy Daniels, his denying defense motions and expert witnesses, the star witness Cohen having been convicted of perjury and hates Trump, etc. Add to all this a Trump-hating Democratic jury and voila, he was convicted on all 34 felony counts. Trump’s conviction will eventually be overturned for judicial misconduct. Democrats are so blinded with hate for Trump that they cannot see that this was a political persecution.
Darrin Styles
Midtown
Know your enemy
Dear Editor:
Sun Tzu wrote in “The Art of War”: “Know your enemy ... ”. The Arizona Daily Star is not my enemy, I subscribe to understand what a left-leaning/liberal point of view is.
I’m amused by your daily anti Donald Trump cartoons, and that you have doubled the number in each daily paper.
However, I believe you hit an all-time low on July 16th, when you published a six panel cartoon by Cagle Cartoons. The first panel read “Trump is a threat to Democracy”. Really? How about Lois Lerner who used the IRS to target groups she didn’t like, or James Comey who wouldn’t prosecute Hillary or even Bill Clinton who lied under oath?
The worst panel was: “He should be put in the crosshairs”. Some might say it meant someone to look out for. But to be published three days after an assassination? Not much left at the bottom of the cartoon barrel. But I await tomorrow’s edition.
Eddie Popovitch
Northwest side
Trump’s need for chaos
Has anyone else noticed Donald Trump and his Republican allies need to have chaos in order to be the “saviors” of an issue instead of just working on helping the nation?
When there was a possible bill for consideration for the immigration problem, Trump stopped it cold in the House of Representatives.
When Trump negotiated for a withdrawal from Afghanistan without the Afghanistan problem, which is a recipe for disaster, Trump and Republicans blame Biden for chaos even though Trump and the Republicans negotiated a no-win treaty for the United States.
Now Trump congratulates Vladimir Putin for out-negotiating the United States and its allies when it came to the hostage crisis with Russia. It kind of reminds us of when Trump said Russia didn’t try to affect the 2016 Presidential election because Putin says so.
Friedrich Nietzsche was quoted as saying from chaos comes order. For Trump and the Republicans the order comes from Project 2025.
Matt Somers
Midtown
22
Letter: Calling Trump a 'felon'
- Darrin Styles, Midtown
The Progressive Democrat mantra, before Trump's conviction, was to stop referring to people as "felon," as it was dehumanizing, promoted dangerous stereotypes, etc. It has been the same Democrats advocating to reinstate voting rights to "felons." But I digress, that case in Manhattan was a farce and a political persecution. AZ Star Democratic readers should understand this. A registered Democrat biased Judge, who had made campaign donations to Democratic candidates, and his daughter a Democratic fund-raising activist. The prosecutors were Democrats, one top level federal prosecutor leaving Biden's USDOJ to join the Manhattan DA's office. The judge allowing salacious testimony from Stormy Daniels, his denying defense motions and expert witnesses, the star witness Cohen having been convicted of perjury and hates Trump, etc. Add to all this a Trump-hating Democratic jury and voila, he was convicted on all 34 felony counts. Trump's conviction will eventually be overturned for judicial misconduct. Democrats are so blinded with hate for Trump that they cannot see that this was a political persecution.
Darrin Styles
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
23
Letter: Faiure of the Secret Service
- Jack Walters, Northeast side
I assume after a considerable time period we will be told why the Secret Service failed to Protect President Trump at the Rally in Pennsylvania.
To this day sixty one years later, we have still not been allowed to see many of the files deemed too important to share. I will go to my grave believing that the assassination of JFK was a conspiracy.
Many people at the Rally saw the shooter as much as 30 minutes before.. They reported to the police. I have seen clear videos of him walking on the roof and then laying down in a shooters position.
The Secret Service must have also seen him. I believe they didn’t shoot because of orders from on high to only respond but not act to prevent the tragedy. After eight shots were fired a sniper finally took him out. Was this also a conspiracy?
Jack Walters
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
24
Letter: Hey, Girlfriend!
- Carla OHara, Northwest side
Hey, Girlfriend!
You must be doing something wrong to cause so much political controversy. What are you thinking?
• You think you can choose whether or not to have children?
• You think your personal healthcare should be private?
• You think you should earn a living wage, equal to a man?
• You think you deserve that big, corner office?
• You think you deserve affordable, reliable childcare?
• You think you have the right to choose your partner?
• You think you should leave that abusive relationship?
• You think you should be allowed to practice your own religion?
And what about those cats? Why don’t you have a dog or a koala bear?
This election let us think about women’s rights and how hard it has been to overcome ancient female stereotypes. Let us use our voices, and the power of the ballot box, to protect everyone’s right to choose their own path.
Thanks, Girlfriend, for leading the way!
Carla OHara
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
25
Letter: A Tough July Day
- Sally Mayersohn, Northwest side
A Tough July Day
I cried. I felt loss and sadness on Sunday, July 21st, 2024 when Joe Biden
dropped out of the presidential race. Why? He wasn’t a close friend. But he sure
made you feel like one.
Joe Biden is a good man;
ethical;
patriotic;
committed to working for everyone;
a man with vision;
a uniter
a good president and so much more.
Historians will write the true story of the 46th president
and his legacy. Thank you Mr. President. You will be missed.
Sally Mayersohn
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
26
Letter: Fascism- A Primer
- Steve Rasmussen, Foothills
I have been hearing outrage on the “right” about comparisons between Trump and Mussolini. Is there a connection? Here are the common aspects of fascism. It’s a belligerent, far right authoritarian political system with a need to blame the nation’s woes on specific groups, uses propaganda continuously, and is intolerant of dissent. It discredits the previous information system so that it can sell a new reality. It revises that nation’s history to be a glorious past that must be reclaimed. It weaponizes nostalgia and rejects modernism. It tries to make ultra-patriotism mandatory. It criticizes corruption while being highly corrupt itself. It is stridently anti-Marxist. It’s anti-union, as it is intolerant of other power structures. It creates paranoia and a sense of being under siege in its followers. Victimhood is created, along with its obligatory vengeance upon those whom are their enemies. The leader must be seen as omnipotent/ macho. This is what Trump has been selling, if you have been paying attention.
Steve Rasmussen
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
27
- Toni Kane, Oro Valley
Trump disavows Project 2025. Why should I believe him? I believe he has not read it, but I challenge that he does not know anything about it. I quasi believe that it is not part of his presidential campaign. Why should I believe it is not part of his presidency if he wins?
Toni Kane
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
28
Letter: What is government for?
- Ke Chiang Hsieh, Midtown
The first Republican US President, Abraham Lincoln, proclaimed the government to be FOR the PEOPLE. One hundred sixty-one years later, the Republican dominated US Supreme Court further diminished the government’s ability to serve the people like you and me, starting with its 2010 “Citizens United” ruling to give corporations the rights of the citizens. Can we, the people, compete with the super-rich corporations in choosing a government OF and BY the PEOPLE? Imagine our access to clean water and air, quality education, beauty of the parks and monuments, and timely disaster reliefs, and our protection from child and sexual abuses, labor exploitations, business and industrial frauds, and infrastructural failures, etc. all benefiting us the people to be controlled by the wealthy profit-driven faceless corporations for their own greed. This is already happening: these elite “citizens” have their “elected” officials protecting them from taxation and regulations. If you want a government FOR the PEOPLE like you and me, vote Democratic!
Ke Chiang Hsieh
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
29
Letter: The American experiment
- David Hatch, Southeast side
One need not be confused by "titles" when it comes to defining our form of government. It doesn't really much matter whether you call it a "democracy" or a "republic". (It is actually a REPRESENTATIVE DEM0CRACY.)
If that's too confusing, all you need to know is this....AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, WE STILL HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO VOTE !
And Donald Trump wants to "FIX" that !
David Hatch
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
30
Letter: Trump and Project 2025
- Steve Sollenberger, Foothills
For the many Tucson liberal letter writers to the Star asserting that Trump backs or supports Project 2025, read this from the Wall Street Journal, July 30.
Paul Dans, Project 2025's director, informed Heritage Foundation staff this week of his decision to step down. Trump campaign senior advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita pounced on the news. “Project 2025’s demise would be greatly welcomed and should serve as notice to anyone or any group trying to misrepresent their influence with President Trump and his campaign—it will not end well for you,” they said in a statement.
(Back to my words). Trump disavowed any association with Project 2025 months ago, so stop lying about it.
Steve Sollenberger
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
31
Letter: “Vance’s childless criticisms resurface”, pA10, 7/24/24
- Karen Papagapitos, Northwest side
Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance believes that people who do not have biological children are not as invested in their communities as much as natural parents. His comments are directed at our current Vice-President Kamala Harris as well as other legislators.
JD Vance does not know American history.
George Washington was one of five U.S. presidents who did not have biological children.
JD Vance does not know world history.
Mother Theresa and Jesus did not have biological children.
The above individuals were very invested in their communities, to state the obvious.
Vance can beat this dead horse as much as he wants.
The facts won’t change and his own ignorance of both American and world history is frightening and unacceptable.
He needs a new speech writer and a refresher course in American and World history.
And he should apologize to the almost quarter of a million foster parents in America.
Karen Papagapitos
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
32
Letter: DHS halts "migrant" flight program
- David Burford, Northwest side
DHS has suddenly halted an advance "migrant" authorization flight program that has allowed 30,000 a month, over 400,000 thus far, to fly here on commercial airlines from Venezuela, Haiti, Nicaragua and Honduras via a parole program. DHS discovered large amounts of fraud in applications for those sponsoring the applicants. The fraud included the same social security numbers, addresses and phone numbers being used hundreds of times. Will any of these "sponsors" who committed fraud be prosecuted or the applicants be returned to their home country? I doubt it. This is what happens when you allow massive numbers of people to enter the country. The same document fraud will happen under any comprehensive immigration deal wherein only people can apply if entered before a certain date and need to show some documentation to prove it. This is all on Biden-Harris and part of their open-borders scheme, abusing the parole system that was meant to be applied on a case-by-case basis, not blanketed to thousands.
David Burford
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
33
Tucson Speaks Out: Aug. 5 letters of the day
Vance needs a history lesson
Re: the July 24 article “Vance’s ‘childless’ criticisms resurface.”
Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance believes that people who do not have biological children are not as invested in their communities as much as natural parents. His comments are directed at our current Vice President Kamala Harris as well as other legislators.
JD Vance does not know American history.
George Washington was one of five U.S. presidents who did not have biological children.
JD Vance does not know world history.
Mother Teresa and Jesus did not have biological children.
The above individuals were very invested in their communities, to state the obvious.
Vance can beat this dead horse as much as he wants. The facts won’t change and his own ignorance of both American and world history is frightening and unacceptable. He needs a new speechwriter and a refresher course in American and world history. And he should apologize to the almost quarter of a million foster parents in America.
Karen Papagapitos
Northwest side
My sentiments exactly
Thank you to the letter writer for expressing your feelings about a few people who write letters to the paper constantly. I had been thinking of writing the same ideas, but you were much more polite, and diplomatic than I would have been. I have been angered by the screed of one lady in particular who writes soooo often. But after a while I began to feel sorry for her and to worry about her, as her writings are so filled with awful hatred. She must have to take a double dose of blood pressure medicine on the days she writes.
The newspaper must have changed their policy of allowing a person to submit a letter no more than once a month, as I cannot find it stated in the paper now.
Carolyn McSpadden
SaddleBrooke
Fascism: A primer
I have been hearing outrage on the “right” about comparisons between Trump and Mussolini. Is there a connection? Here are the common aspects of fascism. It’s a belligerent, far-right authoritarian political system with a need to blame the nation’s woes on specific groups, uses propaganda continuously, and is intolerant of dissent. It discredits the previous information system so that it can sell a new reality. It revises that nation’s history to be a glorious past that must be reclaimed. It weaponizes nostalgia and rejects modernism. It tries to make ultra-patriotism mandatory. It criticizes corruption while being highly corrupt itself. It is stridently anti-Marxist. It’s anti-union, as it is intolerant of other power structures. It creates paranoia and a sense of being under siege in its followers. Victimhood is created, along with its obligatory vengeance upon those whom are their enemies. The leader must be seen as omnipotent/ macho. This is what Trump has been selling, if you have been paying attention.
Steve Rasmussen
Foothills
Santa Rita mine
The history of the West is rife with instances of mineral extraction, timber harvest, and range grazing that typically privatize the profits, and yet socialize the resulting damage and restoration. The Arizona Dept. of Environmental Quality is currently in the process of approving a massive new mine in the Santa Rita Mountain region by a Canadian based company, Hudbay Minerals.
Admittedly, we do need minerals, timber, and range stock to fuel our collective needs. But as in any other discussion, there are right ways to go about things — and multiple wrong ways. With a world facing increasing population, dwindling natural resources, water supply concerns, and a warming atmosphere, these decisions are more critical than ever. Balance is key.
Your voice on this issue is needed, because corporate funding to “grease the wheels” for approval is bountiful — even for bad plans.
David Barker
Marana
A tough July day
I cried. I felt loss and sadness on Sunday, July 21st, 2024 when Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race. Why? He wasn’t a close friend. But he sure made you feel like one.
Joe Biden is a good man — ethical, patriotic, committed to working for everyone, a man with vision, a uniter, a good president and so much more.
Historians will write the true story of the 46th president and his legacy.
Thank you Mr. President. You will be missed.
Sally Mayersohn
Northwest side
Failure of the Secret Service
I assume after a considerable time period we will be told why the Secret Service failed to Protect President Trump at the Rally in Pennsylvania.
To this day sixty-one years later, we have still not been allowed to see many of the files deemed too important to share. I will go to my grave believing that the assassination of JFK was a conspiracy.
Many people at the rally saw the shooter as much as 30 minutes before. They reported to the police. I have seen clear videos of him walking on the roof and then laying down in a shooters position.
The Secret Service must have also seen him. I believe they didn’t shoot because of orders from on high to only respond but not act to prevent the tragedy. After eight shots were fired a sniper finally took him out. Was this also a conspiracy?
Jack Walters
Northeast side
Hey, Girlfriend!
You must be doing something wrong to cause so much political controversy. What are you thinking?
- You think you can choose whether or not to have children?
- You think your personal healthcare should be private?
- You think you should earn a living wage, equal to a man?
- You think you deserve that big, corner office?
- You think you deserve affordable, reliable childcare?
- You think you have the right to choose your partner?
- You think you should leave that abusive relationship?
- You think you should be allowed to practice your own religion?
And what about those cats? Why don’t you have a dog or a koala bear?
This election let us think about women’s rights and how hard it has been to overcome ancient female stereotypes. Let us use our voices, and the power of the ballot box, to protect everyone’s right to choose their own path.
Thanks, Girlfriend, for leading the way!
Carla O’Hara
Northwest side
Trump and Project 2025
For the many Tucson liberal letter writers to the Star asserting that Trump backs or supports Project 2025, read this from the Wall Street Journal, July 30.
Paul Dans, Project 2025’s director, informed Heritage Foundation staff this week of his decision to step down. Trump campaign senior advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita pounced on the news. “Project 2025’s demise would be greatly welcomed and should serve as notice to anyone or any group trying to misrepresent their influence with President Trump and his campaign — it will not end well for you,” they said in a statement.
(Back to my words). Trump disavowed any association with Project 2025 months ago, so stop lying about it.
Steve Sollenberger
Foothills
The American experiment
One need not be cofused by “titles” when it comes to defining our form of government. It doesn’t really much matter whether you call it a “democracy” or a “republic.” (It is actually a representative democracy.)
If that’s too confusing, all you need to know is this ... After all these years, we still have the privilege to vote!
And Donald Trump wants to “fix” that !
David Hatch
Southeast side
Why should I believe Trump
Trump disavows Project 2025. Why should I believe him? I believe he has not read it, but I challenge that he does not know anything about it. I quasi believe that it is not part of his presidential campaign. Why should I believe it is not part of his presidency if he wins?
Toni Kane
Oro Valley
What is government for?
The first Republican U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, proclaimed the government to be for the people. One hundred sixty-one years later, the Republican-dominated US Supreme Court further diminished the government’s ability to serve the people like you and me, starting with its 2010 “Citizens United” ruling to give corporations the rights of the citizens. Can we, the people, compete with the super-rich corporations in choosing a government OF and BY the PEOPLE? Imagine our access to clean water and air, quality education, beauty of the parks and monuments, and timely disaster reliefs, and our protection from child and sexual abuses, labor exploitations, business and industrial frauds, and infrastructural failures, etc. all benefiting us the people to be controlled by the wealthy profit-driven faceless corporations for their own greed. This is already happening: these elite “citizens” have their “elected” officials protecting them from taxation and regulations. If you want a government for the people like you and me, vote Democratic!
Ke Chiang Hsieh
Midtown
34
Letter: presidential candidates
- Robert Rees, Northwest side
What does it say about our country that the leading presidential candidate Is a 78-year-old convict who has twice lost the popular vote? Can anybody truly be proud of this?
Robert Rees
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
35
Letter: Democracy
- Kalvin Smith, Midtown
Jeffrey McConnell, a republic is type of democracy, It is a representative democracy. A democracy is when citizenry has the right (and I would say duty) to participate in free and fair elections. Democracies have eligibility conditions such as age and citizenship.
Kalvin Smith
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
36
Letter: Where is the Democrats' outrage?
- Gusher Adams, Midtown
President Biden was just bullied and intimidated out of running for a second term as President and most Democrats have been silent about it. In his place now is VP Kamala Harris, that nobody voted for and who won no primaries. Coronated by Democrat party elites and the liberal news media. And Harris has not said one critical word about what happened. Just quickly adorned the crown. Biden is almost a side note now. Where is the outrage from Democrats and Democrat readers of the AZ Star over this? No empathy or sympathy for Biden or anger at what happened. This was a blatant example of interfering in an election. What was Democratic about it? Nothing. It was a straight out coup that threatens our Democracy. It sets a dangerous precedent for unpopular Presidents in office. But all that is over looked and forgiven because Democrats and their many news media allies will do anything to beat "threat to Democracy" Trump. Including committing their own "threat to Democracy."
Gusher Adams
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
37
Letter: Who are Trump's vermin?
- Kathy Krucker, Midtown
Re: Trump falsely questions Harris's race.
No revelation or eye-opener that Mr. Trump falsely questioned Vice President Harris’ race at the NABJ. He is and has always been a misogynist and racist: from his “no vacancies for Blacks” in the Wilshire Apartments with his father, to his birtherism conspiracies about President Obama, to his current vile, vulgar, and demeaning attacks on Black journalists, Black judges, and Black prosecutors.
Trump frequently calls his political opponents and minorities “vermin.” Vermin in our country are those individuals and media outlets who tolerate, allow, and embrace Mr. Trump’s racism and misogyny.
Kathy Krucker
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
38
Letter: Early Voting?
- Gerry Maggiora, Foothills
I’m relieved. I thought I was going to have to vote this year. But according to Donald Trump that won’t be necessary, as he apparently has enough votes already. I guess early voting began earlier than I realized.
Gerry Maggiora
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
39
Letter: Judicial coup
- Roger Voelker, Southeast side
Re: August 1 letter "Brady's 'judicial coup' lie.
In response to an earlier article, the letter writer says the claim that McConnell's refusal to hold hearings on Merrick Garlands Supreme Court nomination amounted to a judicial coup, is a lie.
He then makes a big deal of McConnell's rule change lowering the votes required to confirm a Supreme Court justice from 60 to 51, as if this was somehow relevant.
Since Garland never received a vote, the number of votes required for confirmation is irrelevant - not to mention the rule change came more than a year after Garland's nomination.
McConnell cited a nonexistent "rule" barring consideration of a Supreme Court nomination in the last year of a Presidential term as justification for his refusal, yet he rammed through Amy Barrett's confirmation just 2 weeks before the 2020 election with voting already underway.
A judicial coup? Absolutely!
Roger Voelker
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
40
Letter: French vs. American health care system response
- Dr. Sandra Katz, M.D., J.D., Foothills
In response to the gentleman who had a bad experience in a hospital in Lyon, France: I'm sorry you had this experience. However, American hospital horror stories also abound. You suggested that I spend time in France. I have spent 3 months every year for the past 24 years there, traveling throughout France over 8 years, and now have an apartment in Paris, where I spend 6 months/year.
In Paris, my friend was hospitalized with a possible head injury, after a fall--monitored throughout the day by several neurologists, CT scan-$150. Another time, she had a knee problem--went to a clinic, took a number, was seen by a doctor in 10 minutes, knee examined, ultrasound performed, treatment prescribed--cost $23. I had a cardiac MRI--immediate appointment, scan, 20 minute consultation with doctor, given a folder with enlarged images, 2 DVD's, 5-page report--$230. Pharmacist can prescribe for minor problems; cost miniscule for self-pay Americans.
The French health care system is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
Dr. Sandra Katz, M.D., J.D.
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
41
Letter: Shout out to the “Stop the Steal” crowd
- Jennifer Larson, Northwest side
I want to send a big thank you to all the Republicans out there who have expressed their concern about Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic nominee for president. It warms my heart to hear that the party of Jan 6, the Big Lie, the fake elector schemes, and “The election is only fair if I win” is now outraged at the idea that the will of Democratic voters isn’t being heard. Better late than never, right?
But let me reassure my MAGA friends that we voted for a Biden-Harris ticket and now that President Biden has stepped aside, the Democratic Party wholeheartedly supports VP Harris as our candidate.
Jennifer Larson
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
42
Letter: Democrats continue their threats to Democracy
- Dorothy Monroe, Sierra Vista
Democrats continue their threats to Democracy. They are the professionals at it, not amateurish Trump. From removing major candidates from ballots, to forcing a President not to run for re-election, to coronating a new Democrat nominee, to rioting in the streets. All threats to our Democracy. Now you can add their attacks on the U.S. Supreme Court. Prior to their ruling on Roe v Wade, Democrat Senator Chuck Schumer stood on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court and threatened Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch saying "they would pay a price" if overturning it. Since then, President Biden and other Democrat politicians have called their rulings illegitimate. Now Democrats in Congress want to impose term limits on SCOTUS members and "stack the court" with at least four new left wing Justices. You see, it is only SCOTUS that is standing in the way of Biden-Harris' and Democrat politicians' left wing agenda being implemented. They could care less about "Democracy" and are the real thereat to it.
Dorothy Monroe
Sierra Vista
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
43
Letter: Letter commenting on letter: "Men in Black" (July 26).
- Daniel Pryor, West side
Re: The July 26 letter "Men in Black."
The sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s (hetero and hom*osexual) filtered into all aspects and institutions of American life. Religious clerical life (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish) was not immune. The Catholic League's Bill Donohue has written extensively on the topic: "The Truth about Clergy Sexual Abuse: Clarifying the Facts and the Causes." Since the early 2000s, the Catholic Church has addressed the hom*osexual abuse in the priesthood. After that, credible allegations about hom*osexual contact by Catholic clergy are dramatically reduced.
The words of Christ are providential In Matthew 23:2-3, "The Scribes and Pharisees sit on the Chair of Moses (judgment seat), so do what they tell you, but not what they do, because they are often hypocrites." Overall, throughout time, the majority of priests have not been hom*osexually abusive. Better to remain in the Church, because the teaching is right.
Daniel Pryor
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
44
Letter: Harris Too Liberal?
- George Girard, North side
- Updated
Re: July 25 article "Kamala Harris was most liberal in Senate"
Although I disagree to the extent to which you compliment Kamala Harris for being too Liberal, I think you've given me all the reasons I need to vote for her. Yes, because she's favors a woman's Right to Choose, I choose her. Climate Change is, and the threat it presents to the Entire Planet we live on, as a chemist, I approve of the action of Kamala Harris in support of reducing this threat. Carbon dioxide and methane build-up in our atmosphere increases the capture of solar heat --Greenhouse Effect.
Again, thank you!
George Girard
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
45
Tucson Speaks Out: Aug. 4 letters of the day
Harris too liberal?
Re: the July 25 letter “Kamala Harris was rated most liberal in Senate.”
Although I disagree to the extent to which you compliment Kamala Harris for being too liberal, I think you’ve given me all the reasons I need to vote for her. Yes, because she favors a woman’s right to choose, I choose her. Climate change and the threat it presents to the entire planet we live on, as a chemist, I approve of the action of Kamala Harris in support of reducing this threat. Carbon dioxide and methane buildup in our atmosphere increases the capture of solar heat — Greenhouse Effect.
Again, thank you!
George Girard
North side
Appreciation
In recent months, I’ve visited (online or in person) several local governmental agencies and I want to compliment their processes and efficiencies. I used the Pima County Treasurer website portal to pay property taxes for multiple properties and it was an uncomplicated and easy transaction. I researched deed records on the Pima County Recorder’s website and it was much more accessible since they removed the need to prove you’re “not a robot.” I visited the Pima County Courthouse to obtain a copy of an older marriage license for a family member and it took about 10 minutes. I also visited the Arizona State Government office on W. Congress St. to get an apostille certification and that took about five minutes. I appreciate my tax dollars being spent for these services.
Jo A. Griffith
Northwest side
Church teachings
Re: the July 26 letter “Men in Black.”
The sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s (hetero and hom*osexual) filtered into all aspects and institutions of American life. Religious clerical life (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish) was not immune. The Catholic League’s Bill Donohue has written extensively on the topic: “The Truth about Clergy Sexual Abuse: Clarifying the Facts and the Causes.” Since the early 2000s, the Catholic Church has addressed the hom*osexual abuse in the priesthood. After that, credible allegations about hom*osexual contact by Catholic clergy are dramatically reduced.
The words of Christ are providential in Matthew 23:2-3, “The Scribes and Pharisees sit on the Chair of Moses (judgment seat), so do what they tell you, but not what they do, because they are often hypocrites.” Overall, throughout time, the majority of priests have not been hom*osexually abusive. Better to remain in the Church, because the teaching is right.
Daniel Pryor
West side
Where is the Democrats’ outrage?
President Biden was just bullied and intimidated out of running for a second term as President and most Democrats have been silent about it. In his place now is VP Kamala Harris, that nobody voted for and who won no primaries. Coronated by Democrat party elites and the liberal news media. And Harris has not said one critical word about what happened. Just quickly adorned the crown. Biden is almost a side note now. Where is the outrage from Democrats and Democrat readers of the AZ Star over this? No empathy or sympathy for Biden or anger at what happened. This was a blatant example of interfering in an election. What was Democratic about it? Nothing. It was a straight out coup that threatens our Democracy. It sets a dangerous precedent for unpopular Presidents in office. But all that is overlooked and forgiven because Democrats and their many news media allies will do anything to beat “threat to Democracy” Trump. Including committing their own “threat to Democracy.”
Gusher Adams
Midtown
Gun violence in Tucson
Re: the July 29 article “Sound off on gun violence in Tucson.”
The event release statement said, “Community members 18-and-up are encouraged to attend and learn more about gun violence, offer their suggestions for reducing it, and stay informed about the findings at the conclusion of the grant-related work.” Well to begin with, “gun violence” is a misnomer as it should be “people violence.” But the former is the narrative of Democrats relieving individuals of responsibility for harming others. I hope Mayor Romero, the Chief of South Tucson Police and the Chief of TPD attend. What should be brought out is that a predominant amount of the homicides and shootings that occur in Tucson are committed by Latinos in midtown and on the southside. No information is ever revealed about their immigration legal status. This “gun violence” has been ongoing for years. Why have Latino leaders and local Police Departments not addressed it? It is a public safety issue.
Teddy Francisco
Three Points
Presidential candidates
What does it say about our country that the leading presidential candidate is a 78-year-old convict who has twice lost the popular vote? Can anybody truly be proud of this?
Robert Rees
Northwest side
Democracy
Re: the July 30 article “Democracy or Republic?”
To the letter writer: A republic is type of democracy, it is a representative democracy. A democracy is when citizenry has the right (and I would say duty) to participate in free and fair elections. Democracies have eligibility conditions such as age and citizenship.
Kalvin Smith
Midtown
French healthcare
Re: the July 30 letter “French health care.”
In response to the gentleman who had a bad experience in a hospital in Lyon, France: I’m sorry you had this experience. However, American hospital horror stories also abound. You suggested that I spend time in France. I have spent three months every year for the past 24 years there, traveling throughout France over eight years, and now have an apartment in Paris, where I spend six months per year.
In Paris, my friend was hospitalized with a possible head injury, after a fall —monitored throughout the day by several neurologists, CT scan — $150. Another time, she had a knee problem — went to a clinic, took a number, was seen by a doctor in 10 minutes, knee examined, ultrasound performed, treatment prescribed — cost $23. I had a cardiac MRI — immediate appointment, scan, 20-minute consultation with doctor, given a folder with enlarged images, two DVD’s, five-page report — $230. Pharmacist can prescribe for minor problems; cost minuscule for self-pay Americans.
The French healthcare system is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
Dr. Sandra Katz, M.D., J.D.
Foothills
Legislation prohibiting mill dog sales needed
Re: the July 31 article “Pet shelters are at capacity, Legislature needs to help.”
Arizona is a humane backwater in prohibiting restrictions on puppy-mill sales and corrective legislation is long overdue! Current corrupt legislation was inserted by unscrupulous animal-dealer with civil/criminal convictions.
Massive numbers of Arizona adoptable animals are routinely euthanized with demoralized and exhausted shelter/rescue supporters. Suffering caused by mill and chronic backyard breeding is too numerous to detail here while draining public funds.
Too often wealthy national animal welfare orgs like ASPCA and Humane Societies’ use animals as disposable fundraising props for lavish executive salaries and gala donor events, instead of legislative lobbying and media campaigns to eliminate factory farms, requiring retailers of shelter/rescue dogs only like other states.
Best Friends solicits campaign donations for Craigslist to enforce its policy against commercial puppy listings of mill and chronic backyard breeders without results, collecting oodles of money without legislative results in Arizona either.
Donors and corporate sponsors should expect results, not lip-service from wealthy animal welfare orgs with bi-partisan public support for representatives prompt corrective legislation.
Candace Charvoz Frank
West side
Early voting?
I’m relieved. I thought I was going to have to vote this year. But according to Donald Trump that won’t be necessary, as he apparently has enough votes already. I guess early voting began earlier than I realized.
Gerry Maggiora
Foothills
Politicians
As an independent conservative I am very interested in politics, but I have a strong dislike for politicians in general. Only 26% of American adults have a favorable opinion of politicians.
I believe that all politicians lie at some time and when they don’t lie they exaggerate.
They misquote their opponents.
They vote themselves pay raises and fight efforts toward term limitations.
They are obsessed with reelection and focus most of their time on getting reelected
They have blind obedience to their party no matter the issue.
They spend millions on negative ads.
There is a proclivity for politicians to engage in blatantly unethical, self-destructive, behaviors.
They bend to whomever can donate most to their campaign and don’t follow through on campaign promises.
They label their opponents as racist, socialist, communist, Hitlerites, war criminals, whenever someone disagrees with them.
Most politicians are self-serving and have no common sense, no love of country, and no moral code.
Yes, I love politics, but have a disdain for politicians.
Tom McGorray
Northwest side
Judicial coup
Re: the Aug. 1 letter “Bracy’s ‘judicial coup’ lie.”
In response to an earlier article, the letter writer says the claim that McConnell’s refusal to hold hearings on Merrick Garland’s Supreme Court nomination amounted to a judicial coup, is a lie.
He then makes a big deal of McConnell’s rule change lowering the votes required to confirm a Supreme Court justice from 60 to 51, as if this was somehow relevant.
Since Garland never received a vote, the number of votes required for confirmation is irrelevant — not to mention the rule change came more than a year after Garland’s nomination.
McConnell cited a nonexistent “rule” barring consideration of a Supreme Court nomination in the last year of a Presidential term as justification for his refusal, yet he rammed through Amy Barrett’s confirmation just two weeks before the 2020 election with voting already underway.
A judicial coup? Absolutely!
Roger Voelker
Southeast side
Who are Trump’s vermin?
Re: the Aug. 1 article “Trump falsely questions Harris’ race.”
No revelation or eye-opener that Mr. Trump falsely questioned Vice President Harris’ race at the NABJ. He is and has always been a misogynist and racist: from his “no vacancies for Blacks” in the Wilshire Apartments with his father, to his birtherism conspiracies about President Obama, to his current vile, vulgar, and demeaning attacks on Black journalists, Black judges, and Black prosecutors.
Trump frequently calls his political opponents and minorities “vermin.” Vermin in our country are those individuals and media outlets who tolerate, allow, and embrace Mr. Trump’s racism and misogyny.
Kathy Krucker
Midtown
Development of Quail Creek
This development is not only unnecessary, it is destructive. It is always the same scenario. A development that is not needed in an environment that will be forever destroyed.
KnoxAnn Armijo
Tubac
Shout out to the “Stop the Steal” crowd
I want to send a big thank you to all the Republicans out there who have expressed their concern about Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic nominee for president. It warms my heart to hear that the party of Jan. 6, the Big Lie, the fake elector schemes, and “The election is only fair if I win” is now outraged at the idea that the will of Democratic voters isn’t being heard. Better late than never, right?
But let me reassure my MAGA friends that we voted for a Biden-Harris ticket and now that President Biden has stepped aside, the Democratic Party wholeheartedly supports VP Harris as our candidate.
Jennifer Larson
Northwest side
Democrats continue their threats to democracy
Democrats continue their threats to Democracy. They are the professionals at it, not amateurish Trump. From removing major candidates from ballots, to forcing a President not to run for re-election, to coronating a new Democratic nominee, to rioting in the streets. All threats to our democracy. Now you can add their attacks on the U.S. Supreme Court. Prior to their ruling on Roe v Wade, Democrat Senator Chuck Schumer stood on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court and threatened Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch saying “they would pay a price” if overturning it. Since then, President Biden and other Democratic politicians have called their rulings illegitimate. Now Democrats in Congress want to impose term limits on SCOTUS members and “stack the court” with at least four new left-wing Justices. You see, it is only SCOTUS that is standing in the way of Biden-Harris’ and Democrat politicians’ left-wing agenda being implemented. They could care less about “democracy” and are the real threat to it.
Dorothy Monroe
Sierra Vista
46
Letter: Missing the point
- James Abels, Midtown
I expect the majority of the primary voters did not actually vote for Joe Biden. I'm guessing they voted for anybody but Donald Trump! Presuming that assumption is valid, nothing has changed. The vote is still 'Anybody but Donald Trump'.
James Abels
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
47
Letter: NO DEBATES WITH A CONVICTED FELON
- Dennis Winsten, Northeast side
Let's hope that there are no debates between Ms. Harris and the other guy. There is little, if any, upside for Ms. Harris to debate and significant downside. Why should Democrats give credibility and national exposure to a convicted felon? Further, one can expect the same ignoring of issues and spouting the usual lies by the other guy. Rationale for not debating, "Why would I debate a convicted felon". The last debate should never have occurred (very bad strategy). It destroyed Joe Biden who deserved better.
Dennis Winsten
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
48
Letter: Myths about border crossings
- Eleanor Navarro, East side
The trump lies about the "disaster" at the border continue even though they're very incorrect. Illegal crossings along the U.S. southern border fell to a 3-year low in June following President Biden's drastic move to curtail asylum and continued efforts by Mexico to stop migrants heading north. This fact is from CBS news, July 1, 2024. This latest lie about a huge border fiasco is just another myth much like that "huge" caravan that was supposed to invade this country a few years ago was.
Eleanor Navarro
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
49
Letter: Trump's Dementia
- Gary Thacker, Midtown
Having watched family members decline into dementia, I’m seeing it with Trump. He slurs words and cannot pronounce four syllable words like infrastructure or Venezuela. He loses his train of thought in the middle of sentences. He goes on nonsensical rants about electric boats, sharks and Hannibal Lector…what the hell does that have to do with anything?
In my estimation, he will be in memory care 2 or 3 years from now. The idea of JD Vance as president scares the hell out of me.
Gary Thacker
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
50
Letter: How many MAGA Republicans in pro-Palestinian anti Israel protests?
- Daniella Constantini, Sahuarita
How many MAGA Republicans were in that anti-Israel pro-Palestinian protest turned riot outside the Capital yesterday? I venture none. How many were in the 100 that took over the Capital rotunda earlier in the week? I venture none. How many have been in the hundreds of such protests across the country since last October? I venture none. These thousands of protesters have taken over university campuses, taken over public buildings, trespassed, destroyed property, thrown rocks and bottles at law enforcement, held up despicable anti-Semitic signs about Jews and harassed Jewish students. These are not MAGA Republicans, but rather Progressive Democrats. Harris is out there calling Republicans extremists. She needs to look at her own party for the extremists. There were no MAGA riots or protests after the FBI raided Mar Lago, Trump's conviction in New York, his assassination attempt, politically motivated indictments, etc. I would argue that January 6 was a one off occasion. Protesting and rioting is what Democrats do. Remember the summer of 2019?
Daniella Constantini
Sahuarita
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
51
Tucson speaks out: Aug. 9 letters to the editor
Won’t you be my neighbor?
It must drive Steve Bannon insane that he lives in the same town as the rational and compassionate Gil Shapiro. Of course, I mean when Bannon is actually living in Oro Valley instead of inside a federal prison in Connecticut.
Rick Cohn
West side
Presidential race
Joy v. Anger.
Normal v. Weird.
Caring v. Hateful.
Rational v. Crazy.
Charitable v. Selfish.
Democracy v. Authoritarianism
Fellow Americans: Please choose wisely.
Rick Jones
Downtown
Anti-fascists
The book Masters of the Air, about the U.S. air war against Nazi Germany, includes quotes appropriate for our times from members of bomber crews. They were fighting “the spawners of race hatred and minority oppression” and “it had to be stopped.” Those who served, along with the entire country, were our original anti-fascists. Now their children and grandchildren may well see their sacrifices undone by a large percentage of the U.S. population either indifferent to or intrigued by fascism and disdain our democracy. We could be heading to a White Nationalist oligarchy based around a “Christian” version of Sharia law. Such governments are characterized by lies, conspiracy theories, hate, and usually a cult following. That was acted out at the coronation in Milwaukee by the cult formerly known as a political party led by a sleazy con artist who adores murderous fascist and communist leaders.
Vance Holliday
Foothills
Why publish AI disinformation
The opinion piece by Jim Douthit in the August 8 edition of the Star represents the most complete loss of editorial integrity I’ve witnessed. If it was supposed to be satire, it failed miserably as it merely concocted a series of lies about Harris’s positions without any attempt to tell an uninformed reader he was simply lying about her positions. Satire, both good and bad, eventually reveals the truth.
This appears to me to be an article written by Russian AI bots and submitted by a person. It is a weird series of lies with no further purpose than to confuse and spread disinformation. I am beyond disappointed with the editorial choice to print this obvious piece of disinformation. I am concerned for the intellectual and mental health of the Star staff.
Phil Biggs
Foothills
Greatest of all time
Jim Douthit’s letter “Kamala gives us hope” may be the greatest example of satire ever written!!! The way that Jim describes Kamala’s comments on Afghanistan, Russia collusion, the border policy, Ukraine, the debt, and winding up with Obama was brilliant!! Thanks Jim, you are the GOAT.
Jack Hingstrum
Marana
Yippy Vance
Weird Donald must be quite proud of his new lapdog, GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance.
Losing no time Vance quickly slammed the military career of Tim Walz, his Democratic Party opponent.
Former corporal Vance served four years. Walz served 24 years, finishing as a command sergeant major.
When it comes to important stuff I’ll always listen to a sergeant major before a yippy corporal.
Joe Schula
Foothills
Hudbay and friends debunked
Rob Peters’ excellent opinion piece explaining the results of the Powers Consulting Group’s study of Copper World, exposes Hudbay’s false claims of economic benefits to Pima county. Now it is plain for everyone to see that the negative impacts of this mega-mine complex would far outweigh the benefits.
The study also shows that copper is not in short supply, and that existing mining operations will be able to keep up with future demand.
So Hudbay and its sycophant politicians, like Ciscomani and Steve Christy, can quit lying to us with their false propaganda, and claims of future copper shortages. And that goes for certain misinformed letter writers to the editor. Mr Sollenberger should stop insulting and deriding intelligent, concerned citizens. His phony, histrionic, doomsday predictions about copper shortages have been proven false. This is all about making money folks, and it certainly isn’t about protecting the health, water supply, or property values of Pima county residents and visitors.
Rick Johnson
Sahuarita
Santa Claus
What a perfect pick for VP!
Someone who understands how to achieve economic growth.
A person who values public education.
One who comprehends women’s reproductive problems and believes in strong public health care.
A hunter who knows our country needs responsible gun ownership.
A person with international relationship skills from a successful military background.
Someone who cares about income disparity and wants a strong middle-class America.
Most of all, a person who is concerned about climate change.
Tim Walz has the personality of Santa Claus and the brilliance of Abraham Lincoln.
Janet Pipes
Northwest side
Ciscomani signs
Many voters fill out their ballots based on name recognition — that is a sad fact but true. Hence, politicians spend a lot of money on signs and I don’t think anybody has made a greater effort than Rep. Juan Ciscomani. Every intersection I went through and four signs on each corner — big and blue and without any party affiliation. I had to look him up, and it turns out he is another MAGA guy who votes the way Trump tells him.
If you want to vote for this guy, please check his voting record. I hope somebody makes him retrieve all those signs after the election.
Steve Devitt
East side
Truth matters
I have seen a political ad that states that Biden/Harris have let 10 million immigrants into the United States in less than
Four years. I went to Factcheck.org to verify the claim. They say that 2.5 million immigrants have been released into the U.S. and 2.8 million have been expelled in the last four years. Someone is lying big time. I live 50 miles from the border. I have not had any problems with immigrants related to crime, vagrancy, or other adverse issues. I do see plenty of violence and homelessness and just crappy behavior all over our city from our citizens. We don’t need to blame immigrants for our problems. We, the citizens, are the problem.
Richard Bechtold
West side
Weirdly Silent
JD Vance is complaining that Governor Tim Walz “abandoned” his Army National Guard unit before they were deployed to a combat zone. The truth is that Governor Walz left the Guard at least two months before his unit was notified of the deployment. He left to run for Congress.
Moreover, Vance remains silent about the Cheeto-Dusted-Draft-Dodger who faked having bone spurs to avoid the Vietnam draft.
Weird, isn’t it?
James Nesci
East side
Inflation-fighting policy
Kamala Harris touts being for the future and freedom. She has explained inflation as higher costs affecting families negatively. What depth of understanding! What she has not done is offer plans for how to deal with the nation’s problems. She will not take press questions to justify her past policies or present a plan for the future. The liberal media, derelict in their duty, will not ask her the hard questions in dreaded fear of the response. As a contrast, Donald Trump has told us that on day one, he will order the border closed to all except those who enter legally. This results in community budget dollars, not spent on illegals, will be available for citizens in those communities. He also will allow our natural resources to be extracted; “drill baby drill”. This secure source of home-grown resources will inherently lower costs of fuel, thus lowering the cost of all the goods we purchase. Where is the plan so I can make a reasoned decision?
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
Goodness Prevails
It is so uplifting to see leaders who radiate goodness and joy, who help and uplift others, and who are committed to a healthier and more prosperous future for all. Goodness attracts goodness. We are attracted to happy and good people. They help us feel happier, too, because their goodness brings out the goodness in us. The quote from Sadly Ali Khan, “Your life is the message to the world. Make sure it is inspiring” encourages us to be better. To be our best selves we must love our neighbors and treat others as we want to be treated. Respect is the key. Our ancestors fought hard for the freedoms we have in this country. Let us respect our ancestors, our children’s future, and each other. If your life is your message, let your voice be heard. In November, vote for goodness and goodness will prevail.
Maggie Kraft
North side
52
Letter: Why publish AI disinformation
- Phil Biggs, Foothills
The opinion piece by Jim Douthit in the August 8 edition of the Star represents the most complete loss of editorial integrity I’ve witnessed. If it was supposed to be satire, it failed miserably as it merely concocted a series of lies about Harris’s positions without any attempt to tell an uninformed reader he was simply lying about her positions. Satire, both good and bad, eventually reveals the truth.
This appears to me to be an article written by Russian AI bots and submitted by a person. It is a weird series of lies with no further purpose than to confuse and spread disinformation. I am beyond disappointed with the editorial choice to print this obvious piece of disinformation. I am concerned for the intellectual and mental health of the Star staff.
Phil Biggs
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
53
Letter: Greatest of all time.
- Jack Hingstrum, Marana
Jim Douthit's letter "Kamala gives us hope" may be the greatest example of satire ever written!!! The way that Jim describes Kamala's comments on Afghanistan, Russia collusion, the border policy, Ukraine, the debt, and winding up with Obama was brilliant!! Thanks Jim, you are the GOAT.
Jack Hingstrum
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
54
Letter: Santa Claus
- Janet Pipes, Northwest side
What a perfect pick for VP!
Someone who understands how to achieve economic growth.
A person who values public education.
One who comprehends women’s reproductive problems and believes in strong public health care.
A hunter who knows our country needs responsible gun ownership.
A person with international relationship skills from a successful military background.
Someone who cares about income disparity and wants a strong middle-class America.
Most of all, a person who is concerned about climate change.
Tim Walz has the personality of Santa Claus and the brilliance of Abraham Lincoln.
Janet Pipes
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
55
Letter: Yippy Vance
- Joe Schula, Foothills
Weird Donald must be quite proud of his new lapdog, GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance.
Losing no time Vance quickly slammed the military career of Tim Walz, his Democratic Party opponent.
Former corporal Vance served four years. Walz served 24 years, finishing as a command sergeant major.
When it comes to important stuff I’ll always listen to a sergeant major before a yippy corporal.
Joe Schula
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
56
Letter: Anti-fascists
- Vance Holliday, Foothills
The book Masters of the Air, about the U.S. air war against Nazi Germany, includes quotes appropriate for our times from members of bomber crews. They were fighting “the spawners of race hatred and minority oppression” and “it had to be stopped.” Those who served, along with the entire country, were our original anti-fascists. Now their children and grandchildren may well see their sacrifices undone by a large percentage of the U.S. population either indifferent to or intrigued by fascism and disdain our democracy. We could be heading to a White Nationalist oligarchy based around a “Christian” version of Sharia law. Such governments are characterized by lies, conspiracy theories, hate, and usually a cult following. That was acted out at the coronation in Milwaukee by the cult formerly known as a political party led by a sleazy con artist who adores murderous fascist and communist leaders.
Vance Holliday
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
57
Letter: Presidential Race
- Rick Jones, Downtown
Joy v. Anger.
Normal v. Weird.
Caring v. Hateful.
Rational v. Crazy.
Charitable v. Selfish.
Democracy v. Authoritarianism
Fellow Americans: Please choose wisely.
Rick Jones
Downtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
58
Letter: Goodness Prevails
- Maggie Kraft, North side
It is so uplifting to see leaders who radiate goodness and joy, who help and uplift others, and who are committed to a healthier and more prosperous future for all. Goodness attracts goodness. We are attracted to happy and good people. They help us feel happier, too, because their goodness brings out the goodness in us. The quote from Sadly Ali Khan, “Your life is the message to the world. Make sure it is inspiring” encourages us to be better. To be our best selves we must love our neighbors and treat others as we want to be treated. Respect is the key. Our ancestors fought hard for the freedoms we have in this country. Let us respect our ancestors, our children’s future, and each other. If your life is your message, let your voice be heard. In November, vote for goodness and goodness will prevail.
Maggie Kraft
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
59
Letter: Truth matters
- Richard Bechtold, West side
I have seen a political ad that states that Biden/Harris have let 10 million immigrants into the United States in less than
4 years. I went to Factcheck.org to verify the claim. They say that 2.5 million immigrants have been released into the US and 2.8 million have been expelled in the last 4 years. Someone is lying big time. I live 50 miles from the border. I have not had any problems with immigrants related to crime, vagrancy, or other adverse issues. I do see plenty of violence and homelessness and just crappy behavior all over our city from our citizens. We don't need to blame immigrants for our problems. We, the citizens, are the problem.
Richard Bechtold
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
60
Letter: Inflation-fighting policy
- Loyal M Johnson Jr, Oro Valley
Kamala Harris touts being for the future and freedom. She has explained inflation as higher costs affecting families negatively. What depth of understanding! What she has not done is offer plans for how to deal with the nation’s problems. She will not take press questions to justify her past policies or present a plan for the future. The liberal media, derelict in their duty, will not ask her the hard questions in dreaded fear of the response. As a contrast, Donald Trump has told us that on day one, he will order the border closed to all except those who enter legally. This results in community budget dollars, not spent on illegals, will be available for citizens in those communities. He also will allow our natural resources to be extracted; “drill baby drill”. This secure source of home-grown resources will inherently lower costs of fuel, thus lowering the cost of all the goods we purchase. Where is the plan so I can make a reasoned decision?
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
61
Letter: Weirdly Silent
- James Nesci, East side
JD Vance is complaining that Governor Tim Walz “abandoned” his Army National Guard unit before they were deployed to a combat zone. The truth is that Governor Walz left the Guard at least 2 months before his unit was notified of the deployment. He left to run for Congress.
Moreover, Vance remains silent about the Cheeto-Dusted-Draft-Dodger who faked having bone spurs to avoid the Vietnam draft.
Weird, isn’t it?
James Nesci
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
More like this...
'; oEngagementContainer_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.append(sHTML_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4); } }); } // Build engagement set $.each(oResponse.assets, function(index) { if (index == 1 && sOriginID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 == null) { sOriginID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = oResponse.assets[0].id; } // Display assets once origin is found // Find origin then begin displaying assets if (bFoundOrigin_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 == true) { if (this.id == sOriginID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4) { // Found orgin a second time. Stop gathering assets and kill next_url bStop_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = true; sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = null; oEngagementMore_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.remove(); } else if (bStop_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 == false && this.id != 'bb8b825d-42a7-5fd9-8d8e-7cecc2d2fae4') { // Display asset var sHTML_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = ''; if (this.content.includes('engagement-asset') && iDisplayCount_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 < iMaxDisplay_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4) { iDisplayCount_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 ++; sHTML_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 += '
' + this.content + '
'; } } } else { if (this.id == sOriginID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4) { // Origin found. Begin displaying assets bFoundOrigin_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = true; } else { // Origin found is false. Skip asset // Fail-safe in case origin is not present in set. This can be removed when origin is fixed. if (bFirstRun_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 == true) { // Stored first id sFirstID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = this.id; bFirstRun_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = false; } else if (this.id == sFirstID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4) { // We've started again. Force origin sOriginID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = sFirstID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4; bFoundOrigin_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = true; } // end Fail-safe } } // Append engagement assets to container oEngagementContainer_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.append(sHTML_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4); // Stop traversing asset array if (iDisplayCount_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 >= iMaxDisplay_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4) { bStop_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = true; return false; } }); // Include block_id on newly added list items oEngagementContainer_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.find('.engagement-item.original').each(function() { var sHref_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = scrubURL($(this).find("a.centered-content-link").attr("href")); if(sHref_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4!="javascript:void(0)"){ // Add content discovery tracking sHref_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 += '#tncms-source=endcard-gallery'; // Add to image and headlines links $(this).removeClass('original').find("a.centered-content-link").attr("href", sHref_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4); } }); // Check next URL if (sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 && bStop_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 == false) { // if origin hasn't been found yet and we hit next_url. Trigger the set to pull in again. if (bFoundOrigin_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 == false) { // No origin yet. Call the populate function __tnt.engagement.assets["bb8b825d-42a7-5fd9-8d8e-7cecc2d2fae4"].populate(sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4); } else { // Append sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 to engagement set oEngagementContainer_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.append('
'); if (iDisplayCount_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 < iMaxDisplay_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4) { // Get next url and request more assets __tnt.engagement.assets["bb8b825d-42a7-5fd9-8d8e-7cecc2d2fae4"].populate(oEngagementMore_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.data('next-url')); } } } // Add total count to container if (bStop_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 == true) { // Add total count to container oEngagementContainer_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.attr("data-engagement-total", iDisplayCount_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4); // Remove engagement loading spinner oEngagementSpinner_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.remove(); return false; } } else { // Empty asset set returned. Go back in for a real set if(__tnt.engagement.assets["bb8b825d-42a7-5fd9-8d8e-7cecc2d2fae4"].attempts<2){ if(sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4==null||sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4==""){ sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = "/news/local/tucson-speaks-up-letters-to-the-editor-for-the-week-of-aug-9-2024/collection_bb8b825d-42a7-5fd9-8d8e-7cecc2d2fae4.html"; } __tnt.engagement.assets["bb8b825d-42a7-5fd9-8d8e-7cecc2d2fae4"].populate(sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4); __tnt.engagement.assets["bb8b825d-42a7-5fd9-8d8e-7cecc2d2fae4"].attempts++; } } }); } } // Rewrite URL for preview // TODO move to one location function scrubURL(sURL) { if (typeof sURL != 'undefined'){ return sURL; } }
Letter: The future is here
- Sally Mayersohn, Northwest side
The Democratic Party rally, in Philadelphia on Tuesday, August 6th, will linger in our memories for a long time. It was a gift presented by Kamala Harris and her vice-presidential pick Tim Walz. Their gift included hope, joy, enthusiasm, humor and promise. Freedoms and rights will be restored in their new administration. We will continue to move forward. Our democracy will survive and thrive.
On November 5th, 2024, we will show our gratitude for their gift by voting for Kamala Harris for President and Tim Walz for Vice-President of the United States of America! Because when we fight, we win.
Sally Mayersohn
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Just the facts
- Mary Keerins, Foothills
Donald Trump constantly makes false statements. Don’t be fooled by his lies — check the facts. Here is one. Trump stated, “The only jobs (President Biden) created were for illegal immigrants and bounce back jobs…” (June 27th debate). The truth is that under Trump, even excluding the COVID impact, the average job increase was 182,000 per month. Under Biden (excluding the post COVID bounce) the average is 277,000 per month. Repeating a lie over and over doesn’t magically make it truth.
Mary Keerins
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: A Democrat's response to Gary Franks' guest opinion
- Sandra Katz, M.D., J.D., Foothills
"Why Democrats don't invoke the 25th Amendment to remove him from office immediately." Franks speculates that "Democrats do not really want Harris as president" or that "some actually think Biden is not mentally impaired." Look at the windfall of donations Harris received in one week to answer the question about Democrats wanting her as president. See that Biden is still mentally fit enough to free the Russian prisoners, make changes to the Supreme Court, work on immigration reform and inflation — issues Trump never accomplished. The concern is not Biden's present mental fitness. It is obvious age is taking a toll, so the concern is his condition in four years when he's 86 years old. Perhaps the Republicans should address the same issue with their candidate who is truly mentally unfit to be president a second time — lying, ranting and raving, confusion, non-sequiturs, unable to give a straight (and honest) answer ... and if he should legitimately and tragically win the election, he will be 82, older than Biden is now.
Sandra Katz, M.D., J.D.
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Looking toward a better future
- Lois Croly, Marana
It is wonderful to have a presidential campaign that is positive and looking forward to the future. Both Harris and Walz come from middle class backgrounds/values and have worked for years for the betterment of their communities. A district attorney and veteran/schoolteacher/governor who have put their communities first for years are the type of candidates one can be proud of and support. America functions better with positive people in the White House who are committed to having a strong middle class.
Lois Croly
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Veeps and weirdness
- Herbert Schneidau, Foothills
It is truly weird that Vance should be complaining about the inferiority of Walz's military service, when he is working for someone who scoffs at such service and who played his own "4-F heel spurs" card. Trump was called "unfit to serve as President" by all his military advisers: true in every sense. (Look up their signed letter.)
But if Vance helps his ticket to lose, maybe he and Kristi Noem can go in together on a pet disposal business, him for cats and her for dogs and goats.
Herbert Schneidau
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Belittling of opponents
- Joseph Malberg, Marana
Why do people like Donald Trump and JD Vance always belittle or denigrate their opponents? Most of you probably already realize the signs of such behavior but here is what I found, and I am not even a psychologist. 1. They are trying to make themselves feel more powerful or important. 2 They have low self-esteem and need to build themselves up by making others feel inferior. 3. They are insecure in relationships. 4. It is a form of narcissism in that they need to belittle, degrade, and insult in order to chip away at your self-confidence. I think you get the picture. I also wonder if this if part of Trump's strategy or just his natural personality. I remember Trump always calling Biden a "loser", when in fact Trump lost 62 out of 63 court cases where he challenged the results of the 2020 election. He also has 34 felony convictions. Do we really want someone like this in the White House? God help us.
Joseph Malberg
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Tucson speaks out: Aug. 8 letters to the editor
Looking toward a better future
It is wonderful to have a presidential campaign that is positive and looking forward to the future. Both Harris and Walz come from middle class backgrounds/values and have worked for years for the betterment of their communities. A district attorney and veteran/schoolteacher/governor who have put their communities first for years are the type of candidates one can be proud of and support. America functions better with positive people in the White House who are committed to having a strong middle class.
Lois Croly
Marana
The future is here
The Democratic Party rally, in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Aug. 6, will linger in our memories for a long time. It was a gift presented by Kamala Harris and her vice-presidential pick Tim Walz. Their gift included hope, joy, enthusiasm, humor and promise. Freedoms and rights will be restored in their new administration. We will continue to move forward. Our democracy will survive and thrive.
On Nov. 5, 2024, we will show our gratitude for their gift by voting for Kamala Harris for President and Tim Walz for Vice-President of the United States of America! Because when we fight, we win.
Sally Mayersohn
Northwest side
Belittling of opponents
Why do people like Donald Trump and JD Vance always belittle or denigrate their opponents? Most of you probably already realize the signs of such behavior but here is what I found, and I am not even a psychologist. 1. They are trying to make themselves feel more powerful or important. 2 They have low self-esteem and need to build themselves up by making others feel inferior. 3. They are insecure in relationships. 4. It is a form of narcissism in that they need to belittle, degrade, and insult in order to chip away at your self-confidence. I think you get the picture. I also wonder if this if part of Trump’s strategy or just his natural personality. I remember Trump always calling Biden a “loser”, when in fact Trump lost 62 out of 63 court cases where he challenged the results of the 2020 election. He also has 34 felony convictions. Do we really want someone like this in the White House? God help us.
Joseph Malberg
Marana
Just the facts
Donald Trump constantly makes false statements. Don’t be fooled by his lies — check the facts. Here is one. Trump stated, “The only jobs (President Biden) created were for illegal immigrants and bounce back jobs …” (June 27 debate). The truth is that under Trump, even excluding the COVID impact, the average job increase was 182,000 per month. Under Biden (excluding the post COVID bounce) the average is 277,000 per month. Repeating a lie over and over doesn’t magically make it truth.
Mary Keerins
Foothills
Response to Gary Franks’ guest opinion
“Why Democrats don’t invoke the 25th Amendment to remove him from office immediately.” Franks speculates that “Democrats do not really want Harris as president” or that “some actually think Biden is not mentally impaired.” Look at the windfall of donations Harris received in one week to answer the question about Democrats wanting her as president. See that Biden is still mentally fit enough to free the Russian prisoners, make changes to the Supreme Court, work on immigration reform and inflation — issues Trump never accomplished. The concern is not Biden’s present mental fitness. It is obvious age is taking a toll, so the concern is his condition in four years when he’s 86 years old. Perhaps the Republicans should address the same issue with their candidate who is truly mentally unfit to be president a second time — lying, ranting and raving, confusion, non-sequiturs, unable to give a straight (and honest) answer … and if he should legitimately and tragically win the election, he will be 82, older than Biden is now.
Sandra Katz, M.D., J.D.
Foothills
Copper World
Armed with “irrefutable facts” and labeling environmental degradation “laughable,” Copper World proponents would have you believe that we are so desperate for copper that we must destroy more valuable resources to obtain it. The Santa Rita Mountains and other Madrean Sky Island ranges are one of 36 biodiversity hotspots worldwide. Combined, those 36 locations make up a mere 2.5% of the Earth’s land surface. However, they hold 50% of the planet’s vascular plant species and about 40% of the known invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Biodiversity is the life support system for all life as we know it; our failure to realize this is at our peril. Humans have already degraded the ecological integrity of more than 50% of the planet’s surface. There is no rational justification for allowing mining in biodiversity hotspots. Destroying the valuable genomes of many species that are part of our life-support system seems exceptionally foolish when we compare it to the benefit of increasing Hudbay stockholder’s dividends.
John Murphy
Green Valley
Teaching
A teacher came to discuss a young girl in her class. The girl, Rita, was unresponsive and reluctant to participate in activities. Ms. Jones suggested I visit the class to observe her. When I visited, I saw Rita looking sad and lost. Ms. Jones pointed out a bald spot on Rita’s head, explaining that she pulled her hair out at night due to stress. I recommended a referral to our nurse and counselor, but first, a home visit seemed necessary. After the home visit, Ms. Jones reported that Rita’s parents were having severe arguments, deeply affecting Rita. Ms. Jones committed to continuing home visits and providing Rita with the warmth and comfort she needed.
Years later, Rita, now in 5th grade, was part of our Wright Flight Class. This program required students to complete tasks for the reward of flying in a small plane with a volunteer pilot. Rita, confident and proud, participated in the flight, with Ms. Jones and her parents present. A teacher can change a life!
Peter Palazzo
East side
Veeps and weirdness
It is truly weird that Vance should be complaining about the inferiority of Walz’s military service, when he is working for someone who scoffs at such service and who played his own “4-F heel spurs” card. Trump was called “unfit to serve as President” by all his military advisers: true in every sense. (Look up their signed letter.)
But if Vance helps his ticket to lose, maybe he and Kristi Noem can go in together on a pet disposal business, him for cats and her for dogs and goats.
Herbert Schneidau
Foothills
- RICHARD BECHTOLD, West side
I spent some time looking up information I have heard that bothered me. I went to Factcheck.org. They say that 2.5 million immigrants were released into the US in the last four years, and 2.8 million were expelled. Trump says 10 million have been released into the country in the last four years. Truth matters. Next I checked the effects of immigration. Go to Carnegie.org and look up "15 Myths about Immigration. It's very enlightening. Next I checked on Inflation. In 1950 a gallon of gas cost 27 cents. in today's value 27 cents is $3.40. Does $3.40 look familiar for gasoline? A $1 in 1972 is now worth $7.03. America is not in ruins. Inflation has been going on forever. It is the nature of our monetary system. The bottom line is you have to find the truth and do the math.
RICHARD BECHTOLD
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: What's in a name?
- Weaver Barkman, Midtown
Picture this: If Trump somehow becomes President, JD Vance, alias James Donald Bowman, alias James David Hamel, alias J.D. Hamel, alias J.D. Vance, alias James David Vance is one Big Mac away from the nuclear launch codes. Want fries with that?
Weaver Barkman
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Beliefs versus facts
- Rick Cohn, West side
Mr. Styles believes that everyone involved in Trump's hush money trial is a Trump-hating Democrat that conspired to convict him. Trump's lawyers discovered 63 times in their attempts to declare the 2020 election fraudulent, that the courts don't accept beliefs as evidence. Mr. Styles' prediction of Trump's conviction being overturned is therefore unwarranted.
Either Mr. Styles didn't follow the trial or he slept through Blanche's cross examination of Cohen wherin Blanche accused Cohen of stealing $30,000 from Trump and, under oath, Cohen admitted that was true. That exchange revealed the truth that the money given to Cohen wasn't for legal retainers but rather as payoffs to be transmitted surreptitiously to the participants in Trump's scheme. Case closed.
As the payoffs were made from Trump's personal account and then declared as business legal expenses, it's surprising that he hasn't been charged with income tax fraud also.
Rick Cohn
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Choice is a must
- Linda Dobbyn, Midtown
Donating an organ to improve or save another’s life is always a choice. Abortion involves the same difficult and personal decision.
A person’s body is one’s temple and no being or entity should make this otherwise.
We would never make organ donation a mandate. Wait… would we?
Linda Dobbyn
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Biden wasn't bullied
- Jim Dreis, East side
President Biden wasn't bullied out of running for reelection! No, he made a rational decision based on facts presented to him. His debate performance against Trump likely topping the list.
He sought the opinion of those he loved and respected, weighed the pros and cons of running versus stepping aside, stepped aside knowing he had a competent Vice President to turn the reins over to and concluded he'd be better off focusing on being president than running for reelection. Plus he hasn't been convicted of 34 felonies so can sleep well nights while another unnamed person doesn't have that luxury which helps understand why they're awake most nights tweeting.
Jim Dreis
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Mr. Trump's Mocking Behavior
- Frank J. Perez, Foothills
Recently, on television, I heard former President Trump and the current Republican Party nominee mock his former opponent and the current President of our country. Trump imitated stuttering negatively as a bully would. As a pediatric speech-language pathologist working with children for the past 50 years, I found this to be totally insensitive and immature. Stuttering typically begins in childhood. For some it continues into adulthood. Some are never “cured” but can manage it in a positive manner. It may surface, at times, under stress, fatigue, or illness, perhaps. This mocking of another person’s different speech pattern is very disconcerting as children may hear this and think that since an adult can do it, especially a former president, then it’s okay to do it as well. Mr. Trump should never be allowed to be around children in case he “slips” and produces another denigrating utterance of a person’s different ability. For the sake of our children, please don’t allow them to listen to this behavior.
Frank J. Perez
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Tucson speaks out: Aug. 7 letters to the editor
Copper World and histrionic letters
The Aug. 2 letter, “Copper World’s air quality permit,” was a perfect example of histrionics infecting opponents of Copper World. Example from the letter: “we know that Copper World is polluting the water of our Santa Rita neighbors and now, we live with poor air quality.” This is laughable nonsense. Copper World hasn’t even been given permission to start mining operations.
I pose an irrefutable fact to low-information opponents of copper mining. Modern civilization does not exist without copper, nor does any so-called green energy. An average home contains 400 pounds of copper. What the heck do you think is behind your ability to turn on/off your home furnace, air conditioner, other appliances and lights? Copper. How much copper is in just one of today’s multi-megawatt wind turbines? Three tons.
That’s the real world, Copper World critics. Join it.
Steve Sollenberger
Foothills
Response to Apache Christ controversy
I would like to share my view and perspective on the Apache Christ controversy article that was written Aug. 5, 2024. I have created fine art for over 50 years with a focus on liturgical art for the last 25 years. One of my most extensive commissions was liturgical art for a Catholic church in Oro Valley St. Mark the evangelist: I created a life-size crucifix of Christ for this parish and its worshipers. When I read the article this morning, I was surprised by the description of the altarpiece controversy. Although the images are unique it is not a traditional Catholic presentation. If the crucified Christ was emerged as a medicine man, it would require combining these two concepts, but it never should be a matter of either /or. This would have been possible if the artist considered the responsibility of creating the art for a Catholic Christ with the Apache imaging combined into a crucified Jesus; very possible to do, but that is not what exists.
Matthew Moutafis
Oro Valley
Here we go again
It was recently reported that the Arizona Department of Education is reducing programs that help students due to budget issues.
Now there is a report that millions of education dollars have been lost due to Department of Education mismanagement.
But all is not lost! There’s plenty of money for Tom Horne to get his mug on TV every evening during prime-time Olympics. At a cost of around $7 million for a 30-second spot.
What a surprise that Horne is turning out to be just as much of a disaster as he was the first time around. Way to go voters of Arizona!
P.S. Remember when Horne dropped out to avoid an election funds misuse investigation? Good times.
David Reynolds
East side
Mr. Trump’s Mocking Behavior
Recently, on television, I heard former President Trump and the current Republican Party nominee mock his former opponent and the current President of our country. Trump imitated stuttering negatively as a bully would. As a pediatric speech-language pathologist working with children for the past 50 years, I found this to be totally insensitive and immature. Stuttering typically begins in childhood. For some it continues into adulthood. Some are never “cured” but can manage it in a positive manner. It may surface, at times, under stress, fatigue, or illness, perhaps. This mocking of another person’s different speech pattern is very disconcerting as children may hear this and think that since an adult can do it, especially a former president, then it’s okay to do it as well. Mr. Trump should never be allowed to be around children in case he “slips” and produces another denigrating utterance of a person’s different ability. For the sake of our children, please don’t allow them to listen to this behavior.
Frank J. Perez
Foothills
Biden wasn’t bullied
President Biden wasn’t bullied out of running for reelection! No, he made a rational decision based on facts presented to him. His debate performance against Trump likely topping the list.
He sought the opinion of those he loved and respected, weighed the pros and cons of running versus stepping aside, stepped aside knowing he had a competent Vice President to turn the reins over to and concluded he’d be better off focusing on being president than running for reelection. Plus he hasn’t been convicted of 34 felonies so can sleep well nights while another unnamed person doesn’t have that luxury which helps understand why they’re awake most nights tweeting.
Jim Dreis
East side
Choice is a must
Donating an organ to improve or save another’s life is always a choice. Abortion involves the same difficult and personal decision.
A person’s body is one’s temple and no being or entity should make this otherwise.
We would never make organ donation a mandate. Wait … would we?
Linda Dobbyn
Midtown
Beliefs versus facts
Mr. Styles believes that everyone involved in Trump’s hush money trial is a Trump-hating Democrat that conspired to convict him. Trump’s lawyers discovered 63 times in their attempts to declare the 2020 election fraudulent, that the courts don’t accept beliefs as evidence. Mr. Styles’ prediction of Trump’s conviction being overturned is therefore unwarranted.
Either Mr. Styles didn’t follow the trial or he slept through Blanche’s cross examination of Cohen wherein Blanche accused Cohen of stealing $30,000 from Trump and, under oath, Cohen admitted that was true. That exchange revealed the truth that the money given to Cohen wasn’t for legal retainers but rather as payoffs to be transmitted surreptitiously to the participants in Trump’s scheme. Case closed.
As the payoffs were made from Trump’s personal account and then declared as business legal expenses, it’s surprising that he hasn’t been charged with income tax fraud also.
Rick Cohn
West side
What’s in a name?
Picture this: If Trump somehow becomes President, JD Vance, alias James Donald Bowman, alias James David Hamel, alias J.D. Hamel, alias J.D. Vance, alias James David Vance is one Big Mac away from the nuclear launch codes. Want fries with that?
Weaver Barkman
Midtown
Facts and math
I spent some time looking up information I have heard that bothered me. I went to Factcheck.org. They say that 2.5 million immigrants were released into the U.S. in the last four years, and 2.8 million were expelled. Trump says 10 million have been released into the country in the last four years. Truth matters. Next I checked the effects of immigration. Go to Carnegie.org and look up “15 Myths about Immigration”. It’s very enlightening. Next I checked on inflation. In 1950, a gallon of gas cost 27 cents. In today’s value, 27 cents is $3.40. Does $3.40 look familiar for gasoline? A $1 in 1972 is now worth $7.03. America is not in ruins. Inflation has been going on forever. It is the nature of our monetary system. The bottom line is you have to find the truth and do the math.
Richard Bechtold
West side
Letter: Trump's need for chaos
- Matt Somers, Midtown
Has anyone else noticed Donald Trump and his Republican allies need to have chaos in order to be the "saviors" of an issue instead of just working on helping the nation?
When there was a possible bill for consideration for the immigration problem, Trump stopped it cold in the House of Representatives.
When Trump negotiated for a withdrawal from Afghanistan without the Afghanistan problem, which is a recipe for disaster, Trump and Republicans blame Biden for chaos even though Trump and the Republicans negotiated a no-win treaty for the United States.
Now Trump congratulates Vladimir Putin for out-negotiating the United States and its allies when it came to the hostage crisis with Russia. It kind of reminds us of when Trump said Russia didn't try to affect the 2016 Presidential election because Putin says so.
Friedrich Nietzsche was quoted as saying from chaos comes order. For Trump and the Republicans the order comes from Project 2025.
Matt Somers
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: August 5 LTE_Liberals lying about Project 2025
- Rick Rappaport, Oro Valley
The writer concludes that anyone continuing to connect Trump with Project 2025 is lying -- because Trump says he is not associated with that project. I see...so this time is really different; he's not lying this time?
Hey, have you seen the Trump ads accusing Harris of total responsibility for the deaths of 250,000 people from Fentanyl overdosing? Or accusing Harris of personally allowing 10,000,000 illegal immigrants to cross USA borders? I don't know about you but that kind of Harris/bad things happened/she's bad association requires a much greater leap in logic to accept what Trump said about Project 2025 at a Heritage Foundation dinner in 2022: “This is a great group, and they’re going to lay the groundwork and detail plans for exactly what our movement will do and what your movement will do when the American people give us a colossal mandate to save America.”
It's right out of the horse's mouth. You cannot unring that bell.
Rick Rappaport
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Single issue voter
- Susan VonKersburg, Foothills
Trump just congratulated Putin at a Georgia rally on the great hostage deal he pulled off a couple of days ago. Trump had denigrated Biden’s diplomatic triumph in bringing several innocent hostages home to America but applauded Putin for getting an international assassin plus Russian adjudicated criminals in the deal.
I can never vote for anyone who sucks up to a mortal enemy of my country.
Susan VonKersburg
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Project 2025 and Trump
- Larry Huff, Midtown
Mr. Sollenberger's letter to the editor on August 5 stated that Trump disavowed any association with project 2025 months ago, however he fails to mention that early on when he thought it would help his campaign he agreed with it. Suddenly when he saw the massive amount of negative publicity on it he changed his story. That’s what it looked like to me, thank you.
Larry Huff
Midtown
Larry Huff
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Trump's tactics boring and simplistic
- Don Dickinson, Oro Valley
Donald J. Trump is the master of denigration and accusations in a mirror. Quite frankly, his methods are tedious. His denigration attacks include pool-hall characterizations. Mirror accusations are an old strategy used by Joseph Goebbels. They are false claims that accuse the target of something the perpetrator, himself, is doing or intends to do. Today's national and international solutions involve complex research and analysis, plus a team of good advisers. With his ego-driven mentality, he seems incapable of this. Trump's simplistic tactics have become dull and boring for me.
Don Dickinson
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Candidate selection
- Barbara Hall, Midtown
For those who have written of the “anti-democratic Democratic Party” because of President Biden’s replacement as the presumptive nominee, please read the procedures established by the party for the selection of candidates. Each party establishes its own process, and the details differ by party. Primaries and caucuses are part of the process, but the candidate decision is only finalized officially when delegates vote at the convention.
Older readers will remember past conventions (before primaries were as important in the delegate selection process) when numerous votes were taken, finally coalescing on one candidate. Even today, “committed” delegates are required to vote for their candidate only on the first vote, and whether delegates are “committed” depends on state party rules.
This time, other candidates were free to run if they received a certain number of signatures from the delegate pool. They decided not to do so, but to unify behind Vice-President Harris.
The Republican Party has a similar process.
Barbara Hall
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Tucson Speaks Out: Aug. 6 letters of the day
Candidate selection
For those who have written of the “anti-democratic Democratic Party” because of President Biden’s replacement as the presumptive nominee, please read the procedures established by the party for the selection of candidates. Each party establishes its own process, and the details differ by party. Primaries and caucuses are part of the process, but the candidate decision is only finalized officially when delegates vote at the convention.
Older readers will remember past conventions (before primaries were as important in the delegate selection process) when numerous votes were taken, finally coalescing on one candidate. Even today, “committed” delegates are required to vote for their candidate only on the first vote, and whether delegates are “committed” depends on state party rules.
This time, other candidates were free to run if they received a certain number of signatures from the delegate pool. They decided not to do so, but to unify behind Vice-President Harris.
The Republican Party has a similar process.
Barbara Hall
Midtown
DHS halts ‘migrant’ flight program
DHS has suddenly halted an advance “migrant” authorization flight program that has allowed 30,000 a month, over 400,000 thus far, to fly here on commercial airlines from Venezuela, Haiti, Nicaragua and Honduras via a parole program. DHS discovered large amounts of fraud in applications for those sponsoring the applicants. The fraud included the same social security numbers, addresses and phone numbers being used hundreds of times. Will any of these “sponsors” who committed fraud be prosecuted or the applicants be returned to their home country? I doubt it. This is what happens when you allow massive numbers of people to enter the country. The same document fraud will happen under any comprehensive immigration deal wherein only people can apply if entered before a certain date and need to show some documentation to prove it. This is all on Biden-Harris and part of their open-borders scheme, abusing the parole system that was meant to be applied on a case-by-case basis, not blanketed to thousands.
David Burford Northwest side
Trump’s tactics boring and simplistic
Donald J. Trump is the master of denigration and accusations in a mirror. Quite frankly, his methods are tedious. His denigration attacks include pool-hall characterizations. Mirror accusations are an old strategy used by Joseph Goebbels. They are false claims that accuse the target of something the perpetrator, himself, is doing or intends to do. Today’s national and international solutions involve complex research and analysis, plus a team of good advisers. With his ego-driven mentality, he seems incapable of this. Trump’s simplistic tactics have become dull and boring for me.
Don Dickinson
Oro Valley
Single-issue voter
Trump just congratulated Putin at a Georgia rally on the great hostage deal he pulled off a couple of days ago. Trump had denigrated Biden’s diplomatic triumph in bringing several innocent hostages home to America but applauded Putin for getting an international assassin plus Russian adjudicated criminals in the deal.
I can never vote for anyone who sucks up to a mortal enemy of my country.
Susan VonKersburg
Foothills
Star Editorial: A win for ‘restorative justice’
The AZ Star published their unauthored Editorial: “A win for restorative justice”, congratulating current County Attorney Laura Conover on her primary win against Mike Jette. The Star has published dozens of Letters to the Editor and Local Opinions from people, some having worked in Conover’s office, that detailed the chaos that has been ongoing there. Common complaints of felony charges being dropped down to misdemeanors without justification and most importantly, victims of crimes being ignored. But this is what “restorative justice” is all about, placing the criminal’s needs over the victim. Having the victims accept some phony apology from the criminal in order to get a lesser sentence. Did the Star ever read those Letters and Opinions? If so, they should have learned that something stinks in the County Attorney’s Office and it ain’t cheese. I doubt that many of the people who voted for Conover even knew of the many complaints. In celebrating “restorative justice” the Star really revealed how far left of a publication they continue to be.
Langhorne Bilby
Marana
Project 2025 and Trump
Mr. Sollenberger’s letter to the editor on August 5 stated that Trump disavowed any association with project 2025 months ago, however he fails to mention that early on when he thought it would help his campaign he agreed with it. Suddenly when he saw the massive amount of negative publicity on it he changed his story. That’s what it looked like to me, thank you.
Larry Huff
Midtown
Re: Liberals lying about Project 2025
The writer concludes that anyone continuing to connect Trump with Project 2025 is lying — because Trump says he is not associated with that project. I see ... so this time is really different; he’s not lying this time?
Hey, have you seen the Trump ads accusing Harris of total responsibility for the deaths of 250,000 people from Fentanyl overdosing? Or accusing Harris of personally allowing 10,000,000 illegal immigrants to cross USA borders? I don’t know about you but that kind of Harris/bad things happened/she’s bad association requires a much greater leap in logic to accept what Trump said about Project 2025 at a Heritage Foundation dinner in 2022: “This is a great group, and they’re going to lay the groundwork and detail plans for exactly what our movement will do and what your movement will do when the American people give us a colossal mandate to save America.”
It’s right out of the horse’s mouth. You cannot unring that bell.
Rick Rappaport
Oro Valley
Calling Trump a ‘felon’
The Progressive Democrat mantra, before Trump’s conviction, was to stop referring to people as “felon,” as it was dehumanizing, promoted dangerous stereotypes, etc. It has been the same Democrats advocating to reinstate voting rights to “felons.” But I digress, that case in Manhattan was a farce and a political persecution. AZ Star Democratic readers should understand this. A registered Democrat biased Judge, who had made campaign donations to Democratic candidates, and his daughter a Democratic fund-raising activist. The prosecutors were Democrats, one top level federal prosecutor leaving Biden’s USDOJ to join the Manhattan DA’s office. The judge allowing salacious testimony from Stormy Daniels, his denying defense motions and expert witnesses, the star witness Cohen having been convicted of perjury and hates Trump, etc. Add to all this a Trump-hating Democratic jury and voila, he was convicted on all 34 felony counts. Trump’s conviction will eventually be overturned for judicial misconduct. Democrats are so blinded with hate for Trump that they cannot see that this was a political persecution.
Darrin Styles
Midtown
Know your enemy
Dear Editor:
Sun Tzu wrote in “The Art of War”: “Know your enemy ... ”. The Arizona Daily Star is not my enemy, I subscribe to understand what a left-leaning/liberal point of view is.
I’m amused by your daily anti Donald Trump cartoons, and that you have doubled the number in each daily paper.
However, I believe you hit an all-time low on July 16th, when you published a six panel cartoon by Cagle Cartoons. The first panel read “Trump is a threat to Democracy”. Really? How about Lois Lerner who used the IRS to target groups she didn’t like, or James Comey who wouldn’t prosecute Hillary or even Bill Clinton who lied under oath?
The worst panel was: “He should be put in the crosshairs”. Some might say it meant someone to look out for. But to be published three days after an assassination? Not much left at the bottom of the cartoon barrel. But I await tomorrow’s edition.
Eddie Popovitch
Northwest side
Trump’s need for chaos
Has anyone else noticed Donald Trump and his Republican allies need to have chaos in order to be the “saviors” of an issue instead of just working on helping the nation?
When there was a possible bill for consideration for the immigration problem, Trump stopped it cold in the House of Representatives.
When Trump negotiated for a withdrawal from Afghanistan without the Afghanistan problem, which is a recipe for disaster, Trump and Republicans blame Biden for chaos even though Trump and the Republicans negotiated a no-win treaty for the United States.
Now Trump congratulates Vladimir Putin for out-negotiating the United States and its allies when it came to the hostage crisis with Russia. It kind of reminds us of when Trump said Russia didn’t try to affect the 2016 Presidential election because Putin says so.
Friedrich Nietzsche was quoted as saying from chaos comes order. For Trump and the Republicans the order comes from Project 2025.
Matt Somers
Midtown
Letter: Calling Trump a 'felon'
- Darrin Styles, Midtown
The Progressive Democrat mantra, before Trump's conviction, was to stop referring to people as "felon," as it was dehumanizing, promoted dangerous stereotypes, etc. It has been the same Democrats advocating to reinstate voting rights to "felons." But I digress, that case in Manhattan was a farce and a political persecution. AZ Star Democratic readers should understand this. A registered Democrat biased Judge, who had made campaign donations to Democratic candidates, and his daughter a Democratic fund-raising activist. The prosecutors were Democrats, one top level federal prosecutor leaving Biden's USDOJ to join the Manhattan DA's office. The judge allowing salacious testimony from Stormy Daniels, his denying defense motions and expert witnesses, the star witness Cohen having been convicted of perjury and hates Trump, etc. Add to all this a Trump-hating Democratic jury and voila, he was convicted on all 34 felony counts. Trump's conviction will eventually be overturned for judicial misconduct. Democrats are so blinded with hate for Trump that they cannot see that this was a political persecution.
Darrin Styles
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Faiure of the Secret Service
- Jack Walters, Northeast side
I assume after a considerable time period we will be told why the Secret Service failed to Protect President Trump at the Rally in Pennsylvania.
To this day sixty one years later, we have still not been allowed to see many of the files deemed too important to share. I will go to my grave believing that the assassination of JFK was a conspiracy.
Many people at the Rally saw the shooter as much as 30 minutes before.. They reported to the police. I have seen clear videos of him walking on the roof and then laying down in a shooters position.
The Secret Service must have also seen him. I believe they didn’t shoot because of orders from on high to only respond but not act to prevent the tragedy. After eight shots were fired a sniper finally took him out. Was this also a conspiracy?
Jack Walters
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Hey, Girlfriend!
- Carla OHara, Northwest side
Hey, Girlfriend!
You must be doing something wrong to cause so much political controversy. What are you thinking?
• You think you can choose whether or not to have children?
• You think your personal healthcare should be private?
• You think you should earn a living wage, equal to a man?
• You think you deserve that big, corner office?
• You think you deserve affordable, reliable childcare?
• You think you have the right to choose your partner?
• You think you should leave that abusive relationship?
• You think you should be allowed to practice your own religion?
And what about those cats? Why don’t you have a dog or a koala bear?
This election let us think about women’s rights and how hard it has been to overcome ancient female stereotypes. Let us use our voices, and the power of the ballot box, to protect everyone’s right to choose their own path.
Thanks, Girlfriend, for leading the way!
Carla OHara
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: A Tough July Day
- Sally Mayersohn, Northwest side
A Tough July Day
I cried. I felt loss and sadness on Sunday, July 21st, 2024 when Joe Biden
dropped out of the presidential race. Why? He wasn’t a close friend. But he sure
made you feel like one.
Joe Biden is a good man;
ethical;
patriotic;
committed to working for everyone;
a man with vision;
a uniter
a good president and so much more.
Historians will write the true story of the 46th president
and his legacy. Thank you Mr. President. You will be missed.
Sally Mayersohn
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Fascism- A Primer
- Steve Rasmussen, Foothills
I have been hearing outrage on the “right” about comparisons between Trump and Mussolini. Is there a connection? Here are the common aspects of fascism. It’s a belligerent, far right authoritarian political system with a need to blame the nation’s woes on specific groups, uses propaganda continuously, and is intolerant of dissent. It discredits the previous information system so that it can sell a new reality. It revises that nation’s history to be a glorious past that must be reclaimed. It weaponizes nostalgia and rejects modernism. It tries to make ultra-patriotism mandatory. It criticizes corruption while being highly corrupt itself. It is stridently anti-Marxist. It’s anti-union, as it is intolerant of other power structures. It creates paranoia and a sense of being under siege in its followers. Victimhood is created, along with its obligatory vengeance upon those whom are their enemies. The leader must be seen as omnipotent/ macho. This is what Trump has been selling, if you have been paying attention.
Steve Rasmussen
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
- Toni Kane, Oro Valley
Trump disavows Project 2025. Why should I believe him? I believe he has not read it, but I challenge that he does not know anything about it. I quasi believe that it is not part of his presidential campaign. Why should I believe it is not part of his presidency if he wins?
Toni Kane
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: What is government for?
- Ke Chiang Hsieh, Midtown
The first Republican US President, Abraham Lincoln, proclaimed the government to be FOR the PEOPLE. One hundred sixty-one years later, the Republican dominated US Supreme Court further diminished the government’s ability to serve the people like you and me, starting with its 2010 “Citizens United” ruling to give corporations the rights of the citizens. Can we, the people, compete with the super-rich corporations in choosing a government OF and BY the PEOPLE? Imagine our access to clean water and air, quality education, beauty of the parks and monuments, and timely disaster reliefs, and our protection from child and sexual abuses, labor exploitations, business and industrial frauds, and infrastructural failures, etc. all benefiting us the people to be controlled by the wealthy profit-driven faceless corporations for their own greed. This is already happening: these elite “citizens” have their “elected” officials protecting them from taxation and regulations. If you want a government FOR the PEOPLE like you and me, vote Democratic!
Ke Chiang Hsieh
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: The American experiment
- David Hatch, Southeast side
One need not be confused by "titles" when it comes to defining our form of government. It doesn't really much matter whether you call it a "democracy" or a "republic". (It is actually a REPRESENTATIVE DEM0CRACY.)
If that's too confusing, all you need to know is this....AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, WE STILL HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO VOTE !
And Donald Trump wants to "FIX" that !
David Hatch
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Trump and Project 2025
- Steve Sollenberger, Foothills
For the many Tucson liberal letter writers to the Star asserting that Trump backs or supports Project 2025, read this from the Wall Street Journal, July 30.
Paul Dans, Project 2025's director, informed Heritage Foundation staff this week of his decision to step down. Trump campaign senior advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita pounced on the news. “Project 2025’s demise would be greatly welcomed and should serve as notice to anyone or any group trying to misrepresent their influence with President Trump and his campaign—it will not end well for you,” they said in a statement.
(Back to my words). Trump disavowed any association with Project 2025 months ago, so stop lying about it.
Steve Sollenberger
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: “Vance’s childless criticisms resurface”, pA10, 7/24/24
- Karen Papagapitos, Northwest side
Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance believes that people who do not have biological children are not as invested in their communities as much as natural parents. His comments are directed at our current Vice-President Kamala Harris as well as other legislators.
JD Vance does not know American history.
George Washington was one of five U.S. presidents who did not have biological children.
JD Vance does not know world history.
Mother Theresa and Jesus did not have biological children.
The above individuals were very invested in their communities, to state the obvious.
Vance can beat this dead horse as much as he wants.
The facts won’t change and his own ignorance of both American and world history is frightening and unacceptable.
He needs a new speech writer and a refresher course in American and World history.
And he should apologize to the almost quarter of a million foster parents in America.
Karen Papagapitos
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: DHS halts "migrant" flight program
- David Burford, Northwest side
DHS has suddenly halted an advance "migrant" authorization flight program that has allowed 30,000 a month, over 400,000 thus far, to fly here on commercial airlines from Venezuela, Haiti, Nicaragua and Honduras via a parole program. DHS discovered large amounts of fraud in applications for those sponsoring the applicants. The fraud included the same social security numbers, addresses and phone numbers being used hundreds of times. Will any of these "sponsors" who committed fraud be prosecuted or the applicants be returned to their home country? I doubt it. This is what happens when you allow massive numbers of people to enter the country. The same document fraud will happen under any comprehensive immigration deal wherein only people can apply if entered before a certain date and need to show some documentation to prove it. This is all on Biden-Harris and part of their open-borders scheme, abusing the parole system that was meant to be applied on a case-by-case basis, not blanketed to thousands.
David Burford
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Tucson Speaks Out: Aug. 5 letters of the day
Vance needs a history lesson
Re: the July 24 article “Vance’s ‘childless’ criticisms resurface.”
Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance believes that people who do not have biological children are not as invested in their communities as much as natural parents. His comments are directed at our current Vice President Kamala Harris as well as other legislators.
JD Vance does not know American history.
George Washington was one of five U.S. presidents who did not have biological children.
JD Vance does not know world history.
Mother Teresa and Jesus did not have biological children.
The above individuals were very invested in their communities, to state the obvious.
Vance can beat this dead horse as much as he wants. The facts won’t change and his own ignorance of both American and world history is frightening and unacceptable. He needs a new speechwriter and a refresher course in American and world history. And he should apologize to the almost quarter of a million foster parents in America.
Karen Papagapitos
Northwest side
My sentiments exactly
Thank you to the letter writer for expressing your feelings about a few people who write letters to the paper constantly. I had been thinking of writing the same ideas, but you were much more polite, and diplomatic than I would have been. I have been angered by the screed of one lady in particular who writes soooo often. But after a while I began to feel sorry for her and to worry about her, as her writings are so filled with awful hatred. She must have to take a double dose of blood pressure medicine on the days she writes.
The newspaper must have changed their policy of allowing a person to submit a letter no more than once a month, as I cannot find it stated in the paper now.
Carolyn McSpadden
SaddleBrooke
Fascism: A primer
I have been hearing outrage on the “right” about comparisons between Trump and Mussolini. Is there a connection? Here are the common aspects of fascism. It’s a belligerent, far-right authoritarian political system with a need to blame the nation’s woes on specific groups, uses propaganda continuously, and is intolerant of dissent. It discredits the previous information system so that it can sell a new reality. It revises that nation’s history to be a glorious past that must be reclaimed. It weaponizes nostalgia and rejects modernism. It tries to make ultra-patriotism mandatory. It criticizes corruption while being highly corrupt itself. It is stridently anti-Marxist. It’s anti-union, as it is intolerant of other power structures. It creates paranoia and a sense of being under siege in its followers. Victimhood is created, along with its obligatory vengeance upon those whom are their enemies. The leader must be seen as omnipotent/ macho. This is what Trump has been selling, if you have been paying attention.
Steve Rasmussen
Foothills
Santa Rita mine
The history of the West is rife with instances of mineral extraction, timber harvest, and range grazing that typically privatize the profits, and yet socialize the resulting damage and restoration. The Arizona Dept. of Environmental Quality is currently in the process of approving a massive new mine in the Santa Rita Mountain region by a Canadian based company, Hudbay Minerals.
Admittedly, we do need minerals, timber, and range stock to fuel our collective needs. But as in any other discussion, there are right ways to go about things — and multiple wrong ways. With a world facing increasing population, dwindling natural resources, water supply concerns, and a warming atmosphere, these decisions are more critical than ever. Balance is key.
Your voice on this issue is needed, because corporate funding to “grease the wheels” for approval is bountiful — even for bad plans.
David Barker
Marana
A tough July day
I cried. I felt loss and sadness on Sunday, July 21st, 2024 when Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race. Why? He wasn’t a close friend. But he sure made you feel like one.
Joe Biden is a good man — ethical, patriotic, committed to working for everyone, a man with vision, a uniter, a good president and so much more.
Historians will write the true story of the 46th president and his legacy.
Thank you Mr. President. You will be missed.
Sally Mayersohn
Northwest side
Failure of the Secret Service
I assume after a considerable time period we will be told why the Secret Service failed to Protect President Trump at the Rally in Pennsylvania.
To this day sixty-one years later, we have still not been allowed to see many of the files deemed too important to share. I will go to my grave believing that the assassination of JFK was a conspiracy.
Many people at the rally saw the shooter as much as 30 minutes before. They reported to the police. I have seen clear videos of him walking on the roof and then laying down in a shooters position.
The Secret Service must have also seen him. I believe they didn’t shoot because of orders from on high to only respond but not act to prevent the tragedy. After eight shots were fired a sniper finally took him out. Was this also a conspiracy?
Jack Walters
Northeast side
Hey, Girlfriend!
You must be doing something wrong to cause so much political controversy. What are you thinking?
- You think you can choose whether or not to have children?
- You think your personal healthcare should be private?
- You think you should earn a living wage, equal to a man?
- You think you deserve that big, corner office?
- You think you deserve affordable, reliable childcare?
- You think you have the right to choose your partner?
- You think you should leave that abusive relationship?
- You think you should be allowed to practice your own religion?
And what about those cats? Why don’t you have a dog or a koala bear?
This election let us think about women’s rights and how hard it has been to overcome ancient female stereotypes. Let us use our voices, and the power of the ballot box, to protect everyone’s right to choose their own path.
Thanks, Girlfriend, for leading the way!
Carla O’Hara
Northwest side
Trump and Project 2025
For the many Tucson liberal letter writers to the Star asserting that Trump backs or supports Project 2025, read this from the Wall Street Journal, July 30.
Paul Dans, Project 2025’s director, informed Heritage Foundation staff this week of his decision to step down. Trump campaign senior advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita pounced on the news. “Project 2025’s demise would be greatly welcomed and should serve as notice to anyone or any group trying to misrepresent their influence with President Trump and his campaign — it will not end well for you,” they said in a statement.
(Back to my words). Trump disavowed any association with Project 2025 months ago, so stop lying about it.
Steve Sollenberger
Foothills
The American experiment
One need not be cofused by “titles” when it comes to defining our form of government. It doesn’t really much matter whether you call it a “democracy” or a “republic.” (It is actually a representative democracy.)
If that’s too confusing, all you need to know is this ... After all these years, we still have the privilege to vote!
And Donald Trump wants to “fix” that !
David Hatch
Southeast side
Why should I believe Trump
Trump disavows Project 2025. Why should I believe him? I believe he has not read it, but I challenge that he does not know anything about it. I quasi believe that it is not part of his presidential campaign. Why should I believe it is not part of his presidency if he wins?
Toni Kane
Oro Valley
What is government for?
The first Republican U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, proclaimed the government to be for the people. One hundred sixty-one years later, the Republican-dominated US Supreme Court further diminished the government’s ability to serve the people like you and me, starting with its 2010 “Citizens United” ruling to give corporations the rights of the citizens. Can we, the people, compete with the super-rich corporations in choosing a government OF and BY the PEOPLE? Imagine our access to clean water and air, quality education, beauty of the parks and monuments, and timely disaster reliefs, and our protection from child and sexual abuses, labor exploitations, business and industrial frauds, and infrastructural failures, etc. all benefiting us the people to be controlled by the wealthy profit-driven faceless corporations for their own greed. This is already happening: these elite “citizens” have their “elected” officials protecting them from taxation and regulations. If you want a government for the people like you and me, vote Democratic!
Ke Chiang Hsieh
Midtown
Letter: presidential candidates
- Robert Rees, Northwest side
What does it say about our country that the leading presidential candidate Is a 78-year-old convict who has twice lost the popular vote? Can anybody truly be proud of this?
Robert Rees
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Democracy
- Kalvin Smith, Midtown
Jeffrey McConnell, a republic is type of democracy, It is a representative democracy. A democracy is when citizenry has the right (and I would say duty) to participate in free and fair elections. Democracies have eligibility conditions such as age and citizenship.
Kalvin Smith
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Where is the Democrats' outrage?
- Gusher Adams, Midtown
President Biden was just bullied and intimidated out of running for a second term as President and most Democrats have been silent about it. In his place now is VP Kamala Harris, that nobody voted for and who won no primaries. Coronated by Democrat party elites and the liberal news media. And Harris has not said one critical word about what happened. Just quickly adorned the crown. Biden is almost a side note now. Where is the outrage from Democrats and Democrat readers of the AZ Star over this? No empathy or sympathy for Biden or anger at what happened. This was a blatant example of interfering in an election. What was Democratic about it? Nothing. It was a straight out coup that threatens our Democracy. It sets a dangerous precedent for unpopular Presidents in office. But all that is over looked and forgiven because Democrats and their many news media allies will do anything to beat "threat to Democracy" Trump. Including committing their own "threat to Democracy."
Gusher Adams
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Who are Trump's vermin?
- Kathy Krucker, Midtown
Re: Trump falsely questions Harris's race.
No revelation or eye-opener that Mr. Trump falsely questioned Vice President Harris’ race at the NABJ. He is and has always been a misogynist and racist: from his “no vacancies for Blacks” in the Wilshire Apartments with his father, to his birtherism conspiracies about President Obama, to his current vile, vulgar, and demeaning attacks on Black journalists, Black judges, and Black prosecutors.
Trump frequently calls his political opponents and minorities “vermin.” Vermin in our country are those individuals and media outlets who tolerate, allow, and embrace Mr. Trump’s racism and misogyny.
Kathy Krucker
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Early Voting?
- Gerry Maggiora, Foothills
I’m relieved. I thought I was going to have to vote this year. But according to Donald Trump that won’t be necessary, as he apparently has enough votes already. I guess early voting began earlier than I realized.
Gerry Maggiora
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Judicial coup
- Roger Voelker, Southeast side
Re: August 1 letter "Brady's 'judicial coup' lie.
In response to an earlier article, the letter writer says the claim that McConnell's refusal to hold hearings on Merrick Garlands Supreme Court nomination amounted to a judicial coup, is a lie.
He then makes a big deal of McConnell's rule change lowering the votes required to confirm a Supreme Court justice from 60 to 51, as if this was somehow relevant.
Since Garland never received a vote, the number of votes required for confirmation is irrelevant - not to mention the rule change came more than a year after Garland's nomination.
McConnell cited a nonexistent "rule" barring consideration of a Supreme Court nomination in the last year of a Presidential term as justification for his refusal, yet he rammed through Amy Barrett's confirmation just 2 weeks before the 2020 election with voting already underway.
A judicial coup? Absolutely!
Roger Voelker
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: French vs. American health care system response
- Dr. Sandra Katz, M.D., J.D., Foothills
In response to the gentleman who had a bad experience in a hospital in Lyon, France: I'm sorry you had this experience. However, American hospital horror stories also abound. You suggested that I spend time in France. I have spent 3 months every year for the past 24 years there, traveling throughout France over 8 years, and now have an apartment in Paris, where I spend 6 months/year.
In Paris, my friend was hospitalized with a possible head injury, after a fall--monitored throughout the day by several neurologists, CT scan-$150. Another time, she had a knee problem--went to a clinic, took a number, was seen by a doctor in 10 minutes, knee examined, ultrasound performed, treatment prescribed--cost $23. I had a cardiac MRI--immediate appointment, scan, 20 minute consultation with doctor, given a folder with enlarged images, 2 DVD's, 5-page report--$230. Pharmacist can prescribe for minor problems; cost miniscule for self-pay Americans.
The French health care system is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
Dr. Sandra Katz, M.D., J.D.
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Shout out to the “Stop the Steal” crowd
- Jennifer Larson, Northwest side
I want to send a big thank you to all the Republicans out there who have expressed their concern about Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic nominee for president. It warms my heart to hear that the party of Jan 6, the Big Lie, the fake elector schemes, and “The election is only fair if I win” is now outraged at the idea that the will of Democratic voters isn’t being heard. Better late than never, right?
But let me reassure my MAGA friends that we voted for a Biden-Harris ticket and now that President Biden has stepped aside, the Democratic Party wholeheartedly supports VP Harris as our candidate.
Jennifer Larson
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Democrats continue their threats to Democracy
- Dorothy Monroe, Sierra Vista
Democrats continue their threats to Democracy. They are the professionals at it, not amateurish Trump. From removing major candidates from ballots, to forcing a President not to run for re-election, to coronating a new Democrat nominee, to rioting in the streets. All threats to our Democracy. Now you can add their attacks on the U.S. Supreme Court. Prior to their ruling on Roe v Wade, Democrat Senator Chuck Schumer stood on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court and threatened Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch saying "they would pay a price" if overturning it. Since then, President Biden and other Democrat politicians have called their rulings illegitimate. Now Democrats in Congress want to impose term limits on SCOTUS members and "stack the court" with at least four new left wing Justices. You see, it is only SCOTUS that is standing in the way of Biden-Harris' and Democrat politicians' left wing agenda being implemented. They could care less about "Democracy" and are the real thereat to it.
Dorothy Monroe
Sierra Vista
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Letter commenting on letter: "Men in Black" (July 26).
- Daniel Pryor, West side
Re: The July 26 letter "Men in Black."
The sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s (hetero and hom*osexual) filtered into all aspects and institutions of American life. Religious clerical life (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish) was not immune. The Catholic League's Bill Donohue has written extensively on the topic: "The Truth about Clergy Sexual Abuse: Clarifying the Facts and the Causes." Since the early 2000s, the Catholic Church has addressed the hom*osexual abuse in the priesthood. After that, credible allegations about hom*osexual contact by Catholic clergy are dramatically reduced.
The words of Christ are providential In Matthew 23:2-3, "The Scribes and Pharisees sit on the Chair of Moses (judgment seat), so do what they tell you, but not what they do, because they are often hypocrites." Overall, throughout time, the majority of priests have not been hom*osexually abusive. Better to remain in the Church, because the teaching is right.
Daniel Pryor
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Harris Too Liberal?
- George Girard, North side
Re: July 25 article "Kamala Harris was most liberal in Senate"
Although I disagree to the extent to which you compliment Kamala Harris for being too Liberal, I think you've given me all the reasons I need to vote for her. Yes, because she's favors a woman's Right to Choose, I choose her. Climate Change is, and the threat it presents to the Entire Planet we live on, as a chemist, I approve of the action of Kamala Harris in support of reducing this threat. Carbon dioxide and methane build-up in our atmosphere increases the capture of solar heat --Greenhouse Effect.
Again, thank you!
George Girard
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Tucson Speaks Out: Aug. 4 letters of the day
Harris too liberal?
Re: the July 25 letter “Kamala Harris was rated most liberal in Senate.”
Although I disagree to the extent to which you compliment Kamala Harris for being too liberal, I think you’ve given me all the reasons I need to vote for her. Yes, because she favors a woman’s right to choose, I choose her. Climate change and the threat it presents to the entire planet we live on, as a chemist, I approve of the action of Kamala Harris in support of reducing this threat. Carbon dioxide and methane buildup in our atmosphere increases the capture of solar heat — Greenhouse Effect.
Again, thank you!
George Girard
North side
Appreciation
In recent months, I’ve visited (online or in person) several local governmental agencies and I want to compliment their processes and efficiencies. I used the Pima County Treasurer website portal to pay property taxes for multiple properties and it was an uncomplicated and easy transaction. I researched deed records on the Pima County Recorder’s website and it was much more accessible since they removed the need to prove you’re “not a robot.” I visited the Pima County Courthouse to obtain a copy of an older marriage license for a family member and it took about 10 minutes. I also visited the Arizona State Government office on W. Congress St. to get an apostille certification and that took about five minutes. I appreciate my tax dollars being spent for these services.
Jo A. Griffith
Northwest side
Church teachings
Re: the July 26 letter “Men in Black.”
The sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s (hetero and hom*osexual) filtered into all aspects and institutions of American life. Religious clerical life (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish) was not immune. The Catholic League’s Bill Donohue has written extensively on the topic: “The Truth about Clergy Sexual Abuse: Clarifying the Facts and the Causes.” Since the early 2000s, the Catholic Church has addressed the hom*osexual abuse in the priesthood. After that, credible allegations about hom*osexual contact by Catholic clergy are dramatically reduced.
The words of Christ are providential in Matthew 23:2-3, “The Scribes and Pharisees sit on the Chair of Moses (judgment seat), so do what they tell you, but not what they do, because they are often hypocrites.” Overall, throughout time, the majority of priests have not been hom*osexually abusive. Better to remain in the Church, because the teaching is right.
Daniel Pryor
West side
Where is the Democrats’ outrage?
President Biden was just bullied and intimidated out of running for a second term as President and most Democrats have been silent about it. In his place now is VP Kamala Harris, that nobody voted for and who won no primaries. Coronated by Democrat party elites and the liberal news media. And Harris has not said one critical word about what happened. Just quickly adorned the crown. Biden is almost a side note now. Where is the outrage from Democrats and Democrat readers of the AZ Star over this? No empathy or sympathy for Biden or anger at what happened. This was a blatant example of interfering in an election. What was Democratic about it? Nothing. It was a straight out coup that threatens our Democracy. It sets a dangerous precedent for unpopular Presidents in office. But all that is overlooked and forgiven because Democrats and their many news media allies will do anything to beat “threat to Democracy” Trump. Including committing their own “threat to Democracy.”
Gusher Adams
Midtown
Gun violence in Tucson
Re: the July 29 article “Sound off on gun violence in Tucson.”
The event release statement said, “Community members 18-and-up are encouraged to attend and learn more about gun violence, offer their suggestions for reducing it, and stay informed about the findings at the conclusion of the grant-related work.” Well to begin with, “gun violence” is a misnomer as it should be “people violence.” But the former is the narrative of Democrats relieving individuals of responsibility for harming others. I hope Mayor Romero, the Chief of South Tucson Police and the Chief of TPD attend. What should be brought out is that a predominant amount of the homicides and shootings that occur in Tucson are committed by Latinos in midtown and on the southside. No information is ever revealed about their immigration legal status. This “gun violence” has been ongoing for years. Why have Latino leaders and local Police Departments not addressed it? It is a public safety issue.
Teddy Francisco
Three Points
Presidential candidates
What does it say about our country that the leading presidential candidate is a 78-year-old convict who has twice lost the popular vote? Can anybody truly be proud of this?
Robert Rees
Northwest side
Democracy
Re: the July 30 article “Democracy or Republic?”
To the letter writer: A republic is type of democracy, it is a representative democracy. A democracy is when citizenry has the right (and I would say duty) to participate in free and fair elections. Democracies have eligibility conditions such as age and citizenship.
Kalvin Smith
Midtown
French healthcare
Re: the July 30 letter “French health care.”
In response to the gentleman who had a bad experience in a hospital in Lyon, France: I’m sorry you had this experience. However, American hospital horror stories also abound. You suggested that I spend time in France. I have spent three months every year for the past 24 years there, traveling throughout France over eight years, and now have an apartment in Paris, where I spend six months per year.
In Paris, my friend was hospitalized with a possible head injury, after a fall —monitored throughout the day by several neurologists, CT scan — $150. Another time, she had a knee problem — went to a clinic, took a number, was seen by a doctor in 10 minutes, knee examined, ultrasound performed, treatment prescribed — cost $23. I had a cardiac MRI — immediate appointment, scan, 20-minute consultation with doctor, given a folder with enlarged images, two DVD’s, five-page report — $230. Pharmacist can prescribe for minor problems; cost minuscule for self-pay Americans.
The French healthcare system is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
Dr. Sandra Katz, M.D., J.D.
Foothills
Legislation prohibiting mill dog sales needed
Re: the July 31 article “Pet shelters are at capacity, Legislature needs to help.”
Arizona is a humane backwater in prohibiting restrictions on puppy-mill sales and corrective legislation is long overdue! Current corrupt legislation was inserted by unscrupulous animal-dealer with civil/criminal convictions.
Massive numbers of Arizona adoptable animals are routinely euthanized with demoralized and exhausted shelter/rescue supporters. Suffering caused by mill and chronic backyard breeding is too numerous to detail here while draining public funds.
Too often wealthy national animal welfare orgs like ASPCA and Humane Societies’ use animals as disposable fundraising props for lavish executive salaries and gala donor events, instead of legislative lobbying and media campaigns to eliminate factory farms, requiring retailers of shelter/rescue dogs only like other states.
Best Friends solicits campaign donations for Craigslist to enforce its policy against commercial puppy listings of mill and chronic backyard breeders without results, collecting oodles of money without legislative results in Arizona either.
Donors and corporate sponsors should expect results, not lip-service from wealthy animal welfare orgs with bi-partisan public support for representatives prompt corrective legislation.
Candace Charvoz Frank
West side
Early voting?
I’m relieved. I thought I was going to have to vote this year. But according to Donald Trump that won’t be necessary, as he apparently has enough votes already. I guess early voting began earlier than I realized.
Gerry Maggiora
Foothills
Politicians
As an independent conservative I am very interested in politics, but I have a strong dislike for politicians in general. Only 26% of American adults have a favorable opinion of politicians.
I believe that all politicians lie at some time and when they don’t lie they exaggerate.
They misquote their opponents.
They vote themselves pay raises and fight efforts toward term limitations.
They are obsessed with reelection and focus most of their time on getting reelected
They have blind obedience to their party no matter the issue.
They spend millions on negative ads.
There is a proclivity for politicians to engage in blatantly unethical, self-destructive, behaviors.
They bend to whomever can donate most to their campaign and don’t follow through on campaign promises.
They label their opponents as racist, socialist, communist, Hitlerites, war criminals, whenever someone disagrees with them.
Most politicians are self-serving and have no common sense, no love of country, and no moral code.
Yes, I love politics, but have a disdain for politicians.
Tom McGorray
Northwest side
Judicial coup
Re: the Aug. 1 letter “Bracy’s ‘judicial coup’ lie.”
In response to an earlier article, the letter writer says the claim that McConnell’s refusal to hold hearings on Merrick Garland’s Supreme Court nomination amounted to a judicial coup, is a lie.
He then makes a big deal of McConnell’s rule change lowering the votes required to confirm a Supreme Court justice from 60 to 51, as if this was somehow relevant.
Since Garland never received a vote, the number of votes required for confirmation is irrelevant — not to mention the rule change came more than a year after Garland’s nomination.
McConnell cited a nonexistent “rule” barring consideration of a Supreme Court nomination in the last year of a Presidential term as justification for his refusal, yet he rammed through Amy Barrett’s confirmation just two weeks before the 2020 election with voting already underway.
A judicial coup? Absolutely!
Roger Voelker
Southeast side
Who are Trump’s vermin?
Re: the Aug. 1 article “Trump falsely questions Harris’ race.”
No revelation or eye-opener that Mr. Trump falsely questioned Vice President Harris’ race at the NABJ. He is and has always been a misogynist and racist: from his “no vacancies for Blacks” in the Wilshire Apartments with his father, to his birtherism conspiracies about President Obama, to his current vile, vulgar, and demeaning attacks on Black journalists, Black judges, and Black prosecutors.
Trump frequently calls his political opponents and minorities “vermin.” Vermin in our country are those individuals and media outlets who tolerate, allow, and embrace Mr. Trump’s racism and misogyny.
Kathy Krucker
Midtown
Development of Quail Creek
This development is not only unnecessary, it is destructive. It is always the same scenario. A development that is not needed in an environment that will be forever destroyed.
KnoxAnn Armijo
Tubac
Shout out to the “Stop the Steal” crowd
I want to send a big thank you to all the Republicans out there who have expressed their concern about Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic nominee for president. It warms my heart to hear that the party of Jan. 6, the Big Lie, the fake elector schemes, and “The election is only fair if I win” is now outraged at the idea that the will of Democratic voters isn’t being heard. Better late than never, right?
But let me reassure my MAGA friends that we voted for a Biden-Harris ticket and now that President Biden has stepped aside, the Democratic Party wholeheartedly supports VP Harris as our candidate.
Jennifer Larson
Northwest side
Democrats continue their threats to democracy
Democrats continue their threats to Democracy. They are the professionals at it, not amateurish Trump. From removing major candidates from ballots, to forcing a President not to run for re-election, to coronating a new Democratic nominee, to rioting in the streets. All threats to our democracy. Now you can add their attacks on the U.S. Supreme Court. Prior to their ruling on Roe v Wade, Democrat Senator Chuck Schumer stood on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court and threatened Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch saying “they would pay a price” if overturning it. Since then, President Biden and other Democratic politicians have called their rulings illegitimate. Now Democrats in Congress want to impose term limits on SCOTUS members and “stack the court” with at least four new left-wing Justices. You see, it is only SCOTUS that is standing in the way of Biden-Harris’ and Democrat politicians’ left-wing agenda being implemented. They could care less about “democracy” and are the real threat to it.
Dorothy Monroe
Sierra Vista
Letter: Missing the point
- James Abels, Midtown
I expect the majority of the primary voters did not actually vote for Joe Biden. I'm guessing they voted for anybody but Donald Trump! Presuming that assumption is valid, nothing has changed. The vote is still 'Anybody but Donald Trump'.
James Abels
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: NO DEBATES WITH A CONVICTED FELON
- Dennis Winsten, Northeast side
Let's hope that there are no debates between Ms. Harris and the other guy. There is little, if any, upside for Ms. Harris to debate and significant downside. Why should Democrats give credibility and national exposure to a convicted felon? Further, one can expect the same ignoring of issues and spouting the usual lies by the other guy. Rationale for not debating, "Why would I debate a convicted felon". The last debate should never have occurred (very bad strategy). It destroyed Joe Biden who deserved better.
Dennis Winsten
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Myths about border crossings
- Eleanor Navarro, East side
The trump lies about the "disaster" at the border continue even though they're very incorrect. Illegal crossings along the U.S. southern border fell to a 3-year low in June following President Biden's drastic move to curtail asylum and continued efforts by Mexico to stop migrants heading north. This fact is from CBS news, July 1, 2024. This latest lie about a huge border fiasco is just another myth much like that "huge" caravan that was supposed to invade this country a few years ago was.
Eleanor Navarro
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Trump's Dementia
- Gary Thacker, Midtown
Having watched family members decline into dementia, I’m seeing it with Trump. He slurs words and cannot pronounce four syllable words like infrastructure or Venezuela. He loses his train of thought in the middle of sentences. He goes on nonsensical rants about electric boats, sharks and Hannibal Lector…what the hell does that have to do with anything?
In my estimation, he will be in memory care 2 or 3 years from now. The idea of JD Vance as president scares the hell out of me.
Gary Thacker
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: How many MAGA Republicans in pro-Palestinian anti Israel protests?
- Daniella Constantini, Sahuarita
How many MAGA Republicans were in that anti-Israel pro-Palestinian protest turned riot outside the Capital yesterday? I venture none. How many were in the 100 that took over the Capital rotunda earlier in the week? I venture none. How many have been in the hundreds of such protests across the country since last October? I venture none. These thousands of protesters have taken over university campuses, taken over public buildings, trespassed, destroyed property, thrown rocks and bottles at law enforcement, held up despicable anti-Semitic signs about Jews and harassed Jewish students. These are not MAGA Republicans, but rather Progressive Democrats. Harris is out there calling Republicans extremists. She needs to look at her own party for the extremists. There were no MAGA riots or protests after the FBI raided Mar Lago, Trump's conviction in New York, his assassination attempt, politically motivated indictments, etc. I would argue that January 6 was a one off occasion. Protesting and rioting is what Democrats do. Remember the summer of 2019?
Daniella Constantini
Sahuarita
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Tucson speaks out: Aug. 9 letters to the editor
Won’t you be my neighbor?
It must drive Steve Bannon insane that he lives in the same town as the rational and compassionate Gil Shapiro. Of course, I mean when Bannon is actually living in Oro Valley instead of inside a federal prison in Connecticut.
Rick Cohn
West side
Presidential race
Joy v. Anger.
Normal v. Weird.
Caring v. Hateful.
Rational v. Crazy.
Charitable v. Selfish.
Democracy v. Authoritarianism
Fellow Americans: Please choose wisely.
Rick Jones
Downtown
Anti-fascists
The book Masters of the Air, about the U.S. air war against Nazi Germany, includes quotes appropriate for our times from members of bomber crews. They were fighting “the spawners of race hatred and minority oppression” and “it had to be stopped.” Those who served, along with the entire country, were our original anti-fascists. Now their children and grandchildren may well see their sacrifices undone by a large percentage of the U.S. population either indifferent to or intrigued by fascism and disdain our democracy. We could be heading to a White Nationalist oligarchy based around a “Christian” version of Sharia law. Such governments are characterized by lies, conspiracy theories, hate, and usually a cult following. That was acted out at the coronation in Milwaukee by the cult formerly known as a political party led by a sleazy con artist who adores murderous fascist and communist leaders.
Vance Holliday
Foothills
Why publish AI disinformation
The opinion piece by Jim Douthit in the August 8 edition of the Star represents the most complete loss of editorial integrity I’ve witnessed. If it was supposed to be satire, it failed miserably as it merely concocted a series of lies about Harris’s positions without any attempt to tell an uninformed reader he was simply lying about her positions. Satire, both good and bad, eventually reveals the truth.
This appears to me to be an article written by Russian AI bots and submitted by a person. It is a weird series of lies with no further purpose than to confuse and spread disinformation. I am beyond disappointed with the editorial choice to print this obvious piece of disinformation. I am concerned for the intellectual and mental health of the Star staff.
Phil Biggs
Foothills
Greatest of all time
Jim Douthit’s letter “Kamala gives us hope” may be the greatest example of satire ever written!!! The way that Jim describes Kamala’s comments on Afghanistan, Russia collusion, the border policy, Ukraine, the debt, and winding up with Obama was brilliant!! Thanks Jim, you are the GOAT.
Jack Hingstrum
Marana
Yippy Vance
Weird Donald must be quite proud of his new lapdog, GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance.
Losing no time Vance quickly slammed the military career of Tim Walz, his Democratic Party opponent.
Former corporal Vance served four years. Walz served 24 years, finishing as a command sergeant major.
When it comes to important stuff I’ll always listen to a sergeant major before a yippy corporal.
Joe Schula
Foothills
Hudbay and friends debunked
Rob Peters’ excellent opinion piece explaining the results of the Powers Consulting Group’s study of Copper World, exposes Hudbay’s false claims of economic benefits to Pima county. Now it is plain for everyone to see that the negative impacts of this mega-mine complex would far outweigh the benefits.
The study also shows that copper is not in short supply, and that existing mining operations will be able to keep up with future demand.
So Hudbay and its sycophant politicians, like Ciscomani and Steve Christy, can quit lying to us with their false propaganda, and claims of future copper shortages. And that goes for certain misinformed letter writers to the editor. Mr Sollenberger should stop insulting and deriding intelligent, concerned citizens. His phony, histrionic, doomsday predictions about copper shortages have been proven false. This is all about making money folks, and it certainly isn’t about protecting the health, water supply, or property values of Pima county residents and visitors.
Rick Johnson
Sahuarita
Santa Claus
What a perfect pick for VP!
Someone who understands how to achieve economic growth.
A person who values public education.
One who comprehends women’s reproductive problems and believes in strong public health care.
A hunter who knows our country needs responsible gun ownership.
A person with international relationship skills from a successful military background.
Someone who cares about income disparity and wants a strong middle-class America.
Most of all, a person who is concerned about climate change.
Tim Walz has the personality of Santa Claus and the brilliance of Abraham Lincoln.
Janet Pipes
Northwest side
Ciscomani signs
Many voters fill out their ballots based on name recognition — that is a sad fact but true. Hence, politicians spend a lot of money on signs and I don’t think anybody has made a greater effort than Rep. Juan Ciscomani. Every intersection I went through and four signs on each corner — big and blue and without any party affiliation. I had to look him up, and it turns out he is another MAGA guy who votes the way Trump tells him.
If you want to vote for this guy, please check his voting record. I hope somebody makes him retrieve all those signs after the election.
Steve Devitt
East side
Truth matters
I have seen a political ad that states that Biden/Harris have let 10 million immigrants into the United States in less than
Four years. I went to Factcheck.org to verify the claim. They say that 2.5 million immigrants have been released into the U.S. and 2.8 million have been expelled in the last four years. Someone is lying big time. I live 50 miles from the border. I have not had any problems with immigrants related to crime, vagrancy, or other adverse issues. I do see plenty of violence and homelessness and just crappy behavior all over our city from our citizens. We don’t need to blame immigrants for our problems. We, the citizens, are the problem.
Richard Bechtold
West side
Weirdly Silent
JD Vance is complaining that Governor Tim Walz “abandoned” his Army National Guard unit before they were deployed to a combat zone. The truth is that Governor Walz left the Guard at least two months before his unit was notified of the deployment. He left to run for Congress.
Moreover, Vance remains silent about the Cheeto-Dusted-Draft-Dodger who faked having bone spurs to avoid the Vietnam draft.
Weird, isn’t it?
James Nesci
East side
Inflation-fighting policy
Kamala Harris touts being for the future and freedom. She has explained inflation as higher costs affecting families negatively. What depth of understanding! What she has not done is offer plans for how to deal with the nation’s problems. She will not take press questions to justify her past policies or present a plan for the future. The liberal media, derelict in their duty, will not ask her the hard questions in dreaded fear of the response. As a contrast, Donald Trump has told us that on day one, he will order the border closed to all except those who enter legally. This results in community budget dollars, not spent on illegals, will be available for citizens in those communities. He also will allow our natural resources to be extracted; “drill baby drill”. This secure source of home-grown resources will inherently lower costs of fuel, thus lowering the cost of all the goods we purchase. Where is the plan so I can make a reasoned decision?
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
Goodness Prevails
It is so uplifting to see leaders who radiate goodness and joy, who help and uplift others, and who are committed to a healthier and more prosperous future for all. Goodness attracts goodness. We are attracted to happy and good people. They help us feel happier, too, because their goodness brings out the goodness in us. The quote from Sadly Ali Khan, “Your life is the message to the world. Make sure it is inspiring” encourages us to be better. To be our best selves we must love our neighbors and treat others as we want to be treated. Respect is the key. Our ancestors fought hard for the freedoms we have in this country. Let us respect our ancestors, our children’s future, and each other. If your life is your message, let your voice be heard. In November, vote for goodness and goodness will prevail.
Maggie Kraft
North side
Letter: Why publish AI disinformation
- Phil Biggs, Foothills
The opinion piece by Jim Douthit in the August 8 edition of the Star represents the most complete loss of editorial integrity I’ve witnessed. If it was supposed to be satire, it failed miserably as it merely concocted a series of lies about Harris’s positions without any attempt to tell an uninformed reader he was simply lying about her positions. Satire, both good and bad, eventually reveals the truth.
This appears to me to be an article written by Russian AI bots and submitted by a person. It is a weird series of lies with no further purpose than to confuse and spread disinformation. I am beyond disappointed with the editorial choice to print this obvious piece of disinformation. I am concerned for the intellectual and mental health of the Star staff.
Phil Biggs
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Greatest of all time.
- Jack Hingstrum, Marana
Jim Douthit's letter "Kamala gives us hope" may be the greatest example of satire ever written!!! The way that Jim describes Kamala's comments on Afghanistan, Russia collusion, the border policy, Ukraine, the debt, and winding up with Obama was brilliant!! Thanks Jim, you are the GOAT.
Jack Hingstrum
Marana
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Santa Claus
- Janet Pipes, Northwest side
What a perfect pick for VP!
Someone who understands how to achieve economic growth.
A person who values public education.
One who comprehends women’s reproductive problems and believes in strong public health care.
A hunter who knows our country needs responsible gun ownership.
A person with international relationship skills from a successful military background.
Someone who cares about income disparity and wants a strong middle-class America.
Most of all, a person who is concerned about climate change.
Tim Walz has the personality of Santa Claus and the brilliance of Abraham Lincoln.
Janet Pipes
Northwest side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Yippy Vance
- Joe Schula, Foothills
Weird Donald must be quite proud of his new lapdog, GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance.
Losing no time Vance quickly slammed the military career of Tim Walz, his Democratic Party opponent.
Former corporal Vance served four years. Walz served 24 years, finishing as a command sergeant major.
When it comes to important stuff I’ll always listen to a sergeant major before a yippy corporal.
Joe Schula
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Anti-fascists
- Vance Holliday, Foothills
The book Masters of the Air, about the U.S. air war against Nazi Germany, includes quotes appropriate for our times from members of bomber crews. They were fighting “the spawners of race hatred and minority oppression” and “it had to be stopped.” Those who served, along with the entire country, were our original anti-fascists. Now their children and grandchildren may well see their sacrifices undone by a large percentage of the U.S. population either indifferent to or intrigued by fascism and disdain our democracy. We could be heading to a White Nationalist oligarchy based around a “Christian” version of Sharia law. Such governments are characterized by lies, conspiracy theories, hate, and usually a cult following. That was acted out at the coronation in Milwaukee by the cult formerly known as a political party led by a sleazy con artist who adores murderous fascist and communist leaders.
Vance Holliday
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Presidential Race
- Rick Jones, Downtown
Joy v. Anger.
Normal v. Weird.
Caring v. Hateful.
Rational v. Crazy.
Charitable v. Selfish.
Democracy v. Authoritarianism
Fellow Americans: Please choose wisely.
Rick Jones
Downtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Goodness Prevails
- Maggie Kraft, North side
It is so uplifting to see leaders who radiate goodness and joy, who help and uplift others, and who are committed to a healthier and more prosperous future for all. Goodness attracts goodness. We are attracted to happy and good people. They help us feel happier, too, because their goodness brings out the goodness in us. The quote from Sadly Ali Khan, “Your life is the message to the world. Make sure it is inspiring” encourages us to be better. To be our best selves we must love our neighbors and treat others as we want to be treated. Respect is the key. Our ancestors fought hard for the freedoms we have in this country. Let us respect our ancestors, our children’s future, and each other. If your life is your message, let your voice be heard. In November, vote for goodness and goodness will prevail.
Maggie Kraft
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Truth matters
- Richard Bechtold, West side
I have seen a political ad that states that Biden/Harris have let 10 million immigrants into the United States in less than
4 years. I went to Factcheck.org to verify the claim. They say that 2.5 million immigrants have been released into the US and 2.8 million have been expelled in the last 4 years. Someone is lying big time. I live 50 miles from the border. I have not had any problems with immigrants related to crime, vagrancy, or other adverse issues. I do see plenty of violence and homelessness and just crappy behavior all over our city from our citizens. We don't need to blame immigrants for our problems. We, the citizens, are the problem.
Richard Bechtold
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Inflation-fighting policy
- Loyal M Johnson Jr, Oro Valley
Kamala Harris touts being for the future and freedom. She has explained inflation as higher costs affecting families negatively. What depth of understanding! What she has not done is offer plans for how to deal with the nation’s problems. She will not take press questions to justify her past policies or present a plan for the future. The liberal media, derelict in their duty, will not ask her the hard questions in dreaded fear of the response. As a contrast, Donald Trump has told us that on day one, he will order the border closed to all except those who enter legally. This results in community budget dollars, not spent on illegals, will be available for citizens in those communities. He also will allow our natural resources to be extracted; “drill baby drill”. This secure source of home-grown resources will inherently lower costs of fuel, thus lowering the cost of all the goods we purchase. Where is the plan so I can make a reasoned decision?
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Letter: Weirdly Silent
- James Nesci, East side
JD Vance is complaining that Governor Tim Walz “abandoned” his Army National Guard unit before they were deployed to a combat zone. The truth is that Governor Walz left the Guard at least 2 months before his unit was notified of the deployment. He left to run for Congress.
Moreover, Vance remains silent about the Cheeto-Dusted-Draft-Dodger who faked having bone spurs to avoid the Vietnam draft.
Weird, isn’t it?
James Nesci
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
More like this...
'; oEngagementContainer_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.append(sHTML_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4); } }); } // Build engagement set $.each(oResponse.assets, function(index) { if (index == 1 && sOriginID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 == null) { sOriginID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = oResponse.assets[0].id; } // Display assets once origin is found // Find origin then begin displaying assets if (bFoundOrigin_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 == true) { if (this.id == sOriginID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4) { // Found orgin a second time. Stop gathering assets and kill next_url bStop_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = true; sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = null; oEngagementMore_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.remove(); } else if (bStop_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 == false && this.id != 'bb8b825d-42a7-5fd9-8d8e-7cecc2d2fae4') { // Display asset var sHTML_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = ''; if (this.content.includes('engagement-asset') && iDisplayCount_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 < iMaxDisplay_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4) { iDisplayCount_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 ++; sHTML_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 += '
' + this.content + '
'; } } } else { if (this.id == sOriginID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4) { // Origin found. Begin displaying assets bFoundOrigin_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = true; } else { // Origin found is false. Skip asset // Fail-safe in case origin is not present in set. This can be removed when origin is fixed. if (bFirstRun_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 == true) { // Stored first id sFirstID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = this.id; bFirstRun_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = false; } else if (this.id == sFirstID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4) { // We've started again. Force origin sOriginID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = sFirstID_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4; bFoundOrigin_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = true; } // end Fail-safe } } // Append engagement assets to container oEngagementContainer_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.append(sHTML_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4); // Stop traversing asset array if (iDisplayCount_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 >= iMaxDisplay_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4) { bStop_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = true; return false; } }); // Include block_id on newly added list items oEngagementContainer_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.find('.engagement-item.original').each(function() { var sHref_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = scrubURL($(this).find("a.centered-content-link").attr("href")); if(sHref_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4!="javascript:void(0)"){ // Add content discovery tracking sHref_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 += '#tncms-source=endcard-gallery'; // Add to image and headlines links $(this).removeClass('original').find("a.centered-content-link").attr("href", sHref_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4); } }); // Check next URL if (sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 && bStop_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 == false) { // if origin hasn't been found yet and we hit next_url. Trigger the set to pull in again. if (bFoundOrigin_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 == false) { // No origin yet. Call the populate function __tnt.engagement.assets["bb8b825d-42a7-5fd9-8d8e-7cecc2d2fae4"].populate(sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4); } else { // Append sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 to engagement set oEngagementContainer_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.append('
'); if (iDisplayCount_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 < iMaxDisplay_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4) { // Get next url and request more assets __tnt.engagement.assets["bb8b825d-42a7-5fd9-8d8e-7cecc2d2fae4"].populate(oEngagementMore_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.data('next-url')); } } } // Add total count to container if (bStop_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 == true) { // Add total count to container oEngagementContainer_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.attr("data-engagement-total", iDisplayCount_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4); // Remove engagement loading spinner oEngagementSpinner_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4.remove(); return false; } } else { // Empty asset set returned. Go back in for a real set if(__tnt.engagement.assets["bb8b825d-42a7-5fd9-8d8e-7cecc2d2fae4"].attempts<2){ if(sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4==null||sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4==""){ sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4 = "/news/local/tucson-speaks-up-letters-to-the-editor-for-the-week-of-aug-9-2024/collection_bb8b825d-42a7-5fd9-8d8e-7cecc2d2fae4.html"; } __tnt.engagement.assets["bb8b825d-42a7-5fd9-8d8e-7cecc2d2fae4"].populate(sNextUrl_bb8b825d_42a7_5fd9_8d8e_7cecc2d2fae4); __tnt.engagement.assets["bb8b825d-42a7-5fd9-8d8e-7cecc2d2fae4"].attempts++; } } }); } } // Rewrite URL for preview // TODO move to one location function scrubURL(sURL) { if (typeof sURL != 'undefined'){ return sURL; } }
Tags
- Letters
- Wire
- Dcc
'); var s = document.createElement('script'); s.setAttribute('src', 'https://assets.revcontent.com/master/delivery.js'); document.body.appendChild(s); window.removeEventListener('scroll', throttledRevContent); __tnt.log('Load Rev Content'); } } }, 100); window.addEventListener('scroll', throttledRevContent); }
