LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Immigrants worked, assimilated
Re: the June 14 article 'Immigrants don't assimilate, pose an 'existential' threat to US, Prescott lawmaker says.'
My grandparents immigrated to the U.S. from Lithuania in 1913, having been promised jobs in the coalmines in southwest Pennsylvania. Immigration officials helped them find their way to a community where others spoke their language.
The miners worked seven-day weeks at 10 hour shifts. Not much time to go to an after-hours English class. Over many years they learned a little English and earned green cards. My grandparents produced seven children, all highly successful Americans. That is how ' assimilation' works. I think we all have the same story.
Phillip George Ferranti
Northeast side
Re: the June 14 article 'Immigrants don't assimilate, pose an 'existential' threat to US, Prescott lawmaker says.'
I am writing the Star for the first time because I can no longer stay silent. This is in response to Rep. David Stringer's comments, which amounted to nothing more than racist vitriol. He needs to look around and notice that there are plenty of successful, educated Mexican- Americans, African- Americans and people of all races, creeds and colors that make up our wonderful 'melting pot.'
Sure, the demographics of America are changing, but he is reacting out of ignorance and fear. What's next, starting the American Aryan nation? I am appalled and disheartened that there are people around me that think this way.
Jennifer Dunn
Northwest side
The president needs to decide which parts of the Bill of Rights he supports and which he rejects in his political life.
His dogged refusal to even consider a ban on assault weapons demonstrates that he supports a very broad (some would say exceptionally dangerous and destructive) interpretation of the Second Amendment, but he apparently feels free to punish the free exercise of expression guaranteed by the First Amendment, as demonstrated by his decision to rescind the invitation to visit the WhiteHouse that he issued to the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Shame on you, Mr. President!
Next time you invite someone to the WhiteHouse, I suggest that you add a footnote to the invitation stating that it only applies to those who agree with you.
Barry Corey
Foothills
Pet store law a failure for consumers, animals
In May 2016, Arizona's Legislature passed, and Gov. Ducey signed, SB1248 into law. This law overturned bans passed in Tucson, Phoenix and Tempe against commercial pet stores selling puppy mill and hobby breeder puppies. Now, two years later, we look at that legislation and see it as a failure for both animals and people. As the law states: 'A pet dealer shall display the source of any dog or cat offered for sale by providing the name of the animal breeder, the United States Department of Agriculture license number of the breeder if the animal is from a breeder that is licensed by the USDA and the USDA website where information about the breeder may be obtained.' Under the Trump administration, the USDA website cited in Arizona's SB1248 now blocks inspection violations from public scrutiny.
Ducey said, 'I am an unapologetic dog lover,' yet this law has failed consumers and animals while empowering pet stores and their puppy mill suppliers. Is Ducey apologetic for this obsolete law?
Don Scott
Fountain Hills
Arizona ends pharmacist gag rule
Re: the June 8 article 'Consumers must ask for better deal.'
The article reported nearly 20 states had banned the gag rule barring pharmacists from voluntarily telling people they could save by paying cash instead of using insurance co-pays. A list of these states wasn't included, but an internet search shows that Arizona's governor signed HB 2107 in April to ban the gag rule.
Since new laws in Arizona generally go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns, the ban should be lifted in early August.
Until then, (and even after) people can follow advice in the story and ask for a drug's cash price, as pharmacists can generally respond when asked directly.
The gag rule has resulted in patients needlessly using medical insurance to overpay for already pricey drugs, while increasing profits for a greedy insurance industry. Thank you to the Legislature for ending the gag rule and helping lower drug costs.
Debra Deininger
Midtown
Oro Valley council deserves re-election
Since 1992, my wife, Ann, and I have really enjoyed life in Oro Valley. We have seen much change, all for the good. The current Oro Valley council has provided enlightened vision and leadership to grow the town. By encouraging good construction of homes and world-class recreational facilities, the council has motivated quality businesses to open. Also, the University of Arizona will be opening a veterinary school due to availability of housing and recreational facilities. This fine growth based on quality leadership surely will motivate more businesses to move into the town.
Having served 41 years in uniform, the last four as head of the U.S. Army for President Reagan, I have some knowledge of character- based leadership. I have known current Town Council members for years and can attest to their solid integrity, 24-karat- gold character. I strongly urge residents to vote current council members back into office.
John Wickham
Oro Valley
No replacement for Pitts
Re: the June 9 letter to the editor 'It's time to replace columnist Pitts.'
With all respect to the letter writer, who identifies himself as an 82-year-old black man living in the Foothills, I- as a 71-year old white woman - cannot imagine what he finds to be 'a vile platter of racist bile' in Leonard Pitts' column. The bile is in the facts Pitts recites about the death of a black man and father shot by police through his own front door for playing loud music and the jury's award to the man's family of 4 cents in compensation.
Pitts makes the point that this horror is simply the latest in a centuries-old litany of horrors. His grief and rage are always beautifully articulated and explained. Pitts is a national treasure, a guardian of 'our better angels,' and a major reason I continue to subscribe to the Star.
Regula Case
Midtown
Giving our lives purpose
Today we hear much about our high suicide rates. Psychiatrists, psychologists and opiners have boundless suggestions of how we might help the depressed. Well, from this retired psychologist, a mere common-sense position: If a person sees life as totally crumby or hellish, it's reasonable to want something better.
For a person who believes in an after-life heaven, suicidal escape must be especially attractive.
Realistically, however, let's all work together with the purpose of making this life more heavenly with our kindness and generosity. The common-sense Golden Rule works. We all need to realize that the way to be happy is to help others be happy. The joy of giving/helping brings purpose.
And when that bigger-than-myself purpose is generously shown and taught, it becomes easier for young and old to say, 'Now I know why I want to go on with this life.'
Stephen Uhl
Oro Valley
A third thought on Second Amendment
Re: the June 11 letter to the editor 'Some Second Amendment thoughts.'
The letter writer wanted a second thought on the Second Amendment, but he only looked at half of it. I guess that means his thoughts were only half-baked?
The part he forgot to talk about reads, 'The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.' Let's look at that again. The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
Does anyone know why that's there? The founding fathers added that so 'We the People' can protect ourselves, our families, our property, and 'yes' even our neighbors. The founders also said that we should keep sufficient ammunition to protect ourselves from an abusive government. As far as the word 'militia' goes, any able-bodied person who owns a gun can be considered part of a militia. If you're going to break something down, discuss all of it next time.
Steven Barker
East side
Respect for our flag
Recently there was a letter concerning NFL owners and players. It referred to the 'kneeling' movement that started when a black player knelt to protest the treatment of blacks, and the president said kneeling was disrespectful. Both Trump and the letter writer are ignorant of the U.S. Flag Code: kneeling is not included in the multitude of other things that show disrespect for the flag and anthem. They should at least read Public Law 77-623.
One thing the U.S. does not do is punish people for not obeying proper flag etiquette. One is allowed to protest or make a statement without the worry of being punished. There are people who gave their lives for the right to do this, so think about your actions before you decide to ignore conventions or at least be inquisitive and learn about proper flag etiquette. Freedom of expression is a constitutionally protected right, and even the president cannot change that, whether the protesters are black or white.
Jerry Lujan
SaddleBrooke
Rate increase a cash grab
Re: the June 10 article 'Unincorporated areas facing rate hike not sought by Tucson Water.'
This is purely a tax revenue grab by Tucson's City Council.
Council member Steve Kozachik wrote this week: 'It does not cost us more to supply water to customers who live in unincorporated Pima County than it does to serve customers who live within the city limits. In fact, there are parts of Tucson where it costs us more to serve than it does in some parts of the unincorporated area.'
He goes on, 'This is not about cost of service. It is very simply about us wanting to increase revenues. It's about wanting to use this as a tool to compel annexation or incorporation. The region receives more revenue from that state if more towns choose to incorporate or to be annexed into the city.
'The legality is being looked into. If the policy passes that scrutiny and unless there's a groundswell of opposition, I expect these differential rates will be approved later this year.'
Troy Peterson
East side
Ludicrous summit of despots
The recently concluded Singapore summit was nothing but a self-serving exercise, a political dog-and-pony show for both despots involved. Kim Jong Un was the winner. He used the occasion to legitimize his inhumane and ruthless regime on the world stage at U.S. expense. The very fact that President Trump would accept this history without question demonstrates his disregard for the human condition and diminishes U.S. credibility in the world community.
Of course Trump's isolationist purview rejects the fact that there is a world community! So from his unbalanced perspective he is willing to let North Korean barbarism slide in order to promote himself. And the rest of the GOP stands idly by. This summit between two feckless, insincere dictators was a joke, making the U.S. a joke in the process.
Scott Lukomski
Northeast side
A questionable layout
President Trump, with the help of Dennis Rodman (who Barack Obama ignored when he could have done this), pulled off one of the biggest international peace deals in history. So instead of a big positive headline about this historical meeting, you just can't help yourself and include the words 'renewed threat' in the headline.
In this society, we read from top left to the right, so instead of using the top of the front page for a picture of Mr. Trump and Kim with a positive headline, you have to put another headline that the eyes go to first (Trump hotel in violation of Constitution, lawyers claim). Lawyers claim a lot of things. So instead of a nice positive front page about this historic event that President Obama was either to lazy or not interested to do, we got the headline that was left on my front porch along with what the neighbor's dog left.
Steven Pielacha
Midtown
Attorney general overreaches
Jeff Sessions' decision to limit who is eligible for asylum, excluding victims of particular forms of violence and potentially sending thousands of people back to their home countries- where they may face abuse, extortion and even death- should not be allowed. One person should not be able to decide this! Sadly, this is not a country I can be proud of anymore. In today's world we are part of a world community that should be concerned with humanitarian efforts for all.
Pamela Irvin
Green Valley
Keep dogs under control
I know some people won't like hearing this, but it needs to be said. If your dog barks, snarls or lunges at other pedestrians, you should not be walking it in public. You might say, 'He won't bite!'
But you're not the mind reader of your dog.
Letting your dog bark, snarl or lunge at people is the equivalent of brandishing a gun. Yes, a dog can be a weapon. That's why the police and military use them.
That's why guards in concentration camps used them. And that's why an aggressive dog does not belong in public. You are engaging in aggression when you allow your dog to intimidate others.
Train your dog or walk it elsewhere before someone is bitten.
Everyone has a right to walk in public without being intimidated by aggressive dogs and their careless owners.
Kevan Perry
Midtown
