Ahwatukee Foothills News : Letters to the Editor

Admit it: Who didn’t clean the bathroom?

Dear Editor:

I need your help in finding out who is responsible for maintaining the outdoor bathroom on the Ahwatukee Golf course property.

The bathroom is on Magic Stone Drive, east of the corner of Tonopah and Magic Stone drives.

I have contacted the Ahwatukee Country Club, Ahwatukee Board of Management and the city of Phoenix, and no one seems to be able to do anything. The bathroom is an eyesore and insult to our beautiful community.

The building is in desperate need of repair and paint, and no one seems to be able to force the country club to keep their property up to Ahwatukee community standards.

If there is anyone who could assist in making sure that this eyesore is taken care of, I would forever be grateful to them.

Mary Gill

Don’t let murderers out until all their crimes have been investigated

Dear Editor:

Invariably, bills come to the Legislature, and they need the attention of victims and victims’ families.

The assumption is that many of the inmates now serving time were tried and convicted for all crimes that they committed. This is not true. 

Some current convicted murderers committed horrendous crimes and did not come clean on other capital crimes or plea bargained their current sentence if other charges were dropped. The results are untried and cold cases.

Currently, House Bill 2525, related to capital sentencing, states inmates sentenced “to life in prison shall be eligible for parole after serving twenty-five calendar years.” If there is a consecutive sentence, then the inmate must serve that sentence.

This bill does not go far enough to ensure that: (1) all capital crimes committed by the inmate have been fully investigated whether tried or not; (2) damages the concept of justice for victims murdered and not allowed to live full lives; and (3) muddies the concept of a life sentence.

Again it would appear that for the likelihood of reduced costs, victims are being shoved out of the criminal justice process. Recently, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission made an adjustment for a $305,500 budget reduction to victim services. With that, this bill also seems to modify justice without consideration of victims to the point of releasing inmates.

I recommend that Arizona citizens, especially victims’ families, contact legislators and encourage them to vote against HB 2525. If Arizona is going to adjust sentencing for murder then it should do it at the table with victims present and in support of the comprehensive sentence restructuring ... and on a “from this day forward” basis.

Simply hoping that victims will forget, go away or relax so that the budget can be balanced on victims’ backs is inadequate at best, piecemeal in process and crude fiscal management without the consideration of protection of citizens. Silence creates cold cases; don’t be silent on HB2525.

The “oops-we-gotta-balance-the-budget” plus “we-are-sorry-your-family-member-was-murdered” equation just doesn’t work. The truth in sentencing is that the Legislature should uphold justice.

Arizonans who have a family member or friend who was victimized by murder prior to Aug. 8, 1973 need to contact their local prosecutor about their case. Cold-case evidence is to be held for 55 years.

Mike Durham

Naming/labeling people

Dear Editor:

Several recent columns and letters to the editor have placed people into categories calling them names and/or marking groups with a label. “You are a sucker ... have been duped ... are insipid ... are a Marxist ... are a Liberal ... are a Conservative ... are On the Right ... are On the Left.” If I read the content of these writings correctly, they seek to put the person reading the article into a category. By doing so it is assumed that the writer knows exactly what those labeled believed and how they think – and, therefore, can judge them.

Reacting to this type of writing polarizes individuals when there is no person who fits those categories. None! We are all complex people who cannot be labeled. We may be liberal in one venue and conservative in another, etc. Much harm is done by attaching those labels.

For instance, let’s assume that none of the legislators in Arizona (or in the United States) Legislature carry a label. Then there is no true Republican or Democrat across the board. They are all individuals elected to represent the people. Think of how much could be accomplished if those labels were thrown out, and the legislators truly represented all of the people – not just certain people.

We would not have a group of senators who identify with anti-tax no matter what – even though the times have changed drastically since the “no-tax” pledge was given to certain constituents.

We would not have a House and Senate of the United States, who are divided almost exactly along party lines. Rather we’d have chambers working together for the needs of the people.

We would not have a sheriff who says he is “obeying the law” when he (or his attorney) chooses how to interpret each law that he obeys to his benefit allowing no one to critique his leadership without retaliation.

We would not have individuals who believe being “tough on crime” is feeding prisoners less than dogs/spoiled food/no fresh fruits or vegetables – just because they are “prisoners.”

We would not incarcerate all people who “look, act, talk like an illegal immigrant” without first giving them their constitutional right to prove their citizenship.

We would not condemn a president who, in less than a year, has not done all of the things he wants to do – for example, pass health care reform or reduce the deficit. Consider the promises for health care reform made for years (Ted Kennedy’s work) and the needs of our citizens – or the huge budget surplus when Bill Clinton left Washington and the debt that the George W. Bush administration left behind. These problems have existed for years. Do we condemn or work for a solution?

The list could go on, but the point is that none of us is a label, we are people who live in a country where civility is our virtue, where yelling at one another is unacceptable, where opinions are heard and consensus is built among people who respect each other – for the better of the people.

Betty Boesen

Unjust and uncalled for!

Dear Editor:

Five Supreme Court justices opened the doors for the bankers and huge corporations to buy their politicians with their huge bankrolls in profits and bailout money.

This is insane and un-American and is a pay-off to the rich outsourcing corporations and banks that have driven our country into a poverty and jobless state of affairs. All of this under the guise of freedom of speech.

The poor judgement of the court should be put to the people before they destroy what protection we have had for more than 100 years. What ever happened to common sense?

Joe Campbell

Ready for change

Dear Editor:

In early October I e-mailed my congressman, Harry Mitchell, asking for 15 minutes of his time regarding pending health care, “Obamacare,” legislation. I explained that I am a retired department chief at VA Hospital Phoenix and an ex-military physician. No response. I subsequently phoned and was told his schedule was filled. They didn’t ask for or suggest any alternative times, simply that his schedule was full (forever?). He hasn’t had time to listen to my views, not then, not ever. Subsequently, Mitchell voted in favor of Obamacare.

Mitchell substituted a telephone town hall meeting for a personal appearance before his constituents. I was one of more than 4,000 who signed up. I wasn’t contacted. Another writer to this paper stated that only 20 of the 4,000 were contacted and each was allowed less than one minute to express their views.

Who are our elected representatives really listening to? Whose interests are served when they determine our futures through their legislation?

This is representative democracy as it exists in Ahwatukee and, I suspect, in much of America today.

I, for one, am truly ready for a change.

George J. Grasel, M.D.

A heartfelt thank you

Dear Editor:

Dr. Joe Pearson, an Ahwatukee Foothills orthodontist, would like to thank his patients and the community of Ahwatukee for contributing to his Phoenix Children’s Hospital Toy Drive. There were so many items that we had to make several deliveries.

The toys are given to those children who have to spend the holidays away from home. These children are so appreciative of all of the toys they receive. The parents can’t thank you all enough for putting a smile on the face of their child. It really means the world to them, that the public joins together for such a wonderful cause.

We truly appreciate all of you who dropped items off. Also, we would like to remind you that our toy drive is year-round. Even though the holidays are over, there still are many children in the hospital away from their homes. If you would like to drop items off, you can call our office at (480) 759-7575 to schedule a time.

Thank you.

Dr. Pearson and staff

Doctors not government

Dear Editor:

Recently you published a letter from Fred Barlam (“Health insurance: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times?” AFN, Jan. 13) who compared Rush Limbaugh’s health care experience with that of Mackenzie Saunders, the young soccer player who was recently injured.

According to the writer, Limbaugh had “relief pour over him” and he felt the system worked well for him. Did the writer seem to think Limbaugh did not deserve good care?

Or was he disappointed that Limbaugh had no long-term complications?

He seemed to forget the most important issue here – Saunders had relief pour over her, as well. And she is expected to have a full recovery. The system did work for her, thank God.

Her doctors controlled her care. Not the government.

As for the cost of health care, there is little doubt we need reform, that is clear. But Barlam, like so many others, are so anxious for change, they are not looking at the details.

The proposed plan gives too much power to the federal government to control our lives. Good people, no doubt like Barlam, are so anxious for change, they are not asking the important questions.

But then again, we have not been able to read the plan. There has been no “transparency,” and it appears to be extremely complicated and lengthy. Doesn’t that concern Barlam? The supporters of this plan have a very naive faith in the government. They will be disappointed.

Don’t be fooled by the American Medical Association’s support of the plan. They only represent 17 percent of doctors and just like many other organizations, they have a significant financial incentive for it to pass.

Ask your doctor his or her opinion. They will tell you, because they are terrified for the future of health care in America.

The health care system is working well. We need insurance reform. Let’s do it right.

Jean Bobb

Why Arizona needs Lujan

Dear Editor:

In the past year, Arizona has experienced a time of extreme mismanagement of state resources, and we are desperate for a change. As a leader who has always put the needs of those in need before the wealthy or powerful, minority leader David Lujan is the leader we need as Arizona’s next attorney general.

As attorney general, David Lujan will continue his fight against child abuse and domestic violence, stop mortgage fraud, protect consumers from identity theft, curb human trafficking and border violence, and defend the rights of all Arizonans. With years of experience prosecuting labor law violations at the National Labor Relations Board, and protecting Arizona families as the staff attorney for Defenders of Children, Lujan will bring a commitment to the office of attorney general that will protect justice for all.

In the 2010 legislative session, Lujan will be working closely with current Attorney General Terry Goddard on a number of bills to protect Arizonans from crime, including bills to crack down on human smugglers and border violence. To Lujan, it is all about protecting people, and that is what he will do as Arizona’s next attorney general.

I urge everyone to visit DavidLujan.com to learn more about Lujan, and learn how you can help support his mission to protect all Arizonans.

Chase Williams

Health insurance: ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times?’

Dear Editor:

Honolulu, Hawaii? A CNN news brief states that all tests were negative after Rush Limbaugh was rushed to the hospital with chest pains while on vacation. As relief pours over Limbaugh he makes the following public statement, “The treatment I received here was the best that the world has to offer. I don’t think there’s one thing wrong with the American health care system. It is working just fine.”

The news brief goes on to state that last year Limbaugh struck a deal with Clear Channel Communications to extend his contract through 2016 in a deal worth more than $400 million.

Phoenix, Arizona? The top story in the AFN concerns Mackenzie Saunders, a sixth-grader at Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School, who was partially paralyzed playing soccer. Her father Gary Saunders stated, “This is the kind of thing that hits home with every parent.” The article continues, “But now the family faces the reality of the looming hospital bill. The Saunders have medical insurance, but it is a policy where after 10 days they are responsible for 50 percent of the bill... Donations can be made at any Bank of America branch at any time to the Mackenzie Saunders Medical Fund.”

The American health care system desperately needs to be repaired. It is NOT working fine!

Fred Barlam

Kathy’s Alterations made my daughter’s holiday

Dear Editor:

As any mother of a little girl knows, holiday dresses are a big deal. There are tons of gorgeous dresses to choose from and they are usually quite pricey.

We always buy my daughter’s dress with the hope that she can wear it several times over the holiday season. This year the dress had a huge problem, the zipper completely broke the day before Christmas Eve. I was lucky enough to go to Kathy’s Alterations at 40th Street and Chandler Boulevard, and Kathy made time to fix it. She was super busy with other orders and trying to prepare for her own personal holiday I’m sure.

Her caring and professionalism was a gift. Thanks Kathy for making Jessie’s dress wearable. She was beautiful!

Kristin Hamilton

Unrated doesn’t mean no rating

Dear Editor:

Regarding the cover article on parents being able to review the health curriculum so kids may make informed decisions (“Parental Guidance,” AFN, Jan. 8); I’d like to offer a suggestion that, perhaps, no one has thought of. How about informing teens about the evils of the local video store?

For the past few months, every time I go to the video store, I am constantly noticing new releases with the motto, “Director’s Cut” or “Unrated Version.” What I came to find out after foolishly renting one, was that these are nothing more than the “originals,” with loads of added profanity, violence and all the smut you could ever imagine. In other words, if these flicks were judged by the rating board, they would be rated “X” and, therefore, unfit for general release. When I was renting something the other night, I noticed a youth in front of me renting one of these “Unrated” versions, and after he left I asked the clerk if they had any restrictions on renting those titles to someone who could not be more than 15. The answer was “no.” I asked why they couldn’t just carry the “original” titles since R-rated versions are bad enough. I was told: “That’s what they send us.” In other words, teenagers are now allowed to rent X-rated films at our local video store.

Your article wondered why there were so many teen pregnancies? Get a clue.

Micah Thayer