Letters to the Editor by Pat Atchue

October , 2022

     Following up on some recent letters to the editor, I thought I’d get my two cents in.

     The EPA is not the greatest threat to America. Over the past 50 years, the EPA has gotten lead out of gas and paint, asbestos out of buildings, restored clean air and water across the country and begun to clean up abandoned mines that endanger the environment and public safety.

     The only real 2020 election fraud came from the MAGA-supporting GOP, who submitted a slate of fake electors. Kelli Ward led that fraud in Arizona. Virtually every Arizona 2022 GOP candidate continues to spew the “big lie” as they push for more voting restrictions.

     Voucher expansion has nothing to do with helping poorly performing public schools or low-income families. Its true goal is to siphon tax dollars to subsidize tuitions for the wealthy.

The GOP is no longer concerned with reducing government overreach into our daily lives. The rights of women to choose and LGBTQ+ to enjoy equality are being extinguished while books are banned and assault rifles proliferate.

When the MAGA GOP berates “wokeness," they’re attacking those of us who care about others besides ourselves. They want us to fear and hate rather than empathize and heal. They want to maintain the wrong doings, prejudices and misbeliefs of past generations.

     If you want a clean environment, secure and accessible elections, quality public education, strong and autonomous personal freedoms secured by a government that fosters respect and care for all citizens, then you must use your vote as your voice. You must vote D in 2022.    

July 23, 2022

     Every Arizona GOP U.S. House member voted against protecting marriage equality and contraception access. Those votes prove the Arizona GOP does not represent the people of our state. When you add in their attacks on free and fair elections and the right of women to choose but instead push the use of tax dollars for promoting their religious beliefs in schools, Arizona voters are left with no choice but to purge Republicans from every elected office.

     The Republican Party has become way too radicalized. It’s been hijacked by those who push lies about elections, science, public health, education/teachers and a myriad of conspiracy theories too numerous to list. They’ve censured their few members who’ve stepped up to defend democracy and tell the truth in public. They reject virtually any legislative compromise even if it benefits their own constituencies. They offer no solutions to America’s problems and have thereby abandoned any semblance of governing.

     Arizona and America need problem solvers, not extremist troublemakers and insurrectionists. From the top of the ballot to the bottom, it’s time to reject self-serving ideologues. It’s time to vote D. Of course Democrats don’t have all the answers but they continue trying to make life better for us all.   

May 6, 2022

     Have you read "The Handmaid’s Tale"? Have you heard of Sharia Law? Do you know of Roe v. Wade and Casey v. Planned Parenthood? 

     Those of us who believe women are entitled to make personal reproductive choices in private consultation with family, physicians and advisers are extremely disturbed by the apparent SCOTUS decision to strike down Roe. Abortion has been legal, safe and infrequent in the U.S. for nearly 50 years. Choice was never about coercion but provided an option — women were considered autonomous, intelligent and capable of making reproductive decisions. Any woman whose personal beliefs were anti-abortion was free to decide for herself.  

     The ultra-right’s push to codify their religious beliefs into law is escalating at an alarming rate. Their newly (and somewhat unethically) appointed allies on the ever more politically inclined Supreme Court are paving the way for much more to come. Five or six justices now tell American women they are no longer in control of their own bodies — their choice is lost. The economic impact on many working women will be immediate and severe, the emotional impact on a 14-year-old impregnated by a rapist family member will be catastrophic and lifelong. But the new America tells them: Woman, you must have that baby! Yet, they’d never support castrating convicted rapists!   

     Keep in mind that striking Roe will have a domino effect. Judicial precedent will not be a barrier to go after contraception access (see Hobby Lobby decision), LGBTQ rights and other previously decided civil protections. "The Handmaid’s Tail" and Christian-style Sharia Law are real and fully upon us.  

     The only way to prevent more misogynistic carnage is to elect Democrats up and down every ballot! I stand for the rights of all women, do you?  

March 29, 2022

     Rosa Parks’ historic bus incident took place in 1955. It was witnessed by just a few but impacted millions. Last week’s Senate SCOTUS confirmation hearing is our generation’s “Rosa Parks moment." Seen in real time by millions across America, it will be as historic and impactful because in 2022 another Black woman was told to go to the back of the bus but instead, Ketanji Brown Jackson persevered.  

     We’re told this was payback for the treatment Kavanaugh received during his confirmation hearing. Having been credibly accused of sexual assault, he got less scrutiny than he deserved. His response was akin to one of his beer-induced drunken blackouts when he cried like a baby spitting all over himself as he verbally attacked his perceived political enemies.  

     GOP senators relentlessly grilled Judge Jackson regarding her sentencing of offenders who were convicted of possessing child porn (not sexual assault). They failed to mention that they had unanimously voted to confirm several white male federal judges with exactly the same sentencing records. That’s consistent with about 70% of similar cases nationwide. Sen. Hawley didn’t disclose that as attorney general he allowed a former sheriff to plead guilty to a charge of physical sexual assault and receive probation instead of jail time. Other senators disgraced themselves with ludicrous and obnoxious religious, gender and racially related questions.   

     During Judge Jackson’s previous confirmation hearings, sentencing issues were never raised but because she was attempting to move closer to the front, she was told to get to the back of the bus — yet, she persevered.  

     Despite a disgustingly hypocritical attempt to drag her through the dirt, she reacted with inspirational grace, dignity and power. Ketanji Brown Jackson joins Rosa Parks encouraging others told to get to the back of the bus: “Persevere!” 

February 3, 2022

     When asked what his party’s agenda would look like if it won control of Congress, Mitch McConnell said, "I’ll let you know when we take it back.” He added, “The election this fall is a referendum on this all-Democratic government.”   The problem is that we do not have an all-Democratic government, except to the extent that Republicans choose not to participate in governing.  

     The Democratic agenda is clear; it is about saving democracy through protecting voting rights and laying the groundwork for a positive future for all Americans. People can disagree with that agenda if they like. No one can disagree with a Republican agenda they will not see until Mitch lets them in on the secret after the election, and then only if Republicans take over the Congress in 2022. There is no Republican agenda except to undermine, undercut and obstruct Democratic success and progress for the American people.   

     The 2022 election is a referendum on both parties. Democrats will continue to fight for democracy, voting rights and American families. Republicans will continue to fight against all of that as futilely as they fought against the Affordable Care Act. Republicans promised to repeal and replace it but failed on both counts. The ACA is still here helping a record 14 million Americans in 2022.  

     President Biden asked Mitch McConnell, “What are you for?” McConnell refused to answer. Irresponsible Republicans who vote “R” without knowing what they are voting for, but only to prove their loyalty to the party leader, Trump, are making a huge mistake. Democrats and responsible Republicans and independents understand the danger to democracy of that kind of loyalty and must unite in massive numbers to reject it by voting “D” for democracy in 2022.

December 18, 202 

     As someone suggested, TJ Shope (R-LD8) should take a minimum wage job at his daddy’s grocery store for the next 20 years - hopefully he’d learn some humility and understanding of what AZ’s struggling families are going through. Senator Shope and the GOP rail against anything that doesn’t include “stop the steal” lies, limits on voting or restrictions of women’s reproductive rights. 

     The Build Back Better Act will provide families with an extension of the Child Tax Credit that has reduced child poverty rates by some 40%; it will reduce the cost of child care for most working and middle-class families. BBB will cut the price of prescription drugs — a huge benefit for seniors. Its investment in clean and renewable energies comes as we suffer ever more deadly wildfires and storms on our coasts and heartland. We’ll see increased abatement of a worsening water crisis. Public education gets an expansion of access and opportunity for those who need it most. 

     America is in serious need of significant investment. The longer our nation puts off vitally needed investment in our infrastructure and workers, the more expensive it becomes. While tax cuts sound appetizing, their impact can make the overall result more costly. The AZ GOP is offering a new “flat-tax plan” that gives working families pennies while pouring thousands more into the pockets of our very wealthiest; over time it puts all programs at risk — the timing and net outcome of this plan couldn’t be worse. 

     More than 1 in 6 Arizona working families earn too little to make ends meet. That means kids going to bed hungry and parents burdened with stress beyond comprehension. T.J. Shope and his GOP colleagues don’t seem to understand or care. Thankfully, Democrats are continuing to work on behalf of an America built back better for every family!

November 11, 2021

     Arizona has nine U.S. congressional representatives. This past week, each of them had an opportunity to vote on a bill that would make a direct, quick and positive impact on our state’s economy and quality of life.  Thankfully, the bill passed. The four Republicans all voted against while the five Democrats voted in favor. I believe the GOP members were wrong and deliberately ignored the needs of Arizona!

     Here’s what the new infrastructure bill invests in: repair and replacement of roads and bridges; improvements to the electrical grid; railway repairs; improved and expanded broadband, especially in rural areas; climate resiliency; modernization of airports; technology for electric vehicles and charging.

     Why would anyone not support these overdue investments in America? Why would any Arizona representatives say no to our state’s families, communities and businesses on matters so critically in need? The answer is simple — Arizona's GOP has become nothing but a cult of obstruction and power. They’ve stopped working for their constituents and become solely committed to partisan glut! They have, in fact, begun to punish members of their own party who voted to enact this legislation that benefits Americans of every walk of life.

     I want to take this opportunity to personally thank every U.S. House and Senate member who supported the infrastructure bill. Included are every Arizona Democratic member: Tom O’Halleran, Ann Kirkpatrick, Greg Stanton, Ruben Gallego, Raul Grijalva, Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly. It’s time we choose the party willing to work for us!

October 1, 2021

     In his editorial “Our View” (Dispatch, Sept. 28), the Dispatch editor makes an important point. He says, “More Republicans need to join their colleagues who have  already moved on" from the denial of the results of the 2020 election. At last count, two-thirds of Republicans have not moved on.

     The editor says, “Our system is based on holding fair elections and accepting the results.” He says that while Trump still claims fraud in spite of the results of the “audit,” that showed the system worked. The editor knows that the system worked well for decades and decades without private “audits” or recent Republican voter suppression laws brought about only by Trump’s loss and his “Big Lie.” He knows that Democrats are now trying to reverse those laws at the federal level, but says they are making “major changes in the way elections are run,” implying sinister intent.

     While stating there is no excuse for failure to accept the results of an election, the editor attempts to excuse Trump’s actions by noting he was treated badly in the campaign and in office. The editor can’t have it both ways. No presidents are treated well by their campaign opponents, government officials or the media — just look at Biden. But no other president in the history of our country has ever endangered the proper working of the system by refusing to accept a peaceful transfer of power or plotting to hold onto presidential power after losing the election. Trump’s actions show that he will never accept closure nor encourage his followers to do so.

     I call on the editor to “move on” by publicly condemning this former president’s actions, without equivocation, and strongly encouraging his followers to accept the results of the 2020 election.

August 21, 2021

     Our lame duck governor and virtually every GOP state legislator propose using federal grant money to bribe Arizona school districts to ignore CDC COVID-19 health guidelines. That’s right — as the delta variant rages across our state and nation, these politicians plan to misuse federal funds to put their ideology ahead of scientists and health professionals. As more children/students become infected and hospitalized, the GOP wants to put them at even greater risk.

House Minority Leader Reginald Bolding referred to this plan as a “Hunger Games situation” — pitting districts and students against each other. Congressman Greg Stanton warns that these funds are intended for all schools and “not to be used for policies that undercut scientific research to pursue purely partisan ideological priorities."

     Is this the Arizona you want for the next four years? The leading GOP candidate for governor, Kari Lake, is already committed to even more radicalized governance. She’s put her allegiance to Trump on full display and now she’s cozying up to one of the most extreme politicians of them all — Paul Gosar.

     Arizona needs steady, experienced and pragmatic leadership. Gamesmanship and divisiveness have no place in governing during tough times. Political extremism is counterproductive and hurts our businesses and families.

     I’m supporting the one candidate for governor who will always work on behalf of Arizonans’ best interests. Katie Hobbs has the experience and temperament to be the governor we need. Katie proved her commitment to Arizona’s families when she worked to usher in expanded health care coverage for our most vulnerable. She continues to fight to protect our access to the ballot box.

     Arizona voters have a chance to un-radicalize our state in 2022. We must elect Katie Hobbs as our next governor!

July 9, 2021

     I’m guessing that many of you feel that Arizona has seen way more than its fair share of wild and crazy politics over the past dozen years. We’ve led the nation in headlines that cause more embarrassment than pride, more head scratching than applause. I’m hoping you agree that it’s time for Arizona to change course.

     The good news is that we can take one simple but profound step away from ideological radicalism. In one fell swoop, our state can go from conspiracy lunacy to moderate and effective governance. By electing Katie Hobbs as our next governor, Arizona can take a giant step in a positive direction.

     You won’t find another candidate that matches Ms. Hobbs in credentials and experience. As a state legislator, having built a reputation for pragmatic leadership, Katie was respected across the political spectrum. As Arizona’s secretary of state, only the extreme “Big Lie” conspiracists failed to praise her effective and efficient work. Both our GOP governor and attorney general, along with every single Arizona county recorder, reported that Katie Hobbs ran a safe and secure 2020 election, despite unprecedented obstacles and record voter turnout.

     Every Arizona citizen and voter should be fairly represented at the state level. The best way to ensure that result is to elect a governor committed to helping working families thrive. We need a governor ready to get to work on day one. We need to elect Katie Hobbs in 2022!

June 2, 2021

     Only those totally ignoring any news reports or those who completely buy into the “Big Lie” aren’t aghast by the actions being taken nationwide by the GOP. Not since immediately after the Civil War has there been such a comprehensive attack on democracy and voting rights in our country. Then as now, the strategy was to curtail voting access to people of color.

     In Florida, Georgia, Texas, Arizona and at least 20 other states, Republican legislatures are decimating accessibility to voting as well as providing a quick and easy method to disavow and disenfranchise the will of voters expressed via the ballot box. State constitutions are being changed to undermine the ability of election officials to defend safe and secure elections whenever the majority party is unhappy with election results.

     This is not about conservative policies. This is not about fiscal or taxation differences. This is not about anything but naked and grotesque power control. The Republican Party has 100% abdicated its desire to legislate on any issue except how to guarantee their victory in the 2022 election and beyond.

     Local editorial silence on this issue is deafening and disappointing. The clarion sirens of impending disaster must begin blaring. The federal government must be unencumbered by the outdated filibuster and take action to protect democracy. Make no mistake, if we remain silent and aloof, if we fail to engage and demand action, our grandchildren will learn of a time in the not too distant past when democracy became extinct in America.

     Democracy dies from the rot within — the GOP is the rot that is killing American democracy today! If we don’t stop it in its tracks.