Left should talk to people before calling them victims

I’m writing regarding the letter about Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton’s desire to change the name Squaw Peak Drive, and the comment about the Aniak, Alaska sports teams named Half Breeds.

I lived and worked in Aniak, Alaska, during the time that there was an appeal to change the name of the Half Breeds because some folks, many who did not live in Aniak, found the name to be offensive.

There was a counter appeal that was won by the local Aniak students and community folks to keep the name Half Breed. Most of them actually were mixed race and they felt the name represented them perfectly.

I am liberal, and I supported the counter appeal because I understood that the Aniak people were the ones who were actually affected by the name and therefore deserved to have their voices heard.

Maybe it would be fitting to consider the Arizona Native Americans who are personally affected by the name Squaw Peak.

It’s possible that Mayor Stanton has already heard an appeal from them concerning this issue, and realizes that it’s simply right to show sensitivity to their concerns.

— Onna Johnson , Sun City

America is lagging behind rest of the world on health care

It is my belief that a healthy America is a strong America. In a democratic society, health care should be a basic right, not a privilege for the rich or wealthy. It is the responsibility of society, through its government, to assure this right.

The federal government can provide universal health care through a thoughtful taxation program. Some people can’t afford insurance. But they do pay taxes.

I would certainly be willing to pay more taxes rather than the high price of drugs and insurance! It is sad as well as an embarrassment that we are apparently the only developed country in the world which does not have universal healthcare.

If Austria, France, Germany Denmark, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, to name a few, can do this, why can’t we?

— Linda Rothchild, Tucson

Ducey’s actions ring hollow when it comes to appreciating teachers

It is so comforting to know that Gov. Doug Ducey is so concerned about the education of Arizona’s children.

The average pay increase of $182 a year will certainly attract and retain qualified teachers. The average teacher’s contract is for about 190 days per year in classroom and preparation days.

Assuming a teacher works 8 hours a day (probably closer to 9 or 10) the pay increase amounts to an astounding 12 cents per hour. Deduct the money the governor wants back in taxes and the teacher will be left with as much as 10 cents. Our teachers and children deserve better treatment.

— Stan Briggs, Phoenix

Flake is the one with no respect for the country’s political process

How hypocritical of U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake in his “My Turn” on Sunday (“Democrats shouldn’t filibuster Gorsuch”) when he writes of Judge Gorsuch’s “... humble respect for the law and his reverence for the role of judge.”

Apparently, Flake himself has only contempt for those concepts when he questions the nominee the way he did during the hearings last week. His questions totally lacked respect for the proceedings, for the committee, and for the American people.

His conduct was outrageous and totally unacceptable.

— Marcia Mackey, Payson

City must work to make Sky Harbor an international hub again

In spite of the population growth of Phoenix and blossoming tourism, Arizona continues to fall behind in boardings, from fifth busiest to 11th busiest airport in the United States.

Bottom line, Sky Harbor is no longer deemed a hub, thus long haul flights have apparently diminished to two: Hawaii and England.

Notwithstanding the good faith efforts by the various entities to improve service, I would urge that the concerned city fathers come together and create a strategy to enhance overall air service to and from Sky Harbor, among the best situated airports in America.

— Orme Lewis, Jr., Paradise Valley