Playing war while people pay with their lives

Opelika, Ala.: Re “We still don’t know why” (column, March 15): Leonard Greene didn’t dilly-dally. He thundered, “War is ugly. So is hubris.” Of course, President Trump is again the chief offender. He gloats that the war is going swimmingly. Oh? Does that include the 175 people killed at an Iranian girls’ school, mostly children? Or the roughly 1,400 people killed by U.S.-Israeli strikes? How about 13 U.S. military personnel killed and returned home in flag-draped coffins and 150 injured in what Trump vulgarizes as an “excursion”? If they could speak, they’d denounce Trump’s warmongering and blood lust with vehemence.

Trump’s glee in killing, maiming and devastating humans is depraved, despicable and decadent. Yet, he has the audacity to call Iran’s leaders “scumbags.” The White House released a video of the U.S. releasing bombs — horrendous — interspersed with movie clips and MLB videos featuring Mark McGuire, Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa crushing home runs, and NFL Hall of Famers Ray Lewis and Ed Reed delivering concussive, teeth-rattling hits. The Trump White House proved it equates life and death with movies and sports. Airing the video revealed anew the treachery Trump has always harbored.

In 1970, Edwin Starr had a huge hit with the Norman Whitfield-penned “War.” The lyrics resonate: “War, I despise / ‘Cause it means destruction of innocent lives / War means tears to thousands of mothers’ eyes / When their sons go off to fight / And lose their lives.” Marc D. Greenwood

Clear threats

Bronx: President Barack Obama’s 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action did not secure an agreement from Iran for a permanent ban on nuclear weapons. The billions of dollars of unfrozen funds Iran received for a temporary ban were used to expand its missile program and supply weapons to Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. In the recent negotiations, Iran stated its inalienable right to enrich uranium and boasted of the capability to make 11 nuclear bombs. Iran rejected the U.S. offer for free low-grade uranium for medical use. Michael Abbey

Much better

Boynton Beach, Fla.: Well, now that the price of gas here is $1 higher per gallon than it was three weeks ago, thank you, President Trump, for mitigating the fear I suffered 24/7 about being attacked by an Iranian every time I leave the house. William Bredin

Consensus view

Manhattan: All AI apps will tell you that climate change is caused in large part by burning fossil fuel. This is supported by all the scientists studying this issue. AI states that this is a fact and not a theory, yet our president denies it. Maybe now with the oil supplies being so vulnerable and costly, Trump will support clean alternative energy. Leonard Smoke

Abandoned allegiance

Brooklyn: Voicer Dorothy Lyons found it difficult and sickening to root for “her” country against Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic final due to the possibility of the team being invited to the White House. Ms. Lyons, your Kool-Aid drinking is old and tired. Maybe drape yourself in an Iranian flag and root for them, because our duly elected president may invite some of our courageous military personnel to the White House. The only thing sickening here is your pathetic anti-American rhetoric. Maybe a move to Venezuela or Iran would temper your anger. I hear spring is beautiful in both places. William R. Sarnataro

Brace for idiocy

Howard Beach: Am I the only one who cringes when Trump opens his mouth? George Martin

Heard it all before

Easton, Pa.: To Voicer Victor R. Stanwick: Not a problem about my misspelled name. I get the feeling you’re upset with Trump, but I think that diaper thingy was a little harsh. I read your list of complaints. Most of my relatives feel the same as you. Needless to say, none of them are getting a drumstick at Thanksgiving. I could go on about the Democrats, but The News would need a special insert. And besides, most of the letters to Voice of the People echo your sentiments. So, I’m always happy when mine appear. Anyway, wishing you a Happy Easter. Oh, by the way, did you really want that cackling hen to be president? Barbara Cusano

Think big

Bronx: We need major changes, including term limits for Supreme Court justices and limits on presidential power. This might require changing the Constitution. But we should think big. We had no amendments for more than 30 years. It’s time. Joe Cocurullo

Go all the way

New Rochelle, N.Y.: Gov. Hochul and state Senate and Assembly leaders are in a huddle now debating state and local law enforcement’s role in federal immigration affairs. In too much of the state, ICE deputizes local cops for immigrant enforcement and temporary jail storage without due process on detainees’ way to a big detention facility. It’s a way for local departments to make money. NYC immigrants and anyone with dark skin or speaking a non-English language, or with an accent, have the feds to fear, but the NYPD doesn’t aid ICE in immigrant arrests, demand immigration status or share it or log it. The New York for All Act would give all state residents full legal protection from local, county or state engagement with federal immigration authorities. It’s critical that Hochul go all the way with New York for All. Beth Levy

Freedom to report

Manhattan: Since New York City is a sanctuary city where police aren’t allowed to cooperate with ICE except when an actual crime has been committed, my immigrant neighbors are empowered to report crime. Consequently, all of us are safer. Recently, I witnessed a woman attacked during my daily commute — from various indicators, she was likely an immigrant. If NYC wasn’t a sanctuary city, she might have felt less safe to report her attacker. Every unreported attacker makes us collectively vulnerable to repeat offenders. In most of the rest of the state, immigrants reasonably fear deportation by coming forward. Hochul says she’s willing to ban formal agreements between local and state law enforcement and ICE. That’s good, but not enough. Informal information sharing must be prevented. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has not voiced an opinion. Lawmakers must ensure New York residents are free to report crime. Gwynedd Vetter-Drusch

Drive safely

Brooklyn: Here’s a response that a grown man in Brooklyn wrote on social media about children running into a street and being hit by a car (“Boy, 4, breaks away from mom & is killed by SUV,” March 6): “They don’t care about themselves if they’re running into the streets without looking. When did parents stop teaching them about that?” How do you develop such a callous, hateful and dangerous attitude? How uncaring and entitled can one be? This man is a disgrace. Don’t emulate him. Watch for and yield to pedestrians, especially children. Stop being so ugly. Ellen Levitt