We may get a change, but not the one we expect

Manhattan: I roll my eyes a bit at the Instagram crowd celebrating the Iran war as a new age of freedom and enlightenment for the Iranian people. President Trump has put forth the “Venezuela model” as his ideal scenario for Iran (and others). Following that model means abandoning the democratic opposition within that country and installing a compliant puppet within the context of the existing regime. Isn’t this what has happened so far in Venezuela, or am I wrong?

It’s certainly possible, and even likely, that the current leader of Venezuela is better than who she replaced. But it doesn’t seem that Trump installed some sort of great reformer along the lines of Mikhail Gorbachev.

The opposite of the ayatollah is not necessarily Thomas Jefferson. It could be someone more Western-friendly and business-minded but still within the context of the Islamic Republic, with all of its suppressive apparatus. One relevant factor, however, is that the Islamic Republic is perhaps more entrenched than was Nicolás Maduro’s regime. The ayatollah’s predecessor, the founder of the Islamic Republic, believed strongly in the following: the hijab, death to America, death to Israel. I wonder if there is a “reformer” type — no less someone with whom Trump can do business — within the Iranian regime’s ranks.

For Israel, weakening Iran is a clear positive — a generational pivot, in fact. For the Iranian people, it’s yet unclear. Daniel Dolgicer

Ridgewood, N.J.: Trump, “you’re fired” from the American people, who did not support a war that is driving up gas prices while creating a regime change that would be more dangerous. With no chance of eliminating the enriched uranium, the end result of this war could be worse for the Iranian people and Israel. Ed Houlihan

Suffern, N.Y.: Did I hear this right? Trump saying, “I’ll stop the attacks in Iran when I feel it in my bone spurs”? Rick Sinclair

Hyde Park, N.Y.: It’s great that Voicer Dan Arthur Pryor can see into the future and let us know that “It’s only a matter of time until Iran launches nuclear weapons at us.” I’d love to see his crystal ball. You could say the same thing about North Korea or Russia, for that matter. So why haven’t we attacked them? He’s also apparently a global war expert, and tells us, “Iran is a bigger war threat than China will ever be.” Wow, great news! Now we don’t have to worry about that huge Chinese military machine. The whole idea that we attacked Iran because they were about to attack us is ludicrous. I would love to see real proof of this, but I’m not gonna hold my breath. To believe or support this is pure ignorance. Jack Cregan

Deer Park, L.I.: To Voicer Amelia Bissonette: You speak about facts. Facts override opinions. Former President Barack Obama gave Iran $1.7 billion for its nuclear power program. Former President Joe Biden unfroze $16 billion in funds to Iran. The Democratic policy of appeasement is an utter failure. Throwing money at the problem is not the answer. Maybe you should converse with a former hostage from 1979 and see what they think. This regime is as rogue as it gets. After all the money we’ve given back to them, they still shout “Death to America.” Like any liberal, you’re probably OK with that. Larry Nekola

Convenient casualties

Howard Beach: When the U.S. military was pulling out of Afghanistan, there were 13 U.S. service members killed by a suicide bomber. Trump, Republicans and right-wing media were outraged and blamed Biden for their deaths. Soldiers and airmen have been killed in our war with Iran and Trump responds by saying casualties will happen. No outrage from Republicans and right-wing media. Has politics dictated the outrage or lack of outrage when it comes to our fallen troops? Disgraceful. Barbara Berg

New Rochelle, N.Y.: On this, the 250th anniversary of the publication of Adam Smith’s “The Wealth of Nations,” I confess my ignorance of both micro- and macro-economics. And I was not enlightened by the president’s recent comments about rising gas prices here in the U.S. (“Energy big: price pain for ‘gain,’ ” March 13). He said the U.S. is the world’s largest petroleum producer and that “when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money.” In other words, our oil bigs will charge us more just because they can, not because their costs have risen. Perhaps my Pollyannaish economics would have more of the “pain” borne by the corporations making a little less money so the public can reap the “gain.” Richard Rodrigue

Antisocial disposition

Manhattan: Leonard Greene was right-on when he likened Trump to a child (“We still don’t know why,” column, March 15). Historical accounts of Trump’s childhood revealed he was the kid who parents told their children not to play with. He’s still locked in the emotional state of a 7- or 8-year-old. What’s worse is that his intelligence is barely on par with 8-year-olds. Even worse, if that’s possible, is that his psychopathic narcissism adds a selfish mean streak to his adolescent behavior. It has become evident to me that he sees the U.S.A., the military, Congress and the people as his toys. Unfortunately, Trump breaks all of his toys, usually in fits of rage and anger. Locking him in his room will not help. He needs to have his toys taken away from him. Steven Fromewick

Easton, Pa.: To Voicer Victor R. Stanwick: Lest we forget, your friend Obama blamed everything on George W. Bush for eight years! Barbara Cusano

Albany: Re “Keep N.Y.’s climate law; it is working” (op-ed, March 12): The recent trend to disregard New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act is an abomination. The extreme energy costs that New Yorkers are experiencing are due in part to fossil fuel use. The construction of new dirty fuel infrastructure is expensive and, frankly, stupid. We need to be bold and move on with the renewable energy transition even when the waters become choppy. Big changes can be especially challenging, but when we comprehend the outcome of not converting to clean energy, the choice is crystal clear. Beyond the climate issue are the health concerns. Bill McKibben, in his new book “Here Comes the Sun,” notes that “worldwide, 9 million people die each year from breathing in the particulates that come with combustion.” What are we thinking? Sally Courtright

Bronx: Re “Hole lotta repairs” (March 14): I voted for Mayor Mamdani, but pothole crews should have been sent out a week ago, right after the snow melted. We shouldn’t have to wait for someone to be killed. And shouldn’t one be required to wear a helmet when riding a scooter? Richie Nagan

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