For those who don’t get it — or refuse to get it — the government of Iran has been at war with the U.S. since its revolution in 1979. (Remember the hostage crisis and the invasion of our embassy?) Nearly every act of terror in the Middle East has been paid for by Iran. (Remember the murder of nearly 300 US service personnel in Beirut?)
Thank God we have a president who drew the red line at that government acquiring nuclear weapons, a goal the Iranian government repeated as recently as last week. And this president keeps his word about red lines. So, hopefully, the end of this 47-year-old war will leave the world in a much safer place for everyone, not least of which will be the suffering citizens of the Iranian government.
Paul Fischer
Southfield
We’ve been interfering in Iran for too long
In 1980, eminent historian William Appleman Williams explained the American predicament. The only way to “comprehend the Iranian demand that we acknowledge our long-term interference in their affairs” was by “confronting our history as an empire.”
The U.S. has been interfering with Iran for over 70 years to little triumph and much tragedy. We overthrew Mossadegh, propped up the Shah for decades and armed Saddam Hussein in the brutal Iran-Iraq War. We must build a just society at home and give up on empire as a way of life.
Hank Kennedy
Hazel Park
Congress should take a 25% pay cut
One of Congresses first job is to provide a budget. Congress has been failing to do this in a timely manner. Currently TSA, the Coast Guard, FEMA and other essential services are without a budget, and therefore employees’ wages are in jeopardy, but they are required to continue to work. If the members of Congress cannot do their essential job, then they and their staff should not be paid as well.
As a sanction when they do finally pass the necessary budget, their backpay should have a deduction of 25% as a sanction for their poor performance. That money can go to paying down the debt. Enough of the grandstanding. Congress, do your fundamental job.
Robert J. Baker
Washington Township
Students need better civic education
Many remember “I’m Just a Bill,” but today’s students need more than catchy tunes — they need robust civic education. In our polarized world, students must master media literacy, digital citizenship, and civil discourse to become effective participants in democracy. When schools neglect this mission, we risk creating what is called a civic desert.
Democracy is not a spectator sport. Building civic strength starts with teachers — especially at the elementary level — who can foster thoughtful dialogue and active engagement from the earliest grades. Yet many teachers lack the necessary education and professional development to be ready to champion democracy in every classroom.
With Michigan Civic Learning Week (March 9-13) upon us, I urge school boards and legislators to invest in social studies professional development. Only by supporting our teachers can we ensure Michigan’s next generation is ready to lead and safeguard democracy.
Brigid Beaubien
Ypsilanti
We must protect the Voting Rights Act
The integrity of our democracy depends on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. On March 2, the Supreme Court’s emergency stay in a New York redistricting case allowed a map found to dilute minority votes to stand. This follows the court’s decision to rehear arguments in Louisiana v. Callais, which explicitly questions the constitutionality of Section 2, using reverse discrimination.
Section 2 is our primary defense against racially discriminatory maps. If it is weakened, voters will lose their ability to challenge gerrymandering just months before the 2026 midterms. We cannot afford a return to a time when race and zip code determined the weight of a citizen’s voice.
Peggy Van Sickle
Brighton
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Congress should take a 25% pay cut | Letters
Reporting by Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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