Letters to the Editor — Iran, protests, Voice of America, voter lists, climate change

Poor track record in Iran

As Americans observe the unfolding crisis in Iran, it is worth approaching the moment with historical perspective and humility. The United States has spoken eloquently about spreading freedom and democracy, yet our record shows these principles have not always guided our actions.

In 1951, Iranians freely elected Mohammad Mosaddegh as prime minister. He was a popular leader who reflected his people’s aspirations for sovereignty. His insistence that Iran’s oil resources should benefit Iranians themselves was deeply unsettling to Western governments. In response, the United States, working with the United Kingdom, supported a covert operation that overthrew Iran’s democratic government and restored the Shah to power. The decades of authoritarian rule that followed left enduring scars on Iranian society.

Since World War II, U.S. regime-change efforts — through covert actions, military interventions or support for coups — have not spread democracy. Instead the results have been political instability, civil conflict, sectarian violence and strife, and lasting resentment toward the U.S.

The record is sobering. There is no evidence intervention in Iran would produce a different result.

Hadi Jawad, Dallas

President, Human Rights Dallas

Our protesters need grace

People protesting in Iran are hailed as activists fighting for their human rights. Yet, people in the United States who exercise their First Amendment rights are labeled domestic terrorists.

Why is it that our government speaks out to support the oppressed in Iran yet does not permit the same grace to its own citizens?

Holly Barber, Coppell

Congress finds its voice

Re: “Congress elects to fund Voice of America parent,” Wednesday News Digest.

What great news — our Republican members of both houses of Congress have found their own voices in support of the United States Agency for Global Media. Keep up the good work and approve other legislation that benefits us all.

Sue Owens, Dallas

Take a gander at my eggs

The other day I shopped at our local HEB grocery store in Williamson County (Round Rock/Georgetown). I bought Grade A extra-large eggs for $3.26. That’s not for a dozen, it’s for the 18 pack.

If you are paying significantly more for eggs, you might consider shopping in a county that votes Republican.

Kenneth K. Ebmeier, Round Rock

Stop voter list whining

I have to chuckle at the Democrats and give them an “E” for effort. They just can’t seem to resist dividing the nation. I do believe it’s the job of the Justice Department to monitor state participation in federal elections. Now they are whining about the state providing the federal government state voters lists.

Their complaint is that the list could contain driver’s license numbers, birthdates and other personal information. You know, all of the information that is already publicly available on dozens of websites.

You guys need to find something legit to gripe about and quit wasting everyone’s time.

John Eggen, Red Oak

Save atmospheric research

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration just reported that 2025 was the fourth warmest year on record for the contiguous United States, and that globally it was the third-warmest year. I have recently spoken with family and friends around the world who have expressed concerns about an unusually warm winter where they live.

I believe we need to pay attention to climate change. Unfortunately, the Trump administration has announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), a cornerstone of U.S. weather and climate science. NCAR’s work supports flood forecasting, water management, agriculture, wildfire analysis, aviation safety and emergency preparedness.

From improving extreme weather forecasts to advancing climate modeling, NCAR’s work helps protect lives and guide smart climate policy.

Ultimately it is up to congress to decide NCAR’s fate. I would like to ask my senators, Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, and my congresswoman, Beth Van Duyne, to please protect NCAR.

Thomas Wikman, Dallas

More NCAA playoffs, please

We need 16 college football playoff teams instead of 12. In 2025, the football season ended Dec. 6 and all 12 playoff teams had to wait two weeks to play on Dec. 19 and 20.

It would be more exciting to have 16 playoff teams with the four additional teams playing on Dec. 13. We could all enjoy an extra weekend of playoffs and still maintain the existing playoff schedule of Dec. 20, Jan. 1 and Jan. 19.

If you agree please, contact the playoff committee who is now considering this.

John Bell, Richardson

Share space with animals

Re: “Trapping has no place in cities,” by Karin Saucedo, Monday Letters.

When will humans understand that we share this Earth with animals? We destroy land by building homes and businesses that wildlife depend on. Then we are surprised when they enter these same neighborhoods.

When will we learn that killing these creatures is wrong? They have families, too. And we kill them painfully. Every time I see someone write in that they saw a bobcat or mountain lion or even a coyote, someone sets out to kill it.

We took their land. They did not take ours. If people kept their pets inside where they belong as loving family members, wild animals wouldn’t visit near as often.

There are more than enough rats and mice for them. Leg traps are cruel just like sticky traps for bugs that kill geckos. Poison kills our pets, too.

If you see a bobcat or another beautiful creature, enjoy the show. Just don’t advertise it. Now, if you see a skunk, run!

Amanda Holt, Wylie

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