Diplomacy with Iran, illegal immigration, public radio, Ducks signing Trevor Bauer

Clashing views on diplomacy over Iran

Diplomacy seems to be an alien concept associated with “weakness” to President Donald Trump; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth; Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff for policy; and Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget [“Trump now must focus on diplomacy,” Editorial, April 7].

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent believes that if force doesn’t work, use more force — that is the simple precept recently heard in Bessent’s “escalate to de-escalate” policy. Trump’s “Praise Allah” sacrilege, “A whole civilization will die tonight” bombast, gloating over the immolation of their nation’s leadership, and invoking, presumably, the Christian god, are not acts of diplomacy. Especially while claiming to be “in negotiation” to undo his foolishness.

Trump’s immunity does not extend to our generals, and so Americans must hope their exposure to war crime trials will substitute for diplomacy, at least for today.

— Brian Kelly, Rockville Centre

Donald Trump has been clear about the objectives of the conflict with Iran. Prevent it from having nuclear weapons, demilitarize it to create a more stable region and world, and destroy its ability to support its terror proxies. Iran has called for the destruction of both the United States and Israel and is responsible for the deaths of many Americans.

Trump’s objectives have been crystal clear. The Newsday editorial’s claim that he slurred his speech a bit last Wednesday night is absurd “Trump’s bombast on Iran added nothing,” Opinion, April 3]. It was clear and concise.

— Thomas Calabrese, Farmingville

Unlawful entry is still wrong

In reading “Faith wins over fear on LI” [News, April 5] concerning Latinos’ fear about going outside for Easter celebrations, I noted certain issues. If you entered the United States legally, you had nothing to fear.

Should U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents turn a blind eye to those who entered the country illegally but have no criminal record? The last time I checked, entering the United States illegally is a crime. It sends the wrong message to those who are thinking about coming to America: I don’t have to cross the border legally, and as long as I don’t have a criminal record, I’ll be OK.

The message should be clear and consistent: Enter our country without legal permission, and if caught, you will be deported.

— Charles J. Brown, Levittown

As much as I feel for the workers in the vineyards, some property owners have ignored laws concerning workers who entered our country without legal permission [“ICE’s impact on LI farms, vineyards,” News, March 30]. ICE is not the enemy. They have a job to do just like the owners do.

I agree that seasonal workers are needed, but they need to be accounted for. What has Congress done? This being an election year, they probably won’t take action.

But no matter how you feel about workers who entered this country illegally, we need to know who’s here and maybe issue a hefty fine per worker against the owners of all companies and see how quickly things change.

The immigrants living in our country without legal permission cost taxpayers tens of billions of dollars each year. Get Congress to fix the problem without blanket immunity.

— Jack Mellon, Bethpage

PBS, NPR fill vital public need for all

I take issue with the letter “Don’t fund NPR, PBS with taxpayer money” [Opinion, April 2]. The word “public” is significant here. These two resources serve the public, just as public schools do. The reader’s objection is like taxpayers who protest supporting public education if they don’t have children attending.

An educated populace, former President Thomas Jefferson believed, is vital for a democracy’s survival. Similarly, free, readily available arts, science, and history programs as well as rich storytelling air on PBS. And informative programs on a wide range of topics are free and available on NPR.

Denying funding because one does not personally partake is selfish. Funding serves the common good.

— Barbara Novack, Laurelton

Questioning Ducks’ signing pitcher Bauer

I am an avid baseball fan and have lived in central Suffolk County my entire life. For those like me who cannot necessarily sacrifice three hours for round-trip travel to the Bronx or Queens, the Ducks have been a faster and cheaper alternative, providing evening entertainment and thrilling baseball action for Long Island families.

The Ducks have even brought former Major League Baseball players such as Jackie Bradley Jr., Ian Kinsler, and Dontrelle Willis to our backyard.

Unfortunately, the Ducks’ signing pitcher Trevor Bauer spits in the face of the legacy of this team [“Former star Bauer signs with Ducks,” Sports, April 3]. Allegations of harassment against women, without any sense of remorse or responsibility by Bauer, are incompatible with the family values that the Ducks have traditionally embraced. It prompted his MLB suspension of 324 games — two full seasons. Bauer has denied wrongdoing.

There is no plausible reason that any team should sign him, especially considering his 4.51 ERA in Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central League in 2025, one of the worst in a league known for its low run-scoring environment.

— Jason Maly, Patchogue