Trump’s rhetoric and the politics of death

Editor:

In his address to the nation, President Trump said the U.S. would bomb Iran back to the Stone Age, “where they belong.” He even threatened to destroy “electric generating plants.”

What would this mean for the most vulnerable, such as hospital patients, the elderly, and newborns in intensive care?

Historian and political theorist Achille Mbembe, author of Necropolitics, coined the term “death-worlds” to describe how the powerful impose conditions that amount to a living death. Mbembe writes, “The ultimate expression of sovereignty largely resides in the power and capacity to dictate who is able to live and who must die.” Gaza is a notable example.

Have we forgotten that, shortly after 9/11, some 60,000 fans at a soccer match in Iran observed a minute of silence for the victims? Or that thousands in Tehran held candlelight vigils, showing solidarity and compassion?

We must reject Trump’s dehumanizing language, reclaim our shared humanity, and choose diplomacy over destruction.

Terry Hansen

Grafton, WI

Are We Gasoholics?

Editor:

I just shared a tweet with a friend. “Does it make any sense to tether oneself to a commodity (gas) that fluctuates wildly in price, has a declining supply, and if we burn what we have, will destroy our climate?”

What will it take for adults to make the switch to clean-running electric vehicles? My friends bought their EVs years ago and love that they can just plug them in at home. They report little to no maintenance, a ride so quiet they can listen to their favorite music and still easily carry on a conversation with friends, and they only stop at gas stations if they need a candy bar

In December of 2024, I bought a Chevrolet Silverado EV pickup truck. The truck, which I named Spike after the Roller Derby Queen, has power. Wherever I stop, I can plug in whatever electrical device I want. Since my girlfriend and I camp, we run an ice machine, a hot plate, lights, and a tent heater off the truck. If I have a construction project, Spike is my power source.

My greatest satisfaction is not being tied to the worldwide price of oil. In the USA, we produce an excess of oil. Does it make sense that our gas prices jump with every political upheaval?

I thought back to my Jeep Wrangler and maintenance. I had multiple brake jobs. In comparison, EVs use regenerative braking, so there is much less wear on brakes. On the Wrangler, I changed starters, generators, water pumps, radiator, spark plugs, power steering pump, and gas tank. An EV has none of these. I no longer must change the oil and filter.

And Spike avoids price-gouging scams. She is no gasoholic. She is just a clean, quiet, powerful, smooth-running gal.

Greyson Morrow

Wakefield