Israel-Iran conflict

Re “Congress must act to stop further war” (June 18):

How could you write 400 words about not going to war with Iran and not mention at all the nuclear threat that that country poses to Israel, the Middle East and the U.S. ?I am not suggesting that I am in favor of a war but I believe Iran is the most existential threat to all of us right now, this has been in their planning since the Ayatollahs took power, increased even more when the last administration gave them buckets of money “for their energy program” while they really produced more and more centrifuges; they were within weeks of having a nuclear weapon and would have no qualms about using it.

President Trump is correct when he says Iran cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons. We should all be praying that our leaders, Congress and President Trump, will be making the right decisions. Our future truly depends on it.

— Phyllis Ross, Fountain Valley

SoCal’s wildfire toxic wasteland

Re “Investors snatch up burned-out homesites” (June 17):

A handful of investors buying up burned-out homesites in Altadena represents only 6% of those burned out. That’s hardly an Oklahoma land rush. All of burned-out Altadena is a toxic wasteland. Even walking around there without a facemask is unwise. Scrapping off six inches of soil doesn’t do much except expose more toxins. The Eaton fire was driven by up to 100 mph winds creating a blast furnace effect that melted everything in its path releasing a horrific mix of hazardous toxins into the air, water and soil. Over in the Palisades L.A. Unified is paving over the high school’s baseball field to locate temporary bungalows. Sounds strangely familiar to Chernobyl where acres of cement are used to contain the leaking radiation.

— Bob Munson, Newbury Park

250th Army celebration

Re “Your thoughts on Trump’s parade?” (June 17):

Being an Army vet (Vietnam) I was proud to see their 250th celebrated with a parade. About time this country showed some appreciation for all they have done. But the way the press covered it was shameful.

— Ken Wedekind, Highland

Celebrating the Army and Flag Day

First of all I believe that it was the United States of America’s parade celebrating the Army’s 250th year and our beloved Flag Day. That President Trump is the president who had the courage and guts to bring it about is another subject.

Yes, of course, we watched it on television. It was a fabulous parade with an amazing amount of history. Without a doubt it was the best parade we have ever seen. If we could have gone to Washington, D.C., to see it in person we would have. Military parades are something that all states should be honored to hold. We ship millions of dollars to other countries to help them, millions of dollars on people who come to this great country both legally and illegally so yes spending $25 to $45 million on a parade honoring our military and country is worth every penny!

— Pat and Bob Evans, Newport Beach

Happy Birthday, Army

In my over 75 years I have never been so proud to be a U.S. citizen. I have celebrated our country’s freedom and attended numerous gatherings and events on the 4th of July which have included parades and fireworks. I have seen people dressed in period-correct uniforms carrying flags representing the United States’ freedom, marching with rifles and playing musical instruments. I have stood and placed my hand over my heart to honor these celebrations.

The 250th Army birthday parade that President Trump organized brought tears to my eyes for our fallen soldiers and the pride that warmed my heart to my soul. Thank you President Trump and our military.

— Steve McCullough, Long Beach

Trump’s parade

It wasn’t Trump’s parade. It was Flag Day. It was the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. Why do the newspapers and television reporters have to make everything political?

— Natalie Kolosow, Cypress