March 28, 2024

Disappointed in Shapiro column

Greg Thielmann

Washington, D.C.

As a Newton native who has followed closely the Iran nuclear negotiations, I was dismayed to see the Newton Daily News run Ben Shapiro’s “American Conservative” column in its July 15 edition. Although I interpret the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as an outstanding diplomatic accomplishment that makes an Iranian nuclear weapon and another Mideast war much less likely, I respect your right to post other interpretations.

However, considering your policy of asserting the right to reject submissions “deemed libelous, in poor taste or of a personal nature,” I am surprised you would accept Shapiro’s hateful and inaccurate diatribe. Shapiro asserts that President Obama “clearly does not [love his country].” He characterizes some of the most sweeping nonproliferation constraints on a sovereign country ever achieved as “a pinkie swear.” He refers to Obama’s red line for Syria using chemical weapons, which led to Assad’s regime destroying 3,500 metric tons of lethal chemical agents, as “cute.”

Your readers have a responsibility to urge their members of Congress to take a serious look at the historic results achieved in Vienna on July 14. Shapiro’s words are unprofessional and unhelpful in this regard. You can do better.