Grassley, Ernst show disregard

To the editor:

On March 12, The Gazette reported on Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst signing the letter to Iran, supposedly educating Iranians about the nature of the U.S. Constitution ('Grassley, Ernst defend sending letter to Iran”).

Grassley is quoted as saying 'I haven't seen any harm yet. If it's going to cause some harm, let's deal with it at the time of the harm.” I cannot imagine a more naïve and irresponsible approach to foreign policy. Grassley is suggesting that a statesman need not consider future ramifications of something as serious as international diplomacy. He hasn't seen any harm yet?

The effects on international relations and negotiations could be profound and far-reaching. The signers of this letter act as if negotiations are merely bilateral discussions between the U.S. and Iran rather than the global negotiation they are and need to be. The globe is impacted by Iran's actions, not just the U.S.

How will this letter impact the ways in which other countries work with us? Don't worry, Grassley and the others will worry about these questions later. Why should we bother about something that hasn't happened yet?

The signers of this letter show a profound disregard for the delicacy of international relations and prove that they do not even care about making progress with Iran. No matter what advances President Barack Obama may make with Iran, these Republicans have predetermined that they will be unacceptable.

Glenn Freeman

Mount Vernon