Letter: State department’s actions surprising

I watched 'Schoolhouse Rock!” in elementary school (and beyond), passed social studies and civic classes in high school and college. And, yet, with this (admittedly limited) knowledge was surprised to learn that our U.S. State Department had the authority (maybe audacity?) to deliver $400 million in cash (foreign currency) using an 'unmarked” airplane in the dead of the night to Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism. Supposedly, this was accomplished without the knowledge or consent of Congress.

Coincidently, at the same time as the money drop, four American hostages were set free by Iran. State department spokesmen John Kirby and Mark Toner denied this was a ransom payment because U.S. policy prohibits the payment of ransom for hostages. Really? Does POTUS know about this? Maybe someone should inform him. Obviously, he never watched 'Schoolhouse Rock!”.

Robin Skogman

Cedar Rapids