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Laptop cover-up
There is no clearer sign of political corruption than the FBI’s denial of what it knew to be true: The Hunter Biden laptop story was real (“FBI ‘gag order’ on Hunter Biden,” Miranda Devine, April 3).
By suppressing this truth, the FBI helped protect Joe Biden’s false narrative that he never discussed his son’s business dealings. Had the truth come out, Biden’s 2020 chances against President Trump would have been doomed.
This remains a huge story, yet those responsible have not been held accountable.
Paul Bloustein, Cincinnati, Ohio
Danish diplomacy
Rich Lowry’s article on American control of international waters was timely (“Why We Keep the Seas Free,” April 1).
On March 31, 1917, the United States purchased the Virgin Islands for $25 million from Denmark to protect the Panama Canal during World War I. This demonstrated America’s commitment to securing maritime interests. Unfortunately, President Jimmy Carter failed to grasp the canal’s importance and essentially gave it away for a dollar. Had he asked me, I would have explained its significance, having spent two years in the Army guarding its Atlantic side. I saw firsthand its critical role in global shipping and the risks of letting it fall into the wrong hands.
Today, we face similar concerns in the Arctic, where securing Greenland could serve the same purpose — keeping vital waterways out of hostile control. We negotiated the Virgin Islands; the Trump administration should revisit that diplomatic playbook.
Jim Mastrangelo, Ringwood, NJ
Keep Fort ‘Green’
There can really be no environmental benefit to cutting down 49 healthy, mature trees and replacing them with saplings (“Hell no ‘Tree’ won’t go,” April 1).
Concerns about potential future disease or pests affecting Norway Maples are unfounded — pests can threaten any tree, and caretakers of Fort Greene Park have ample tools to manage them. Diseases specific to Norway Maples can be prevented and treated with well-documented solutions. A quick online search for “Norway Maple Problems” reveals extensive information on proper care.
It has been argued that the city can both preserve these trees and improve park accessibility. I hope officials listen and find a compromise.
Gracie Crossland, Mt. Kisco
Shot in the foot
“The Road to a Republican Minority” highlights how House Republicans can often be their own worst enemies (Editorial, April 2).
With critical legislation on the table, why would Rep. Anna Paulina Luna choose this moment to shut down action on the House floor? This issue is important, but is this really the hill Luna wants to die on? Every House Democrat voted to force a vote, and she, along with a few other Republicans, handed them exactly what they wanted.
Sal Giarratani, Boston, Mass.
Artificial God
Nora Kenny raises an intriguing question about the intersection of artificial intelligence and religious faith in her article “Hardwired for God” (March 31).
She describes religion as a moral compass, but history tells a different story. While religious influence in America is declining, a bigger issue is how AI is beginning to shape our belief systems. The complexity of its existence is growing, and we may soon be forced to make choices we never imagined.
Samuel Frazer, Fort Myers, Fla.
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