In elementary school, I learned the famous quotes that defined America. These included Nathan Hale’s “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty, or give me death,” John Paul Jones’ “I have not yet begun to fight” and James Lawrence’s “Don’t give up the ship.”

Now Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi says his country is not required to spend “only for humanitarian goods” the $6 billion the U.S. unfroze this week in exchange for five American prisoners. Instead, he now says, Iran will use this money “wherever we need it.”

There is now one quote fewer for American children to memorize.



PAUL L. NEWMAN

Merion Station, Pennsylvania

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