To the editor:

I am tired of the false and mistaken ideas published in the political cartoon on the Opinion page of The Messenger. The political cartoon in the Aug. 12 Messenger claims (again) that Barack Obama paid $400 million in ransom to Iran for the release of hostages. The truth is that Iran paid $400 million to the U.S. approximately 35 years ago in an order for several airplanes.

The $400 million was impounded by our government but the airplanes were never delivered to Iran. Our government therefore had possession of $400 million of Iran’s money. President Obama agreed to release Iran’s money and thereby made the United States an honest nation. We can now be honored by the nations of the world for our honesty.

Lee Berryhill

Fort Dodge