Readers’ comments: April 25, 2025

Let’s hear it for libraries!
Dear editor:
Libraries are wonderful resources full of ways to learn, understand our nation’s history and laws,  and so much more. Our library engages children in many activities and participates in community support. Libraries and librarians deserve our financial and emotional support for all the good things they provide for us.
Valerie Carrick
Ontario

Let’s start wildfire watch groups
Dear editor:
Los Angeles County has designated “high” and “very high” wildfire zones. Claraboya, and surrounding hills, the Claremont Wilderness Park, and San Antonio wash are “red zones.”
Now is the time to have fire watches. Hikers, bikers (as well as e-bikers) can provider alerts,  especially where people have mobile phone access.
To deal with wildfires we could start “watch groups” from community organizations such as the Rotary Club, especially when conditions are bad.
Let’s get more people safely watching out for wildfires.
Mark von Wodtke
Claremont

Setting it straight
Dear editor:
I learn something interesting from John Neiuber each time he contributes to the Courier. In his latest column [“This is Claremont,” April 18], he mentions “This is Claremont,” a book published in 1941 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the then Claremont Congregational Church. The book, new to me, sounds fascinating.
One important correction is needed: John mentions that Henry A. Palmer was the first president of Pomona College. Actually, Cyrus Grandison Baldwin holds that honor; Palmer was the first president of Pomona College’s Board of Trustees.
Don Pattison
Pomona

Kakistocracy takes hold
Dear editor:
How bad can it get? Americans are learning a new word these days: kakistocracy — from the Greek, bad governance. The worst government by the worst. And do we have it in spades!
When some wackadoodle conspiracy theorist, Laura Loomer, can get the most accomplished four-star generals fired on a whim, we’ve sunk about as low as possible. She just waltzed into the White House, spread her evil rumors into the ear of one of the most ignorant persons ever to hold the office of president, and men who had honorably served the American people, these generals, were gone in a flash. The only indignity they seem to have been spared was having been frog-marched out of the front gate of the White House and unceremoniously dumped onto Pennsylvania Avenue, cameras rolling.
When the felon-in-chief promised not to cut Social Security, in a sense that was true. Your benefits have not been cut. He just made it impossible for many to access them. Tens of thousands of workers have been terminated and offices shuttered. Phone access is neigh on impossible; and walk-ins? Forget it. You have to call for an appointment. Oh, can’t get anybody?  On hold for six days? Too bad. So Sorry. Catch-22. It all smells of Musk or something the bull left behind.
A kakistocracy bordering on a new tyranny. Be careful what you vote for: you may get it — and more.
John C. Forney
Claremont

Imagine reimagined
Dear editor:
Below is an update of John Lennon’s song for these times.
Imagine there’s no Donald
It’s easy if you try
No hate around us
No lie on lie on lie
Imagine all the people
Living free from fear.
Imagine there’s no Elon
It’s not hard to do
No one afraid to stop him
No matter red or blue
Imagine all the people
Striving to unite.
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one.
Imagine there’s no carbon
I wonder if you can
Sun and wind to power
All the works of man
Imagine all the people
Caring for the world.
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one.
James Van Cleve
Claremont