Readers’ comments: March 8, 2024

Shame on protesters for disrupting Bridges ceremony
Dear editor:
On Friday, March 1, new Harvey Mudd College President Harriet Nembhard was to be inaugurated at Bridges Auditorium, with 800 guests expected to be in the audience.
The doors were closed before the guests arrived, and on the porches surrounding the entrances were numerous “dead” bodies covered with sheets. Actually, they were very much alive protesters. This meant that the 800 guests and 70 college and university delegates from all over America were unable to enter. The delegates included those from Harvard, founded in 1636, on up to Olin College of Engineering, which opened its doors in 1997. The make-up of delegates and guests were the most diverse group of individuals ever to have entered Bridges. But they could not do so because of the protesters.
Did the protesters, who kept these people from all over America out of Bridges, care at all about this? No, obviously they did not. Their cause was way more important than any other major event for one of the Claremont Colleges.
I am a graduate of CMC and Scripps College. I know education is based on the exchange of ideas, thoughtful exchange, calm exchange, understanding differences of opinion. Are these protesters students studying here, at the Claremont Colleges? I can only say I think so, but I hope not.
Jil Stark
Pomona

Disappointment with staff cuts
Dear editor:
I am sorry (and shocked) to find that the Claremont Courier has decided to part ways with Steven Felschundneff. I always read every article that he writes. They never seem obligatory or just needed to fill the space. His articles are well written and carry their own weight; they are written because they ought to be written.
It seems that you are treating your readers primarily as a source of cash flow, that you’ve decided you’ll do better by putting more emphasis on advertising staff. It’s not that we readers don’t care at all about the advertising content of the Courier; just not so much.
John Dick
Claremont

Courier layoff is troubling
Dear editor:
I was shocked and dismayed to learn last week that reporter/photographer Steven Felschundneff was laid off due to the Courier’s financial difficulties. In my experience, there are ways to reduce staff costs other than eliminating a full-time employee position, and losing all that they bring to the table. While I can’t know the reasons why letting go of Steven was chosen in lieu of other salary belt tightening measures, this decision was troubling.
During Steven’s 13 years with the Courier, he has turned out excellent work, as the Courier’s photographer from 2010 until 2020, and for the last three-plus years as city reporter and photographer. As a trained journalist/photojournalist, I have admired Steven’s work throughout his tenure. When Steven undertook the city beat, his grasp of the issues and his journalistic talent noticeably improved the Courier’s reporting on the city. His reporting style made the news more interesting and easy to follow.
On the upside, I appreciate the efforts being made to increase income streams, including charging for online access to the Courier. I have been frustrated that the Courier has not charged a subscription rate for online readers, especially in light of continual reports of financial difficulties. Online subscriptions are standard practice for newspapers today. We who read the actual paper pay for it, and many of us subscribers give donations to the Courier as well. Every little bit helps.
I treasure our weekly newspaper, and recognize the tenuousness of the Courier’s survival. I intend to keep supporting the Courier however I can. I hope financial stability can be reached, and enhanced, to recoup its recent excellence in reporting hard news. Steven Felschundneff’s journalistic contributions were exemplary, and I will miss seeing his byline.
Tracey Stoll
Ames, Iowa

Antisemitism is inherent in anti-Zionism
Dear editor:
I keep hearing that anti-Zionism is not antisemitism, but the February 27 Claremont City Council meeting [“Council declines to take a position on war in Gaza,” March 1] and its aftermath demonstrate the antisemitism that is inherent within the movement. During the meeting speakers talked about the actions of the council and other legislative bodies being determined by “Zionist” (read, “Jewish”) political campaign contributions. This is a classic antisemitic trope predicated on the assumption that no thoughtful legislator could ever legitimately side with Israel — or in this case, decline to take action targeting Israel — they could only take such action out of fear or fealty.
Then, in the statement released by “Claremont Community for Palestine” [“Activist group responds to City Council resolution,” Readers’ comments, March 1] and printed in the Courier made the accusation that “Zionists blocked the entrance of the [City Council] chambers” before the meeting. You would have thought a battalion of IDF soldiers were there with Uzis instead of a few dozen longtime residents, almost all over the age of 50 (including me, sorry friends), who understood that seating was first-come first-served.
Most of our community has the luxury of turning away from or excusing away the exponential rise in antisemitism. There may be a version of anti-Zionism that is free of antisemitism, but it was not evident in Claremont last week.
Jonathan Brown
Claremont

Courier reporting antisemitic and anti-Palestinian
Dear editor:
Jewish Voice for Peace Los Angeles proudly endorsed the pro-peace and pro-justice cease-fire motion that the Claremont City Council shamefully rejected, effectively making the council complicit in the Israeli state’s genocide in Gaza. And many of the motion’s strongest supporters, such as myself, are proud Jews. Unfortunately, the Courier’s reporting in “Council declines to take a position on war in Gaza,” [March 1] speaks of “members of the Jewish community” as if Jews as a community and uniformly opposed the pro-peace and pro-justice ceasefire motion, and as if Jews as a community and uniformly were frightened by the supporters of the motion. In failing to recognize the fact of a large and growing number of anti-Zionist Jews in Claremont and the U.S. who support, rather than deny, Palestinian freedom and equality, your reporting makes invisible Jews who do not conform to your crude stereotype of Jews. That demand that Jews conform to your stereotype to be recognized as proud members of the Jewish community is shameful antisemitism by the Courier. It also supports the nasty lie that support for Palestine is antisemitic and it thus undermines support for Palestinian freedom. Put simply, your reporting is antisemitic and anti-Palestinian.
Shame on the Courier for peddling its bigotry and hate.
Daniel A. Segal
Bloomington, Indiana

Vote Trump for president
Dear editor:
As the upcoming presidential election draws near, it’s crucial for voters to carefully consider the candidates and their qualifications.  I believe it’s evident that Donald J. Trump stands out as the superior choice over President Biden.
Trump’s energy and efficiency are unmatched. Throughout his tenure as president, he displayed an unparalleled work ethic; constantly engaging with the issues facing the nation and tirelessly working to find solutions. His ability to get things done efficiently is exactly what America needs in a leader.
Trump’s extensive business knowledge is another asset. He has a proven track record of success in the business world and this experience uniquely equips him to navigate complex economic challenges and foster growth. Under his leadership, the economy flourished, creating millions of jobs and boosting prosperity for countless Americans.
When it comes to economic knowledge, Trump’s expertise is evident. He understands the intricacies of the economy and knows how to implement policies that promote growth and opportunity for all Americans. His tax cuts and deregulation efforts were instrumental in revitalizing the economy and putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking families.
In terms of cabinet choices, Trump has consistently appointed highly qualified individuals who are committed to serving the American people. His administration was filled with talented individuals who brought diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, ensuring that the needs of all Americans were represented.
Lastly, Trump’s past presidential record speaks for itself. He delivered on his promises, securing our borders, renegotiating trade deals, and strengthening our military. His bold leadership and America first agenda made our country safer and more prosperous.
In conclusion, Trump is the clear choice for president. With his superior energy, efficiency, business knowledge, transparency, economic expertise, cabinet choices, and past presidential record, Trump has demonstrated time and again that he has what it takes to lead our nation forward.
Kris M. Meyer
Claremont