To the editor: Let me see if I acquired this proper.
USC, the celebrated college that allowed a tenured gynecologist allegedly with a penchant for sexual abuse to stay entrenched for years, suspended an economics professor for talking out about Hamas.
That Hamas murders, as Professor John Strauss instructed protesters at USC calling for a cease-fire within the Gaza Strip, is just not open to debate. Whether or not they need to all be killed, as Strauss spoke for the scholars, is subjective.
As a Jew, I can not think about residing in a rustic surrounded by folks as devoted to my demise as Israel is. I would slightly reside in Salt Lake Metropolis.
USC botched this one and solely listened to the loudest voices within the crowd.
Greg Hilfman, Topanga
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To the editor: The 2 professors, whose voices virtually jumped off the pages of Sunday’s newspaper, made me take into account the chances for peace in Gaza and the West Financial institution.
Strauss expressed his anger by saying, “Hamas are murderers. That is all they’re. All of them must be killed, and I hope all of them are.” Who amongst us has not stated the identical about rapists and murderers?
In the meantime, Ghassan Bisharat, an assistant professor at Cal State Los Angeles, wrote about how he usually struggled when his father and mom stepped in to assist as a substitute of hate. Each father or mother is aware of that it’s tough to show youngsters that arguments could be resolved with out preventing.
It’s laborious sufficient for us as people to quell our anger when somebody deliberately hurts us – and to reply with kindness once we encounter somebody who we imagine has wronged us or who condones a improper performed to us .
How a lot more durable it’s for Israelis and Palestinians who’ve been trapped in a cycle of violence and retaliation for 75 years.
Janice Blake, Manhattan Seashore
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To the editor: Having watched many crime dramas on TV, I do know that seemingly unrelated occasions could be linked.
Lately, USC has had many newsworthy scandals. This previous weekend has introduced extra unwelcome information, together with the apparently unjust persecution of a Jew who spoke out in opposition to homicide and terrorism.
My query: Is USC extra uncovered to such countless scandals than different main universities, or is it simply in our information a lot as a result of it is a native establishment?
Richard W. Merel, Hermosa Seashore
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To the editor: Whereas I admire The Occasions writing a balanced piece about Strauss’s suspension, I discover it disturbing {that a} professor voicing an opinion on campus could possibly be handled this fashion.
I ponder if the professors, workers or college students who sing, “From the river to the ocean, Palestine can be free,” are handled the identical means. Do they not understand that they’re singing for the destruction of Israel?
Ellen Cervantes, West Hills
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To the editor: One of many the reason why our discourse is deteriorating could be seen within the interplay between Strauss and a scholar who shouted at him: “Professor Strauss, disgrace on you.” He replied “No, disgrace on you.”
His response to the coed shut down any communication that might have led to calmer dialogue and studying for each.
Though the professor was indignant and shedding his mood, it might have been applicable for him to cease and take into consideration how his flip response did not assist the state of affairs, particularly given his function as an educator.
Janet Frazer, La Mesa, California.