Letters to the Editor | May 7, 2024

In her May 6 column “2024 isn’t 1968,″ Trudy Rubin asks for clarity on why “student concern over civilian deaths and starvation does not extend to … Ukraine … [and] Darfur.”

Unlike with Ukraine or Darfur, the U.S. shares some responsibility in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The U.S. fails to support U.N. cease-fire resolutions. The U.S. sends arms without conditions. U.S. leaders make statements that tacitly accept ongoing famine and death, or Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s condition that any Rafah invasion be preceded by “an effective plan to make sure that civilians are not harmed,” instead of demanding no invasion since it is impossible to protect civilians in that tiny enclave.

May 7 will mark seven months since the invasion of southern Israel. We are no closer to the release of hostages, or to ending the risk of famine and more death. That should offer enough clarity.

Jules Epstein, Elkins Park

On May 4, 1970, National Guard troops opened fire on demonstrators at Kent State University, killing four and wounding nine unarmed students. How soon we forget! The date of the killings has been overshadowed by Star Wars (“May the ‘fourth’ be with you!”). Politicians seem evermore keen these days on having the National Guard brought in to rid cities, subways, borders, and campuses of criminals, protesters, and other unwanted people.

We have forgotten that an armed presence to subdue dissent and trouble is a sign of failed communication, breeds contempt, and may not prevent violence and death. Though some were tried in court, no one was convicted of the killing of four students at Kent State. As a confused, but searching, college freshman at the time, Kent State left me with a healthy skepticism for the use of the military or “militarized” police to control situations where politicians, college administrators, and diplomats “fear to tread.” I respect the rule of law. I also respect even more the priority of listening and interaction that leads to peaceful and hopeful outcomes.

The Rev. Jack McAnlis, Langhorne

Regarding a recent op-ed (“U.S. oil and gas production is booming. So are industry donations to GOP allies,” May 3), we know the oil and gas industry will always act in its own best interests and not the interests of the country or the world. It’s clear its outsize donations to Republican candidates are to ensure that it will be able to continue polluting without penalty. And using liquefied natural gas as a wedge issue is cynical. The problem with liquefied natural gas is the same as with natural gas itself: leaks along every stage of production release methane, a far worse greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

The oil and gas industry has decades of experience providing energy to fuel our economy. Imagine if it used that expertise and financing to develop and promote clean energy. Yet, Republican candidates will ensure we continue to boost this lethal energy sector and continue along with business as usual. This path is unsustainable for us and our planet.

Debora Hoffman, Belmont, Mass.

I sympathize with the college students who are frustrated with Joe Biden’s response to the Israel-Hamas war. However, when they venture to the polls on Nov. 5, they would do well to imagine what Donald Trump’s response to their protests might look like.

Steve Zettler, Philadelphia

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