I was sad to hear of Rodney Davis’s passing.

Winter 1972 was Rep Term. I was a theater geek through and through, but I came to Knox for a liberal arts education, and it didn’t feel right to do nothing but theatre for an entire term.  I convinced Rod to be my adviser for an independent study on American popular culture in the 1950s.

I remember sitting in Rod’s office on Tuesday afternoons, having these cool, elegant discussions. It was exactly what I needed, and it’s one of my fondest memories of that term.  Rod left a prodigious legacy as a scholar and a mentor, but what I appreciated the most in the winter of 1972 was the opportunity to spend some drama-free time with a gentleman who listened and traded ideas thoughtfully and respectfully. I feel lucky to have known him.

My SMC memories revolve around the relocation of the science library from Davis Hall to the new spacious area in the SMC. I worked a few hours a week in the science library during my senior year. Since the top floor of Davis was off the beaten track, it was a great way to get paid to study and do homework. I always figured Miss Willey kept me around as someone well suited to pick up the journals, particularly when bound into hard cover, from either Seymour or the mail room and drag them up the four flights of stairs in Davis to be shelved. This same skill set got me a week’s work during spring break taking the “science” books out of the stacks in Seymour Library, boxing them, and then shelving them in the new SMC where there was so much more room for everything. I honestly don’t remember working in the new science library beyond the setup. Probably just as well, as the open area with more traffic probably would have curtailed my paid study hours.

I guess now the journals are all digital and the reference books as well, with the library converted during the reconstruction to other uses. Back in 1971, though, the new science library was a quantum leap beyond the cramped and little-used attic space in George Davis Hall.

— Bob Fischer ‘71

The Umbeck Science Center was built on the site of the Sigma Nu house, 342 South West St.   Many scientific experiments were performed in that location, so there was a certain symmetry involved.

Harley Knosher was too modest in recounting great moments in Knox sports. When he had the student manager dress up for a game against Monmouth, our archrival, it was a moment to be treasured. Tom Mellen entered the game before halftime and promptly broke the game wide open with his long-range shots. Tom became a sought-after figure for autographs from then on. It wasn't just his shot-making, but Harley's faith in Tom by rewarding his dedication that stands out for this one-time professor. It was the best in college athletics.

I am writing in regard to an article you wrote in the latest issue of the magazine concerning “The Jerusalem Question(s)." I recognize that this is a highly charged subject. I also recognize that there is understandably a lot of concern in regard to the plight of Palestinians. At the same time, we must recognize that there are many factors contributing to the problems and, for that reason, our choice of words must be carefully examined.

At the outset, I will note that I am a supporter of Israel, have a daughter who is a dual citizen (Israel and the U.S.) who lives in Tel Aviv, and have been to Israel several times. At the same time, I do not favor the policies of Netanyahu and feel that our current U.S. administration has no concept as to how to negotiate a resolution, if such is possible. For example, the U.S. gave away a very important bargaining chip (the site of the U.S. embassy) while not extracting anything in return from Israel.  While I support the embassy ultimately moving to Jerusalem, it should not have been done through a unilateral action. Anyone familiar with the art of making a deal should know that one must not give away something of value without obtaining something of value in return. Some concession should have been obtained from Israel in order to move the embassy.

As to the language used in the article, there is a reference to  “occupied territories” when referring to the West Bank and Gaza. There is no reference to “occupied territories” when referring to Jordan’s seizure of Jerusalem from 1949-1967. By the way, during those years, Jews were not permitted in the Old City. Only when Israel controlled the holy city have all religions been permitted to go into the Old City and pray. It should also be noted that it was Jordan at that time which fought Arafat and the Palestinians as Jordan did not want them to live within its borders. Yes, it is a complex situation with many sides at odds.

One section that truly concerned me was the discussion about Iesha Said’s treatment in Israel. There is a reference to her feeling invisible when she was in “… Orthodox [Jewish] areas …”.   Pam, such writing equates all Jewish people with being Orthodox and, therefore, all Jewish people treating Ms. Said in the same dreadful manner. In fact, there are many Progressive Jews like my daughter who have different views. Ms. Said was hopefully treated very differently in neighborhoods populated by Progressive Jews. My point is that you should not generalize the actions of any one sect and attribute them to those of an entire people.

Yes, many Palestinians have been treated poorly by some Israelis. At the same time, Israel forcibly removed Jewish settlers from the Gaza and left the Palestinians with fully functioning and very profitable greenhouses for them to operate to generate income. The result? The greenhouses were immediately destroyed by Palestinians who sold the metal for scrap. More jobs are definitely needed in Palestinian territories. I would like to see Israel engage with Palestinians and other Arab countries to help provide funds to create factories and other businesses with jobs. At the same time, Palestinian leaders have diverted funds for their own benefit. As 60 Minutes has reported, Yasser Arafat alone diverted over $1 billion for his personal use. That would have gone a long way toward creating jobs for his people. It was also Arafat who, as the Washington Post reported, without a counteroffer, turned down an offer at Camp David for “…94.5 percent of the West Bank, as well as a foothold in Jerusalem. Moreover, in return for an agreement to end the conflict, both the United States and Israel were willing to recognize a new Palestinian state, with the promise it would get billions in U.S. and international aid.” [“Waiting for Arafat” by Lally Weymouth, The Washington Post , July 28, 2000]

My point is that there is enough blame to go around in the Middle East. What is important in journalism is to tell a more complete and balanced story without words and phrases that may be charged. This is a very difficult and complex issue and, given the feelings on all sides, it must be handled very carefully. I do hope that, in the future, such will occur.