David Gergen

I find it irritating that your editorial “He’s There to Soothe, Not Irritate” (June 11) would praise David Gergen for resigning from all boards, commissions and organizations--including the exclusive Bohemian Club--after being appointed White House counselor. Wouldn’t it be better to praise someone who had the morals, ethics and scruples not to join such clubs in the first place?

To resign from discriminatory clubs only after receiving a White House appointment is the ultimate act of hypocrisy, particularly since Gergen has served in previous administrations, and should genuinely not want to belong to such clubs.

Are there so few admirable actions in Washington that even The Times chooses to praise someone who joins elitist clubs only when they are out of office?

MICHAEL A. GLUECK

Newport Beach

I was much heartened by the disclosure that Gergen had dropped his Bohemian Club membership. Fair is fair!

We must put an end to organizations that discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin or ethnicity. Therefore, I am pleased to announce my resignation from the Assn. of Former Boy Scouts, one of the worst offenders; I had it up to here with the Boy Scouts several years ago when they wouldn’t let my two daughters join because they are girls.

While I’m at it, I plan to boycott the Gay Men’s Chorus, which denies membership to women. How crass! And I will take similar action against such other notorious men-only organizations as the Dodgers, the Rams and the Raiders. Such insidious discrimination has got to stop--now!

So right on, David! It’s about time someone of national stature showed the guts to stand up and be counted.

WILLIAM S. KOESTER

Upland