Be careful when you open your e-mail. Just the thought of a Ku Klux Klan cross on Fountain Square during the 2002 holiday season makes people do a slow burn.

        “Another black eye for Cincinnati.” — Alan Jameson, Bond Hill.

        “Just what we don't need for Christmas 2002.” — Rose Billings, West Chester.

        “Get ready to waste more money arresting protesters after they knock the thing down.” — W.H. Robertson, Dent.

        These readers posted e-mail messages after Wednesday's appearance of my annual Ban the Klan column.

        'Tis the season, the column noted, for the city of Cincinnati to accept applications — on a first-come, first-served basis — for setting up displays on Fountain Square during the 2002 holidays.

        Only nine slots are available. Put up three at a time, the displays stand a maximum 10 days each during the 30-day season.

        Any non-profit group can apply. That includes the Klan. The hate-fueled organization has vowed to put its cross on the square again next year. It was shut out this year after readers heeded my 2000 Ban the Klan call.

        Another shutout is possible. As of 5 p.m. Thursday, eight applications had been requested. If other groups fill all nine slots first, the Klan will be banned. Again.

        Using his constitutionally guaranteed rights, Dieter Schmied fired off these questions via the Internet:

        “You are conspiring a sham to deny some of their civil rights? Do you understand the purpose of a written constitution? Do you understand the principles behind the specified rights?”

        Answers: No. Yes. Yes.

Praising Nativity

        Students from Nativity School in Pleasant Ridge understand that they have the right to promote love and peace. They made ornaments to put on their school's plywood Christmas tree displayed on the square this year.

        Shirley Lathrop, a member of Roselawn Lutheran Church, sent an e-mail noting that Nativity's students made the flag her place of worship has flown on the square “for two years. I thought it was a great collaboration between their school and our church.

        “The children who made the flag were honored to have a part in sending a message of peace instead of hate. This tells volumes for the education they receive at Nativity.”

        Chickie Zoller called from Milford with a reminder: “If the Klan gets its cross on the square, religious groups from all over the city should gather around it night and day and hold prayer vigils.

        “After all, it is a cross.”

Caroling, caroling

        My how-to column about singing carols had people raising their voices on the phone and making keys hum on their computers.

        Callers left loud snippets of “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night” in my voice mail.

        Others delivered spoken greetings, agreeing with my assessment that too many carols are sung in the key of Blah Humbug!

        “People should belt out carols,” said Sue Barnet of Delhi Township. “Christmas comes but once a year.”

        “All Christmases, but this one especially, should be a time of rejoicing and singing out.” — D.B. Folger, Mason.

        Not everyone sang in unison, however.

        “Quit your bellyaching, you big baby,” wrote Jeb Gerhardt of Lebanon.

        Didn't know Scrooge had moved to Warren County.

        Columnist Cliff Radel can be reached at cradel@enquirer.com; 768-8379; fax 768-8340. Past columns at Enquirer.com/columns/radel

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