Fly flag half-staff to mourn for both sides

All of us who proudly fly the U.S. flag should now do so at half-staff to mourn those who are losing their lives in the conflict, regardless of which side they are on.

God is just as upset by the death of Iraqi citizens as he is by the death of Americans, British or Australians.

Dennis W. Conway, Anderson Township

Remember French aid in Revolutionary War

Before we totally remove the words French and France from our vocabulary, we must remember that we would not be a nation today without France. They provided support to us in the Revolutionary War, which helped us become an independent nation. Even if the French government does not support this war, they have supported us in the past. So next time you wave the American flag, you can thank the French.

Michael Lennard, Amberley Village

Daschle better off keeping quiet on Iraq

I was more than disappointed; I was downright angry at Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle's recent comments regarding military action in Iraq and President Bush's supposed diplomatic failure. The senator would be better off keeping silent. That's what I would call being really diplomatic.

How soon he forgets comments he made in the '90s supporting military action toward Iraq when former President Clinton was in office. It was fine when Democrats ruled the White House, now its inappropriate. He can't seem to make up his mind. Which is it?

I'm shocked that other Democrats are not speaking out, telling him to just "shut up." Now is the time when our president and troops need our support not meaningless and pompous chatter.

Sen. Rick Santorum hit the nail on the head when he stated, "I think Sen. Daschle clearly articulated the French position."

Elaine Klingelhoffer, Bright, Ind.

Police officers deserve support, not attacks

In response to the letters "St. Pat's parade marred at its end" and "Prisoners in parade reminder of slavery" (March 18). I say, "Get a clue."

Let's quit bashing our police officers. They are here to protect us. They cannot do that if all people ever do is bash them. These officers are paid to protect us. I have seen the same display in the Harvest Home parade, and I thought it was great. I am glad to see all the "high priced military toys."

Seeing what my taxes are paying for to protect my family is reassuring. As for the prisoners following the horses, does it really matter what color their skin was? They were prisoners. Color is not the issue here. Would you rather have your tax dollars spent to pay someone else to do that job? We already pay enough for these people in jail. Are you now going to complain about the cleanup crews around the county?

Patrick Christman, Delhi Township

Crowley's punch remark inappropriate

City councilman Dave Crowley's statement that he "loses his temper and wants to punch people out but is too old," is a frightening thought ("Crowley known for St. Pat's activities" March 17).

Our city is plagued with violence and city leaders shouldn't be making public statement's saying they would like to engage in violence if they weren't too old to do so.

How Crowley can claim to be a "pacifist" and in the next breath talk about punching people is beyond my comprehension.

Dorothy Swenty, Mount Adams

Doesn't Congress have to OK declaring war?

Am I completely forgetting my 14-plus years of history and government classes, or am I just imagining that Congress has to vote for war, and it has to be approved? Everyone is talking about the president declaring war, but he cannot do that; Congress can only do declaring war. Am I insane?

Mike Ingram, Symmes Township

Coverage of activist's death in Israel lacking

It is a tragedy that our media has decided to give little coverage to the incident of Rachel Corrie, the American peace activist who was crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer. Our media's double standard cannot be more evident: We seem to be bold and outspoken when atrocities are committed against Israel, but fall silent when Israel murders and commits genocide against innocent civilians.

The coverage of Daniel Pearl's kidnapping in Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim country, was immense; where is the same enormous coverage for another American civilian murdered, this time by our "ally"? Where are our so-called freedom fighters criticizing Israel for its own terrorism? The tension between the United States and the Arab world is only being increased by the lack of balanced media coverage. The American public will remain misinformed of this crisis unless fair and accurate reporting takes place.

Jared Worthington, Clifton

Keep Gorman Park open; it offers lots

Gorman Farm in Evendale is one of the area's best-kept secrets. I hope that does not lead to it being closed by the Cincinnati Nature Center as is currently planned.

Gorman Farm has a lot to offer. The fact an actual working farm (not a petting zoo) exists within the Interstate 275 beltway is both amazing and refreshing in this day and age.

My sons and I are regular visitors, and the boys have had the opportunity to do everything from feeding and brushing animals, to seeing how food is grown, to splashing in some of the biggest mud puddles ever.

Right now is a great time to visit as spring lambs are being born every day. Each visit shows something new as the seasons change. My sons have had the opportunity see animals grow from birth to adulthood.

In these troubled times, now more than ever, we need a place like Gorman Farm. I urge our community to contact the Nature Center and let them know Gorman Farm is a unique treasure which must be saved.

Tom Glassman, Wyoming