TO THE EDITOR: Are anti-war protesters anti-American? While signs condemning U.S. "genocide" in Iraq may emotionally gratify the protestors, they also unconditionally cede patriotism to those advocating war.

Anti-war protests should feature more American flags. And what of the assertion, "Support our troops, bring them home." Is this at all viable? If and when they finish in Iraq, our volunteer army will keep the peace in Afghanistan, in Kosovo and in Korea. Like it or not, the U.S. military is capable of protecting human rights.

Anti-war demonstrations would be more successful if they argued that unilateral action, however strong, couldn't uproot the causes of terrorism. If Sept. 11 was any indication, the greatest threats to our security are not in Baghdad, but among the crowds and water cannons in Cairo, Yemen and Pakistan. Certainly American protesters want to pre-empt such anti-Americanism.

Perhaps it is time for the "peace movement" to purge the guilt of Vietnam and embrace the vision of a vigorous and truly global multilaterally that extends American power beyond the oil fields of the Middle East with IV's, medicines, doctors and water treatment, as well as, precision-guided munitions. This would be cause for lasting shock and awe.

Adam Cathcart, Clifton

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War is about protecting home

I am so tired of hearing about the protesting going on about this war. What about the majority of people who support our troops? Nobody wants war.

I have two sons in the Marines, and I want the people who support our troops to stand up and be heard. We cannot allow the terrorists who come into this country take advantage of our open door policy. Those that have come into our country have repeatedly slapped us in the face. Why weren't these people protested against? The Americans have been hurt and killed in our own country. We cannot allow this to happen again, ever.

This war is for those who have perished in the past, who live for today and for all our children's future.

Dana Barrow, Oldsmar, Fla.

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Drug testing should not be selective

I am writing in regards to the process of drug testing at Williamsburg High School. In January, the school board had suspicion that drug use was going on within some of the sports teams. It decided to make "some" people take drug test and not all.

I don't think that's fair to pick and choose who gets one and who doesn't. I don't think it's really allowed. How can you think someone is using drugs and one of their other teammates isn't? I think it's good they give drug tests, but only if they are fair about it. If they are going to test athletes, then why don't they test other groups who in public eye? Even though you see the athletes more often, then say the student council, they still represent our school. . If they're going to test one, test all.

Melissa Greene, Williamsburg

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Libraries part of 'Great Neighborhoods'

How wonderful to read about the many services and amenities available in Colerain Township in the Great Neighborhoods section of the March 18 Enquirer. How much more disappointing to find the two public library branches within Colerain Township since 1963 and a new Groesbeck branch, nearly twice the size of the former, opened in May 2000. North Central is a more recent addition to Colerain Township opening in 1990. Both branch libraries are a vital part of Colerain Township and provide excellent library service.

Among the outstanding offerings of these libraries are the wide-ranging collections of books for all ages and reading interests, the large selection of videos, DVDs, and music that circulate for free, the many programs that educate and entertain thousands each year, the free Internet access, the 24-hours-a-day access to web-based, full-text research databases and the beautiful buildings. All combine to make Cincinnati's library system one of the best in the nation

Kim Fender, Executive director, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

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Dixie Chick does not suffer for words

In regards to the letter ("Dixie Chicks boycott counter to free speech" March 23), the letter writer says people shouldn't have to suffer for what they say, this demonstrates a pretty odd perception of freedom of speech. Most Americans would agree that Natalie Maines had the right to say what she did. Sure, it was in poor taste, but is she suffering? Maybe she is suffering from embarrassment. She deliberately chose to use her celebrity status to broadcast her opinion on stage. One reason she chose that forum was self-aggrandizement. Another reason might well have been to influence the way others think.

America is still a free country and has other freedoms in addition to speech. We are free to associate with whom we choose; go where we want to go and spend our untaxed income on whatever suits our taste. If we prefer to eliminate the Dixie Chicks from future entertainment plans as individuals or groups, we are free to do so for any reason or no reason without telling anyone.

If Maines suffers, perhaps she - and some others in the entertainment industries - should consider the preferences of the people who pay to be amused by them.

Don Adick, West Chester

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Another name for shock and awe

While I was reading the Enquirer's March 22 articles describing the United State's "shock and awe" military campaign, it came to mind that before this country celebrates bludgeoning a third-rate military country, we might consider the "s" in shock and the "a" in awe, may wind-up to be "shortsighted and arrogant."

Richard Ellison, Downtown

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Oakley does not need big box project

The article ("No decision made on Oakley project" March 21), was accurate, as far as it went, but it left out two important points of testimony:

• The Oakley Neighborhood Council board strongly disapproved of the proposed big box project, and many members spoke against it.

• This board also had disapproved of the previous project but were threatened by the developer with personal lawsuits if they did not withdraw their opposition.

Oakley has more than enough of this: good homes and green space bulldozed for acres of bleak concrete and sterile "big box" stores known mostly for low wages. If these stores are so great, why not sell them to the residents of Mount Lookout and Hyde Park?

Kathy Helmbock, Oakley

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Nature Center needs community support

As a long-time member and past board member of The Cincinnati Nature Center, I read with interest the comments regarding the closing of the Gorman Heritage Farm. It's a place where children and adults can learn where food comes from, how it is grown and what truly fresh produce tastes like. But to suggest calling the Cincinnati Nature Center to protest the closing is like shutting the barn door after the horse has left.

No one will have suffered more anguish over this decision than the CNC board and staff. The Nature Center undertook the challenge to develop and preserve this farm, but if the community fails to show support, and I mean financial support, then it is our loss, not a failure on the part of CNC. If we really believe in the work a not-for-profit organization does, such as CNC, then let's support that cause through a membership and annual donation. Otherwise, we may lose other assets that make our community a unique place to live. If you are going to call, why not join?

Judith Mitchell, Indian Hill

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United States should leave United Nations

The United States should get out of the United Nations. Our tax dollars can be better spent on Homeland Security rather than pouring it down a rat hole in the U.N. Move them out of New York.

Forty years ago France pulled out of NATO. During the 1950's the French franc was in trouble and the United States pumped up its economy and got them back on the straight and narrow. Look at how they repay us.

Edward Lameier, Cheviot

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Injuring infant should not be misdemeanor

A March 14 Enquirer story featured a couple accused of abusing their 10-month old daughter by tying her up, pouring beer down her throat and blowing crack cocaine in her face.

The Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel ruled this act a misdemeanor. Hutzel also stated that even fracturing the skull of an infant is only a misdemeanor because a child's skull is pliable.

God forbid this baby dies because Ohio legislation deems tying up a 10-month old infant, pouring beer down its throat and blowing crack smoke in her face is only a misdemeanor.

Stephen Markovich, Crescent Springs

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Others need scrutiny in Erpenbeck case

While your editorial on the Erpenbeck scandal and the pending settlement that would remove construction lines from the homes of some of the victims in this scandal is thoughtful ("Erpenbeck: Class-action settlement," March 24), as in any fraud of this scale, much of the pain will go on for many years.

Many of these homes that were victims of the Erpenbeck scandal are in developing communities. This means that many of the victims will have to live next to half-done homes, sitting exposed to the weather, animals and vandals. Many of the homeowner associations were never paid, which has resulted in higher dues for fewer or no services.

No, I disagree with your ascertainment that the pain is behind us.

The pain will go on for many years.

James Kelble, Union, Ky.

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Xavier really no longer an underdog

I had to laugh when I logged onto the Enquirer's web page Sunday morning to read about Xavier's game against Maryland. The title, "Underdog Xavier has upset in mind," was truly comical. Wasn't Xavier a No. 3 seed and Maryland a No. 6 seed?

Wasn't XU's RPI higher (20) than Maryland's (37)? And wasn't XU ranked higher (12) in every poll than Maryland (17)? If Xavier wants to be considered a top-rated basketball program by the experts, then the absurd quotes from players like Dedrick Finn saying, "We just want to go out there and try to shock the world," by beating a team they were ranked above in every category need to stop.

Robert Wolterman, New Orleans