TO THE EDITOR:

The safety problem caused by use of cell phones while driving lies more in the distraction of the brain than it does in having only one hand on the wheel. However, driving with only one hand because the other is holding a phone to the ear is a signal that the brain may be unengaged even if the clutch is not.

How about a movement to honk three times at anyone seen using a cell phone while driving? If we start doing this in Cincinnati, maybe it will sweep the nation, reminding drivers everywhere to hang up and drive.

Ashley Ford, Walnut Hills

Dad should have own plan for love

I read about Don Mueller in the July 14 story, "America to watch family pick mate for Glendale dad." Now here's a smart, rich, sexy, divorced guy, and he's letting his kids choose his second wife on television.

Don, why not apply the same skills you use in business? Start with a vision, develop a plan, break your plan into doable steps, then do each one till your dream comes true. Hire a coach. True love is too important to leave to your kids or Hollywood.

Char Warman Jones, Sycamore Township

2004 winner will be someone trustworthy

In regards to the 2004 presidential election, the winning candidate will:

• Be a strong defender of this country and military-minded.

• Believe in giving back some of what the government forcefully takes from our paychecks each week.

• Not cave in to minority causes simply to win their votes, abandoning them after the fact.

• Come from a family with both a mother and a father, not two dads or two moms.

• Not change his mind once he sets his path.

• Not deceive us, lie to us, cheat on his wife, steal from us, embarrass us, misplace the trust we give him, or abandon us.

Most importantly, he will realize that he is not the majority, we are.

Jimmy Combs, Mount Auburn

Crime Stoppers does witness protection

On July 12 The Cincinnati Enquirer lead editorial advocated starting a witness protection program to solve crime. The editorial stated how the program supporters needed to present a formal proposal to tell people how it would work, how much it would cost and who would pay for it.

Why start a witness protection plan that is going to cost the taxpayers money, when Crime Stoppers is already in effect? Doesn't this accomplish the same thing?

Harold Schuler, College Hill

Want to steal art? Then expect trash

So, the Enquirer's new pop culture reporter wants her readers to send in their recommendations for the perfect summer music compilation ("Music 'thieves' upload options," July 16). What a great idea, except that she's brazenly disclosed her intention to burn, pillage and plunder from the artists we love to hear and hope to support. With that in mind, here are my picks for great summer listening. No collection would be complete without Vanilla Ice, Tiffany, Zamfir, William Shatner and Ratt. Happy burning!

When we refuse to pay for art, we get the art we deserve.

Chuck Rekow, Dillonvale

Bush's African trip did nothing for U.S.

You ask us to address our question: Was President Bush's trip to Africa successful? If you are a dyed-in-the-wool Republican, it was a smashing success. If you are a Democrat, you will do all you can to tear it apart and criticize it. If you are an independent thinker and rate the trip non-politically, you will say, "Yes, he successfully achieved his purpose of the trip to sway and capture the black presidential vote for the 2004 presidential election.

Bush is a talented, charming and effective public relations man for himself. The African trip was a huge personal triumph for his personal goals. However, I can think of no gains for the United States as a result of the trip.

Richard P. Ruehlmann, Milford

Lunken neighbors apparently naive

I find it interesting how many unhappy people are complaining about the noise being generated from the air traffic at Lunken Airport. Were these unhappy people oblivious that there was a large, active airfield near their home when they moved in? Lunken was dedicated in 1930. At the time, it was the largest municipal airport in the world.

These individuals who moved into their homes, well after 1930, probably thought the airport would simply cease to exist once they moved in. If that is truly the case, I have some property next to I-71 that I'd like to sell them.

Paul Culter, Sharonville

Help Convergys understand impact

If curbside recycling is cut in order to bow down to another corporate entity with its hand out, I think we should all drop off our cans, glass and newspapers at Convergys' doorstep. It would be a great visual aid for Convergys to understand just one of the sacrifices Cincinnati residents had to make for the privilege of keeping them here.

Marilyn Nolan, Pleasant Ridge