Friday morning I was on my second cup of coffee and into the Opinion page of Enquirer when I read Lenore Skenazy's column, "Dear Elmo: We are not tickled anymore," about hokey-pokey Elmo. My wife Kathy had just prepared all our Christmas cards introducing him as the only one of ten grandchildren who is providing any income for his parent(s).

The cute guy, who could actually be the great grandson of Barney Google, has many grandfathers, but the hokey-pokey routine is the invention of our son Mike and his toy design firm, Bang Zoom Design, Ltd. Cincinnati is known for many great inventions, but what Skenazy probably did not know that this hokey pokey gimmick was generated here and Mattel did the rest.

Next time Skenazy should on somebody her own size - like Santa Claus.

Paul Hoeting, Sharonville

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Spanish broadcast hurts immigrants

In regards to your editorial on the TV news in Spanish ("TV news in Spanish is a helpful move," Dec. 18 ), this does not help the Hispanic community. It holds the group back from learning about what this country is all about.

I am a daughter of Hungarian immigrants, and I had to learn the language of this country - which is English when I last checked. TV shows were in English as well as restaurant menus, street signs, etc. My parents learned to speak the language of this country, to succeed - not only in business, but socially because they can integrate themselves with the rest of American society instead of segregating themselves because they wanted everyone to learn their language.

Christine Freiberg, Colerain Township

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UK football should join Big East

When is Kentucky ever going to get serious about winning in football? When will the university fathers ever wake up and realize that Kentucky cannot and will never be able to win in the Southeast Conference? After 20 straight years of losing to Tennessee, 17 straight years of losing to Florida, why does Kentucky continue to play them every year? It's not even a contest anymore.

That fact is that Kentucky does not have the tradition, nor the money, nor the state recruiting base necessary to win in a powerful football conference like the Southeast. After 80 years of failure, the time has come to consider some serious changes. Kentucky can play the other schools in a fair contest.

The Big East Conference is looking for new member. Football would have natural rivals such as Louisville, Cincinnati and West Virginia. Wake up, Kentucky, and start doing something about it.

Tim Cunningham, Delhi Township

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We show double standard over gay marriage

Our values are sadly displayed in the uproar over legal recognition of gay marriages. Isn't this about couples planning to make a commitment, which I assume they intend to keep? Why is this a threat to society, and the cavalier attitude toward maintaining traditional marriages is not? Everywhere we turn, lawyers advertise they can make destruction of a precious union painless, counseling centers promote mediation as a product line, and we can't wait to read the latest report on how well Halle Berry is "getting over it" or anyone else is "moving forward."

No one wants to put hard work into saving a marriage, and that is where the outrage should be. This isn't the controversy that sells newspapers, or advertising spots, but what does this say about us?

Sue Goulet, Columbia Township

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U.S. has every right to run show in Iraq

Some people think the United States should allow the countries who would not back us in the pursuit of terrorists to be involved in the rebuilding of Iraq.

It sure would have been a different story if France lost 3,000 people in Paris. The Germans would have been on board if it happened in Frankfurt, and you can bet your sweet bippy that Canada would have asked for our help had the murder happened in their country.

I am sick of hearing folks complain about pre-emptive. The United States simply resumed the Gulf War after the Iraqi government didn't honor the peace agreement. By the way, is anybody counting the graves in Iraq? These folks need to get on the clue bus.

Edward Lameier, Cheviot

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Iraq war a necessary evil

I hope Saddam's capture is a morale booster for our troops as well as a step closer to them coming home. I've seen first hand the tears of mothers whose sons are called to Iraq and can only imagine their pain. I pray for them often.

This war is a necessary evil. A strong message must be sent to the extremists in the Middle East. They must know that militarily what they achieved on 9/11 was only to poke huge hornets' nest. And sting them we must. These terrorists and their supporters have to be destroyed or they will hold the world hostage. However, when this is all over, the decent, sane people of the Middle East should be helped into the world community as were the Germans and Japanese after WWII.

Matt Erne Sr., Batesville, Ind.