This is in response to the letter "What does aid to Summit cost Xavier?" (Jan. 28) expressing concern that Xavier University's fees may rise as a result of lending a helping hand to Summit students. If I slipped on the ice in front of you would you ask for a fee before helping me up? Or would you size up my injuries and charge me per bruise? Come on.

I doubt Xavier needs to raise their fees because an influx of high school students. The idea is one institution sharing resources with another. I'm sure Summit would willingly pay for the facilities; my understanding is that Xavier waived that scenario.

Kathleen Glueck, Blue Ash

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Flag inappropriate halftime costume

The CBS and NFL halftime display of the American Flag during the Super Bowl was a disgrace to our service men and women who are serving and who have served in our armed forces. As the letter writer said ("Super Bowl halftime show was gross," Feb. 3), "Forget about Jackson . . . the desecration of the United States flag . . . was a gross disappointment." All of this is sending bad messages to our children that this display of the flag, fighting, cursing and so-called entertainment is acceptable; it is not acceptable. No wonder NASCAR is such a growing sport.

Jim Kuertz, U.S. Army Ret., Montgomery

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'Modernize' with lower Ky. income tax

As a taxpayer, it appears that Kentucky has reached a paradigm that our elected officials refer to a tax modernization. They want our state to become business friendly by lowering some taxes, while raising other taxes described as revenue neutral. Eventually, taxpaying voters will find out what our leaders have in mind. Until then, let it be said that Kentucky has one of the highest state income taxes in the country. As of Jan. 2003, nine states operate without an individual income tax, which makes one wonder how do we compare with them?

Therefore, it would appear that reducing or eliminating the state income tax with a creative approach to our sales tax would modernize our tax system, make our state more economically competitive and give the taxpayer more control on just how much tax they pay based on their consumption of goods and services.

Steven E. Nelson, Lexington.

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Racial slur always will be relevant

In the letter, "It's time to move on from video flap" (Jan. 29), the writer suggests that the allegations surrounding Lt. Jeff Butler's making a racial slur should not be addressed and that people should be concerned about the present, future, and the decrease of shootings in the city.

I would say many of us are precisely concerned about the present perceived attitudes and perceptions by the Cincinnati Police Department toward certain groups. What is so difficult about understanding the connection between a person who could make a racial slur and how he/she would in turn deal with someone of that group (potentially increasing shootings)? What is so difficult to understand about why the high school backgrounds of the Cincinnati Police could potentially be relevant in behavior patterns and practices?

Joy Rolland, Northside

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Cheney should vacation in Baghdad

I recently read that vice president Dick Cheney and his daughters were vacationing in Italy, how nice ("Cheney rallies U.S. Task Force," Jan. 28). Perhaps they could extend their plans to visit Baghdad for a couple weeks or better yet replace Paul Bremmer for a deserved two-month vacation.

Cheney could check on Halliburton's operations first hand. He could try some non-competitive Halliburton catering. Taking bus trips around the city should also be enlightening. Let's see how well he's received.

John S. Ritchie, Lebanon

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New requirements will drive up premiums

In the article, "House: Cover mental illness" (Feb. 5), it is a shame that many of our lawmakers don't realize that more regulations from the government doesn't fix the health care industry; it simply makes it more expensive.

This mandate is going to force health insurers to increase premiums, yet again. With small companies having a hard enough time being able to give their employees quality health coverage, it would seem obvious that the answer is not to require health insurers to pay for services that once were optional to purchase.

Josh Weitzman, Fairview