I'm shocked a retired medical research scientist with a Ph.D. in biochemistry wrote in support of President Bush's Iraq plan without mentioning weapons of mass destruction ("Your voice/Failed 'plan' doesn't invalidate goal," Feb. 12).

Though I'm at the mercy of Bush's continual verbal gaffes and his total lack of syntax, I'm shocked that the writer ignored the scientific method by interpolating just as Bush is doing today. How do both Bush and the writer go from point A to point Z by ignoring Bush's original hypothesis that included the weapons of mass destruction threat as justification to invade?

To put that in street talk: Aren't both Bush and the column writer guilty of baiting and switching?

Z. Larry Jenkins, Portsmouth, OH

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Bigger Lunken seems to be done deal

It is very evident from the editorial "Make the most of Lunken's assets" (Feb. 11) that when Procter & Gamble's new multimillion-dollar jet is delivered in 2005, the new regional Lunken Airport will be ready.

In the meantime, a few sham hearings will be held in the daytime when working people aren't free to attend. The rape of Cincinnati's 11 best neighborhoods is going to take place. All for the convenience of the executives of an empire that is basically extending its power to Europe and Asia.

Will property owners in the 11 areas be compensated for the loss of value in their homes? Will property taxes be lowered? Would P&G have invested their millions if they had not been quietly assured the new regional airport would be ready in 2005?

The tone of the editorial says to the citizens of eastern Cincinnati to get ready to make the most of it, it's going to be done.

Joseph E. Sumner, Hyde Park

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Plaudits to all for story on winners

Congratulations to Shannon Russell and The Cincinnati Enquirer. What a story: "One finished first; both are champions" (Feb. 13).

Amid the horrific reports of bombings, murders, greed, injustice, etc., it was exhilarating to find this beautiful story on the front page of the Sports section.

This account assures us that goodness is alive and well in our society - from the determination and courage of Purcell Marian swimmer Alex Hamm, the perseverance and caring of Purcell coach Wade Davis and the magnanimous sharing of Moeller's Matt Angelini, to the overwhelming enthusiasm and support of the students, the enduring love of special parents, and a program for special needs students at Purcell Marian that made the entire event possible. Yes, goodness abounds; our society will survive. Congratulations to all.

Clare Driehaus, Western Hills

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Stop new sewers until old ones fixed

It is time to stop the flow of untreated sewage into basements and homes in Hamilton County. Over the past several decades, the Metropolitan Sewer District has been guilty of these violations. While they have neglected the aging sewer system in Cincinnati, they are building new ones in outlying areas. This behavior needs to stop.

U.S. District Judge Arthur Spiegel will decide soon whether or not to accept the MSD consent decree. The deadlines for repairs that are in the consent decree need to be spelled out; and periodic deadlines are a better way to judge progress and a better way to make sure that MSD is staying within our budget. Raw sewage is a serious public health matter, and we can't afford not to fix it.

Marie Kocoshis, Anderson Township

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Borgman cartoon was a cheap shot

Once again, Jim Borgman flies his flag with a cheap shot.

The illustration (Feb. 11) of Sen. John Kerry in uniform and medals versus President Bush in uniform with a beer medal is typical Borgman.

I don't recall in 1991 the same scene with ex-president Bush in uniform and medals versus Borgman's man Bill Clinton the draft dodger and his conquests.

An illustration of Kerry and his many faces would be interesting.

Edward Mohr, Mount Washington

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What was Bush's kindergarten record?

The desperate Dems are enlightening us all by going back 30 years to check on Bush's record with the National Guard ("Memories of Bush service fuzzy," Feb. 12).

Now I am wondering if he ever played hooky from school or ever threw spitballs at the teacher.

Alice J. Miller, Park Hills