The bishops still don't get it ("Bishops must debate 'zero tolerance,'" Feb. 29). It's not a question of a slap on the wrist or a transfer. Child abuse is a felony, and any priest who is suspected of such a crime should be turned over to the civil authorities to face the due process of law.

David Collar, Batesville, Ind.

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Abuse reporting seems to be at odds

The Enquirer's editorial "Hold bishops more accountable" (Feb. 28) calls for more accountability from American Catholic bishops in dealing with clerical sexual abuse of minors. The editorial criticizes other denominations' secrecy and cover-up. I support the call for openness.

In the same edition, I also note a tiny article at the bottom of the obituary page concerning a journalist accused of sexually abusing minors. Had the accused been a Catholic priest, I have no doubt that the Enquirer would have found room for the story on the front page. Are the editors trying on their miters? There seems to be a good fit.

Loren Connell, Sharonville

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Haiti second-guessing will trap Bush

There are two possible Haiti scenarios:

• President Bush sends in troops early, just after the rebels took over the first city. Democratic response: "Why are you sending troops in? It may get straightened out. We're not the world's policemen. Anyway, you're spreading our forces out too thin across the world."

• Bush sends in troops just in time to avert a wholesale civil war and avoid large amounts of bloodshed. Democratic response: "Why did you wait so long? Look at the looting and mayhem that has occurred because you didn't act quickly enough. You knew that no one else would act and take care of the situation."

Richard Engelmann, Sharonville

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Movie got Jesus' looks wrong

Regarding the article "Controversial film stirring emotions" (Feb. 15) about the movie The Passion of The Christ: Would someone explain to me why Hollywood and artists have never been able to present Jesus Christ the way he was, and why they have deceived multitudes?

He was a Semitic Jew, not a blue-eyed Anglo-Saxon, and absolutely not a long-haired hippie type, the way he has been depicted down through the ages. There must be many Jewish folks out there who have accepted Jesus as their true Messiah who are as offended at his continuing mischaracterization as many of us in the Christian community. Somebody please get it right sometime.

Dick Spatta, Madeira

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Jesus' resurrection matters the most

The weeping and moaning about who killed Jesus surrounding Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ, even from some Christian clergy, is surprising. The Christian faith is based on the belief that Jesus was resurrected, therefore not dead. There was so much about death, but so little about Jesus' message of mutual respect and infinite possibility. All the Karo syrup and red color in that movie would have been better used icing Christmas cookies. For weeping, try a news program. They use real blood.

Richard B. Couch, Batavia

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W. Chester should follow Mason example

After reading the article on how the city of Mason executed their excellent plan for building a community center ("Mason center marks first year," Feb. 29), I was struck by the disparity that exists between what Mason accomplished and what West Chester is planning to do for a West Chester Township Community Center. West Chester needs to use the Mason plan as a road map for its center and execute it in the same manner as Mason did.

George E. Bryant, West Chester

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Flag flies for troops; car make irrelevant

Regarding the letter "Why the U.S. flags on foreign cars?" (Feb. 25): What I drive has nothing to do with it, since cars today are built with parts made all over the world. I fly the flag and have it on my car out of respect for and in support of U.S. troops worldwide.

Bob Rece, Edgewood

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A question that bugs for an answer

Is there any possibility that the cicadas will eat the ladybugs?

Bill Nicholson, Anderson Township