This comment is in regard to the front-page story "Districts react to levy loss" (March 4) about the school levy.

Lakota school board had better realize that the community is not going to shell out hundreds of dollars for unnecessary buildings. Take a page from the private schools; if you need money earn it. Have car washes, bake sales and other fundraisers, make do with what you've got. As for the athletes having to pay $50 more to play a sport, so what? Why should the public pay for someone's child to play a sport?

My husband and I pay for our daughter to be involved in her particular interests; We don't expect anyone else to do that.

Mary Doyle, West Chester

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We should be willing to pay for schools

One question always dumbfounds me as a member of this society. Why do we pay more to be entertained than we do to be educated? Sure, I like watching sports, and I even go to a few college games or Reds games each year. However, I always vote for my city school levy, which mostly cost as much per year in added taxes, as it would to spend one day at a Bengals' game. Yet, so many people vote down their school's needs.

The children end up paying the ultimate sacrifice. We are leaving them in the shadows, while the well-paid stars get the spotlight. This is not acceptable.

How about taking care of teachers? That's not such a bad idea either. Why are they left to be underpaid, and yet our favorite sports stars are filling up the stadium seats, all at a premium price?

We will pay for stadiums, museums, concerts, movies, etc. Yet we can't find enough room in our wallets to make education a first over personal entertainment.

Melissa Hartman, Reading

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'Passion' offered important message

Contrary to some of the comments by theologians (The Cincinnati Enquirer Forum section, Feb. 29), Mel Gibson has given the public an excellent opportunity to take a stand on the culture war in our society. Each day we see distortions about the meaning and message of the move. The message of the movie The Passion of The Christ is one of forgiveness, altruism and divine love.

The relentless and graphic brutality is only a backdrop to the most important message seen in the final minute, a message apparently missed by some commentators, critics and others who seem to twist the meaning of the movie. The most important message is not about the suffering or even the death of Christ, much less about historical details. It is about hope and redemption.

Robert E. Wubbolding, Columbia Township, Professor Emeritus Xavier University

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Chabot should leave marriage alone

I am so glad that our Congressman Steve Chabot is willing to lead the charge to defend marriage ("Chabot leads marriage defense" March 5). I can think of no more pressing concern for the people of his district, not high unemployment, not the war in Iraq and please don't concern yourself with gas prices that change 20 cents overnight.

Maybe Chabot could explain to my wife and I how our marriage is being attacked. Perhaps we could take protective measures at home. I do have some extra plastic and duct tape lying around. Just the thought of loving committed couples wanting to get married scares me to death.

David Hetzer, Delhi

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Gays no threat to marriage

Congressman Steve Chabot and other politicians are jumping on the gay marriage wagon ("Chabot leads marriage defense" March 5). I guess the rule is any cause to keep Chabot and other's names in front of the voters.

There is no threat to traditional marriages; they will continue to flourish. As a married man of 23 years, I say let the gays marry if it makes them feel better. Oh, the government could always pass yet another amendment against unmarried folks living together and raising children. Government at all levels has gotten out of hand. Come on voters; let's rein them in.

Randy Whitewolf, Forest Park

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Disagrees with 'Edna' review

Jackie Demaline's review "'Edna' mockery won't humor everyone" (March 4) made Dame Edna sound like Don Rickles.

We only heard complimentary comments as we left the theatre. One woman said she "was tired from so much laughing."

Diane Hofmann, Clifton