Regarding the letter "Movie got Jesus' looks wrong" (March 2), I believe The Passion of The Christ got Jesus' looks about right. Late in the first century B.C., the only thing unusual about Nazareth was that the people of this town, though Semitic, were known to have dark hair, fair complexion and blue eyes.

If you want to explore the history of that region, be a history diver, not a surfer. The long-haired hippie types may have been trying to look like Jesus the Christ.

John M. Lewis, Norwood

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Movie's message isn't a secular one

Those who secularize The Passion of The Christ miss the message of this movie ("Violence of 'Passion' numbing, needless," March 3, by syndicated columnist Richard Cohen).

This is a presentation of the love Christ has for all of us in taking upon himself the sins of the whole world. The scene of Jesus being scourged emphasizes his infinite love.

Jesus' sacrificial love challenges us to give a response, a response of the heart.

Cheryl Manning, Green Township

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Weapons ban chips at 2nd Amendment

The assault weapons ban should not be confused with firearms ownership. The fundamental right of self-defense mandates the right to own and carry a firearm. The assault weapons ban concerns the Second Amendment and the ability of a free people to remain free.

The Second Amendment is the power behind the Constitution. Our founders knew that an educated and armed people are the most powerful weapon of society. History is filled with examples of societies where, through ignorance of weakness, this fact was forgotten and freedom was lost.

The assault weapons ban is a significant step in depriving citizens of the right to own weapons, which give the people the ability to challenge the government.

Louis Williams, Springfield Township

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Bush ads echo post-Pearl Harbor FDR

The Democrats' hand-wringing over the ads for President Bush's use of scenes from 9-11 is certainly misplaced and certainly hypocritical. Sept. 11 represents the same sort of major shift the world witnessed following the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in World War II. The Democrats deplore the politicizing of 9-11. They seem to forget that Franklin D. Roosevelt ran for his fourth term using such come-ons as "Don't change horses in the middle of the stream" and "keep Dr. Win the War in office."

The response of President Bush to 9-11 was exactly what was needed and will continue to be needed as the war against terrorism continues.

William H. Long, Wyoming

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Stewart's fans should show support

If Martha Stewart is indeed incarcerated, may her fans unite in a nationwide show of support for her by wearing ribbons the same color of mint green she likes so much. Then her detractors might be surprised to see how many of us really do love her.

Clare Szucs, West Chester Township

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Stem cell research gift applauded

Congratulations to Harvard University and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for privately funding the development of 17 new human embryonic stem cell lines, which will be offered at no cost to researchers ("Private stem cell line offer hope for cure," March 4). As the mother of two young adults with diabetes, I have been frustrated with President Bush's ban on new stem cell development.

What the March 4 article did not say - nor did Dr. John Willke's guest column "Embryonic cloning immoral, as life begins at conception" (Feb. 29) - is that these are extra, unwanted stem cells that will be destroyed eventually if not used for research. They are embryonic cells, and cannot become a child unless implanted in a woman.

Ann Zaring, East Walnut Hills

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Academic excellence worth celebrating

I'm puzzled at the "Your voice" writer who wishes to do away with honor rolls ("Honor rolls do dishonor to many," March 3). Why deny students a chance to shine just because some students don't achieve the same level of academic success? The notion that praise should happen only among family and friends, not within the school setting, is ludicrous. It's a school - it's academic - let's celebrate.

Sharon Stein, Addyston