In their desire to make their country safer, the Spanish people have handed the terrorists an enormous victory.

The world was at a crossroad in the recent election in Spain, coming as it did so soon after the terror attack, which killed and injured so many. The people of Spain could have chosen to continue to fight the terrorists or elect a government party they felt would change the direction of their nation. They chose the latter.

With the terrorists emboldened by their success in changing the political party by this act of terror, we now have to wonder which country will be next - England, Italy, Poland or the United States? Time will tell.

Thomas Lange, Harrison

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Borgman right about creationism folly

Since Jim Borgman's cartoon appeared March 13 on the folly of Ohio in adding creationism to the curriculum of Ohio students, I have seen nothing in the letters to the editor but very critical readers' comments about that cartoon. I thought it was a brilliant comment on putting blinders on Ohio students. Probably the only way to engage people's attitude is to make them laugh at their folly.

Thanks for that comment, as well as for the Bush "birthday party" cartoon March 19. Such a breeze of fresh air!

Stan Smith, Mason

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CPS needs people to keep talking

This is in regard to the disturbing article "Levy backers put support on hold" (March 16).

School board members Rick Williams and Melanie Bates say too many small groups make decisions without accountability. Aren't they asking large groups - the Baptist Ministers Conference, the Amos Project and the Cincinnati Business Committee - to do the same thing?

What is accomplished if the renewal levy fails and the teachers' contract is unresolved?

Barbara K. Glas,Paddock Hills

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Other records can be expunged

The article "Broadnax seeking clean slate" (March 19) says: "Under Ohio law, expungements are intended to give first-time offenders with a small number of convictions a second chance at a clean slate."

Many records can be expunged that do not involve conviction, such as arrests with acquittal or dismissal or failure to charge, juvenile records, and records of treatment for mental illness.

Arnold Wilson, Northside

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Lawsuits impede good medicine

This is in regard to the article "Infection death award $4.1M" (March 10). The $4.1 million jury award against Cincinnati physicians is yet another indicator that our litigious society is bent toward destroying medicine by allowing a lay jury to adjudicate a medical matter beyond its expertise.

As I am preparing to spend the next 16 years in educational pursuits to become a surgeon, I am beginning to realize, in spite of my best efforts and care on behalf of a patient, my ultimate reputation and livelihood may rest solely on a jury that is not equipped to appreciate the complexities involved in treating disease.

Patrick Massa, Xavier University

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Williams' assertions are elitist

I was appalled to read the syndicated column by Walter Williams "Low teacher standards hurt schools" (March 14), attacking teachers in America. His claim that they are at the bottom of the academic pool and therefore responsible for America's decline is disgusting.

His elitist assertion that you have to be at the top of the academic ranks in order to be a critical thinker is very disturbing. I am most offended by his idea that teachers are to blame for all of society's problems. It is an attitude that is all too pervasive these days and one that creates an undeserving scapegoat that distracts us from our real, complicated problems.

Katie Hall, Loveland