OPEC has cut production of crude oil by a million barrels a day, the cost of gasoline is going through the roof, and I love it.

For at least 20 years, Americans have been warned that an energy problem was quickly ascending and an energy-saving program was sorely needed, or else. But did America listen? No. Bigger gas-guzzlers can't be built fast enough to satisfy most demands.

We can't blame OPEC for the high price of gas, and we can't blame our government. The blame must rest on the American people. Americans would rather pay through the nose than car-pool.

So you want cheaper gas prices? Park the cars. And if you have three children, don't buy each one of them a car.

Christopher B. Sosby, College Hill

Dangers of driving bad, getting worse

In regard to the news item "World health group wants to reduce traffic deaths" and op-ed piece "Making life better/Promoting safety" (April 5): This situation is ominous in itself but bodes worse for the future with more cars, more drivers, faster cars, eroding highways, etc. Every day brings new reports of drunk driving, many of them teenagers, and otherwise impaired or distracted drivers - drugs, cell phone, in-car TVs, food - unbuckled seat belts, unlicensed drivers and speeding, resulting in deaths or maiming.

There are existing laws covering many of these situations. While some need strengthening and other situations need new laws, all should be enforced once on the books. Further, the irresponsible driver will not change if there is no penalty sufficient to get his/her attention. Such drivers put us all at risk every day.

Richard L. Thomas, Lebanon

We must show no weakness in war

It's critical now, more than ever, that all Americans support our troops fighting terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is a war of wills between the forces of civilization and those of chaos. We must not back down. Every American has a vital stake in the outcome of this war. Sen. Ted Kennedy's claim that "Iraq is Bush's Vietnam" is outrageously wrong and harmful to our troops fighting in Iraq. The enemies of civilization draw strength from any weakness we show. Iraq will become Vietnam only if our political leaders turn into cowards. Please pray for our troops, their families and the commander-in-chief.

Pete Shockey, Taylor Mill

Will Cheney slip Bush the answers?

So President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney are going to testify before the 9-11 commission in private and together. One has to wonder why they are testifying together. Could it be that Bush needs a baby-sitter to make sure he says the right things?

Forrest Buckley, Westwood

Don't forget Kerry's scruffy past

A letter writer ("Veteran, Republican won't choose Bush," March 15) tells us he will vote but not for President Bush. The writer has forgotten Sen. John Kerry's conduct when Kerry returned from Vietnam. Kerry sniffed the political wind in Massachusetts (the only state carried by George McGovern) and decided there was political gold to be made in opposing the Vietnam War. So he joined Hanoi Jane Fonda and other scruffy Marxists to protest the Vietnam War.

And it wasn't enough to protest the Vietnam War. Kerry had to smear his former comrades as a bunch of degenerate killers. In his 1971 testimony before Congress, Kerry charged that American soldiers gang-raped, cut off heads, used prisoners for target practice and ravaged the Vietnam countryside.

Imagine Kerry, the most liberal senator, more so than Ted Kennedy, as commander in chief in the war on terror. He can be elected only if Americans have total memory failure.

Barney Roskopp, Montgomery

Palazzolo spaghetti deserves mention

We read with interest the article "Ravioli dinner an effort of faith" (April 4), regarding the Sacred Heart Palm Sunday Ravioli Dinner, , only to be left wondering how there could possibly be any article about the spaghetti dinner without mention of the wonderful Dominic Palazzolo family. Their dedication, generosity and many hours of work over the years, plus their fantastic spaghetti sauce recipe, which has been used from the very beginning at St. Mary's Church downtown, have made the dinner the success it is.

It is always good to recognize the helpers, but let's give credit where credit is due, plus a big thank you to the Palazzolo family for this great biannual event.

Roger and Arlene Jones, Oakley