Regarding the article "'Soft' Humvees targeted" (April 26): As our unarmored Humvees are coming under increased attack in Iraq, has anyone asked where are our Bradley Fighting Vehicles? They are not only armored but have a 30mm cannon as well as space for five troops and ports that enable those troops to return fire without being exposed. At the least, can we ask Brink's for some of their armored cars?

Gary Sweeney Delhi Township

Borgman cartoon bad, but has a point

Jim Borgman's cartoon Tuesday portraying the pope issuing a warning to "pro-choice" marchers that they may be denied communion shocked me. But on second thought, Borgman may be right on at least one point.

Perhaps that's what should happen to those who are steadfast only in public pronouncements of beliefs antithetical to the church's teaching. Of course, it won't happen in the church that we know and love. No one distributing holy communion should judge rashly that the person in front of him or her is not worthy. But the bishops can exercise their duty to instruct the faithful and point out energetically the horrible evil of abortion.

James Ott Crescent Springs

Honor all who died along with Tillman

Thank you. As a Vietnam vet, I agree with the editorial "Tillman is famous; all are heroes" (April 27). Pat Tillman gave his life for his country. It was his choice, the same for construction workers, plumbers, office workers and any others who gave their lives for their country.

All should be honored; all deserve the same recognition. The editors of the Enquirer are correct in not allowing stardom to become the news. Tillman wanted to be treated the same as others in life; allow him to be treated the same in death.

Show praise for all who serve our country in the military.

Bill Walker Clifton Heights

Polio precautions still recommended

Thank you for Peggy O'Farrell's story "Polio strikes final blows" (April 26) about polio survivors. Post-polio syndrome is sad, well documented, and another reason we are grateful to Dr. Jonas Salk and all who worked to eradicate polio in the United States. It is true that only six countries now harbor wild polio, and it is important to note that visitors to those countries can carry it home.

Since 2000, the World Health Organization has reported cases of polio in five African countries and in China. International travelers should visit a travel health specialist two to six months before leaving to be fully and appropriately immunized and also to be educated about travel health and illnesses that are not vaccine-preventable.

Leah Reynolds Blue Ash

nurse manager, Passport Health Cincinnati

Van Kuiken's church abandoned him

I am glad the Enquirer has continued to highlight the story of Rev. Stephen Van Kuiken, a man who has courageously stood for justice, even when the denomination that ordained him and the congregation that employed him betrayed and abandoned him. It is sad, however, to witness the continuing effort on the part of the leadership at Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church to rewrite history by implying, as was done in a recent Enquirer article, that they were supportive of equality for gay and lesbian persons or of Van Kuiken when he was put on trial for pursuing policies that they had unanimously approved.

Contrary to what was stated in the article, many people left Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church, because they could not in good conscience remain members of a church whose leadership so dishonestly betrayed its pastor and its gay and lesbian members out of personal fear and in the name of ecclesiastical unity.

Jack Harrison Downtown

Raising driving age would save lives

Local legislators are pondering what to do about all the teen deaths related to auto accidents.

The answer is obvious to me. The driving age needs to be increased, and/or require that younger teens not be allowed to drive alone for the first few years (yes, years) without a parent or guardian in the car.

Teens are simply too young and immature to handle the awesome responsibility of driving. I have felt this way since my early 20s and still feel this way in my early 40s.

And yes, such a change may cause some inconveniences for parents. But so what? I'd rather stay alive than worry about being killed by some irresponsible teenager behind the wheel of a car.

Jim Emerson Forest Park