After reading "Secret plan, Part Deux" (May 30), I was reminded of the former President Bush's thoughts regarding an ongoing occupation of Iraq. He wrote, "An occupation of Iraq would have incurred incalculable human and political costs ... there was no viable exit strategy ..."

This is the exact reason that many American voters are going to vote against the current President Bush. He shows no intention of ever stopping the throwing of American lives and capital into a sinkhole that will sooner or later devolve into an Islamic fundamentalist state that hates the United States. Bush the elder had already defanged Saddam Hussein; we simply didn't need to go back.

A secret plan to get us out of Iraq? I'll vote for it.

Daniel Kindle, West Chester Township

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Encouraged by support for Drake

Thursday the Hamilton County Tax Levy Review Committee, after extraordinary efforts and vigorous analysis, recommended continued funding of the Drake Center. After months of hard work by many, the Drake Center's value to the community and quality of care was validated.

The patients, family, employees and professional staff of Drake are encouraged by this show of support. Drake is vital to the community and provides long-term specialized care to patients after unforeseen trauma. The results are some of the best in the nation. We will continue to work with the Hamilton County commissioners to move this forward to the voters in November.

Roberta J. Bradford, president/chief executive officer, Drake Center Inc.

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Taft High graduation was inspiration

Good things are happening in downtown Cincinnati. I had the privilege of attending the graduation of 97 Taft High School seniors last week. One was a former student of mine.

Many of these students had overcome amazing obstacles to reach their goal. This was more than double the number who graduated three years ago. I want to praise these students and their teachers who never lost hope. I was also proud and impressed by the School's Partner in Education, Cincinnati Bell, which made a difference in the lives of those students. Many employees tutored twice a week at Taft High School. In addition, 10 students, including my former student Tenika Mason, received $5,000 scholarships.

Our city would be a different place if we all worked together to help and inspire, as did those teachers, students and corporate sponsors.

Christine Beran, Cherry Grove

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Love can exist in many forms

I just finished reading "Gay marriage attracts mixed blessings" (June 3). I really enjoyed the article. It's always nice to read a well-rounded piece of work. It's refreshing to know that love still exists in many colors, shapes and forms. I hope you receive good feedback on it.

Scott Stevens, Westwood

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Gays can be respected, but not married

Why is it we always want what we can't have? In "Gay marriage attracts mixed blessings" (June 3), the lesbian couple shares their desire to marry so they can feel "our relationship is legitimate." Understandable. If homosexuals can marry, perhaps they can gain cultural acceptance. But since when did cultural acceptance determine what is good and pure and right?

We need to treat one another with great love and respect, but we can't make something legitimate that's not.

Ann R. Albin, Loveland

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Gays don't need writer's 'approval'

In regard to the letter "Meaning of marriage being twisted" (June 3), the writer seems a little twisted himself with his comment, "I have no problem with two members of the same sex living together under any degree of commitment they choose." Since when did anyone ask the writer or anyone else for permission to live together? In any case, thanks for your "approval." I'll sleep better tonight knowing that you approve of gay people living under the same roof together.

Chris Seelbach, Downtown