Clearly, the significance of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center's location was not recognized in the June 18 letter to the editor "Freedom Center won't save riverfront." The writer ignorantly states that the $110 million [spent to build the Freedom Center] could have been better spent on an entertainment complex similar to Newport on the Levee or Riverboat Row. However, no monetary value can be placed on such a vital emblem of American history.

The Freedom Center represents the struggle of every one of our black ancestors who crossed the banks of the Ohio River to gain their freedom. The facility, juxtaposed to the racially conflicted city, represents one of the most poignant periods in Cincinnati's history and heritage. The Queen City was blessed to be chosen as the new home for the Freedom Center. Newport on the Levee, a glorified mall, could be found in AnyCity, USA.

Jane Reilley, Symmes Township

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Bush should talk to Maupin's parents

During President Bush's visit to Cincinnati to pick up his $25,000 checks and to provide us with his opinions on marriage, will he have time to meet with the parents of hostage Matt Maupin? His priorities are important to consider this November.

Renda Dengler, Anderson Township

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Saddam was evil; much more awaits

Those seeking to justify the war in Iraq always point out that Saddam Hussein was a bad and unpopular ruler ("Yes, Saddam needed to be deposed," June 20). I think that just because there's crud out there doesn't mean we have to go march through it.

One need only look at a map of the world to discover legions of people who are repressed, denied democratic freedoms, or badly governed by dictators and politicians not of their choosing. So why don't we invade North Korea and China next? How about Iran? Gosh, there's a lot of work for our soldiers to do.

Daniel Kindle, West Chester Township

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Security needs outweigh civil rights

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is set to begin passenger ID stops as part of a national rail security program. The American Civil Liberties Union and civil rights advocates are concerned. They also have concerns and objections to the recent Logan International Airport security measures. This is the place from which most of the devastating 9-11 commercial airline missiles were launched. How many 9-11s do we need? How many suicide bombings of embassies, hotels, restaurants and trains do we need? What will open the eyes of the ACLU to see that these concerns for our civil rights might extinguish the right to life of many? I guess that if their own families perished in a train terrorist bombing, God forbid, their consolation would be: Yes, we lost them, but their civil rights were protected.

Kalman Kivkovich, Clifton

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Bushes should emulate Prince William

I remember when the grandmother of Britain's Prince William, Queen Elizabeth II, drove an ambulance during World War II. The royal family remained in London during the blitz. Prince Charles is also a war veteran. Now William is considering enlisting in the British military.

In USA Weekend earlier this year, "Who's News" included this particular item:

Question: Did any one of former President Bush's 14 grandchildren serve in the armed forces? Answer: no.

Seems that it is OK for other peoples' sons and daughters to fight and die in a senseless war driven by power and greed, but not the Bush babies.

Betty Stewart, Lebanon

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Confiscate cars of drunk drivers

Very often, in the Wall Street Journal, there is a full-page listing of properties - real estate, weapons, and money - that have been confiscated because of their use in or connection to a federal crime involving illegal drugs. Whether this penalty is adequate punishment for the lawbreaker may be uncertain, but there is no doubt that conviction costs the violator that property.

So why do we allow the drunk-driving offender to keep his auto, which was an integral component of his conviction? Let the law be lenient and allow him the first mistake payable by a fine and/or drivers' license suspension, but on any and all subsequent DUI convictions, impound and confiscate his auto. Car rentals, relatives and friends will then sooner stop renting or lending this person a car, which, in his hands, becomes a deadly weapon.

Think about it. Why not?

Gilbert Laycock, Fort Thomas