The Enquirer editorial "Tighten air security in nation's capital" (July 11) once again shows how the uninformed media are causing needless paranoia and promoting huge additional costs without increased security.

Why are the news media fascinated with aircraft as terrorist weapons? Most aircraft, including Gov. Ernie Fletcher's, have been proven capable of very little damage when used by terrorists, and we have spent dizzying amounts of money securing commercial aircraft.

If there is one lesson we should take from Iraq, Israel and Spain, it is that the terrorists will probably use a train, bus, car or truck next time.

Douglas Bower
Kenwood

Out-of-context references scary, too

The letter "We have much more to fear than just fear" (July 14) refers to Franklin D. Roosevelt's "We have nothing to fear but fear itself" quote in relation to Japan's surprise attack on us Dec. 7, 1941. Roosevelt actually spoke the "we have nothing to fear" words in his May 1933 inaugural address in relation to the Great Depression. But I agree with the writer that we have more to fear than fear itself - we should fear out-of-context assertions by those who, either out of ignorance or convenience, mislead in order to promote their own ideological agenda.

Kenneth Leonhardt
Eastgate

Cosby's criticism not about whites

In response to syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts Jr. ("Cosby's words expose blemishes," July 12), he still doesn't get it. Bill Cosby is not making any commentary on how white America views black America. What Pitts describes as blemishes on the complexion of urban black America is a tumor the size of a beach ball.

The cancer that Cosby addresses is the self-destructive behavior exhibited by black youth. Cosby is not concerned about the approval of white people. He is pleading for the black community to rid itself of the carcinogens of ignorance, apathy and a lack of common civility.

Pitts at least acknowledges that the black community should "bear some accountability;" that some elements of black pop culture are toxic; and that some are undervaluing fatherhood, disinvesting in education and rationalizing dysfunction.

Ronald L. Fresh
Over-the-Rhine

Stop on red - you might save a life

When it comes to traffic signals, red means stop. On June 16, my mother was killed by a red light runner. Since that day, I've witnessed 31 blatant red light runners.

Special people in a hurry to get somewhere think the rules don't apply to them. These morons are all ages and colors driving all types of vehicles. Because of their self-centeredness, seven kids and 3 grandchildren had Mom taken away from them and out of their lives forever.

Please, the next time you approach a yellow light, instead of hitting the gas, begin slowing down and prepare to stop. By running a red light, you could hurt yourself or worse. You could kill someone's mother.

Kathy Shaw
Fairfield

Timing aside, amendment is biased

The review of our state's senators' views on the proposed marriage amendment ("Marriage measure splits GOP," July 14) left me confused. Sens. Mike DeWine and George Voinovich support the amendment but state that because of the timing, voters may construe it as discriminatory. Isn't the entire proposal discriminatory? Timing is irrelevant.

Marriage is certainly a "sacred union between a woman and a man," but enacting legislation that prohibits same-sex couples from their own "sacred unions" is bigotry. There is no rational reason for inequality. Some may cite religious reasons, but isn't separation between church and state intended to prevent the imposition of religious beliefs on our country's citizens? In fact, isn't escape from religious oppression why the United States of America was founded in the first place?

Norah Shire
Mason

Bengals, NFL should pay for stadium

Regarding the article "Ohio may be ducking $14M for stadiums" (July 14): Here's a crazy idea. How about the Bengals and the National Football League pay the outstanding stadium debt? They are the ones profiting from its construction. The name on the side of that stadium certainly doesn't represent the people who got stuck with the tab.

Gary Templeton
Walnut Hills