Leave it to a liberal to question the president's motives for war. In response to the letter "What if Bush women were in service?" (July 17): Even if the Bushes' twins were in the National Guard, I doubt that would hinder the president taking this country to war.

Like any parent, I'm sure he would be concerned for his daughters' safety, but the reasons for this war far outweigh the reasons against it. Each of us has the freedom to decide whether joining the military is for us or whether we can better serve the country in other ways, as the Bushes' twins have decided to do by dedicating themselves to children.

Teresa Stemann
Pleasant Ridge

3 reasons bin Laden might favor Bush

The fact that Jefferson County's GOP chairman thinks Osama bin Laden would prefer Sen. John Kerry as the next president is unbelievable ("Louisville Democrats in a snit over Kerry, bin Laden bumper sticker link," July 17).

If Osama had a vote, he'd surely vote for Bush, because:

1. Bush let bin Laden's sister, many other members of his family, and other Saudis fly out of the United States after 9-11, and before Americans were allowed to fly.

2. Bush had American forces pursue bin Laden in Afghanistan for only a few months - and didn't find him.

3. Bush diverted American armed forces and energies to a totally unrelated and unfounded attack on Saddam Hussein, thus giving bin Laden time to regroup and expand.

Marilyn Dainoff
Finneytown

Square plan would just make a mess

Cincinnati City Council has a great record of hiring idiot planners who plan simply to make a change, not for use. The riverfront is a prime example - it's taken 40 years to do what Northern Kentucky did in about five; and they still don't have it right!

Now we get Fountain Square, "to make it better for activities there." So, they move the fountain out to the middle where it is in everyone's way; tear down the stage, so speakers will not have any platform; plant trees all over to obstruct the view and give the people something to do, like brushing the bird droppings out of their hair and off their clothes.

George R. Mayhew
Sycamore Township

Put casino idea up for popular vote

The debate over casino gambling is beginning with both sides dragging out their stale rhetoric. Will this be the extent of the discourse? I hope casino gambling makes it to a popular vote. People currently have no reason to be downtown except for work. We need a draw like other cities. Please don't tell me the old one about retail stores fixing the problem.

Guess what is the best news. The taxpayers won't have to pay for the casino, like some entertainment complexes or stores. I'll just bet that Caesars or MGM Grand in Las Vegas would build it gratis. Why not ask them?

Al Sundberg
Hyde Park

Who lost by buying Stewart's shares?

Thank you for your in-depth coverage of the "Affaire Stewart" ("Upbeat Stewart acts out script: 'I'll be back,'" July 17). Had I been on the jury, perhaps it would have been hung. But, because I know so little of the true events, I have no idea as to her guilt or innocence. Nonetheless, the jury did find her guilty of "a small private matter." I would dearly like to know those who so innocently bought her 40,000 shares of ImClone on that fateful day - were they single mothers, fathers of middle-class families, stressed members of nonprofits, underpaid teachers, or religious groups attempting to fulfill a ministry? Where is Stewart's compassion for them?

Patricia Caroline Cruise
Blue Ash

Drug industry blocks cheaper imports

It astounds me what the Bush administration will do to keep Americans from getting cheaper prescription drugs. In regard to "Trade deal keeping drug prices high should outrage Americans" (July 18): This proposed Australian-United States free-trade agreement, eliminating all duties on Australian exports, could generate $3 billion to $4 billion annually for Australian businesses. But a provision prevents cheaper drugs from being imported to America. Why? Maybe because the pharmaceutical industry gave $60 million over the last three years, primarily to Republicans, to keep Americans paying the highest drug costs in the world. What country is next?

Sue Buescher
Glendale