The Enquirer editorial "Gaps in police training evident" (Aug. 8), supporting the call by the independent police oversight board for severe discipline against three officers involved in the Nathaniel Jones case, is a feckless and intellectually dishonest attack on all police officers.

Those officers were under attack; the video is clear to anyone with a shred of common sense. Should they have backed off and risked Jones having a weapon or, worse yet, taking a weapon from an officer?

Calling for increased police training is correct, but unless the media aren't telling us all the facts, the Enquirer editorial, as a whole, is a surrender in the ongoing, losing battle being fought against crime in Cincinnati.

Robert C. Dehner, Clifton Heights

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Some drivers pose hazard to bicyclists

In response to the letter "Bicyclists should pay fair share, steer clear" (Aug. 7), I agree that cyclists should pay for some permit or license to operate on the roads. I would go a step beyond the written test and suggest a "riding" test. In Hawaii, I was required to get an $8 permit. However, to suggest "bikes are a hazard for motorists" is biased and misleading. In fact, a Jeep pulled out in front of me, and I found that motorists are a hazard for cyclists. She was fined. I was flattened.

Jim Allen, Bridgetown

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Portune right to pursue Bengals suit

Regarding the letter "Fan says drop Bengals suit" (Aug. 9): As a Hamilton County resident, and someone who has no interest in county residents' subsidizing a multimillion-dollar corporation like the Bengals, I back Commissioner Todd Portune's lawsuit 100 percent. The Bengals and Mike Brown lied to the county and blackmailed voters into approving that ridiculous sales tax. And we are now left to pay off an ugly stadium that will be obsolete by the time we are finished paying bills.

The thought that half a cent from every dollar I spend in Hamilton County goes to corporate welfare for Mike Brown makes my blood boil.

Erich Streckfuss, Westwood

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Churches shouldn't dictate voting

As the campaigns continue to heat up, I am increasingly concerned about the role of churches in the political process. I remember clearly how concerned the nation was that John F. Kennedy would be controlled by the pope. It now appears that many churches are trying to re-elect a president who will do their bidding. I am tired to people with moral blinders telling me how their way is the way.

This nation has valued religious diversity and respect for others in word, and now needs to practice what it preaches. To support simplistic ideological positions and reject thoughtful analysis is dangerous.

David Bean, Mason

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Kerry shows refreshing flexibility

I take umbrage with William Safire's remarks of July 29 ("Kerry can't straddle and win"). So Kerry has certain beliefs, and he is not voting to cram them down the throats of those with other beliefs - and Safire calls that "straddling." I call it refreshing.

There are people all over the world trying to force their beliefs on others. Some call them "holy wars." When they stop doing that we can call it world peace.

Catherine Harris, Indian Hill

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Abstinence education does work

Susan B. Momeyer, president of Cincinnati Planned Parenthood, believes "there is little credible proof that abstinence-only programs are effective" (July 24). She may want to catch up on her reading. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released a new study that proves once again that abstinence works. The bottom-line findings of this study - which traced reasons for decline in teen pregnancy between 1991 and 2001 - indicates that abstinence programs are far more effective than contraceptive sex-ed programs.

Despite these findings, the government spends about three times as much on contraceptive sex-ed programs as it does on abstinence education. The more efficiently run abstinence education programs affect pregnancy reduction at an impressive rate. In addition to saving money, abstinence programs are far more comprehensive than contraceptive-based ones, since such programs also reduce the health risks of sexually transmitted diseases, increase self-esteem and help prepare teens for future healthy relationships.

It's quite clear what works best; it's time for the government to stop paying for what doesn't work.

Fran Hemmer, Villa Hills