Regarding the editorial "Others seem to like us better than we do" (Aug. 7): Yes, "The Queen City is such a well-kept secret many of its own citizens are unaware of its value." Here are two explanations: One, we're mostly well behaved and mannerly modest - it's not polite to brag. Second, and more significantly, many of us have never lived anywhere else - born here, leave for training, college, military, then we come back. When you have lived other places, you realize the Queen City label still applies.

With all the money in the world, there isn't enough time in a person's life to attend all the events held within 45 minutes of where I live. In how many other cities can you do that?

No, we aren't perfect, but I believe we complain because we just don't have a clue about how much there is to enjoy in Cincinnati.

Patricia Kern Sharonville

Freedom Center too much for one day

I do believe the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a great success, and I would like to spread the news. A free afternoon recently allowed me to go on my own and take my time and appreciate what was accomplished.

I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the building, displays, exhibits, movies, artifacts, and on and on. One day was not enough to absorb it all. The next time I'll go with some friends or a group and appreciate it even more. The staff was most helpful, so you could get help or directions quickly.

Cincinnati should be proud of this tremendous undertaking. I am.

Helen Johnson Hyde Park

Kids might be on to something here

Regarding the articles "Air marshals too easy to spot?" and "T-shirt trends worry cops" (Aug. 9): It struck me that as the business-suited federal air marshals are struggling to blend in with casually dressed travelers, neighborhood kids in inexpensive white T-shirts have found a way to hide their guns and remain anonymous. With the deficit and security concerns at an all-time high, perhaps air marshals in white T-shirts could be the solution we've been seeking.

Marnie Black North Avondale

End abortion, bring more 'miracles'

In response to Richard Cohen's column "A birth, a miracle, someone to love" (Aug. 11), the birth of little Layla seems to be a great revelation to Cohen. Perhaps now this "grandfather-by-proxy," an ardent supporter of late-term and "partial-birth" abortion, will take up his pen in defense of other "miracles" whose human rights and very lives are forfeit until the minute they open their eyes to the new world around them. At that precise moment, and not sooner, do they become "someone to love" to abortion advocates.

Kathleen Walker Norwood

We must defend our superior beliefs

I have just read the column by Zev Chafets "In real world, Islam not so peaceful" (Aug. 10), and couldn't help but think that maybe we are beginning to wake up and face the truth. It is high time we as Americans stand up and defend our beliefs and quit worrying about stepping on their toes, while they behead innocent citizens in the name of their God.

Bill Cole Delhi Township

Global poverty at root of terrorism

To respond appropriately to terrorism, the United States must first answer a fundamental question - why is it occurring? The answer is the same as to why gangs and violence develop in our own cities: lack of opportunity resulting in hopelessness with dim prospects for the future.

The United States, with the global community, must address this despair by adopting policies that improve the education systems, enhance the lives of and increase opportunity and hope for those living in oppressed situations. This addresses the "why?" behind terrorism and will help prevent the creation of new terrorists and thereby future attacks.

Debbie Fritz Indian Hill

Oil companies get rich from gas spikes

On Aug. 3, my wife filled up her car with regular gas at $1.71 per gallon. The next day, I filled up my van at $1.67 per gallon. The day after than, the price of regular gas went to $1.93 per gallon because some Russian refinery has a tax problem with the Russian government.

Will someone please explain this to me in English? Every time a dog bites a letter carrier in Venezuela, we have to pay an added 20 or 25 cents per gallon for gasoline. I have become convinced that alongside American oil companies, Jesse James and his gang of bank robbers were rank amateurs.

Don Edwards Norwood