In 1989 the Kentucky Lottery was marketed as the way to save our Kentucky education system. Last year out of $173 million allocated to go to the state, about $94 million went to fund college scholarships and $3.7 million to an Affordable Housing Trust Fund. This is all great, but why are elementary, middle and high schools not receiving more of the proceeds? Funds are desperately needed at these levels. Perhaps we could have used some of the $71 million that somehow made its way into Kentucky's general fund rather than being put directly back into education as promised years ago.

Mary Beth Wilson, Burlington

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Constitution article food for thought

In response to "The U.S. Constitution: A Living Document?" (Sept. 12), I'd always learned in history class that the Constitution is a timeless document and that its governing power will reign for years.

However, Ray Cooklis voices a good point in his column about the interpretation of the Constitution. How much more "interpretation" can it stand? The judges who rule in situations questioning the Constitution have the opportunity to bend the Constitution in the way they feel necessary, but are they supposed to take it word for word as it was originally written, or bend the wording to fit each situation? Cooklis opened my mind and made me realize that although the American people are screaming for their rights, are the rights they scream for, such as the right of privacy, really the rights they are entitled to by the Constitution?

Katy Lysaght, Green Township

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Government shouldn't ban smoking

With all the letters and articles urging more government-imposed smoking bans, I have to wonder how this country's founding fathers would have reacted if the British had tried to ban smoking in the taverns of Boston. If smokeless restaurants and bars are really what the people want, why don't more business owners voluntarily eliminate smoking in their establishments? Our freedom is slowly eroding from the forces of government protecting us from ourselves.

Dan Wagner, West Chester Township

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Best-run businesses need no cameras

If I were the owner, I'd want to stay home, too. ("Mind your business without being there? Cameras give owners option," Sept. 12). But how much work can one get done sitting at home lounging in front of a computer? It would invoke laziness, and then, in turn, you would become less involved in the one-on-one contact with your employees.

It's necessary to build a relationship with your employees built on trust, and if you're successful, why would you have to worry about monitoring their progress? The only other substantial need for the cameras would be to protect business owners from lawsuits and catching thieves.

Hilary Smith, Westwood

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No-signs rule reflects affluent living

Regarding "Homeowners told to take down signs" (Sept. 13): The rules and regulations of the association's covenant is part of the cost for living in a community segregated by income and affluence. I wonder if those families demanding their First Amendment rights to support our troops would be as supportive of yard signs in their neighborhood reading, "War is not the answer" or "No blood for oil." The pendulum of civil liberties swings both ways.

George Ann Betts, Batesville

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Kroger was great partner with PGA

Regarding Kroger's decision not to continue sponsoring a PGA Tour event in Cincinnati after Sunday's final round ("A 50-50 chance of no event in 2005," Sept. 7), it should be pointed out that Kroger and Robert Hodge, its Cincinnati market president, were magnificent partners with us for 15 years.

Hodge and the thousands of Kroger employees who helped us over the years raise almost $2 million for local college scholarships were dedicated to the tournament in so many ways, and their efforts are to be applauded and commended for their civic charity and leadership.

We hope to have a golf tournament again in 2005. We are speaking with several local corporations about supporting this tremendous worthwhile event and allow us to continue to raise money for local charities in the process.

Tim Pennington, director of marketing, Cincinnati PGA Tour event