I agree with Parker, whether the remark was perceived as gratuitous or felicitous. Sen. Kerry should have chosen "person neutral" words to communicate his beliefs about the origins of homosexuality.

However, Parker said, "Instead he invoked the name of another man's little girl to display his own righteousness."

The use of the words "little girl" in the phrase, "another man's little girl" was a carefully chosen loaded dollop of demagoguery used by Parker to spice up her tilted article; but to her credit, not at the expense of Cheney's 35-years-old adult, daughter.

Richard H. Harris

Walnut Hills

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Church should stay out of politics

I would like to respond to the "Your Voice" column "Why Kerry may get 'chili' reception" (Oct. 21), where the writer mentions the Catholic vote and Sen. John Kerry. Aside from the subject of women's reproductive rights, where many church members are split, there is nothing in the Democratic platform that should be in conflict with Catholic teachings of social justice. I don't recall any sayings attributed to Jesus that ever came down on the side of the wealthy or powerful.

In fact, with the church sticking its nose so deeply into politics this year, I wonder if perhaps they should lose their tax-exempt status. The attempt to have Sen. Kerry ex-communicated was just wrong.

Nancy Gack

Anderson Township

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K-9s deserve to be on TV

Oh please! This is an example of exactly why the City of Cincinnati will never get rid the black cloud hanging over it ("Cincy K-9s won't star on TV special," Oct. 21). Here they have a perfect opportunity to show something positive about Cincinnati, but are too paranoid to allow the rest of the nation learn about it. If I was on the K-9 unit, I'd be furious. Their excuses don't hold water.

If this is how the city government feels, they should promote Cincinnati; we might as well shut down the tourism and convention bureau. We'll just let another national news story about Issue 3 tell everyone what he or she needs to know about Cincinnati.

Chris Turcott

Harrison, OH

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K-9s deserve congratulations

Once again, our city leaders shrink from the slightest hint of controversy, i.e. city lawyers say, "No K-9 special," even though the canine unit is the best in the country ("Cincy K-9s won't star on TV special," Oct. 21).

How can the leaders of the City of Cincinnati expect our police officers to enforce laws, perform preventative patrol and affect arrest when those leaders are afraid of their own shadow? The elected officials of this city are so busy looking for the boogieman under the furniture that they can't stand up straight and look the public in the eye.

The very nature of policing is courage. The definition of courage is the ability to conquer fear. Our city police have a difficult job; they deserve support. They can't receive that support when the city bosses are paralyzed by fear. The opposite of the word courage is coward. If you're afraid just say you're afraid, then step down and let someone whom can brave adversity take the lead.

On Oct. 29, I think I'll go down to City Hall and yell, "Boo!" Just to enjoy the sight of our leaders diving under their desk.

Who says Halloween is just for kids?

Charmaine McGuffey

Sharonville

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Polls don't really measure opinions

I've responded to four or five calls from political pollsters and hope that my answers will be used in objective studies of the voting public. Today an "automated" caller asked if I intended to vote on the repeal of Article XII. I said, "Yes." The voice then asked if I believe that gays should have special rights. I said, "No. Not special rights but they should be protected from discrimination solely on the basis of their sexual orientation."

The automated voice said, "We're sorry. Only yes or no answers can be recorded."

I thought that the old "Yes or no - do you still beat your wife?" joke was a thing of the past.

It will be interesting to see how the results of this poll will be reported.

Hank Berlon