(Re: "Afraid to Monitor Leis?" post on CityBeat's Porkopolis blog in which Hamilton County Commissioner Pat DeWine says his fellow commissioners are afraid to properly exercise their oversight of how Sheriff Simon Leis Jr. spends his budget.) David Pepper said the Sheriff's drug funds couldn't be used and now they want some of it, but why such a small percentage of it?

It looks like the city will be forced to repeal his marijuana ordinance as well. I can't believe Todd Portune and Pepper would impose a huge and regressive tax without bothering to make these obvious reforms.

It just goes to show that the Comprehensive Safety Plan wasn't so comprehensive after all. I'm glad they are back at the drawing board. We really did deserve a better plan.

-- Flipity Flopity, posted Nov. 26

I'm Friendly
(Re: "Is There Something in the Water Here?" post on CityBeat's Living Out Loud blog complaining about unfriendly people passing on the sidewalk.) I don't like how you keep labeling everyone here as being unfriendly. It's just not true.

I would have said hello to you as I do many people when I'm walking down the sidewalk.

-- Sally, posted on Nov. 26

Telling It Like It Is
(Re: "Is There Something in the Water Here?" post on CityBeat's Living Out Loud.) Don't like it ... then change it. Because of Larry Gross, some of the old urban myths about Cincinnati are being turned upside down.

Don't accept the status quo, because nothing will ever change and the city will continue to wallow in the pathetic attitude that it continues to keep. It's about time blogs like Living Out Loud take on the misperceptions and tell it like it is.

-- Rick Hines, posted on Nov. 26

Dems Better Fit for Catholics
(Re: "The Catholic Vote" post on CityBeat's Porkopolis blog about the Democratic Party's effort to recruit Catholics to its cause in next year's presidential election.) Catholic Social Teaching is closer to the platform of the Democratic Party than the Republicans.

I am tired of the Republican Party telling me that they represent my faith and values when they have invaded a country and killed innocent life, turned their backs on the poor in favor of giving corporations huge welfare kickbacks and denied working families the dignity of work by sending jobs overseas.

As far as abortion goes, the Republicans will never get rid of it because it is their golden platform. What has Bush done?

We can all agree that reducing abortion is a good thing and criminalizing it will not work. Providing mothers with a health care system and an economy that will support their decision to have a child is the only way to reduce abortion.

-- LisaS, posted Nov. 25

What Would Jesus Buy?
(Re: "Buy Nothing Day" post on CityBeat's Renewal blog about the spread of materialism at the holidays.) The corporate takeover of Christmas is probably one of the biggest blasphemies against the teachings of Jesus.

I am surprised every year that the holiday in honor of someone who said "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me" (Matthew 19:21) is celebrated by buying as many trinkets as possible. This also serves to exacerbate feelings of worthlessness in those poor who are unable to keep up with the capitalist cluster.

So, yes, Buy Nothing Christmas indeed!

-- Alan, posted Nov. 23

Southgate Décor Must Go
(Re: "Southgate Upgrades" post on CityBeat's Spill It blog about upcoming rehab work inside the venerable Newport concert facility.) I've never had a problem with SGH's stage or sound system. I've seen some great shows there.

What I'd love for them to upgrade is the tacky-ass decor. The mirrored columns and those creepy Precious Moments-like pictures behind the bar have to go.

-- Russ, posted on Nov. 22

Southgate Décor Has Personality
(Re: "Southgate Upgrades" post on CityBeat's Spill It blog.) I love the SGH and any upgrades to the stage are more than welcome, but leave your hands off the decor. That's what makes it what it is.

I hate when a place "upgrades" by removing all that makes a place special and replaces it with Home Depot crap. Some call it tacky; I call it personality.

-- zeus, posted on Nov. 23

Correction
Last week's CityLights section in News (issue of Nov. 21) incorrectly stated that Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche is a former tutor to the Dalai Lama.