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Would someone please send President Bush a dictionary?

It is troubling to hear him talk about matters like sacrifice, success and then intentionally misrepresent their meaning.

For example, Bush again used the word "sacrifice" in his recent speech at the Quantico Marine Base. Neither he nor any of his family have made any sacrifice in relation to the Iraq war -- unless watching the mayhem in Baghdad on the evening news, as he absurdly stated, is making a sacrifice.

Another example is the recent "return on success" phrase he used in his speech to the nation this month. Success? There is no success in Iraq and there never has been, only disaster, sorrow and disorder.

Please, no more Madison Avenue speeches. Just tell us the truth for a change.

WARREN SPANNAUS, MINNEAPOLIS

Good work, SHADE

Katherine Kersten's columns usually make me cringe; however, her Sept. 20 piece on the University of Minnesota student group SHADE (Sexual Health Awareness and Disease Education) highlighted many of the group's great qualities. Though she attempted to lampoon the group by comparing them to our inept football team, the satirization was ineffective.

I think even Kersten would agree that a healthy student body is more important than winning a silly game. Kudos to you, SHADE; I hope the publicity will allow you to reach a larger audience.

IAN RAPSON, MINNEAPOLIS

High distinction at the U

Congratulations to the University of Minnesota for rating highest in safe sex practices! It is stupefying -- although not entirely surprising -- that Katherine Kersten calls high condom use "the U's darkest hour." Would she rather the U lead the nation in unwed mothers or abortions?

College students are going to have sex -- at least University of Minnesota students are being responsible about it!

ELIZABETH PAVLICA, BLOOMINGTON

Housing policies can't burden seniors with disabilities

"A senior condo puzzler: Safety vs. privacy" (Star Tribune, Sept. 17) described some of the barriers that senior citizens face in trying to live independently. However, the article did not adequately describe the legal obligations that housing providers must meet in serving all people, including disabled seniors. Older persons, even those with disabilities, can keep their independence longer when providers follow the law.

Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers may not screen out tenants or buyers on the basis of disability. They may not evict residents who become "too disabled," unless the residents are unable to live up to the terms of their lease or association agreements.

Providers must make reasonable accommodations for elders and others who need changes in standard practices in order to keep and enjoy their homes -- for example, a mobility-impaired person may be entitled to an assigned parking space close to her entry door, even if parking is usually first-come, first-served.