In response to Larisa E. (April 30 Backtalk), I, too, think that no one should forget the Holocaust. But let us not forget another neglected holocaust: It started when Columbus landed and it continues to this day. Hundreds of Native American nations were destroyed, the land was destroyed, their food was destroyed, their very civilization was destroyed. If there was justice the U.S. would not exist except for 13 colonies. The Illinois (tribe) would live in Illinois; the Lakota in Dakota, and Bison would exist in the millions.
Josh L., 14 Elwood
Fickle fans
I think the whole Bulls craze is just a bunch of hype. Most kids at my school like the Bulls for one reason: The Bulls are a winning team in the NBA and they have won three championships. No one in my school used to like the Bulls, until they started winning. No one likes the Bulls for the actual Bulls. After a while, another team will be winning and the Bulls will be a team of the past.
Sean H., 13 Carol Stream
Sappy soaps
You want to know what really gets me mad? Those stupid soap operas and dumb love affair shows. I mean, I know some people like them, but we don’t need 500 different romance shows on TV. The couch potatoes who watch those all day should do some important things instead of sitting down and watching soap operas all day. They could get a job or go somewhere and clean our environment. Maybe someday I’ll turn on the TV and only 100 love shows will be on. That will be the day.
Pasquale G., 13 Carol Stream
Free from boundaries
I want to express how I feel about the article about the beating of immigrants (April 23 Tough News). My biggest wish is that any immigrant could come to the United States without risking their lives. I know that will not happen until we make the border between Mexico and the U.S. disappear.
I wish one day we could have a president who could make that happen. I think that the police who beat those immigrants should be put in jail for two to three years and be fired.
Ana F., 14 Bensenville
I’m writing about the beating on the California highway. The two immigrants that were beaten deserve justice. They may have been in the U.S. illegally, but they shouldn’t have been beaten, because everybody has rights, immigrant or not.
Aaron R., 10 Crete
Left out
I’m a left-legged and left-armed person. I feel left out because I’m like one of a kind. At my Tae Kwon Do class, we would kick with the right leg 20 times, but with the left leg 10 times. Even my dad got mad because I was a lefty. He makes me write with my right hand. But I still throw and kick with my left.
Charles L., 11 Skokie
Sibling rivalry
This is in response to Elliott E. (April 23 Backtalk). I hear ya. I have an annoying little 9-year-old brother who is plain old obnoxious (Justin, if you read this, sorry…. no offense). Every time we get in a fight, I always get blamed. I have to admit, sometimes I do start fights with him, but sometimes I don’t. Every time something happens it automatically is my fault. Sometimes it gets rough and he starts to cry if I hit him. Like any normal sibling, he goes to Mom and tells his side, and I get busted. Oh, well. I guess we all have to put up with it, huh?
Matt D., 12 Deerfield
You go, Hootie!
Hootie & the Blowfish (April 30 Cover) is one of my favorite groups. The drummer, Jim “Soni” Sonefield, says people will be calling the new album a flop. I don’t believe it’s a flop. “Fairweather Johnson” is very, very good. To me, Hootie is the best.
Carmen G., 12 Chicago
Earth Day reminder
In response to Kelly Lynn H. (April 23 Backtalk) I agree that every day should be Earth Day, but people are lazy. Unless there is a specific day, they won’t do anything. It’s like a reminder that the Earth needs our help. It will get people in the mood. And cleaning up one day does help. If we didn’t clean up on that day, then when will we?
Eileen G., 13 Wheeling
Testing smart
I’m writing in response to Erin W. (April 23 Backtalk). I strongly disagree with you. Teachers and parents need to see how smart you really are. I happen to be one of the smartest kids in my class, but that doesn’t make a difference. Even I don’t like taking tests, but it’s all for the best. Kids who don’t know certain things need to know them. If we didn’t have tests then we would just be fooling ourselves. We would go through school very easily, but then when we had a job, no one would know what to do.
Anna K., 12 River Forest
I think achievement tests are a good idea. Sure, it is boring to sit and fill in circles all day. If kids don’t pass them, it means they need help in that subject. If they aren’t helped, they will keep everyone else behind. And, if you want to get a job in America, you have to know the stuff. Those tests are just trying to create a more literate, smart America.
Maria B., 12 Elmhurst
Sail away?
I have watched “Sailor Moon” before, so I can tell you firsthand that the Sailor Scouts are total Valley Girls. I don’t think they should be role models. They act really dumb around boys and when they’re in trouble they lose their cool. And they’re always being mean to friends. There are many female role models today; you just have to look further than your TV set.
Abigail H., 12 Chicago
I agree with Marisa S. (April 23 Backtalk) that it’s great to finally see female heroes kicking evil butt. I’m Japanese, so I saw “Sailor Moon” before it actually came out in America. Now, no offense, the attitudes and voices of the characters aren’t as good. I don’t think you have to worry that much about the show being canceled because there are still at least three more sequels.
Ken O., 11 Skokie
Yesterday’s news
I’m sick of all of these teens who have suddenly become Beatles freaks. Yeah, you know who you are. It’s as if the new trend is to like the Beatles. Since when did ’60s music become so popular? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe it’s the ’90s. All of you so-called Beatles fans are just a bunch of conformists.
Bahar T., 14 Glenview
Reader is a believer
In response to L. Marie C. (April 23 Backtalk), you have got it all wrong. I do believe in God, and the only way to get to heaven is to believe that his son died on the cross to save everyone from sin so that everyone could go to heaven. Don’t believe me? Look it up in the Bible.
Terri M., 12 Yorkville
Family values
I don’t feel embarrassed to spend time with my parents (April 23 Cover). I do lots of stuff with my parents, and I like it. I don’t think it’s embarrassing at all. If people were to ask me what I did over the weekend, I tell them, “I went fishing with my family. Then we went out to dinner together.” It’s not like I go out and say, “I hung out with my parents this weekend.” And I admit, my mom still comes in and kisses me goodnight. Who cares?
Carla L., 14 Bensenville
The word on R.L.
I’m responding to the article about “Goosebumps,” the TV show (April 16 TV). I often read the books by R.L. Stine and get lost in the wonder of them. Young kids need some experience with books. By watching the TV show, they lose an excellent opportunity for a fun, spooky experience with reading. Also, with the TV show you have to wait one week before you see it again. With the books, you can read them whenever you want. And how often do you get commercial breaks right in the middle of a really good part in a scary book?
Margaret M., 11 Gary, Ind.
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