I read your article about the plane crash (July 23 Tough News). I felt sad and confused. Is there anything I can do to help?
Maureen O., 8 Evanston
(Editor’s note: You can express your sadness to the classmates of the 16 kids from Montoursville, Pa., killed in the TWA Flight 800 crash by sending letters, cards, etc., to: Montoursville Area High School, 100 N. Arch St., Montoursville, PA. 17754.)
Beaming about U.S. gymnasts
I’m really into the Olympics and when the U.S. women’s gymnastic team won the gold medal, I was so happy for them! Kerri Strug really pulled offthe winning score. I hope her ankle feels better. I know they won’t see this, but whoever reads this will. The U.S. women’s gymnastic team rules! Go, U.S.A.!!
Kim J., 13 Matteson
Unfriendly gestures
On”Entertainment Tonight” they said that the cast of “Friends” wants $100,000 a show plus part of the profits or they are going to go on strike and not return to the show. We think that’s totally ridiculous and greedy. None of them was popular until “Friends.” We used to like that show, and now we’re never going to watch it.
Ashley Y., 13 Lucy B., 13 Oak Park
Unhappy meals
In response to Elisiya T. (July 30 Backtalk), I agree. And McDonald’s is really getting on my nerves. Not only are the Happy Meal ads stupid, but an Arch Deluxe can be ordered by kids of any age. At Mickey D’s, the paper on the tray shows interviews of kids 6 and 7. Of course they won’t like it. They have been ordering Happy Meals their whole lives. So, McDonald’s, stop giving kids dumb ideas.
Jessica S., 10 Schaumburg
Rate ads R-idiculous
I agree completely with Katie R.H. ( july 30 Backtalk) and Elisiya. TV ads is are getting too adult on daytime TV. It’ just a matter of time before my little brother asks what they mean by “sorry, guys” on the ladies’ underwear commercial. And if my brother (who’s 7) asks me what a tampon is, I have only one plan: I don’t know, John, go ask Mom.”
And my little brother is getting the idea that boys are better than girls! What’s with all that lace on the girl’s dress on the McDonald’s commercial? I would never wear that!
Stephanie W., 9 Naperville
A space of my own
In response to H.R. (July 30 Backtalk), I agree. We kids should have our space in the house. I am 15 years old and I sort of have my space in my house, but I don’t have a lock on my door. Parents should not be able to just walk right into your room. They should knock first. They should give you more respect and trust you.
Nicole T. Chicago
Seeing is believing
I believe that there is no such thing as a “God.” To get things straight, religion is like any other superstition–it is not a reality. I mean, how could you actually believe that there’s an afterlife, or that you’ll see people you know in heaven? Do you really think we have an afterlife? Once you’re dead–you’re gone. As for the creation of mankind and other species–evolution! So, if there really is a hell, I bet the you’ll see me there!
Supi T., 14 Glenview
Everyone’s a critic
In response to H.R.(July 23 Backtalk), I’ve seen a lot more movies than most 13-year-olds. Obviously, some people have different opinions. I really don’t think you have a right to say who is old enough to criticize movies at your ancient age (13, wow).And in case you haven’t figured it out yet, 11-year- olds have opinions too.
M.R.,11 Michigan City, Ind.
Anyone who sees a movie can be a critic about it, and that’s not up to you to decide. And in case you haven’t figured t out, movies are made that cut out swears. They are rated G. I’m sure your mommy wouldn’t mind taking you to one.
Joe T., 11 Chicago
One with nature
In response to Michelle C. (July 23 Backtalk), Native Americans did not eat animals as they pleased. They respected all living creatures and killed only as many animals as were needed to feed and clothe their families. They never wasted any part of the animals they killed. That is why Lorna R. (July 16 Backtalk) used the Native Americans as an example. She was not saying that the Native Americans were vegetarians (although several tribes were), only that they did not take advantage of wildlife the way we do.
L.M. Ft. Sheridan
Native Americans didn’t savagely kill animals or eat meat “as they pleased. ” They prayed to the animal’s spirit, thanking the animal for its food. They respected every animal they killed and found ways to recycle the carcass, such as making ” fur coats out of a buffalo hide, shoes out of dear skin, tools out of bones and so on. I think it was very wrong of you to make Native Americans seem like heartless carnivores.
Mary R., 13 Western Springs
Human overkill
L.C. (July 30 Backtalk) you said, “If we didn’t eat animals, the Earth would be overpopulated with animals, which could bring on a virus that destroys mankind.” Whoa, now, I think you saw “Twelve Monkeys” one too many times. How could animals overpopulate the Earth when they already have? They’re this horrible little species called Homo Sapiens (humans), and they think the whole world will change just for them. They kill off millions of their non-human relatives just to build a new mall.
Josh L.,14 Elwood
In response to the omnivore/herbivore argument, if someone wants to be a vegetarian, let them. It’s not really a matter of cruelty, but personality. I’ve been a partial vegetarian for three years and have never taken any pills. I get my “natural stuff” through other foods. If everyone would cut down on the amount of beef they ate, they would have a lower cholesterol, blood pressure and less of a daily fat intake. The Earth would not become overpopulated with these animals. The Earth has a way of taking care of herself. As it is, humans have overpopulated the Earth and we have brought disease onto ourselves.
Melody N. Dundee
Not buying it
In response to Christina L. (July 23 Backtalk), I must disagree with your response and Annie B. and Megan B.’s (July 9) observation about women joining a fitness center for hope of getting a bigger chest. I really don’t think women are y that stupid to think from a commercial they’ll get bigger breasts if they join Bally’s. I mean, working out and staying fit constantly is most likely to reduce cleavage size. You never see gymnasts or swimmers with large breasts.
Respectable and smart women would not think, “Oh, they have big breasts from going to Bally’s. I’ll go so I will too.”
Bernadette H., 14 Cedar Lake
In response to Jim M.(July 9 Backtalk), in your letter you asked why there haven’t been any women presidents or military leaders. Well, too many people like you stand in our way. Flowers can’t grow if weeds fill the garden.
And there have been women military leaders and leaders in history. Elizabeth I of England ruled for 45 years and never married. Her reign was considered one of England’s greatest. Cleopatra was a clever queen. When her younger brother overthrew her for the thrown of Egypt, Cleopatra gathered an army in Syria and went to Alexandria. She found Julius Caesar, married him and had him help her defeat her brother.
Ingrid O., ll LaGrange
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