I’m writing to tell you about the “Home Alone 3” audition (Nov. 5 Features). I tried out for the 10-year-old girl, Molly. There were tons of people (some were even from other states). First, you had to wait for a very long time. Then, when you finally got to try out, you had to read some lines from a sheet of paper. Next, if you got a callback (which I did), you had to go to a hotel downtown. You had to read the same lines in front of a camera. Then, they told me that they will tell us the results in three weeks.
Katie W., 10 Chicago
Choose this
I am writing in response to Katie M. (Nov. 19 Backtalk): President Clinton may be pro-choice, but he has good views too. Abortion is a big issue, but there are other things that make him a good president.
Although I am pro-life and don’t support Clinton in his decision to be pro-choice, I think he has other good points.
Laura G., 14 Palos Park
What’s in a name?
I would like to respond to Motega C. (Nov. 12 Backtalk). Honestly, I believe that team names and logos are just harmless fun. I doubt that when the Blackhawks, Braves, etc., were named, team owners were thinking, “Let’s offend the Native American community.” I would be very honored if a pro sports team was named after my ancestors. Also, the tomahawk chop thing is only representing team spirit and pride.
Lani S., 13 Flossmoor
I think teams should be able to use Native American names. They are not being disrespectful to you, they are acknowledging those Indian tribes. The only thing I think might be mean is the tomahawk chop that the Braves do. But otherwise, they are not doing anything bad.
Zachary T., 13 Palos Heights
Honor veterans
I don’t think many people take Veterans Day very seriously. Most kids (including me) just see it as another day off. It’s just another Labor Day, Columbus Day or even an institute day to them.
I don’t think many people think about the meaning of Veterans Day. They don’t think of the millions of soldiers and other people who put their lives at risk to protect our country. They don’t even think about the people who died for our country.
Both of my grandfathers and even some of my great-grandfathers fought in wars or served in the military at one time during their lives. They gambled and endangered themselves and the emotions of their families for the sake of the United States.
Honoring veterans of America’s wars is the least we can do to respect these great people. I never thought of serving in the armed forces as such an immense task. Now I look up to America’s veterans with a newfound respect.
Maureen F., 12 Elmhurst
Mama Mia
Do you think Madonna is going to be a good mother? I have my doubts, but all in all, little Lourdes Marie is going to have a pretty good life. If you think about it, this baby lucked out.
Carlos Leon, Madonna and an innocent baby girl may not be a picture- perfect family, but they sure are going to be able to provide this child with everything money can buy.
Although I feel as if these two parents want the very best for their child, they might not know how to do that. I think it’s going to be unbelievably hard growing up with a mom who may not be emotionally ready for bringing up a child in the world today, and a father who may not always be there.
This child is going to have to understand that her parents do love her. They’re trying to provide the best they can for their little girl. Although her family isn’t a typical American family, Lourdes is going to be provided for in every way.
Elizabeth L., 12 Northbrook
Girls vs. boys
I would like to say, “Go, girls!!” to Kim S., Susie W., Dyanne Y. and Adrienne C. (Nov. 12 Backtalk). I agree with you all the way. Every single president since George Washington has been a caucasian, Christian male. There have been no blacks, no women, no Jews, etc.
Since I was 8, I’ve wanted to run for president. I’m white, Jewish and female. Women need to take a stand. We’ve really gotten somewhere. Let’s advance more.
Emily B., 9 Glencoe
Women have the same right as men to aim for high standards like being president. Geraldine Ferraro, the only woman who has ever run for vice president, was the only woman who had the guts. So, girls, go out and inspire women all over the United States!
As the saying goes: Girls rule. Boys drool.
Marie B., 10 Lake Bluff
In response to Kim S. : No offense, but that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Don’t you know you are complaining when there’s nothing to complain about! Women have not been in very high politics until about now. Also if you’re just beginning politics and you run for president, you’ll lose. You’re complaining for nothing, because you’re acting like women can’t run.
Danny R., 9 Alex K., 9
Drop in
I’m writing in response to the article about the high school principal who thought about the “anti-diploma” (Nov. 19 Tough News). I think it’s a great idea because he already got four kids to stay in school. This means four more kidsare off the streets and getting somewhere in life rather than an emergency room.
I give the guy a lot of credit for his thinking. Other people would have let the kid go and not have thought twice about it.
Katie P., 13 Orland Park
I give Joe Sandoval (“anti-diploma” school principal) two thumbs up. Good work. More schools should have the “anti-diploma.” More kids will stay in school, and illiteracy will drop.
George J., 13 Palos Heights
Who’s a hero?
I am writing in response to Bernadette H. (Oct. 22 Backtalk), “Heroes against racism.” You said that there are four people whom you consider great heroes against racism. One of the people you mentioned was Rev. Louis Farrakhan.
Rev. Farrakhan is not a hero against racism. In fact, he is extremely anti-Jewish and has made countless anti-Jewish slurs to the media. Rev. Farrakhan is a Holocaust revisionist (someone who believes the Holocaust never occurred or is blown out of proportion).
In addition, Farrakhan has been linked to many countries that are involved in terrorism, such as Libya.
Rev. Farrakhan is not qualified to be anyone’s hero. It is important to have heroes, yet choose someone who is deserving of the title.
Melissa F. Glenview
Hair today
In response to “Parting ways” (Nov. 19 Tough News): I don’t believe that zigzag parts are a gang sign. I believe that those parts are a way for teens to be creative and be themselves, and not care what anyone else thinks of them.
Beth H., 12 Palos Heights
If kids want to part their hair in funky ways, let them. And if it’s a girl or boy, in a gang or not in a gang, oh well.
It’s their decision, not yours. Let the kids decide on their future. If the kids screw it up, let them.
Jessie S., 12 Palos Park
It is not fair if people can’t wear their hair in a fun way. The schools are thinking almost anything is a gang sign. That is not fair to the kids who are not in gangs and want to wear their hair like that.
Cristin H., 12 Palos Park
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