I don’t think that Ouija boards are dangerous, because they don’t have control of our lives (March 11 Tough News). Our lives are what we make of them. Nobody can see the future, and a cardboard game can’t either.
Natalie B., 13 Palos Park
Yes or no?
I am writing about the Ouija board game (March 11 Tough News). I feel that there is no problem with it. It is only dangerous when you start being violent. I have heard many stories about the Ouija board. For example, a girl put it in a garage sale and she sold it, but the next day, it reappeared on her bed.
Nothing like this could ever happen unless she bought it back. Some people say it is the devil’s toy, but to me, it’s a big joke.
Katie S., 12 Carol Stream
I think the Ouija board game is freaky. I’ve heard many stories about it and how bad it is. I kinda think it’s also a big superstition thing, and people’s imagination. I still am never going to play it.
Kosta H., 13 Orland Park
Send in the clones
We think that animal cloning is a good idea. First, cloning can help bring back almost extinct animals. For example, the bald eagle could be cloned and then there would be more of them. Also, if you cloned a bass or a northern, then you could have bigger fish to catch.
Finally, with cloning you could give an animal one medicine and give its clone a different medicine. That would make it easier to find out which medicine is better.
More money should be spent on cloning animals.
Ryan P., 14 Matt P., 14 West Allis, Wis.
I think the idea of cloning is going to cause a huge argument. It is playing God, but it can cure sick people and lead to better agriculture. We have free will and independence. I really hope the government makes the right decision.
Kerry L., 13 Palos Heights
The cloning of sheep and other animals could result in more food and clothing. This could help bring an end to world hunger, but what positive result comes from human cloning?
There is already adoption and other ways for people to become parents who otherwise would be unable to. Why should more children be brought into this world while hundreds are being killed by abortion?
Tricia H., 14 Palos Park
May the force…
“Star Wars” is the best thing that has happened in the movie industry 20 years ago and now. “Star Wars” is the studliest movie.
They should make a “Star Wars” museum in Chicago.
Amy M., 12 Lombard
Early campaign
I am writing in response to “The pressure’s off” (March 4 Tough News). I don’t think it’s up to my parents if I become president or not.
I know that my parents probably would hate to have publicity.
When I grow up, I hope to run for president.
Cristin H., 12 Palos Heights
Let him stay
I am responding to “Toxic homecoming” (March 18 Tough News). I feel that Vova and his family should be able to stay! As long as they are working hard and not breaking the law, why should they leave? The boy is sick. He needs medical help. It would be murder to send him home. This country is making it too hard to admit new immigrants.
Natalie B., 13 Palos Park
I don’t think they should send Vova and his family home.
His family has been living in the U.S. since 1986, and I think it would be very hard for the family to readjust to their homeland after being away for so many years.
Another thing: What if his father can’t get another job in their homeland? The kid might have more health problems, and his father may not be able to pay the hospital bills. What happens then?
Kelly J., 13 Palos Heights
Access to athletes
I’m responding to the letter written by Troy (March 18 Backtalk). Give me a break! With all of the money that professional athletes make, why would they want to go to an average restaurant? They probably only want to eat at fancy restaurants.
Dawn M., 13 Tinley Park
Sports stars please… they’re making millions of dollars and can’t take a 10-minute break to sign autographs?
Kids look up to stars, and if they can’t handle it, I wouldn’t want their autographs. They’re not any better than me or anyone else.
Prudence M., 12 Palos Heights
I think that you should not pity famous athletes. I mean, poor baby, they only make $36 million a year. Come on. I mean, if you become famous, you are going to expect it. So, in my opinion, they deserve it.
That’s what comes with it, the whole package deal.
Megan S., 12 Palos Heights
Liar liar
I’m responding to the question “Would you lie to a person to spare their feelings?” (March 18 Tough News). I think you shouldn’t lie to a friend because they came to you to tell the truth. If you don’t say something, other kids will make fun of him and the kid wouldn’t know what they are laughing at.
David M., 11 Tinley Park
Telling the truth would be better than lying, because if something is ugly or the person could get made fun of for it, they would want to know. If you don’t say something, someone else will and it might hurt even more.
Erin C., 13 Palos Heights
I’m not perfect, and I don’t claim to have never told a lie. But, in the article, KidNews describes several situations in which a girl does the right thing and tells the truth when she could have easily lied and gotten out of it.
It’s her own fault if she’s late for school. If she doesn’t remember homework, it isn’t the teacher’s fault.
When a friend with a weird haircut asks what you think of it, she could have said, “I’ve never seen anything like it!” or something like that. If a guy won’t talk to her because she listens to a music group, he probably isn’t that great.
Finally, if she left the basketball out, guess whose fault it is? If she had lied and her dad found out, she would most likely be in worse trouble.
Sarah W. Lincolnshire
Is it right to lie to spare someone’s feelings? I believe it is.
As a Catholic, many times I hear to be a kind and Christian person. I know lying is wrong, but it’s either lie or hurt a friend. You should respect your peers and elders, even if it means telling a white lie.
Beth H., 12 Palos Heights
I think it is right to tell a little white lie if it avoids hurting someone’s feelings. But if a lie involves someone getting into trouble, don’t do it! Because then you will hurt inside, and you’ll feel guilty.
For all of you children out there, just do what you think is right. Also, think about how it will affect the person. You’re talking to an expert here.
John H., 13 Palos Heights
I think telling a white lie so you don’t hurt anyone’s feelings is OK.
Sometimes if you tell the truth, you can really hurt someone’s feelings. Sometimes it’s just better to keep your thoughts to yourself.
Some people really take into consideration what others think. And sometimes, when you tell the truth, it can get mean or cause problems.
K. H., 13 Orland Park
Set in stone
I’m responding to the article “Make an impression” (March 18 Tough News). That’s so silly! People write in wet cement all the time. So, why should it be any different this once?
I think it’s neat when you’re walking along and see something written in the sidewalk. I see it as a way of being creative.
Kelly J., 13 Palos Heights
Look up
For everyone who likes astronomy and looking at the stars, you should go outside and see the latest comet, Hale-Bopp.
Not every generation will get to see this rare comet. This comet will have its maximum brightness on Monday night because it is closest to the sun.
You can still see this comet until April 21. So, everyone should go outside after 7 p.m. to watch the comet’s awesome light show.
Melissa A., 11 North Riverside
Editor’s note: We agree! For some great info on how to find Hale-Bopp from wherever you are, check out http://www.halebopp. com/.
Hope for depressed
I just read your article on depression and kids (Jan. 28 Tough News). I myself, as a 10-year-old, have gone through depression. I did not feel I was good enough to do anything. I often became tired and lazy.
But one day, I just couldn’t take it anymore! I talked to my cousin and she just brought me up from my knees to my toes.
I became more active and almost restless.
I advise anyone with depression to please talk it out with someone.
J.C., 10 Chicago
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Write letters or send editorial cartoons to Backtalk, 4th Floor, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago 60611. We won’t use your last name, but you must include your full name, age and phone number (we may call to make sure you wrote it). You can also contribute by computer (screen name KidNews) if you subscribe to Chicago Online. Call 1-800-922-0808.
