Brian and David’s letter to KidNews (Sept. 8 Backtalk) really moved me. I am very cruel to people who are new at my school. I never realized that my actions hurt people’s feelings. Brian and David probably felt rejected and sad for the whole year.
I remember when I first moved here from Pittsburgh. People called me a “bum” or “loser” or “wuss” simply because they didn’t know me. Every day I went home in tears; those words really hurt me. I wasn’t really into dating or sports, and I felt like an outcast.
Brian and David sound like interesting people. I hope that I can meet them someday and become friends with them.
— Jason S., 15, Naperville
Editor’s note: To read about another new kid who faced jeers at school, turn to Tough News.
A FASHION STATEMENT
I believe that people today, especially people in high school are too prejudiced. People are always judging each other by looks or if they appear weird. I have lived in Naperville my whole life, and in the past I have always fit in, even if I have been somewhat antisocial (I’ve never asked a girl out). I never had too many friends, but I felt fine about myself. However, since I started wearing an earring on my right ear people have shamed me. They don’t care whether I am gay or not; they just assume I am. People seem to think wearing an earring on your right ear is wrong. Now I fear that I will never have a girlfriend in my life. I believe these people should leave others alone even if they don’t agree with their viewpoints.
— Ian H, 15, Naperville
A SERIOUS OFFENSE?
About Clinton, you people are missing the whole point. The point is Clinton lied; nobody cares about Monica Lewinsky or Linda Tripp. People care about Whitewater, dodging the draft and perjury.
Clinton himself said that if a president does an impeachable thing, he should resign. If I were Clinton, I would resign before Kenneth Starr nails Slick Willie with his 300-page report.
— David B., 13
I would like to share my views on recent developments in the Clinton/Lewinsky matter. Right off, let me say that it was completely inappropriate for the Supreme Court to pursue this matter as viciously as it did. They thought it had something to do with the Paula Jones scandal, but it was fairly obvious from the start it didn’t. Lewinsky wasn’t pressing charges or anything, but the Supreme Court wouldn’t let the matter go. I believe that the whole thing was a private matter and should’ve been left up tothe Clinton family to discuss. However, I also feel that while it was a private matter, Clinton should still be punished for perjury. I don’t believe he should be impeached, but he did lie under oath, and that is a serious offense. However, that was hisonly offense, and the Lewinsky matter should not figure into it.
On another note, I would just like to say that Colleen K. wrote a great letter! Thank you.
— Niles E., 14
Editor’s note: The investigation into President Clinton was conducted by an independent counsel. The job of an independent counsel is to look into whether a high-ranking member of the executive branch – in this case, the president – was involved in any wrongdoing. He is appointed by the Justice Department, not the Supreme Court. Although the Supreme Court did rule on legal disputes about who should and should not testify before the grand jury, they were not involved in investigating the matter.
It’s important not to forget that our president is human, and humans make mistakes. He is doing a great job as president but just not as good as a person.
— Dave Z., 13, Palos Park
CUBS ROCK
The Cubbies are doing great this year. I think they’re going to make the playoffs. How about Big Sammy? I don’t think it’s fair that Mark McGwire gets to use some kind of drugs to give himself bigger muscles.
But how about the Big K, Kerry Wood? He is doing awesome!
— William B., 13, Palos Park
ROUGH RIDE
Kudos to Katie B. (Sept. 1 Backtalk)! Horseback riding is not as easy as it looks. I’ve been riding for almost five years, and I love it, but it really does take some work to stay on, push your heels down, sit up straight and keep your balance. Riding is a total body workout, like ice skating or running.
And I also would love to see those macho football players get on a horse. You try taking a horse who really doesn’t want to jump over a 3- foot jump! It takes a lot of determination and strength, believe me! I have nothing against football, but give us the respect we deserve!
Horseback riding has been around a lot longer than basketball or soccer. Just because it doesn’t involve a ball doesn’t mean it’s not a sport. And in my opinion, it’s even better, because you get to share the time with a horse! I think that a horse is amuch better companion than a baseball bat.
— Julie P. Lake Zurich
Katie B., you tell it, girl! You’re absolutely right. I may not ride frequently, because it’s so expensive, but I’ve ridden enough to know: It’s tough! Horseback riding is not only a sport but a challenging one at that! Yes, you do break a sweat. After along ride, my quads burn! So don’t be dissin’ this sport.
— B.C., 12, Libertyville
Katie B. (Sept. 1 Backtalk), first of all, horse riding is not a sport – horse RACING is a sport. Second, I play football, baseball, basketball, soccer and whatever else is going on, and football isn’t that hard. I mean, you get all those pads, and breaks in between plays. Soccer is hard. In soccer there is no such thing as a timeout. Anybody that says soccer is a sport for sissies can join a league and see how well they do. Soccer is 45 minutes of nonstop play. If you ever watch soccer games and watch the guys sweat, that’s not from heat.
— Jonathan B.
BOYS TALK
I would like to respond to Jamie C.’s letter (Aug. 25 Backtalk). Saying Backstreet Boys are bigger than Hanson just because they’re on more magazine covers does NOT mean anything. The Backstreet Boys may be bigger on teenybopper magazine covers (i.e., Bop, BB, Teen Beat, 16, etc) but Hanson is bigger on more respectful magazines (i.e., TV Guide, Entertainment Weekly, Seventeen, etc).
Also, you said Backstreet Boys can sing. I will admit they can, but that is also the ONLY thing they can do. Hanson, in the meantime, writes their own songs, plays their own instruments, produces their own records, produces their own videos, directs their own videos, etc. And yes, they can sing.
— Katie, 15, Palos Hills
I am responding to Nikki U. (Sept. 1 Backtalk). I went to the (Hanson) concert and also loved it! During the concert didn’t you hear them telling us to scream more? Also, I do agree with you that some fans do get carried away. I just hope you realize how Hanson would feel if at the concert everything was silent.
— Laura S., 12
DOOMED – HARDLY!
In response to the general pessimism I’ve noticed over the years published in KidNews (in particular a young man named Paul who wrote in July-ish), I’d like to offer a few pearls of wisdom that I’ve gained through age – I’m 16.
About love: Yes, such a crazy thing can actually exist with teenagers! And so what if it’s not “Titanic”-esque, “true love”? It’s normal for teenagers to have crushes and feel confused about feelings. Don’t worry; it gets easier as time goes on and you trust yourself more! And please don’t criticize people your age for saying they’re in love … it may not be love, but “he who wants to fly must first learn to walk” (Friedrich Nietzsche).
About “being doomed:” Please, don’t say that. Ninety-nine percent of the kids reading this (section) are living in acceptable housing in the greatest country in the world. You have what you need. Being “doomed” is a self-imposed feeling. I admit that I once felt that way. It led to my attempted suicide earlier this year. It was hard on everyone, including me. It was also a big mistake. I’m happy to report a recovery from severe manic depression. Now it feels great to enjoy life! I’ve been reborn, andlife isn’t as bad as you think. Really!
“Kaye”
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Backtalk is a place where kids can express all sorts of opinions, whether we at KidNews agree with them or not. Everyone needs a place to let his or her voice be heard. Besides, exposure to different views helps people better understand their fellow human beings.
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 send us letters by e-mail (screen name KidNews@aol. com).
