Cut it out!
I was sitting here reading the letters on Littleton (May 11 Backtalk) and heard all of your voices, wondering why these poor guys got hold of guns, and how some of you think these boys were “jerks” or “psychos.” But I ask you: How would you feel if you were them? By calling them jerks and other names, you’re only helping out the fact that these boys were outcasts. So if you are now ridiculing the two boys in Littleton, shame on you.
Also, maybe these boys were mentally ill. You can accuse them of their behavior only to a certain point. This saying is true in all senses, even if you don’t believe in God: Forgive them, for they know not what they do. And all the teasers and populars out there, do not ridicule people who are considered different.
— Britt C., 13
You got that half-right, Wendi
I am responding to “Confused Boy,” who wrote to Wendi. His problem was that he loves a 13-year-old girl and he is 16 (and his parents think she is too young for him). At that point I stopped reading, because I feel he is way too young to know what love is. I also agree and disagree with Wendi’s advice. She told Confused Boy that his parents have a good point and what they think matters, because when it comes to dating they make the rules. Then she told him to introduce the girl to his parents and maybe they would change their minds. I think if his parents say no, then he should follow their advice, because parents know best and are looking out for their well-being. I also think that before Confused Boy says he loves someone, he should see if she has the same feelings for him. I think Wendi should’ve left the second part out, because it seems like she was telling him he should go against his parents’ word and date the girl. Other than a few parts of her advice, I agreed with everything she said.
— Mikjeala T.
Foul air
I think I should bring to everyone’s attention a person who has more power over people’s minds than you might think. His name is Mancow. This guy is, without a doubt, the worst radio host ever. He is corrupting the minds of kids and adults alike. All he does on his Q-101 show, “Mancow’s Morning Madhouse,” is spew forth lies that benefit his cause. He is very one-sided, and I can’t remember the last time I heard him tell the truth. No one out there should be listening to the garbage that he puts on the air. First off, even if any of it were true, it is not appropriate for young people. Secondly, his untrue statements lead to the wrong conclusions. He advocates guns and drugs for all, and compares President Clinton to Adolf Hitler, calling him a liar and rapist. I think that’s a little extreme, don’t you? He seems to think that his right to have a gun is more important than the lives of all of those children who have died in Littleton, Jonesboro and all of the other locations of school shootings. I hope you will keep my ideas in mind and not listen to this fact distorter. Thank you.
— M., 14
OK . . . or not
I would like to respond to Niles E. (April 6 Backtalk). He wrote “and the problem with being gay is?” Well, the problem is the fact that God did not make male and female so the men can go and have gay relationships and the female, lesbian relationships, and even if you’re not the religious type, it’s still wrong. I mean, come on, don’t we have any morals?
Sex was not made so we can abuse it, it was made so we could reproduce. See, the thing is that men can’t have babies and women can’t fertilize one another’s eggs, so what’s the point in homosexual relationships (and you’ve got to be perverted to find pleasure in it)? If homosexuality was OK, then why would someone be embarrassed if someone found out, or why would they feel guilty when it’s over? Just think about it.
— Tony R., 13
I have to agree with Niles. What’s the problem with being gay? I’m not a gay or lesbian, but people should mind their own business! Everyone is different! I’m so sick of everyone ratting on gays! If God intended for us all to be the same, the world wouldn’t be interesting. The world wouldn’t be so bad, but if we were all the same, we’d be quite bored if we talked to the same person every single day. Everyone is different, so lighten up!
— Laura, 12
Britney battle
I am writing in response to Christopher C. (May 18 Backtalk) about Britney Spears’ breast implants. First of all, you’re a guy, I’m a guy, get my picture? If you don’t, then you must think girls have cooties. Let me fill ya in a bit: They don’t!
I do think it’s comical, Britney being the wonderful role model.
If you don’t like what KidNews prints, don’t read it. Simple solution, ‘kay?
— Wyatt V., 12
Stop chopping rain forest
I think they are cutting down too many trees in the rain forest, and they should stop so that we can have more oxygen in the world to survive. If you cut down the rain forest, you will be killing animals or making animals lose their homes. There are beautiful places in the rain forest, and some people like to visit. They care about preserving the rain forest. People care about the rain forest and don’t want it chopped down or set on fire, maybe killing more innocent creatures.
— Matt K., 9
Just helping Kosovo
I’m writing in response to Byron G. (May 11 Backtalk). What do you think you’re talking about! Milosevic is killing INNOCENT people! America wants to help. I may be wrong, excuse me if I am, but I think that may be a little what our country is about! And America doesn’t keep all the countries in the world in check! America just decided this was a bad thing and that we should help out.
— L., 12
Byron, what are you talking about? The ethnic Albanians, as far as I know, have no army to defend themselves. They need our help! We are doing a favor for them. I don’t think the United States is “keeping countries in check”; we’re just helping out.
— Mariana H.-P.
Baggy isn’t gaggy
I am responding to Juanita W. (May 18 Backtalk). I think baggy pants are what people like to wear. Boys at my school wear baggy pants too. And almost every day. In the ’60s, teens and pre-teens wore baggy pants and no one complained. But if you think older boys wearing baggy pants is sloppy, a 1st-grader wears them at my school. What I’m trying to say is, if people like baggy pants, let them be. If you want, go ahead and complain to them to wear pants that fit. If not, get used to it.
— Jeanette J., 10
———-
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.
Send your letters to Backtalk/5th Floor, Chicago Tribune/435 N. Michigan Ave./Chicago, IL 60611. Or you can e-mail us at ctc-kidnews@tribune.com. We won’t use your last name, but you must include your full name, age and phone number, including area code (we may call to make sure you wrote the letter).
