In response to Jamie C. [Oct. 3 Backtalk], I agree that guns shouldn’t be kept around home. But I’ve seen on the news, guns have saved many people’s lives. I think that the people who take the time to learn about guns and open their eyes and listen to what guns can do to people will see that guns aren’t toys! There are very many people who have very different opinions on guns. But those who actually do care about people who have died or have been badly hurt are the people who make a difference in the world and help keep it a safer place.
Erica W., 10
I agree with Jamie C. Guns shouldn’t be in our home, especially if you have little kids. Imagine you had a little boy and his friend says, “Let’s go in your mom and dad’s room!” They want to play cops and robbers. “You be the robber and I’ll be the cop.” The boy points the gun at another kid. “Hold still or I’ll shoot!” The boy moves, the gun goes off, and there lies the boy lifeless on the floor. If guns are supposed to protect us, then why are they killing us?
Megan R., 10
I agree and disagree on Jamie C’s thoughts. I agree with the part on shooting someone you know by accident. But I totally disagree with locking it up. As long as it’s hidden, it’s OK. As long as kids don’t find it.
David P., 10
WINNING’S TOUGH
I’ve never won a KidNews contest either. But a friend of mine has won two! How fair is that? My parents say, “Life isn’t fair,” and I guess they’re right. I guess it’s really hard to win contests, so if you do win, you feel really amazing.
Pat L., 12
UNFAIR GAMES
I loved watching the Olympic Games. But the drug-testing stuff made me mad. One of my coaches says lots of Olympic athletes probably use drugs but just aren’t caught. So what’s the point of trying really hard and having a big Olympic dream if some cheating athlete can take a drug, get away with it and win an Olympic medal? And even if you don’t use a drug, then win a medal, lots of people will think you did use one but just didn’t get caught. It’s like some people say, a few bad people can ruin things for the rest of us.
Todd H., 13
I read about this Olympic swimmer who got back to her high school and they had a big party for her. That seems kind of unfair. They should have parties for us kids who don’t get to go to the Olympics, but stay home and do our homework and chores and stuff.
Molly R., 11
WHO’S BOSS OF YOU?
I don’t think people should tell you what to do. I mean, I go to St. Alexander School, and if you don’t wear boots in the winter, then you will get a detention. I think that’s pretty silly, if you ask me.
Matt P., 11
SCOOT, SCOOTERS
I don’t agree with Evan L. [Sept. 26 Backtalk]. If I get a scooter, I won’t forget about it, because when I mess up my bike, I’ll have a scooter to get around. But when my bike is fixed, then I’ll switch off. One day I’ll use my bike, another day I’ll use my scooter. Whatever comes next in popular toys, I’ll probably like the scooter better.
Greg S., 10
I agree with Evan L. Those scooters won’t last long. They are like all other fads. Next year, people will just throw them to the side and go to the next fad. Fads may sometimes be cool but can also be a waste of time and money. Pokemon had a pretty good start, but when they banned Pokemon cards from school, it got boring and it was over.
Roger B., 10
The only thing I know of that’s dumber than scooters is adults who go rolling around on them. They must be pretending they’re kids again, and if it makes them feel good, OK, but I think they look really silly. Maybe when the fad is over, they’ll be embarrassed.
Alex S.,
