Who should be the next president of the United States? If you’re 8-15, tell us who and why in the ballot at right. We’ll print the results in our Nov. 7 issue. (That’s the actual Election Day.) Plus, we’ll randomly pick one kid to win a free color TV (that’s it at the bottom of the page). That kid can use the TV to watch the Inauguration in January — that’s when the new president is sworn in to office — and we’ll have him or her write a KidNews story about it. Plus, we’ll run his or her photo alongside the new president’s.
Also, two of our patriotic Scoop Troopers wanna tell you why it’s important to get involved in politics. Read their essays below, wave the flag, cast your vote and catch the results in our Nov. 7 issue!
First name, last initial:
Age:
Hometown:
Home phone (include area code):
For president and vice president, I cast my vote for (check one):
George W. Bush and Dick Cheney (Republican)
Al Gore and Joseph Lieberman (Democratic)
Why?————-
Send completed ballots by FRIDAY, OCT. 27, to: KidNews KIDecision/ Chicago Tribune, 5th Fl./ 435 N. Michigan Ave./ Chicago, IL 60611
POLITICS–WHY CARE?
The 2000 elections are coming up, and many kids seem more interested in their latest Pokmon trade. Kids often say, “Why should I care? I don’t get to vote.” This is the wrong stand to take.
Many key issues in every campaign are related to children. Al Gore and George W. Bush have taken pro-education stances. However, they both have their own unique views, and it is our duty to find out which view we support. We should all talk to our parents (or the eligible voter in the household) and discuss where each candidate stands.
Although we cannot vote, we can have a say. All we have to do is understand the issues and make our voice heard. It’s that simple.
–Nate G., 14, Chicago
The president represents everyone, including people who are too young to vote. The president will decide a lot of things for our country. As the next generation, we should step up and find out exactly what each candidate can do for everyone.
We need to ask questions and get answers. We could fight for many things such as getting drugs off the streets, reducing violence in everyday life and getting guns out of the wrong hands. Some kids don’t realize what a difference they can make.
People say politics is a dirty game. We should try to make it clean. We should let the world know that as children, we do care about our country.
–Courtney B., 12, Chicago
Wanna get all worked up about your rights? Read “Make Yourself Heard: Teen Power Politics” and find out all the decisions that adults make affecting your life. They’re deciding everything from how clean your air is to what you can read, write and say. But you can have a say — and this book will help you find your voice. It gives great tips for getting active, such as taking part in campaigns (really!), creating get-out-and-vote posters, even snagging TV and radio time for your crusades. And it spotlights cool, creative teen activists around the country. It also explains the voting process, tells you why each vote matters and — our favorite part — helps you spot the baloney in political ads. Reading this book will make you feel powerful and smart — and that’s a promise.
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“Make Yourself Heard” by Sara Jane Boyers; The Millbrook Press; $10 paperback.
