In response to J. [Jan. 16 Backtalk]: Eminem may be popular and have been nominated for four Grammys, but that doesn’t mean his so-called music is appropriate. As the saying goes, “What is popular is not always right. What is right is not always popular.” Respect, like privileges, must be earned. Because of Marshall Mathers’ frequent swearing and ideas that beating women and abandoning children is perfectly acceptable, he has lost any respect that he might initially have been given. Speaking up for your beliefs is, I agree, an excellent quality. However, it is of the utmost importance that they be well-reasoned and presented in such a way unoffending to others.
— Elizabeth C., 12
I don’t exactly understand why people are making such a big deal out of Eminem being nominated for four Grammys. They don’t seem to realize that he won two Grammys last year! Sure his lyrics are hateful and mean, but he’s actually a very talented writer. He just needs to use his talent for positive ways, instead of bashing gays and women. I personally think it’s worse that Britney Spears, ‘N Sync and all the other teenyboppers are being nominated. They don’t write their own lyrics or even play their own instruments. Grammys should really go to talented groups/singers, such as No Doubt.
— Katie V., 12
Drunken driving
A few years ago, a drunk driver hit my half-cousin. She was a 1st-grade teacher and was engaged. Now, she can’t even go to the bathroom on her own. She can’t remember things that happened minutes before, and she has a hard time walking. She can’t remember people’s names, and since she can’t remember things that happened previously, she ends up repeating herself over and over. I can’t believe that someone could be drunk, drive, then get in a car accident, destroying the life of the person they hit. If someone were drunk, wouldn’t they know it? Don’t people know enough not to drink and then drive? What is especially not fair is that the person who hit my cousin, as far as I know, had no damage done to them! Not that I want them to have been hurt. I don’t. It is just really unjust that the person could destroy my cousin’s life and still be able to walk away fine.
— T.C., 13
Mideast madness
I was very disappointed with what was written in the article on the Mideast conflict [Jan. 16 Get Real]. How could you say that “Palestinians revolted against Israeli occupation of their land” or “Palestinians want the land for their nation”? It is not their land, and they do not have a nation. Israel is recognized as a sovereign nation by every international law, and the Jews won their territory through war. Do you see the British coming back to the United States saying it’s actually their land and the American Revolution didn’t mean anything? If they need somewhere to go, there are 23 Arab countries that should be more than willing to accept their brethren.
Land for peace is not peace at all. If the Palestinians truly wanted peace, they would not ask for it at such an enormous price. And how can Arafat guarantee peace? He cannot control every Palestinian at once and terrorist groups can act of their own accord without any affiliation with the government. Peace in the Middle East is impossible, and the only compromise that can be made is that one group leave the land entirely, and that group should be the Palestinians.
— Jenny K., 13
Smart kids, busy kids
Regardless of whether a kid is smart or not, hand-held computers are extremely useful to those with a busy schedule [Jan. 2 Backtalk]. Those “smart” kids work hard to achieve that “smart” potential, and you think kids who aren’t so smart deserve to not work as hard. The reason the “smart” kids could be famous someday is that they studied for hours on end. Do kids who don’t study or care deserve to be famous? I don’t think so. Computers don’t make a person smart. They’re a tool to help organize your studies.
— Lia B., 14
Cats and dogs
I’m referring to your story on cats and dogs [Jan. 2 Get Real]. I think it’s very rude to kill 2 million dogs and cats every year. Actually, it’s more than rude! If those people could think about it very, very carefully, then maybe something could get into their heads! Imagine how it would feel if some aliens invaded Earth and started killing us just for our skin. Wouldn’t we feel pretty scared? I know cats and dogs can’t understand what we’re saying, and they can’t understand everything. But maybe they understand some things and are scared to death.
— Shruti S., 11
I have one question: Why? Why do we have to kill innocent animals to keep us in style or just to keep us warm? If you have a pet that you love or loves you or both, I know I do, isn’t that enough? I might be getting a little aggressive, but why can’t we deal with cotton for coats, mittens, hats or anything? Imagine having a German shepherd, golden retriever, tabby cat or any animal. Next, imagine wearing it! Not pretty, so why are people doing this? Who knows! Let’s try to stop it while it’s still reality!
— Allison, 11
Let us pray
I just wanted to comment on Bridget M.’s response to prayer at school [Jan. 9 Backtalk]. She says the 1st Amendment says freedom of religion is available in the U.S. and if we prayed at school, we would be interfering with others’ rights to that. We would not! We would be interfering with our own rights if we didn’t pray!
If we have freedom of religion, we should be allowed to pray, even if it is only with Christian friends!
— Grace O., 12
Listen up
In response to Ada [Jan. 2 Back talk], you are right and you are wrong, I think kids should be listened to more often too. Backtalk is for kids to express their feelings about different things. I am sure that some kids would love to have a whole other page to read, but the space is limited. I’m also sure some kids would be mad that some stories would have to be dumped to make room for the other page.
I have one suggestion: Get rid of some ads! The ads take up a lot of space, so why don’t you get rid of those for more fun space?
Kids should be listened to more often! We can do things.
— Nicole P., 11
KidNews note; We hear ya, Nicole. Keep in mind one thing: Ads help pay for the section.
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