 | I am writing this in response to the atmosphere and actions of the adult communty in regards to the recent events. I am a 16 year old, high school junior in Texas. And, while Texas is quite a distance from the terroist attacks the news is readily available to the youth here as well. When word of these attacks came into our televisions, the first instinct of our teachers was of course to turn them off, and continue with class as usual, and while that may work with younger children... those in the elder grades are well aware of the situations that are affecting this country. By hiding the facts, and not allowing us to voice our opinions of these matters and not consenting to postpone class, even for a few minutes, to discuss these matters caused rumors to fly around the halls in a matter of hours. By lunch that afternoon... the gas prices were at $4 a gallon, the area surrounding our city was next on the list, and the President(who is from this area) was stressing to us to steer clear and beware of incoming danger. You would have thought that we were expecting World War III at any second. Kids raced home, called parents, and ran to the nearest gas station to "fill 'er up". While I am not saying that the rumors could have been prevented, or that the panic and paranoia could have been stopped... I am simply stating, from an actual teenager's perspective, that things could have been handled more smoothly, and with better judgement than they were. The news, and the events that are occuring are history in the making, the adults in our community should be aware that my generation are living through this as well, and in the years to come, will be the ones to help to spread the ideas of peace and tolerance.. simply because of this experience. And, you should be aware that should we not have our questions answered, and the extravegant rumors squashed... how can we be expected to spread the facts, and teach these lessons without the proper knowledge? So, through a teenager's eyes, talk to us, let us know, and help us as best as you can to understand what is going on. This is our country too, and we are going to be running it someday... so, help us to learn how to do that right now. God Bless America..! |
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