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Letters to the Editor Send your letters to letters.classroom@wsj.com. BIG DECISIONS: The article “Choosing Classes” (On Campus, December 2009) has enlightened me about having the best overall college experience. Picking the right classes and professors has been a concern to me since I started to look at colleges. I graduate high school in June 2010, so I have a lot of big decisions to make in the upcoming months. Sometimes a boring class or professor is not avoidable. When faced with this problem, I know that seeing a degree ahead of me will help me stay focused. I am planning on using the tips in this article to aid me in the decision process as the time draws closer. —Allison Quinn A WAY TO CONNECT: I recently read the article, “Does Technology Make Us Hermits or More Human?” (Notebook, January 2010). I completely agree with this article. Using the Internet has indeed created larger and more diverse social circles for people. I found it really interesting that only 6% of adults don’t have anyone they can talk to about significant matters. That’s a very low percentage, and I think it’s great that technology has given people a way to connect and communicate with others. —Jacquelyn Guzzetta 10 PAGES LONG: The article “Study Guide” (On Campus, January 2010) was extremely reassuring. When I hear my brother, who is currently in college, talk about his assignments and I hear words like “midterm,” “research project,” “10 pages long,” I immediately worry that I am not going to be prepared for college life. It is nice to hear from someone who attended college and was in this same boat. Although there will still be plenty of work, I know now that I will not be alone and will have someone to help me all the way. —Ashleigh Peterson CALL ME OLD-FASHIONED: I completely agree with your article on teen clothing stores, “Targeting Parents” (Retailing, December 2009). Atmosphere plays a big part when I go shopping; the stores like Hollister with blaring music and dark, cramped little rooms make me want to turn around and run out of the mall. Call me old-fashioned, but not being able to see well and feeling claustrophobic just doesn’t appeal to me. I steer clear of the “cool,” stores, because in my opinion they’re over-rated. I’d rather look for clothes without someone whining about California in my eardrum and making me gag from the scent of something “tropical” just so that I can wear a shirt with a little symbol of a bird in the corner of my shirt. —Nicole Borgen THE OTHER SIDE? Your article “Missing Out” (Education, January 2010) about online high schools dealt a lot with how many people, including teens, believe that they were missing out on social connections. It interested me that there were no people defending online schooling in the article. Online schooling is something that a lot of people I know would love to be able to do, and would have no problem going outside the “school system” to see friends and other people. I was surprised that so many people focus on the “problems” of online schools, when they could be so easily fixed as long as the person who is attending the school puts a little effort into it. —Verona Mitchell TIME IS A RESOURCE: I wanted to express my gratitude for the article “Charity on a Budget” (Philanthropy, January 2010) because I believe that the theme of this article is much needed during this time. I fully agree that donating time is far more satisfactory than donating money. I love the fact that you have included this article because younger generations should learn that money isn’t all that can be donated, but that time is still a resource that many charities need. This article will inform teens that charities do like time as a form of donation. This article may also inspire many readers to get up off their couch and search for a local charity to donate time to. Time is a resource after all, and most charities need all the resources they can get from volunteers. Another fact about this article that I love is that it claims that income is not a barrier to lending a hand to charities. Because I am a sophomore in high school, and not allowed to work, I personally feel sad that I cannot donate money of my own to charities. Although a child can ask his parents for money, it would be far better if that child gives something that belongs to him. This article shows that there’s “something” anyone can give: time. The article also shows that age is not a factor in donating. Young or old, one need never stop donating time. —Therese Detablan SPECTACULAR EXAMPLE: This is to acknowledge the three people who work hard to make the earth a healthier environment to live in. Gavin Bailey, Kristen Soucy and Jason Dare. People like that set spectacular examples for younger adults. —Gintare Kumpyte WASTE NOT: In response to “When the Money Runs Out” (Economics, January 2010), I believe that this article does not accurately reflect how people can respond to, or prevent, the situations presented in this article. The article makes it sound like the people in it are complete victims, and there was nothing they could do. I believe that if they had properly prepared for any circumstance, then they would be in a much better position. —Adam Hoemschemeyer HOPE: Thank you for sharing personal stories of victims that have chosen the poor decisions on their financial journeys throughout their life. The lessons learned are taken into valuable and meaningful consideration. —Nikki White SETTING BOUNDARIES: I agree with your article from the November issue “Helicopter Parents Hover on Facebook.” In my opinion, it is at times a good idea for a parent to monitor their child in the internet. It is sometimes necessary for the adults to do this. There are many ways to do this without causing problems for both the parent and their son or daughter. An example on how this can be done would be setting boundaries. One boundary could be only becoming friends if they both agree. A few bad things that this could cause are arguments, and disagreements on what the parents see. This would give the child a lack of privacy, and make them feel trapped. Good things about this would be the ability to stay in touch, become more understanding of one another, and it could strengthen the relationship overall. Some personal examples I have would be my own mother and my friend’s mother. Online I am friends with both of them. It has actually made us more open with each other, and given me the feeling of security that I can talk to them about more. I enjoy letting my mother in on what is going on in my life. Parents can, and should, have Facebooks. —Sierra Jackson MODERN ART: I am writing this letter about the article “Clean Energy? Yes!” in the November 2009 issue of your magazine. In this article you say that people would not be fond of these sources of power to exist near their dwellings. I don’t really see what is so terrible about these power sources in these people’s backyard. The wind turbines that you have pictured in your article look nothing like a coal power plant. It also does not even resemble a nuclear fission plant. To me, these wind turbines really look like modem art. It confltses me when people say that these turbines look repulsive. The solar power collectors mentioned in your article also don’t seem that unpleasant. Since they will be located in the middle of a desert, I don’t really see the quandary. Solar power is clean and reliable, same with the wind turbines. Many more people are in favor of this technology than against it, which is not fully conveyed in your article. I wish you would rewrite your article, in full, to show that clean energy is something worth actively pursuing. I would not like to live in a country where the only fuels people are willing to use are coal and oil. —Alex Bridges TALK TO YOUR KID: I am writing this letter in response to your article on Helicopter Parents that Hover on Facebook. This article relates to me in some way because my mom is always trying to see what I am doing in my life. Even though my parents don’t have Facebook accounts, they still have ways to discover what is on mine. My opinion on this subject is that parents and kids should have relationship boundaries. For example, knowing what is going on in your child’s life is fine but getting on Facebook and additional sites your kids utilize is pushing it. We shouldn’t have to worry about friend requests from our parents or having them check every move on Facebook you make. All I am saying is that using Facebook to keep your children locked up isn’t the way to go. If you have a concern or worry you should be able to talk to your kid. Facebook has been and should continue to be a site for kids and college students to connect with each other. —Kameron Cantrell SOME FREEDOM: Concerning the article titled “Helicopter Parents Hover on Facebook” I would like to say that I disagree with parents that try to control their children’s lives on Facebook. I believe that parents need to start to trust their kids online and on social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. Teens should be able to have freedom to have an account as long as they use it responsibly. It motioned in the article that one father only allowed his 14-year old daughters to have a Facebook account if he befriended all of their friends. This can be very intrusive to their privacy and kids may want to feel like they can have a life away from their parents. Almost every kid knows not accept friend requests from strangers, or people that they don’t know. I believe that teens that are growing up need to have some freedom without their parents constantly looking over their shoulder. This all being said, parents who just want to be friends with their children on Facebook should do so as long they do not try to control their kids online. —Adam Hoernschemeyer TEENS NEED THEIR PRIVACY: In the article “Helicopter parents hover on Facebook”, it reveals that many parents are hovering. I think it’s wrong of parents to hover on Facebook. I think parents shouldn’t let them have one if they don’t trust them enough to have to hover. One thing I disagree with is the parent who says his children can have a Facebook as long as he is friends with all of their friends, I think that is inappropriate of a parent and is crossing the line with that. One thing I don’t mind is if a parent has a Facebook. I know some teens would rather their parents didn’t, but adults have social lives too. Just because your parent is your friend on Facebook does not mean they are invading your privacy, if they start talking to your friends or commenting on conversations your having that’s when I think it’s a little too much. Teens need their privacy. —Josee Alexander A SPORT OF ITS OWN: I would like to bring to your attention the serious sport cheerleading has grown to be. Cheerleaders work extremely hard. They condition, practice, and exercise just as hard as any other sport does. Cheerleading is a sport of its own, not just to pep crowds but to challenge your flexibility, strength, stability, balance, focus, and teamwork. Cheerleaders are there for the team, but they do so much more. Cheer had become a sport of its own. Girls work for years perfecting their cheer moves, tumbling, and stunts. The girls cheer on the team, compete in their own competitions and practice to improve them selves. Cheerleading may come with risks, but so does every other sport. The point of every sport is to enjoy what you do, condition, practice, and succeed. Cheerleading does just that, they have fun at games, condition and practice very hard. The risk of injury is high because of strength, cooperation, and balance error, however, every sport takes such risks in their own way. Cheerleading requires hard effort, strength, ability, and teamwork, and the girls are good at what they do and work so hard for it and deserve the honorable title of being a cheerleader. —Brooke Greiert KEEP IN TOUCH: After reading your article about “Helicopter Parents”, I wanted to let you know that I completely agree. Being a protective parent is understandable, but stalking your children on Facebook is just unacceptable. Teens need the right to be able to talk to their friends without having their parents read every word they have to say. I believe that it’s alright for parents to have a Facebook, because kids shouldn’t be putting inappropriate posts on a social networking site anyway, but there is definitely a line. Facebook is supposed to be a site to keep in touch with friends and family, and not a source of stress and anxiety. —Kinsey Homer OVER THE TOP: I agree with most of the article about Helicopter Parents. I think it’s fine for parents to have a Facebook; kids need to be careful with what they put on Facebook, because anyone can see it. If mom and dad find it unacceptable so will future employers. Parents have a right to monitor younger kid’s Facebooks. Older kids should allow their parents to see their Facebook but should comment on outlandish activities. Discussing boundaries with your kids is an appropriate way to handle being to over the top. —Hannah File GET MOVING: I disagree with William Healy’s opinion article “Heal for America” (Opinion, November 2009). Short, rigorous training sessions would not make these young men and women qualified for clinical care and medical education. The best source of information for a patient would come from their personal physician or the staff at their doctor’s office. These are the people who are most familiar with the patient’s health history and know details that might otherwise be overlooked. In most cases, these professionals are very helpful when a patient calls with questions and concerns. As far as giving advice on preventive health care goes, most Americans are educated on issues of diet, hygiene and exercise but lack the willpower and motivation to do something about it. The answer is simple: Think twice about the donut you’re stuffing in your mouth, get up and get moving. —Jessica West A GREAT OPPORTUNITY: I agree with William Healy. He explains exactly what HFA will be doing and how they will be helping in the medical field. I feel like this would be a great opportunity for students just graduating college to get their “feet wet” in a way. The need for better medical advice is only going to increase, so why not start now and allow that help to come sooner? —Kaila Shortridge NO GUESSING: As a student considering a career in medicine, I would be against participating in this program despite the supposedly valuable experience it would provide. I thought that’s what internships and residencies were for. As a patient, I would not trust a young student with my care because I believe he would not have my best interests at heart and would view me as practice for when he really becomes a doctor. Heal for America will not solve the health care crisis. We should put our money toward something that will, and not resort to guessing. —Becka Saunders CHANGING THE SUBJECT: There is a great need for patient follow-up and dietary, exercise and health education, but the expertise needed to properly provide these services is intense and broad. First of all, who will the “grads” be? A four-year degree will not properly and effectively train someone for this field. They would need to be trained in general health care, exercise, medications and dietary guidelines. Most of this information can be, and is, provided free by pharmacists to anyone who asks. Education is not the only issue though, who is going to pay for this? As long as you are asking charities and corporations to ante up, why not ask health insurance companies to cough up money? And to pay for people who don’t have health insurance, and do it without raising premiums or cutting other services? Wait ... that would be health-care reform, a whole other topic. —Phillip Johnson WORTH A TRY: I think that there are people out there that need this. It’s always worth the try. —Courtney Shelton START YOUNG: I agree that Heal for America would be a beneficial and effective way to not only ensure the quality care for citizens of our country, but also to cut down the price of health care. Unneccesary checkups in doctor’s offices could be prevented, leading to further savings for taxpayers. This also has a large effect on those of our society that would like to expand their knowledge medically. It is true that college graduates would benefit from the training and experiences that they would gain. Lastly we always hear how habits start young, so HFA going to grade schools and educating students will only benefit the future. —Allie Garces ABSURD CONCLUSION: I found Joseph Epstein’s article (“A Nation of Shopkeepers,” Opinion, October 2009) article very incoherent. He went from slamming Congress to implying that college students are unworthy consumers. First, Mr. Epstein says that in his hometown of Evanston, Ill., the “useful shops began to fall away” and they were replaced with shops that catered to college students. Why this was particularly a bad thing was never really completely explored. Then, Mr. Epstein continues about how he believes odd and exciting shops that make people want to come in are better. Mr. Epstein says he likes to walk around a street filled with shops. I feel this is a waste of time. When I shop, I like to know what I want to buy and where. I don’t want to spend hours shopping and end up not finding anything I wanted or end up buying something I don’t need. Ultimately, Mr. Epstein makes a rather absurd conclusion. He states that “running a good shop is a service to one’s community of much greater value ... than the work of 200 social workers and more honorable than the efforts of the vast majority of the members of Congress.” I do believe that at least one of the 200 social workers would accomplish the same or even a greater good to the community assisting an abused child than Mr. Epstein’s anonymous shopkeeper. —Michael Kneeshaw BACK IN MY DAY: Although the idea of trendy shops and hidden-corner boutiques sounds cute and fresh, it sounds more like something your grandpa would preface by “Back in my day… .” It is a great idea but just not plausible in today’s world. Considering the American Dream of many people is to raise a family and prosper, starting a cozy, nonfranchise store doesn’t seem to be the most sure bet. —Judd Iverson UNATTAINABLE GOAL: Though a nation of shopkeepers sounds ideal, in reality it anything but. Business is often too hard to maintain for these unique stores. They may lure passers-by in with their charm, but rarely do these people become repeat customers. Plus people are now spending less than ever, and thus making fewer impulse buys, so though the nation of shopkeepers is a worthy goal, it is one that will never be reached. —Anne Zwyghuizen THE ECONOMY RESPONDS: I completely agree with Allen Barra’s opinion article “Sports salaries show what our society truly values,” (September 2009). America does place too much value on the sports business. Society has been distracted from where our true values should lie: finding a cure for cancer or inventing vaccines. When our society shows the economy that we are more interested in a Tigers baseball game than the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, the economy responds accordingly. In order to make us happy, they use our tax dollars on items such as new stadium seats and stores that specialize in overpriced T-shirts. The author is right—we have no one to blame but ourselves. We are the ones taking away from a cure for cancer, not the government. The government is merely responding to our values. —Michelle Myers NEEDS VS. WANTS: Although I mostly agree with this article, I think it goes deeper than just baseball. I think some people are slightly confused about what their wants and needs are. They think that if they go to a baseball game that they will need a T-shirt, and they do not. Getting a T-shirt is a want. Actually, going to the baseball game period is a want. As a society, we should be putting our money towards our needs, not wants. —Nicole Oliver TOUGH TO SWALLOW: As a senior in high school, the article “Dreams, Debts and Decisions” (Cover Story, September 2009) hit pretty close to home. Since the beginning of the summer, I have been filling out applications for schools such as Michigan State University, Central Michigan and Grand Valley State. I have always wanted to go to a university, but lately the price has become a great problem. I have been trying to acquire a job to help with the expenses, but in this economy that is much easier said than done. My parents have always wanted me to go to the college I choose, but lately I can tell that they would prefer that I go to community college like my older sisters to save money. This has been very tough to swallow. With my friends talking about all of the places where they are applying and hope to go, the idea of staying at home for two more years does not sound very appealing. But times are tough and community college offers the necessary classes for the first two years of college. Overall, I believe that community college is the most economical way to go right now. Those universities will still be there in two years. —Stephanie Lannan NO SMOKING: After our PC contracted a virus, completely shut down, and started smoking (I kid you not), my mom broke down and bought a Mac, since buying one was about the same price as getting the PC fixed. Thus far, we love it. (“Hello, I’m a Mac. And You’re Not,” Opinion, March 2009.) It runs better, it's faster, and it's simple to use. We are not, by any stretch of the imagination, part of this "elite" group that purchases Macs because they are somehow "cooler" than PCs. We are a middle-class family who wanted a computer that was less likely to get viruses and less likely to start smoking from the disk drive. Macs outlast PCs as well, so by the time the average PC is done working, and you have to get a new one, the Mac that you should have bought will most likely be running like new. Why waste money on a computer that isn't going to last as long if you just have t buy a new one in a few years? We bought a Mac in 1995, used, so it was probably made in about 1994. It worked until about two years ago. I rest my casoe. —Maggie Martin HOW YOU USE IT: I completely disagree with this article. I myself am a proud Mac user, however, it was a recent change for me, and I still currently use a Windows PC along with my Mac. What must be understood in the entire Mac vs. PC battle is that each machine has its advantages. It comes down to what you plan to use the machine for. Some use their computer to simply email friends or co-workers, and in that case it is completely true that they should not be spending thousands of dollars on a Mac. I prefer to use a Mac for things such as sound and photo editing. I do not consider myself to be among the rich, and I still believe it is worth it to pay the extra money for the Mac so I won't have to worry about all of the virus protection, and the constant bugs and freezing that PCs often encounter. I'm not trying to say that PCs do not have their advantages, because I believe that in an office-like setting, they are often more beneficial. However, to say that Macs are simply for the rich, and a symbol of being "cool" is a statement I strongly disagree with. —Andrew Weedfall YOU WISH: I completely agree with the author's standpoint against the Mac, but I think what he fails to represent is that Mac has never tried to have it any other way. Apple makes all of its money being an ultra-trendy hip company. You buy a Mac not only to use the user-friendly software, but also to be seen with your Mac. The Apple brand does so well because it has the cool appeal that so many other companies wish they also had. —Thomas Hendee FOLLOW FORD: I have to agree with Daniel Akst. In these economic times, most of us can no longer afford luxuries. Maybe apple should follow in the footsteps of Henry Ford, make a good product and sell it to the American people, not the American elite. —Dan Robinaugh JUST ANOTHER FAD: I recently bought a Dell Inspiron laptop with Windows Vista. It was the first time I have ever taken a step to buy something so elaborate for myself. As I read Daniel Akst's "Hello, I'm a Mac. And You're Not." I realized that I was NOT the only one who had to think long and hard about my new laptop. Having never owned an Apple Mac, I'll admit, I wanted one. But I asked myself, what is it that Macs have that I wanted so badly? It was the Apple logo on the cover. I feel that Macs are a fad. They are awfully appealing with the very sleek look and seem like a ton a fun, but are they really worth the price? Not in my book. —Andy Palma STICKER SHOCK: I'm a working high school student, planning to invest in a college education that will raise my debt from zero to over $80,000. The last thing I plan to spend my money on is a ridiculously priced computer. If Mac plans to survive through these tough economic times, they need to be realistic with their prices. I guess if you want the Apple logo, it'd be cheaper to buy a sticker. —Noelle A. Faasse PRACTICE SAYING ‘NO’: The article in the December issue titled “Ten Simple Rules” had a lot of excellent tips that I know will be helpful for when I go off to college. I had no idea that such a large amount of undergraduates were so far in credit card debt. After reading this, I realize a credit card probably isn’t the best idea for me considering the student loans I will have to pay off as well. I realized I already do a few of the things that you listed. I’ve started to discuss with my parents who is going to pay for what. I’ve also started to practice saying “no.” My friends often ask me to go out with them, but I just don’t have the funds to do that most of the time. Even though I really want to go out with them, I don’t really need to, so saying “no” is the best option. —Shana Lopez BIGGER PROBLEMS: I have a problem with students losing their right to free speech (“A Textbook Case,” Law, December 2008). In my opinion, the school systems that are trying to stop arguments over dress codes end up with larger problems than if they let students wear what they want. If they don’t want students to openly express themselves in a public school, they should require uniforms. —Anthony Polizzi LOSING SOMETHING: I agree that freedom of speech is one of the most disputed and withheld rights in the U.S. educational system. What I do not agree with is giving up freedom for security. Leonard Brown had a point when he said, “We need to recognize that we’re losing something, even though no court likes to say that.” We are losing something, and it is the foundation that this country stands on. By what moral standard are we deciding what is acceptable? School administrators are backed by the courts, but are their decisions always the correct ones? Let us not deny the rights of our children, but instead let us reconcile our issues within constitutional boundaries. The responses to these controversies are the cornerstones of morality among the people in our educational system. —Michael Auer WORTH CONSIDERING: I found the article “It’s a Dirty Job” (Careers, December 2009) very interesting. I had never thought of doing a job in the trades. After reading this article, I am now thinking that I could do something like that and earn money, instead of going into debt from college. —Mike Curley GOOD ADVICE: I recently read “Choosing a Major” (On Campus, December 2008) and found the information very beneficial. I am just a freshman in high school, but I have always wondered about college and what my future is going to turn into. My sister is a junior and is starting to look at colleges. She thought she needed to decide on a major right when she enters college, but with the information I gathered from this article, I will be able to give her some good advice. I will remember the information in this article in a couple years when the time gets closer for me to start thinking about college. Thank you for posting this piece of writing. I know that many students will benefit from it. —Christen Averill WHAT A RELIEF: Reading the article “Choosing a Major” made me think of my own situation. Growing up and moving out are two of the most life-changing moments a person could have. But feeling that what you’ve majored in will be your whole career is even scarier. Knowing that I have time to figure out my life out, I feel so much more relieved. College is something that is supposed to open your eyes and get you ready for being on your own. It’s not supposed to scare you into picking a major at the last minute and guess, yet again, who you are and what you’re supposed to be like; it’s not high school. It has helped me to see that it’s more than just your major that matters. It’s how you grow up. —Murphy Jo Rosner CAR OR FOOD? In your article "The Rich Already Pay Their Fair Share of Taxes" (Opinion, December 2009), you made the point that the top 1% make 22% of all reported income and pay nearly double their share of income in taxes. I agree that this is a problem, but for the opposite reasons. Everyone knows that it takes money to make money, and thanks to the Bush tax cuts, this is why there were so many reported new millionaires. Of course the rich would pay more total taxes if so many new people became rich; those tax cuts allowed people with some money to make a lot of money, while leaving those less-fortunate behind. I believe that we need to get rid of the Bush tax cuts for the rich, and give a proportional tax cut to the poor. According to the information listed in your article, the entire bottom 50% combined makes just over of half what the top 1% makes. You also made the point that if taxes were increased on the rich, they would probably pay a smaller share in taxes. I don't view this as a problem, because a proportional tax decrease for the poor would allow for the bottom 50% to make more money, which would mean that they could still pay their share of taxes. In the end, is it more important for a rich person to buy a new car, or many poor people to buy food for their families? Andrew Segavac TWO CHOICES IN LIFE: The title “The Rich Already Pay Their Fair Share of Taxes” says it all! As much as I feel for the people who have lost their jobs in this downward-spiraling economy, why should the “rich” have to suffer as well? These rich people are not inheritors of fortunes, as said in the article; they are hard working people who deserve the money they make. The way I see it, you have two choices in life; to either be successful, or not. That is your decision. Everyone has the ability to change their life no matter how much they think they can’t. It’s all about your attitude toward life. If you want to have a good job and make a lot of money, then go do it! I feel as though the people who are getting the shorter end of the stick on taxes should try harder to have a better life. I understand that the times are tough right now, but the only way to succeed is to push through it. These rich people spent the money on college and worked really hard to get where they are, and Obama wants to punish them by making them pay more taxes on their hard earned cash? That makes absolutely no sense to me. To put it simply, I don’t want to work all my life to pay taxes for the people who chose their life path of an underpaying job. Why should the hard-working have to pick up the slack for the lazy? Katelyn Farhat LEFTOVER PROBLEMS: I agree that the rich do pay more than their fair share in taxes. However, the government has to collect revenue somehow, and in these tough economic times, it's important that the poor and middle class are not penalized. The incoming Obama administration needs funds to fix the myriad problems that will be left over from the Bush administration. If this were any other time, I would say cut taxes for the rich. But we are in a recession, and the money to fix the economy has to come from somewhere. —Mason Ruhstorfer LONG JOURNEY AHEAD: I have always leaned more toward the left when it comes to the political spectrum, but the article on the rich and taxes made me shift to the right a little. Next year, I plan on beginning a long journey through college. My plan is to become a veterinarian. This career path could possibly place me into the higher-income range. And if that does happen, I don't want half of my money going to the government every year, while other people are only giving a quarter of their income. To become a veterinarian, I'm going to have to go through at least eight years of college. I will have to put in a lot of extra work to earn the salary that I may get. And I will earn the salary that I receive. I don't want half of the money that I worked long hours for and endured eight years of school to just disappear. I'm not saying that lower-income workers don't earn every penny, but even though they may not have as much as someone else, they should still give as equally as possible to the government. Life is about choices. I'm going to go to school so I can become a vet and earn that extra salary. The lower incomes could have gone to school, too. And maybe they say that they couldn't afford it, but there are such things as loans and scholarships. We shouldn't punish the rich for earning more income. The rich may have had to give more to earn more. —Dana Castle WILL OF THE PEOPLE I agree with the opinion article "Some Gun Rules We Can Agree On" (November 2009) because I think it advocates a middle ground in the gun control debate. It is too easy for people who shouldn't have guns to acquire them through fire sales and gun shows and these loopholes undermine the efforts of the gun control policies already in place. It's time our government acted on the will of the people and made legislation that will keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. THERE TO HELP US I am all for the preservation of the Second Amendment rights for all Americans. However, my view has changed slightly upon reading your opinion article. After researching the Supreme Court case of District of Columbia vs. Heller, I realized that while gun control laws seem unfair at first, they are really there to help us. I am now more in support of gun control than I was before. I still do believe in maintaining each citizen’s Second Amendment rights, but if that compromises the safety of the country, I guess I could deal with some gun-control laws to help with safety. WHAT REALLY MATTERS After reading your opinion article, my past opinion on gun control seemed a little radical. It makes much more sense to require background checks in all forms of firearm transactions. Even though this process would be tedious, it would be safe, and that's what really matters. MY FUTURE AS A WORKER: After reading the article “Fear Factor” (Cover Story, Personal Finance, November 2009), I felt more confident about my future as an American worker. I now understand what a 401(k) is and how it works and how great the benefits can be if I invest correctly. Our current economy is not good but I know that if I invest now and the market gets better my gains could be substantial leading to a good retirement. I think this article was very helpful and that more students should learn these things before they leave school and enter the workforce. —Ethan J. Wilson STOP HOARDING CASH: I very much enjoyed your article on the multibillionaire gone good ("Investing in the Real World," Investing, October 2008). It was very interesting that instead of using material means as a way to separate himself from the rest of the population and show how he is better, he is investing in the future of the world. It is also very interesting that since he is making bad areas improve, and he is investing in the bad areas to start out with, that he might also make quite a bit of money; I think that more billionaires should put money into society instead of hoarding it, and make their money that way. -Jaron E. Brandon LEAVING THEIR MARK: The article regarding Nicolas Berggruen makes investing in socially beneficial companies more than appealing to general public. His investments help companies that seek to improve the world as a whole, and doing so leaves an impression on other potential investors and himself. The world, as it is now, has many problems along with many people trying to fix those problems and leaving their mark on the world. Mr. Berggruen found a relatively easy way to accomplish both of these and increase his already large wealth by investing in companies with good intentions. With all the potential benefits of investing in these companies, it should be considered by more investors as a way to leave a large and generous legacy while helping better the lives of others. -Shane S. Souders THE PROGRESS WE NEED: Ethics is a relatively new idea in the realm of business that was seemingly nonexistent in earlier times ("Does It Pay to Be Ethical?" Cover Story, October 2008). In the Industrial Revolution specifically, monopolists ran a vast majority of businesses and often underpaid their employees, without providing adequate safety precautions. These company owners strove to rake in as much profit as possible. Today, and in recent years, the ethical treatment of employees has taken center stage in business. Still more recently, with heavy influences from ethically aware citizens and organizations, the manner in which companies manufacture their products and even the materials they use are heavily in question. Rightfully so. Profits have taken first place in the minds of business owners for too long. Consumers are now willing to pay more for products made in America by employees paid an American wage, while they are willing to pay much less for sweatshop clothing. If this trend continues, it could mean that jobs will come back to America, including those to produce materials for manufactured products. Let us depend on American ingenuity and hard work to make our consumer products. Quality, and quality pay, will be assured. With more money circulating in the economy, prices can be raised on these goods if the manufacturers want, but still within the boundaries of competition. This is the progress we need in American capitalism to keep its heart beating. -Rocco Bowman
-Ethan J. Wilson THE CONSUMER'S FAULT: If pharmacies are promoting good health, why do they sell cigarettes? To make a profit. I believe that if a pharmacy wants to sell cigarettes then why fight it? A person can easily walk past the stand in which they sell them and make the right choice. Instead, they pursue their cravings and hand over their money. It's not the pharmacies' fault, it's the consumer's. We also need to think about the other products pharmacies sell. For example, candies, chocolates and sodas are not good for our health, so why don't we get rid of those products as well? One could go in and buy a pack of cigarettes and seven candy bars, eat all seven candy bars in one night and take two months to smoke the pack they bought, which could make the candy bars more hazardous and unhealthy. I believe that any store, whether it is promoting health or not, should be entitled to sell whatever products they want, especially when it's going to make them more profit. We the consumers are the ones that need to make the right decisions. We can either buy things that we know will hurt our body, or take the high road and go across the street to Trader Joe's and buy some healthy organic foods. It's our choice, and it's their choice to sell it. -Nicole Ingersoll 'I WILL DO MY PART': As a senior in high school, I find it exciting, at times overwhelming, to realize that I am a part of this nation's future. What I learn now and apply later will help establish America's success or turmoil. Because of this, I find myself completely in agreement with the article "Beyond the Marches" (On Campus, October 2008). Abby McCartney, along with other college students, has been working to change policies that she feels strongly about. She does not sit on the sidelines, waiting for change to happen. Instead, she is one of the few who instigates the change. I am proud of her actions! Every youth in the nation should take this initiative. If she can gain support for the presidential candidates or pass a new law with regards to CO2 emissions, then we all have the ability to help our nation. Even though I am not old enough to vote, I now have confidence that if I campaign for the presidential nominee of my choice, I will make even more of a difference than I could by casting my lone vote! I want to thank Abby for giving me this self-assurance. I will do my part! -Adria Moss GET SOME REST: Everyone is entitled to leisure time. It may be the only thing that keeps Americans grounded ("Doctors Get a Life," Health Care, October 2008). Doctors absolutely fall under the category of "Americans." Their job is immensely important to the survival of thousands of Americans. They deserve to have time for work, and time for themselves. It is evident that doctors do commit themselves fully when on the clock. It is their duty to aid or cure patients when they are on their shifts, and it is our duty to allow them the leisure time they deserve. -Rachel Hope Reed WE DESERVE IT. In your editorial "The Minimum-Wage Hike" (The Opinion Page, October 2008), you made the comment that only about 15% of minimum-wage employees are single with dependents, implying that, because there is such a small percentage of people who actually need the wage increase, there is no need to increase it. Also you stated in your article that most of the employees earning minimum wage are either students/teenagers, or spouses providing a second income. About half of the article is essentially stating that these people don't deserve a wage increase. It's like your saying that these workers are earning more than they deserve because they are splitting their income, or because they're students living off of their parents' earnings. Who are you to say that a student trying to earn money for college, save up enough for a car or earn money for gas (alleviating the cost on the family) or a spouse adding to the family income does not deserve a pay increase? -Alexander
Raymond Carlberg, -Kyle Dhyne -Kaitlyn Markwart TIME
TO STEP BACK: I must agree with the editorial, but only because of the recent
drop in the stock market, and the suffering of the economy. Before this suffering,
I would have said yes to a rise in the minimum wage. That is because of the simple
fact that as one pours money into the pockets of the consumer, they provide money
to the supplier. This works in a healthy economy, but now you must step back.
-Dan Robinaugh GOOD LAW,
BAD TIME: In my opinion, the minimum-wage hike did come at a bad time, but
it was not a bad law. I still don't think that the minimum-wage hike is a bad thing. Just a good thing at a bad time. -Alex Gaunt TWENTY BUCKS TO SPARE: Your opinion on the topic of the minimum wage increase was very interesting to me considering I have the opposite view. I can't find a job near me that is even a few cents above minimum wage. Being a teenager, I find it funny how you think how much we make is irrelevant considering we live at home. Just because we don't "pay the bills" doesn't mean we don't need the money. Have you looked at tuition costs lately? Do you think you can afford $17,000 a year tuition while working a minimum wage job and going to school? Hardly possible. I'm a senior this year and I'm trying desperately to save as much money as I can for college. Going to school at the same time leaves me available to work only a few hours in a given week. After paying for gas, school lunches, and sporting events I'm left with maybe $20 to put into my savings. A person like myself can only benefit from the minimum-wage increase. Since children are our future, shouldn't we be thinking of the effects in the future as well? -Lindsay Mourand FUN TO WATCH: Bret Favre undoubtedly is one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. He shows great leadership and knows how to fire up his team. He also owns the record of the most touchdown passes in a season. In your article, you failed to say very many positive things about Mr. Favre. The Jets have won more games this season with Mr. Favre than last season with Chad Pennington, and frankly Mr. Favre makes the game way more fun to watch. -Kyle Baker WE MUST ADAPT: I am the American dream, and could never comprehend the desire of anyone to hinder someone else to have this opportunity (“Keep America’s Doors Open,” Opinion Page, September 2008). I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and my family was forced by economic downturn and extreme inflation to make the trip to the United States. This nation has given my family the opportunity to create a new life and become a successful part of suburban middle-class America. Our nation was founded on the very notion that if you made it here, you were allowed to take your stab at a prosperous future, and that is why I believe an isolationist stance is one of pure ignorance. The United States is no longer the only superpower, and in order to maintain our strength we must adapt. In 2042, the United States will no longer be made up of a majority Caucasian population, but rather one of Latinos, Asians and blacks. The inability of our society to change with the times will ultimately be the demise of our current status as the most prosperous nation in the world. We must act before the tides are turned against us. Eleven million illegal immigrants live in our nation and instead of having a harsh attitude towards their wealth of culture, we must roll out the welcome mat. I am a true believer in an acculturation process for the current illegal immigrants because they deserve as much as an opportunity as our nation's ancestors. Our new stance on immigration should not be based upon the creation of an impeding division of our nation from the rest of the world, but of one filled with aid in order to create stability in our neighbors. The exploitation of millions of Americans and future Americans is happening at this very moment and this should be an issue of national concern. We need to help countries such as Mexico to create a foundation for its people. We must help countries create environments that can sustain their people and not force them to leave everything behind and risk their lives to have a chance. The beauty of America is one's ability to make of it what he/she wants, and this needs to be spread around the world. The time of American superiority is over, and it is now time to join the world's countries on a level playing field. —Thomas Hendee AN OUTSIDE PERSPECTIVE: I used to be a big anti-immigration kind of person, until I read the article. It has opened my eyes to a new perspective. Though I still feel we need to be a little stricter on how many we allow in, I see in what ways America's openness helps our economy. I had never realized how many jobs they can create for us. As soon as I read the line "Because we're immigrants, we have seen firsthand what works here, and what does not work overseas," I realized how true the article is. Sometimes you need an outside perspective from someone who knows how to help and what can be done. Another bonus for our economy with immigrants is that they too have to pay taxes. They pay excise taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, and income tax, which all goes to the governments to help the economy in some way or another. So as my opinion stands currently, immigration can do a lot of good for America. Though there are some bads, the good can outweigh that. —Jacob Drumm A FRESH START: Although I do not like the idea that there are 12 million people living in the United States illegally, I do not think America should completely shut its door to immigrants. It’s not for no reason that America has an issue with a rise in immigrants. People are coming here because they can start fresh and provide a better life for their family. If we shut the door to immigrants, what would that say about us? With immigrants come new ideas and perspectives. With new ideas comes new business opportunities. With more businesses comes more money and jobs for everyone. Immigrants are a win-win situation. Not to mention, I cannot complain about immigrants because if my grandparents didn't travel to America, I wouldn't be here right now. —Mary Basel LONG-TERM EFFECTS: I was shocked when I read the article “Digging Deeper” (Personal Finance, September 2008). It was a real eye-opener to read about how many Americans are addicted to credit cards. When people need to charge things like food and gas that’s when you know that you have a problem. I don’t think Americans understand the long-term effects of charging so much on their credit cards. Very good article. I think that more Americans need to think about just how much their spending on their credit cards. —Julianna Connant BASED ON FACTS: I liked the article “Decisions, Decisions” (Cover Story, September 2008) because it gives people a chance to look at each candidate and make an opinion based on facts. Some of the stuff wasn’t too clear, and I think that’s cause I am just a teenager and I haven’t done research on either of the two. But the thing is, nobody looks at the candidates anymore. They just vote off what they hear from people at their work and school, which is usually dumb rumors. But articles like this one inform people of the opinions and beliefs of the candidates, so they can make more rational and accurate votes. —Dallas Preston Esparza PREVIEW OF LIFE: Though I have no experience in college yet, I do believe that college is certainly made up of small decisions that make you, you (“Your Uncle Is Right,” On Campus, September 2008). College is meant to be an experience, and over those four years, the decisions you make and how you set your priorities, can foreshadow the life you live in the future. The advice this young lady gives is helpful not only with college life, but everyday life as well. You shouldn’t be afraid to make bargains with yourself. It teaches you to be flexible and make the trade-off that is beneficial to you, whatever the opportunity cost may be. Use your decisions as motivation and limit your stress. As you make your decisions and prioritize, it can be so much easier just to set yourself up for success and make a plan that works for you. Remember what is important to you and know your limits. Every day you will have to make decisions and set priorities. It’s these little decisions and choices that establish your priorities. How you make them, choosing between right and wrong, and where these opportunities lead help you grow as a person, even if mistakes are made along the way. —Hannah L. White MORE THAN MEDALS: I have an enormous respect for all men and women who have served our country (“A Medal for Psychological Wounds?” Notebook, September 2008). They put their lives at stake in order to protect the American people and the freedoms that we are entitled to. As I have never been to war, I cannot even begin to imagine what these veterans have experienced while at war. I fully support the Purple Heart and its purpose in honoring those who have been injured in their line of duty. I feel it is important to recognize their courage and their willingness to protect this country. In that respect, I do not think that only a few should be rewarded with this medal. I would assume that every person who has returned from war is mentally wounded and scarred and forever will be. Who is to say how severe their mental wounds are? I should hope that every veteran who returns home is respected. We should be showing our appreciation for them every day, and not by just giving them a medal. All of these men and women deserve way more than just a medal, because they are the ones who have risked their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. —Kristen Michelle Tidwell ENOUGH DREAMING: As a nation, we are overcome by escapism (“Digging Deeper,” Personal Finance, September 2008). As consumers, we turn to credit to escape the worrisome idea of a having to live a cheaper lifestyle, the same way that some dreamers flee from unhappy situations through reverie. Our government does the same thing, borrowing money from other nations, trying to escape the reality that these debts will one day be due. The problem with this mentality is that ignoring the crises caused by finances will not make the debt go away. Unlike the dreamer, who may while away a few unpleasant hours, the consumers and the country have a deadline coming, and pretending that it doesn’t exist will not make it disappear. We need to put the nation’s economic system into gear, spending less as individuals and as a country. Only when the people of America have given up their dependence on credit will the government’s $9 trillion debt begin to decrease as well. —Eliza M. Houghton GOAL-SETTING: I really enjoyed the article about the NFL director of licensing, Richard Seidlitz (“Sports Fantasy,” Careers, September 2008). This article inspired me to go to a good college to get a good education. In the future I hope to get a high-income job in the NFL like the director of licensing. —James Gragg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
