As a teenager I am suppose to be worrying about my popularity, grades, boys and which girls I need to worry about stealing my boyfriend. I need to be focused on what outfit I will wear tomorrow and when was the last time I wore it. I need to wonder if I will be invited to the next school dance. Think about changing my hairstyle and how to finally clear my face up!
How things have changed! As I lie awake at night and hear aircraft flying over, I use to think how lucky those passengers were to be flying to fun exotic places. Now when I hear the sound of a plane I look up and say "God be with you". The stars no longer look as friendly as they once did. The moon no longer shines as bright and the darkness is scarier than ever before! Uncertainty looms about the world and the word freedom takes on a new meaning. My heart aches and my stomach hurts and I'm guessing its not from growing pains.
We have all witnessed
violent demonstrations in other countries that have left us feeling
insecure. We see the burning of the American flag and shake our
heads wondering WHY? Television has brought brutality into our
homes. The EVIL one appears as if he were victorious!
John Paul the II is quoted as saying the following: "War
should belong to the tragic past, to history: it should find no
place on humanity's agenda for the future." Haveloc Ellis
sums it up this way: "There is nothing that was, or has ever
been, achieved that we could not better achieve without it."
These quotes at one time made me feel safe and secure, but as
always it appears history is once again repeating itself.
I have always viewed Americans as peaceful people. Yes, we fight amongst ourselves but there is more love shown to our neighbors of all ethic groups than any other country. I often ask myself, how does war or terrorism settle anything? Growing up as a child I was often taught to respect others and never to fight. As a teen it appears that there is fighting all around me and I will admit it is very unsettling.
President Bush has asked for our patience. He has also asked that we be courageous and strong. I question this when so much suffering has been inflicted upon us from the EVIL one! How can we, as teens feel strong when we are all entering into the unknown. Military involvement is not something we communicate about. Up until now the only thing we know about war is what we have read in our history books or what our parents have shared with us. I guess the old saying holds true, this will be one hard lesson to learn.
ALL I'M ASKING
FOR IS 
I think about how helpless
I feel and how desperately I want to help! Then it dawns on me!
I recall hearing something on the news about a request for all
children around the world to contribute $1.00 towards America's
Fund For Afghan Children. The money is to be sent to the White
House. This money will be applied towards food and medicine for
the Afghan children.
What a great idea! Kids helping Kids! We can now be part of this
horrific history but by being an American we can show our unity
and strength by showing kindness to those in need. There should
be no discrimination against any child, we did NOT ask for this
war but certainly understand the importance to guarding us against
what President Bush refers to as the EVIL ONE! Therefore I will
be sending my dollar immediately and encourage you to do the same.
Just because we are kids does not mean we can't fight for what
we believe in and show our colors through helping others. As kids
we can speak volumes and hopefully one day take pride in knowing
that our world is safe because of us! I realize that our generation
will someday be faced with tough military choices and maybe its
time to put the make-up away and start focusing on AMERICA!
Ty has shown their
support by offering America the bear, Rescue and Courage the dogs.
The proceeds from this bear will support the Red Cross.The proceeds
from the dogs will support The New York Police and Fire Widow's
and Children's Fund.
Many manufacturers have offered similar gestures, all part of
rebuilding New York, the Pentagon and being proud to be an American.
Recently in school I was given the task of reciting and memorizing the Constitution of The United States. Because we all view and interpret things differently I have composed my own version. This is not to say that our Constitution was not written well but as a teen my slang makes it easier for me to relate too and understand.
The Constitution of
the United States of America
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect
union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide
for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure
the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain
and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Now for my version:
We the people - Meaning
ALL American's that includes kids!
Form a perfect union - Live life peacefully amongst ourselves
and all over the world.
Establish justice - STOP the violence but make those pay who are
responsible for violent acts.
Insure domestic tranquility - Give Peace a chance.
Provide for the common defense - Stay alert and ready at all times.
Promote the general welfare - Give to others as we are doing with
food drops in Afghanistan.
Secure blessing of liberty - ALWAYS be proud to be an American.
