Teens: Write and be heard

How often do teens step up and write to a newspaper? I can guarantee that I'm one of the few that even reads more than the comics, at least in my school. Most of the people I know don't even watch the news. Don't they know that what's on the news affects us, too?

For everything that the government does, teens have another thing to watch out for. Every law that passes becomes a part of everyday life. Sooner or later, we'll be the ones who have to worry about who's in office.

The banks are foreclosing on entire families, but most teenagers are more afraid of their high score getting beat on a video game. Will the game still matter when they are out living on the street? I really doubt it.

I know some teens that have to get jobs so that won't happen. Some of my best friends can't even afford to pay for gas because they are helping with the bills. They know that news affects us, too.

So why don't we give our opinions? Are we afraid that no one will care? We are the future voters, so why shouldn't we matter? If we want things to change, then we need to speak up.

This is a call to arms for those of us that read the paper. It's time for the new generation to be heard. Problems affect us, too.

Brianna Hoyt

McHenry