In response to Ken Wicks, Jr”s letter, printed on Thursday March 22. Mr. Wicks, when you say that the children of America should just stand back and watch this country fall, you are not only taking away their voice, but also their independence.
These protesting children that you speak of, will one day run this nation. Granted, maybe they don”t know everything about politics, and they are not old enough to vote so, to you, their opinion does not matter. However, one day, they will be voters, or soldiers, or politicians. Let them do what they can now and stop repressing their voice. Children will one day rule this nation. Better to have them learn what they can now, instead of walking blindly into office like our current president.
You said it yourself “Whatever happened to practicing the old adage: Children should be seen and not heard?” There is a key word there: Old … Times are changing, this country is changing. Women are no longer stuck in the kitchen, and children are no longer quiet little trophies fit to sit back quietly and watch.
As a mother, I was most excited when my child said his first word. I would never think to quiet that beautiful voice, no matter what the content of speech. If my child grows into an underage protester, well, all the better I say. Better to let him learn his own way instead of listening to, and practicing old-fashioned views. I was once an underage protester myself. And though my voice didn”t count at the polls, I slept better knowing that I did what I could to make myself heard.
Now, as an adult, and a voter, I support our country. I am proud to be American, I can”t say that I support everything that happens here but I still do what I can to be heard. If you don”t want to listen to the minority vote exercise their rights as Americans to free speech, then I suggest you stick to what you know and keep yourself out of it.
I don”t think that Rosa Parks was worried about her political affiliation (or lack thereof) when she took a seat at the front of the bus, but look what her action created. Just because people can”t vote, doesn”t mean they don”t matter. They have a right to free speech just like you. Remember: United we stand, divided we fall. Instead of quieting voices, let them ring true and help our nation grow.
Amy N. Collins
Lakeport
