I am a senior at Flowery Branch High School. In my economics class, we go over current events from the newspaper daily. Usually in the articles, people write about our youth and how we are going downhill. I honestly don't accept that.

Think about it; older generations always worry about the youth, and it will always be that way. I believe it is just a way for the finger to get pointed away from them. I am not saying that today's youth are perfect by no means, but honestly, are we the worst? We didn't spread AIDS and other horrible diseases. I believe that was the generations before us.

Drugs? Well we didn't make using drugs a craze; that was also generations before us. Of course, there will always be problems and youth may contribute to some of them.

Take a look around; there are bad adults, too. The governor of New York was a prime example. It is not just the youth. I believe you cannot judge by the generation, judge by the person. There are still good people with good morals, and that is who will run this great country, not the criminals.

My message to the older generations is that it will be OK. We will mature and help this nation prosper, just as you have done.

Colton Smith
Flowery Branch

Days gone by offered more contentment
Whatever happened to days when ...

A person's character meant something.

A lie was a lie, not a gray area.

A handshake was a person's bond.

You knew your neighbor.

You trusted your neighbor.

You could go on vacation and not lock your house.

Your children could play out under the stars and you would not worry.

A family was a dad and mom and children knew the difference.

A teacher disciplined your child and you did, too!

Children had a few toys and were happy, as opposed to now; they have everything and are not happy.

Children stayed home during week and did their homework. They went out on weekends and parents actually knew where they were.

People said "yes sir" or "yes ma'am." That is called respect.

Real food was soup beans, corn bread, stewed cabbage and a cold glass of milk. If prices continue to rise in the grocery stores, we can always revert back to real food, which is better anyway.

People could trust someone's word (not now).

All utilities were local, and you could understand people on the phone. Now you talk to someone from another planet.

Fifty centers would buy you a gallon of gas and you could ride around all evening.

Yes, progress has come, but are we better off?

Elaine Peck
Gainesville