Writing Our Future

Amy Italiano Valley Stream North High School

The writers from this middle class suburban school are all twelfth graders. Because this is a presidential election year, participation in the project is part of this year's English IV curriculum.

Yay For Gay! by Diana D.

Imagine not being able to marry and share vows with the person you love? It may be hard to imagine but many individuals are denied these rights because of certain laws that prohibit gay marriage. Our country needs to re-evaluate their standard and realize that our country is becoming more modern. People need to accept the fact that homosexuals do not harm anyone. If there not harming anyone why limit their abilities. Hopefully the world will some day recognize every sexual orientation and treat each one equal.

Issues: Love, Gay Marriage
Troops in Iraq: Not supplied? by Robert B.

An inside look at the hardships a family endures as a loved one fights in this unnecessary war.

Issues: Iraq, Supplies, Family
To Ban or Not to Ban by Teddy L

Do you want to be protected?

Issues: Gun Ban, Teddyl
The Woman`s right by Danielle N

Should the right to a abortion be up to the government or to the mother?

Issues:
The War on Drugs is Useless by Kelly H.

The main focus of my essay is how the United States drug poilcy is flawed. My essay explores options to make the drug policy more effective and up to date.

The Failed War by Shahriar R

The war in Iraq costs the American taxpayers billions a day and with an already struggling economy at home, it seems pointless for America to continue a this war.

The Energy Future of The United States by Joseph A

How can we safeguard our energy future? How can we become independent of foreign nations? We must fix our energy policies.

The Un invited Guest! by Valerie S.

Immigrants have been entering our Country for many years illegally. Not only does has it caused our country to be over populated but it has made a serious affect on America. Do you enjoy the uninvited guest in your company?

Socializing Social Security by Nicholas S.

Giving the social security program to the government increases the power of the government over the individual. Once the system is in the hands of the government, they can do anything they want with it.

Issues: Social Security
My mother decided not to kill me by Sharon E

Should you be forced to continue in an unplanned pregnancy? The choice should be yours.

Issues: Roe Vs Wade
Murderers: let them them live? Or should a their lives be taken in place of those they took? by Kieran M

Capital Punishment the only way to cut the murder count, like the way they cut their victims. Punishment of extreme measures must be put upon those who commit murder. Killing without reason and killing for pleasure can not be tolerated any longer.

Love is Universal, Don't Deny It by Kerri C.

How would you feel if you were told who you can and cannot love? Love something that should not be denied. So stop being so close minded and let's get these PEOPLE their rights.

Life or Death? by Susan O.

How would you like it if someone did not give you a chance? Life is way too valuable to be just thrown away.

Keep Our Rights by Kara M.

Abortion, a well known issue, has greatly affected women's rights. We need to stick together and keep our right.

Issues: Abortion
Iraq, Enough is Enough by Robbi e.A

The U.S has been in Iraq for about 5 years. Our own soldiers have been killed as well as many Iraqi people. By moving out of Iraq the U.S can save countless lives as well as money that we are spending on the military there.

Heath Care or Tax Cuts? by Michael M.

What do you prefer? Health care for all or a cut in taxes?

Gun Policy And Crime by Andrew T.

Changes can and should be made on the issue of gun policy and crime. The changes made can have an effect on society drastically and can maybe save hard earned tax payer dollars. With the new president's support and help, changes can be made on this issue.

Issues: Gun, Crime, Policy
Gun Control by Michael C

The problem with gun contol policy is there are too many loopholes, and the process to obtain firearms is not strict enough.

Gun and Drug Policy by Matthew D

Both presidential candidates views and my opinions on gun and drug policy

Issues: Gun, Policy, Drug
Gas Prices/Energy by Joey T

I find it outrageous that we cannot find a way to lower the prices or find a new way to make energy. Even thought the United States needs money from the war, I still believe we should lower gas prices because it’s hurting the economy and the people. We can also try to come up with a new way of producing gas for a cheaper price. For instance, bio-fuels, coal, carbon and/or nuclear power.

Foreign Dependence or Domestic Energy Production? by Michael R

Today, our nation is very dependent on oil from foreign nations. Something has to be done to resolve this dependency..."the more our country depends on a foreign nation's oil, the more that provider nation can manipulate us." Both candidates plan to create more domestic energy thus less dependency and lower fuel prices.

Issues: Energy Mc Cain
Energy...Where's the change?! by Jaime T

Becoming dependent on other countries to power our own, is that really the American way? If we have the potential to fuel ourselves, why haven't we yet?

Issues: Energy, Environment, Oil
Energy in the United States by TJ L.

The United States should use alternative forms of energy and stop depending on foreign oil. We should also conserve energy as much as possible to protect the environment.

Issues: Energy
Ending Lives or Saving Them? by Isabella C.

If you believe that every human deserves the right to life, don't you deserve the right to a life free from poverty, neglect and hardships?

Education is the Sliver Bullet by Zainah Z

What is education? Why is it important? Education helps a society have a healthy environment, become advanced in technology, and helps students differentiate the right from wrong.

Issues: Education, Schools
Economic Recovery by Zeid Z.

Is Bush to blame for the bad economy and what should be done to fix it?

Ease up on drugs by Mary V.

Medical Marijuana is looked down upon by most people in society. Decide for yourself if there is actually anything wrong with it or if the government is pushing more propaganda for their control.

Don't Touch Roe v. Wade! by Meaghan P.

One controversial topic in this year's election is abortion. Abortion has it pros and cons, but in the end the decision is up to you.

Issues: Pro Choice, Abortion
Death to Capital Punishment by Alex A.

The death penalty should be abolished for most, or even all crimes in the United States.

Back to the Great Depression? Hopefully NOT! by Alex O

The economy is in desperate need of change. I have created a plan that I believe will work; it is a combination of Senator Obama and Senator McCain's plans along with some of my ideas. We will avoid another Great Depression with this great plan!

Abortion: The Right to Choose by Matthew C.

The right to have an abortion has always sparked heated debates in the United States. How do you stand on the issue?

Abortion: Don't Give Up by Helen C.                      

Aren't you happy for all the sacrifices that your parents have made for you? Life is all about making sacrifices to help others and taking responsibility for your actions. In this piece you are encouraged to support pro-life and stop the practice of abortions.

Issues:
A Womens Right? by James B

Abortion is a woman's right which they should be able to freely exercise.

A Simple Answer to a Simple Problem by Thomas M.

Men shouldn't have the right do decide on the legality of abortion. On the side of stem cell research, there's no reason why it shouldn't be legal. Come on in and find out why!

A Gun Showdown by Matt P

As the family member of the victim of a violent crime, I ask, what are you going to do to deter gun violence? I feel that it is the job of the president to put a end to this issue and to keep guns out of unlicensed owners.