I am a 14-year-old St. Francis High School student. I have some very disturbing issues to bring to your attention. First, is the problem that homeless people need to be paid more attention and there should be more relief programs for them too. Second, I think the drinking age should be lowered, because I think the responsibility level will go up.  Third, I think that gay rights is a major civil right issue. People can't help who they love and the government shouldn't...

            The first issue I think needs to be changed is the amount of attention paid to the homeless.  For example, I think that people in jail are given more attention and better treatment than the homeless people get; like they get three meals a day and a room to stay in. Though it may not be a dream to be there, it is bad if a homeless person would rather be in jail because they could get more and better treatment. When people in jail are supposed to be punished, they have cable and activities to do in there. I think we need more and better relief funds for homeless people in order to  help get them back on their feet and at least have a home to stay in.  To people who have money and take it for granted, I think they need to think about people who are less fortunate than them and help.  Please help the homeless situation in this country.

       The second issue I would like to be addressed is the legal drinking age.  If kids were actually allowed to drink, they wouldn’t be sneaking out so much. With me Being a teen, I have been a part of that and have seen it happen; kids will sneak out in the middle of the night and sneak back in time so they don’t get caught.  Now if that were changed, then they wouldn’t sneak out they could be honest with it and be more responsible. I think it will benefit us in the fact that there would be less drunk driving because teens could tell their parents and then they would have someone to drive them and they might not drink as much. 

    My third and final request is that gays are not looked down upon and they are treated equally and with the respect they deserve.  I think that gay marriages should be allowed in all states because you can’t help who you love. I don’t think that gays get the respect that everyone else does and I think that is a very big problem.  They are no different than all of us, except for the fact that they love the same gender. To all who disagree with this, think about the last time you said I love you to someone and really meant it. I am not a gay myself but i look down upon people who just don't understand.

    Those are three very important topics that I think need to be changed in our country. I  really hope you will consider them and  help make a difference for everyone. They  will never completely go away, but it is something that you can help make a difference on. I really appreciate you taking the time to read my letter and I hope you feel the same and help in any way that you can. I think changing these things will make more people comfortable in stepping outside into the world.