The Good, The Bad, The Scary

The Good:

Mom didn't take my car. She got here ultra late (for her) and seemed to be in a really good mood. That's how I know she's been good at taking her medication lately. So YAY! Also, today I will be going to vote.

The Bad:

I didn't vote early. I should have. Now I have to leave math class early to make it in time. She's mean when people leave early. She makes fun of them after they leave. I will be failing that class anyway. For the second time. Math is totally not my forte.

The Scary:

We'll have a new president soon. Not that the current one has done such a spankin' job. But I am so scared for the country. No matter who gets elected, I cannot see anything EXTRA wonderful coming from either of them.

Have a great day, America. And please go vote. It matters. It counts. You'll feel good about yourself. You'll get a cool sticker.

*Lacey Jane*

"In the late 1950's, most Cubans thought that Cuba needed a change, and they were right.


So, when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least receptive.


When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, everyone followed. When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said, "Praise the lord.
" And, when the young leader said, "I will be for change and I 'll bring you change," everyone yelled, "Viva Fidel!"

But nobody asked about the change.


So...

By the time the executioner's guns went silent, the people's guns had been taken away.


By the time everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed.


By the time everyone received his or her free education, it was worth nothing.


By the time the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now working for him.


By the time the change was finally implemented, Cuba had been knocked down a couple of notches to a third-world status.


By the time the change was over, more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts, and inner tubes.


You can call those who made it ashore to anywhere else in the world, the most fortunate Cubans.


And, now I 'm back to the beginning of my story. I hope that you will pay attention.


Luckily, we would never in America, fall for a young leader who promised change without asking, "What change? How will you carry it out? What will it cost America?"

Would we?"

-- Manuel Alvarez, Jr.