World | USA
Children have high hopes for US president
End war, forever. Make the planet greener. Please help my dad find work. Make it rain candy!
- AP
- Published: 23:34 February 16, 2009
- Image Credit: AP/kidthing, inc.
- Aaron Van Blerkom, 7, of Pasadena, California, holds up hisletter to US President Barack Obama. Van Blerkom is among 150 children whose "Dear Mr President" letters and drawings were collected in an e-book.
New York: End war, forever. Make the planet greener. Please help my dad find work. Make it rain candy!
Thousands of kids detailed their hopes and expectations for US President Barack Obama in letters and drawings as part of a worldwide project, with 150 chosen for a free e-book being released on Presidents Day.
Most had tall orders for the new guy in the White House.
Anthony Pape, 10, of Du Bois, Pennsylvania, offered: "I hope that we will have no war ever again. I mean why are we fighting why can't we all be friends."
Fellow 10-year-old Sasha Townsend of Soquel, California, had a similar request, and then some.
"I would appreciate it if you would try to make this a greener planet and try to bring home the troops and end the war," the fifth-grader wrote. "I am very luckey (sic) because I am not part of a military family, but it saddens me to hear about all the people who die in Iraque (sic) and know that somewhere In the world people are greiving (sic) over a lost family member."
Seven-year-old Aaron Van Blerkom's letter was simpler - but no less problematic. "Dear Mr Obama," the Pasadena, California, first-grader began, "Please Make it rain candy!"
The "Dear Mr President" project was a joint effort between the National Education Association and kidthing.com, which is putting out the book for use with its downloadable media player. A special hardcopy edition of the book will be sent to the White House for Obama, who has done wonders to bring the office of the presidency to life for young people.
Is this the best way to encourage the youth to be politically active? Can Obama mobilise the youth to produce better results? Share your thoughts with us below.
Your comments
POWER OF YOUTH
Media has in all forms being the best way of promoting anything whether negative or positive thoughts. But its sure now that the younger generations have felt the vibe of Obama's motto-"YES,WE CAN". Youth have realised Yes, WE CAN. Now we have to make it Yes,WE CAN AND DID WHAT WE CAN.
Ms.JAYA
Umm-Al-Quwain,United Arab Emirates
Posted: February 17, 2009, 11:06
News Editor's choice
-
6,000 cups and counting: Addicted to that tea
This cafeteria in Al Mamzar attracts thousands of customers daily, including the rich and not so rich
-
Swimming pool horror: Twins hospitalised
Twins rushed to hospital after collapsing from chlorine inhalation at swimming pool in their villa
-
Play your cards right with credit card interest
UAE Central Bank plans to cap interest rates, but are you paying thirty-five per cent now?
