Editorials

In today’s society where the use of alcohol and drugs have become a rite of passage for youth ages thirteen and older, it is not uncommon to hear horror stories about teen substance abuse. The peer pressure to join in these activities is greater than ever. At friends’ homes, at parties, and even in the school parking lot, teens consistently compromise their conscience in order to fit in or to be popular. Yet, despite these unfortunate truths, there are still teenagers and young adults today who choose to hold on to their values, to not conform, and to avoid the use of alcohol or drugs. These young people are focused on pursuing their goals of education, athletics, career, etc. I am proud to be one of them.

(From CR Newsletter, August 2009)
As a child nothing thrilled me more than school being out for summer. Conversely nothing brought on more terror than the beginning of the school year. And so, August for me was a mix of the ecstasy of summer and the dread of a new school year just on the horizon. It was the bridge between heaven and hell.

The greatness of summer was the idea of being on vacation. It was the getting away from accountability and school work. Summer meant good times. As an adult I have learned a very valuable lesson about good times and that is that I need to enjoy them but at the same time be careful in them.

(This article was first published in the CR Newsletter, May 2009.)

I had never heard of Susan Boyle until a couple of days ago. I heard someone on a radio talk show speak about her spectacular singing performance on the British version of American Idol and decided to have a look. Watching her performance on YouTube sent a chill down my spine.



Before her singing began the crowd mocked her with feigned whistles of desire as this older woman (who they had deemed ugly and not star material based on her looks and common, simple, plain speech) greeted the crowd with her heavy Irish accent. Next were Simon's patronizing and condescending questions followed by the other judges following suit with obvious looks of disapproval at this Hunchback of Notre Dame type figure whose very presence embarrassed them. The entire crowd was against this woman and the disgust on there faces could not be hidden.