Posted on 09/17/2001 3:16:15 PM PDT by watsonfellow
Local teens shrug off terror attacks
Many say they feel little loyalty as they can't rely on government
By Paul T. Rosynsky and Jane Rochmes STAFF WRITER
OAKLAND -- While much of America is uniting to fight the evils of terrorism, many East Bay high school students said Friday a war is not theirs to wage.
As hundreds gathered on the steps of City Hall Friday to remember those lost Tuesday during the dev astating terrorist attacks in New York City and the Pentagon, high school students came together in stead to talk of weekend plans and the latest gossip.
The wave of patriotism across the country hasn't reached many area teen-agers who questioned Friday the need to retaliate and vowed not to fight if called upon for duty.
With the terrorist attacks occur ring more than 3,000 miles away, teen-agers had trouble making a connection to the tragedies and a harder time finding a reason to care.
"It didn't happen in Oakland, it could have but it didn't, so I don't feel scared or nothing," said Hieu Le, 15, a student at Castlemont High School. "Why should I go fight in a war and die for nothing."
Similar feelings were echoed throughout the blacktop courtyard of McClymonds High School and corridors of Berkeley High.
Although many said they felt sym pathy for the victims and those who had lost loved ones, when it came to risking their own lives to fight for America, most said they would try to find a way out.
"I'm not risking my life for that, I love myself too much," said Amir Kellogg, 17, as he sat with friends during lunch. "If they came after me I would have to run."
Their lack of desire to defend freedom comes, they explained, from a lack of confidence in the government to help their own communities. Many blamed the U.S. relationship with the world as reasons for the attacks and said they don't want to help because they have not received help in the past.
"How are you going to defend a nation if that nation can't defend against things like homelessness," asked Jamaal Germaine, 15, a sophomore at McClymonds High School. "I'm not in a rush to help our country because our country is already messed up."
Students instead said any war waged by the country against ter rorist states of the world would only worsen the situation, setting off an infinite series of retalia tions.
"I think the United States deserves it," said Berkeley High senior Pat rick Rizzo. "It's pretty sad for the poor people, but the United States does the same thing. We're prob ably going to do the same thing after this. We're not going to send anybody into the country, we're just going to bomb them like they did us."
Added senior Phillip Chan: "I don't think that going and attacking a specific country is going to solve anything."
And with the only exposure to war coming through television high lights of the Persian Gulf War, teen-agers said they see no need to risk human life when the country can instead depend on technology to fight evil.
"If there is a war, it won't be a war like we're used to in the past," said Antwonn Smith, 17. "We got too many missiles to use. We're not even going to have to send people out there."
Jane Senemen is news editor of the Berkeley High School Yellow Jacket.
When I think about these people I just remember the line from the old Phil Collins tune..."If you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand...." I would not save their sorry hides if they begged me. They are utterly worthless "people".
I know students at our elementary school have brought food, blankets, etc for the relief effort. They are having a patriotic sing-along this week(parents invited). Our principal sent home a memo because the kids were discussing the "greatest attack since Pearl Harbour". Red, White, and Blue day was on Friday. We also have an assembly for veterans on Veteran's Day, every year. So don't let the spin get to you. Most of them know what's at stake, ;)
I'll bet they would fight for their Air Jordans or their future welfare checks though.
I sure wish this kid would realize that only in a democratic country could they say something like this about their country without risking being arrested, tortured, jailed, or even executed.
Idiot. Then again, it is the mission of the armed forces to protect our country so stupid people can say stupid things - one of the "gifts" of democracy, I guess...
I never thought I'd say this, but even Communists are better than these horrid, mindless, selfish brats. Many of our Red enemies have had the courage and commitment to fight and die for their convictions, misguided though they be.
I...uh...err...ah, forget it. It's not worth my breath.
By the way, why is a "legitimate" newspaper like the Alameda Times-Star giving over their news space to the rantings of a HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENT?
BTW: Isn't the Oakland, California school system where "Ebonics" originated?</font size>
Me too but with this punk's attitude, we should draft him to bin Lauden's army and he can stay there when he's done.
That's the problem out there - totally self absorbed about nothing to get excited over. Cowardly selfishness is the theme amongst out youth.
I have 3 kids, 19, 18 and 15. All, ALL, they and all their friends are willing to fight for Freedom. I am so glad I live in the Mid-west so my kids grew up with values and morals that made this country great.
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