Creativity Corner

Wildwood School

Culver City

Is it a good idea to have the Olympics in China?

No way. China may be economically strong, but it doesn't allow freedom in Tibet and other Chinese towns. The Chinese government does not allow human rights. Many of the rights taken for granted by American citizens, such as freedom of the press and speech, are denied the people of China. They have curfews. Military police patrol with German shepherds. The air pollution is another reason not to have the Olympics in China. Many athletes will probably drop out because of this. Haile Gebrselassie, the great runner, and Justine Henin, the tennis star, already have. There is something we can do about this. Write to our government and tell them we want to boycott the Opening Ceremonies at the Olympics. Not only do we need to keep our athletes safe, but more to the point, we need to lodge a protest in the name of democracy.

Slavery

By Linda, 10

Loara Elementary

Anaheim

You whipped my back sore every day, hoping slavery would last. It's devil's work, I should say, with a wicked spell done cast. You cared nothing if I were dead or alive, as long as you had your slaves. My feet would hurt, my hands would ache, but there was nothing you would do. Oh, when can freedom finally ring? You have the right to sell me like I'm a piece of food. You have the right to torture me like I'm nothing. You'd make my people weep and think we're a disgrace. One day, I'll find where freedom lies and sing for liberty.

Kids, send us your poems, stories and drawings. See "How to Write to Us."