Letter to the Editor

Community must take a stand for its youth

Thursday, June 28, 2012

To the editor:

I would like to speak about the troubles that our youth are encountering in our fair city.

We have several church-based youth programs, and many other youth programs that all seem to say that they have the youth on their agenda. Now if there is so much support and activities for our kids, then why is there so much violence involving the very people we say were targeting?

I think its great that our city is getting known for coming together and cleaning the streets of Blytheville. But what if we put just a little more effort in helping our kids, by coming together and giving our kids more positive activities to do? Let's listen to what they have to say and compromise, and do what is best and safer for them.

Just the other day, two young men's lives were lost. One who died, and one who caused it. Now. I didn't know either of the young men. But I wanted to speak about the smiles and the conversations that were going on as this young man lay dying on the ground. It filled me with sadness, because I then had to realize the poor state of mind our teens have to see and deal with everyday. Sad, was all that came to mind.

I now can understand the spike of suicide attempts among the youth. After speaking with a group of the kids concerning this horrible event and explaining to them how this act has affected both families in a way that can never be repaired. That how the adults that were laughing or smiling and not helping should have not only felt despair and fear for their own children, but should have at least tried to assist the families of the young men. As I spoke to the group of teens, while listening, I found that they not only had very little remorse, but were very confused by many things in the way of life and living here in our city. They feel that the many youth programs are in competition with each other, rather than really caring about what's best or good for them. That the programs are targeting government funds, how much money they will get for a certain amount of attendance in their programs.

Instead of leaving them with the feeling of competition, let's show the youth of Blytheville that strength comes in numbers. And positive strength can make a powerful fist ... to fight only for them. Let's show some community camaraderie. Let's put our heads together and show the teens we care. Not just one church, not just one youth program -- let many, if not all, come with only their well being in mind.

The time is now. The place is Blytheville. I am a firm believer in "it takes a village." One can only imagine what kind of kids we could turn out if we, the driving forces of Blytheville, should come together and say enough is enough. We will make a stand for all the youths that need it, and too scared to do it for themselves. A change needs to come before we loose any more kids.

Patty Bell
Blytheville