We do not take lightly the topics discussed by those who choose to write letters to the editor in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times. The opinions expressed in those letters do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper, and we do not always agree with the opinions put forward. But we are often impressed with letter writers who feel so strongly about an issue that are willing to and courageous enough to link their name with their views—and we do require, as a newspaper policy, that the name of the author accompanies each letter in print so that contributors are held accountable for their statements.
It was just such a letter that we published in the July 21 issue of the Weekly-Times, signed by five Los Gatos sixth graders (we could only publish four of the names because one signer did not include his last name).
The youngsters took on a serious topic, the war in Iraq, and wrote an open letter to President George Bush requesting an end to the fighting and that all the troops be brought home—certainly not an unreasonable stance for a letter based on the current political climate.
Their position, naturally, is not a popular one in all circles, but they stated their points well, and they stood up for their convictions. We respect their courage, we were impressed by their presentation and we chose to publish their letter.
A week later, we received a letter criticizing the children for expressing their opinions. They were called "misguided" and the writer made the assumption that the students were manipulated in some way by their teacher and parents to make such statements.
The children had written, "We are a group of concerned sixth-graders. When we think about American troops in Iraq, we feel frightened, angry and sad. That's why we believe all American troops must return from Iraq immediately." Such emotions are not unreasonable, and are not necessarily limited to children.
Moe Soto wrote in response, "The letter ... reveals the lack of knowing the reality of the world by those students. Their teacher must be proud that his/her students lack enough information of current events to feel as they do."
He went on to write, "I do not blame them for being young and foolish. I blame the teacher and the parents who selectively believe what they want and pass their personal misguided views on to those children."
To disagree with the opinions of others and to debate the important issues facing us all is the very foundation of America. To discourage discourse and chastise others for having and voicing opinions, no matter their age, is everything America is not.
This group of elementary school students has every right to have and to voice an opinion in a public arena—such as a letters to the editor section of a newspaper—even if that opinion is directed at the President of the United States. To shoot them down, discourage their free voices, chips away at the freedoms that we all share.
