Charity begins at home

Charity begins at home
EDITOR:
The recent outpouring of aid for the victims of the tsunamis was very uplifting. It is good to see so many people willing to help strangers who are hit by a huge disaster. But what about the old adage that charity begins at home?
A few weeks ago a local organization that quietly goes about the business of helping area people with very little fanfare or media attention suffered a huge disaster of it's own. I refer to the fire at St. Vincent De Paul Society. I have seen no collection jars or cans at local businesses and no sign of school classes or other groups organizing fund raisers for this fine group of volunteers who help the unfortunate 365 days a year right here at home.
It seems that another old adage (the squeaky wheel gets the grease) applies here. I commend anyone who helps out anyone who needs help and don't begrudge the aid given to people anywhere, but I also feel that more could be done at home.
You don't need the electronic or print media to print out good causes for you to support. You can look around your own neighborhood or check with local churches or charities like St. Vincent De Paul to ascertain their needs. You may not gain much media attention and the politicians won't gain any points, but it is personally satisfying to the person whose only desire is to help someone.
Remember another adage: Charity is it's own reward.
ROBERT J. HUSTED
New Springfield
Is 16 old enough to drive?
EDITOR:
I am a sophomore at Jackson-Milton High School. Many of my friends have just gotten their licenses and will not be affected if the law regarding the minimum driving age changes to 18 years of age. I will also not be affected being a 15-year- old myself, but my younger friends will. I have heard many different views on this subject, and the majority of the people who gave these views believe the law should not be changed. Many people believe that 16-year-olds are mature enough to be out on the road on their own. I disagree with them.
I believe teenagers only 16 years of age with only six months of driving experience and only 40 required hours, are definitely not prepared enough to be out on the road by themselves. Most 16-year-olds are capable and responsible enough to be driving on their own, but we all know how peer pressure has an effect on teenagers. It can make the most cautious and careful drivers speed, race, or even drink and drive. Everyday I hear my peers talking about how they were racing each other down the road, going over 80 mph on a road where the speed limit is 45, but when they are driving by themselves they drive safely and obey the laws.
I have also heard parents saying that it would be very inconvenient if their children couldn't drive because then they would have to haul them everywhere. It is just sad that parents consider their children an inconvenience and find driving their children places to be a burden.
Lastly, the question that has been asked the most, is "How will we be able to get to college?" Many colleges, including those here in Ohio, do not allow freshman to park in the student parking lot. Even if a teenager does go to a college where he or she can drive as a freshman, they will most likely be 18 by the time school starts, the majority of graduating students are 18 or will be 18 that summer and very few students will have to wait till September or after to get their license.
I understand that the reasoning for changing the driving age to 18 is because of the few immature and irresponsible teenage drivers and that this is unfair to those teenagers who are mature enough to take on this responsibility. But these reckless drivers are making it dangerous for the safe teenage drivers to be on the road, and I believe that until 16-year-olds can prove to be responsible enough to keep the roads safe for other drivers, the law must be changed.
KRISTA KIRALY
North Jackson