Wise Monkey News is here to provide young people an opportunity to discuss the issues that affect their lives. We hope that, through your participation, this website serves as a forum for the development, exchange, and expression of ideas that will prepare us to assume our positions as the leaders of tomorrow's world. Have something to say?

Defining the Environmental Goal

by: Meghan Molenda - printed on 01-23-2002

As I passed the curb and saw the rejected bins of recycling that sat in front of my house, I had to think for a moment about what it actually means for me to be an environmentalist.

I get the label all the time especially on trips back to my hometown, but it is one of those labels that has harsh connotations.

Most people are kind of weary using the word "environmentalist" because it has a particular stigma based on an entire set of beliefs, values, and political stances that go along with that word.

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Dear Chairman Arafat and Prime Minister Barak,

by: Hank Smith - printed on 11-03-2000

122 people dead…over 2,000 injured…three weeks. By the time achieve any peace whatsoever is robbing people of their hope. What is the point of haggling over minute details of resolutions that will never lead to permanent peace when, in the meantime, people are dying? You are, as U.S. Ambassador Martin Indyk put it, “condemned to live together.” Instead, you are dying together.

There are clear differences, even uninfringeable differences, between your two cultures.

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More than an attack on freedom and justice

by: Cailan MacPherson - printed on 09-26-2001

I’m worried more than I was a week ago. At first, it was good to see so much solidarity among the public and the federal government. Of course, this is to be expected in the aftermath of such a horrible act. The problem is that the most crucial elements of the democratic institution of the United States has been compromised by the very event that is supposedly allowing it to show its strength.

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Americans packin' heat

by: Jason Talbot - printed on 04-24-2002

Dear Uncle Sam: I am writing in regards to the war being fought against terrorism. My wish is for you, the federal government, to let me help protect our country from other acts of hatred. The protection I need may only be secured through armament. For this reason, each and every American citizen should be sent a gun through the mail as soon as possible. That's right, the American public needs to pack some heat.

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Binge drinking: The bridge to Alcoholism

by: Kelly Maggi - printed on 09-26-2001

I like to drink beer. I like the smell, taste, and texture of it; I like to go to bars and restaurants that serve it; and I like to be with friends when I drink it. I like to get a small buzz going sometimes. I am happy to say that this is the way I feel about beer, because I’m responsible when I drink it. I never get behind the wheel after drinking, I never drink alone, I drink in moderation, and there have been few instances in my life in which I have been drunk to the point of losing complete control of myself.

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Golden Rice Biotechnology: A controversial approach to improving nutrition in the developing world

by: Annie Senner - printed on 02-06-2002

The Golden Rice project recently celebrated its one-year anniversary at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banos, Philippines. Scientists, who received the seeds in January 2001, continue to spend countless hours in the lab working to advance the project through the required testing for widespread production. At the same time, critics are working equally as hard to discourage the public acceptance of this technology.

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