An Open Letter to Parents

To the Moms and Dads of the world,

I know it can be very hard, very taxing, and very time-consuming to raise a child. Even though, you have to acknowledge the fact that they are your child. In other words, have some respect for them, don't forget about them or neglect them, and most of all, don't mistreat or abuse them. They're your child, and you have to care for them, appreciate them, and love them.

You and your child may not always be on the best terms. To help cope with this, you need to learn how to reconcile your differences. For this, you need to be calm and collected, and you shouldn't resort to screaming matches.

Another important thing: you shouldn't try to live your life through your child. This puts an unnecessary burden on them. Everyone has some regrets as to what they didn't do in the past, but we know we can't change the past. We should just move on.

Civic Duty: All People Should

In my opinion, one duty that all people should fulfill is to be quiet in theaters. It is so annoying to hear people talking about some random crap no one cares about. To me, it is especially annoying to hear babies and little kids crying during a movie. This is made worse when it's at a movie not meant for kids. Parents, it it necessary to bring your baby or toddler along to a PG-13 or an R-rated movie? Yes, it's okay to laugh or cry at the movie. It's okay to gasp or scream at a scary scene. I might even let the occasional "Get 'em, Batman!" slide. But please, for the love of God, don't engage in conversation during the movie. That's not why you go to the movies. You go to watch a movie. Simple as that. Just keep to yourself and enjoy it.

Is poverty a choice?

Poverty is something most people don't want to experience in their lives. Poverty carries a negative stigma with it: poor people are often portrayed as lazy, welfare-hogging moochers. If it is not a choice, it is portrayed as a hopeless situation, where nothingncan be done to change it. Even then, people may choose to be poor, if they are already poor, choose to not to do anything about it, or resign themselves to their fate. Those who choose to be poor may do it out of humility or due to their religion, like the followers of Buddha in Siddharta or monks. Others may choose poverty due to their refusal to work.