If we invest time, we can do better for our children

Our kids are in crisis. So I applaud and support the Chicago Sun-Times' headline plea for solutions to the alarming youth violence gripping Chicago ["Stop the killing," April 22].

I believe that in the same communities most affected by this crisis, another, more hopeful picture can also be glimpsed. We are approaching the time of year when we see examples of promise as area youngsters graduate or complete another grade level at school. While these milestones are hard-earned through each young person's effort, they are made possible by the support these kids receive from caring adults, especially parents, grandparents and teachers. They are supported by churches. And they are helped by new Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis' community safety efforts and the new earlier curfew.

Sadly, parents, grandparents and teachers in many communities still struggle daily to help kids overcome a despair that is born of a scarcity of opportunity. The clouded vision that results leads too many young people toward failure in school or short-sighted choices like gangs and violence.

I know we can do better for our children. If more of us shared our time, resources and wisdom with young people, we could help them first imagine, and then anticipate lifetimes of achievement. We could help them turn their backs on gangs, guns and drugs. I am privileged to witness this transformation each day at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. Like the children whose tragic ends are chronicled in the news reports, the young people who live with us arrive despondent and burdened by dark and doubtful visions about their own futures. With the help of caring partners, staff and volunteers, Mercy Home fosters a culture of achievement among these young people and provides them with educational and vocational opportunity.

The success of these kids is supported by a true partnership that we enjoy between philanthropic giving, volunteer mentorship and a solid place for youth to stand.

Kids in crisis need leadership, structure and loving support. Kids in crisis need you.

I urge anyone who can give a little time to a child to please let recent headlines move them to do so.

Rev. Scott Donahue

president and CEO, Mercy Home for Boys & Girls

In Wednesday's entertainment section, there was a brief article about Tom Cruise's son, Connor, appearing in the movie "Seven Pounds." In your article, Connor is referred to as "Tom Cruise's adopted son." Unless you would also print "Tom Cruise's son, who was born via Cesearean section" or "Tom Cruise's son, who was conceived through in-vitro fertilization," it is not necessary and is in fact insulting to include the modifer "adopted" in the article. How Connor joined the family is only relevant if the subject pertains to adoption -- otherwise, Connor is simply Cruise's son.

Maureen Kelly, Evanston

During April, I've heard many people demand stricter gun laws because of the shootings of Chicago teenagers. Gun laws aren't the answer. In Chicago, no one, except police officers and aldermen, is allowed to own handguns. Chicago has a higher murder rate (number of murders per 100,000 people) than New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Phoenix and Miami. New York has more than twice as many people as Chicago, but, during four of the last six years, Chicago has had more murders. Chicago criminals go to other towns, buy guns and bring them to Chicago, knowing that the law-abiding people can't defend themselves.

When only one parent raises a child, it's harder to teach the kid good morals, especially since many single mothers work two or three jobs to make ends meet. When parents aren't with their kids, many of their teenagers become criminals. Government can't do much to change this. Each American should be more responsible and not conceive children until they're married. Single fathers should show they care more about their kids by paying child support and spending more time with their kids.

Phil Collins, North Chicago

So much for openness of county government with the edict from Todd the First that all future hires will be required to sign a pre-employment confidentially agreement ["Stroger swears his top aides to secrecy forever," April 24].

I guess whistleblower legislation is more smoke-blowing then whistleblowing on corruption and mismanagement. It is a shame that you can't trust your friends and family to keep their mouths shut on "trade secrets" in an allegedly open government agency.

John Culloton, Old Norwood Park

Could it be possible to fathom that Obama's lack of popularity among middle class whites has nothing to do with his race? His fleeting popularity has more to do with his lack of experience coupled with his very far left views.

Believe it or not, we are capable of seeing past skin color and looking at what a candidate stands for, his voting record as well as the people he associates with. Those qualities are what most of us judge candidates on, and those are some of the reasons that he is not winning our support.

Jason Waldron, Naperville