Readers respond to our story (4/12/18) about an increase in youth suicides in Spokane County:
Sean Patrick: People need to learn to be more open minded and accepting. Less judgmental. Let kids express themselves and be weird.
Mackenzie Driscoll: Too many AP classes, sports, band, and homework on top of underlying depression (which I didn't even recognize at the time) lead me to years of self doubt and eventually suicidal behavior. I feel like I lost my adolescence to the pressure of school and untreated mental health problems. I will never get those years back. For some kids it may be bullying. For some it may be something else. Every kid who dies by suicide is an individual with his own issues, but we cannot use that as an excuse to ignore the growing mental health problems in kids that aren't being addressed. The answer to suicide prevention is much more complex than people think.
Stephanie R Ferguson-French: With multiple kids in middle and high school, and actually listening to them, here is a real list of indicators: Social pressure, family problems, major body issues and being shamed for it, pressure to succeed (not from the parents, but from the schools) and a hopelessness born of being too aware of world events and politics. ♦
Readers respond to our blog (4/12/18) about Young Democrats wanting Joey Gibson, founder of Patriot Prayer, to be charged for extra security at his events (even though that's probably unconstitutional):
Steve Faust: Young Democrats should really start understanding that what's good for the goose is good for the gander. City could just as well charge the annual LGBT parade, or March for Science or Women's March. Not a good idea.
Susan Peterson: Absolutely it should be at the speakers expense! Why wouldn't it be? Duh?
Robert Fairfax: How about letting speakers talk without causing riots? You do remember the first amendment right?
Jim Almy: A normal police contingent should be on the taxpayers just like it is for any other event; anything beyond that should be paid by the event or person.
Chris Dutton: There has to be some cost shared by whoever is making money by bringing them to town. Worked into the appearance contract and the permits for the venue and such. ♦
