A Sister Responds

To the Editor:

This is in response to “Age Appropriate Issues” from Friday, February 4, written by Danielle Fredericks and also in response to “A Place For Everyone’s Opinion” written by Kelly A. Doherty.

Both Ms Doherty and Ms Frederick neglected to note that Cristian Montanez did not disregard Ms Bloxsom’s letter, but merely stated that it is perhaps in better interests to worry more about a lost generation of children. Ms Bloxsom is quite correct in her stance about animals — and for this I applaud her — but perhaps we as a society should focus on issues of relevance.

Ms Frederick also neglected to notice that Cristian Montanez did not disagree with the fact that the majority of women who get abortions are upper-middle class white women. He simply attempted to point out that in order to have an abortion, such women have to leave their large houses on neatly manicured lawns and go “slumming” in the inner city. Since most women who have abortions are predominantly upper-middle class, it would make more sense to have an abortion clinic in a wealthy town such as Newtown, wouldn’t it? I wonder why we haven’t any around here.

In addition, both Ms Doherty and Ms Fredericks assumed something, and we all need not be reminded of the familiar colloquialism about the word “assume.” You see, in his haste to raise awareness for the 47 million victims of abortion, my brother forgot to mention that he is only 13 years old. He attends eighth grade classes at Newtown Middle School — the very same school that Ms Bloxsom attends. Newtown High will be fortunate to have such an intelligent, well-thinking individual young person join our ranks this coming fall.

One would therefore have to conclude, Ms Fredericks, that neither my brother nor myself are “trying to make a young girl see the harsh realities of life” (better known as the harsh realities of death) but rather, trying to educate a misinformed peer. My brother and I are not adults —  I’m not even old enough to legally drive, being 15 years old myself.

As you yourself said, Ms Doherty, “There is a time and a place for everyone’s opinion,” and I encourage you to get your own platform next time — preferably amongst those in your own age bracket.

Sincerely,

Cassandra E. Montanez

14 Indian Hill Lane, Sandy Hook                           February 7, 2005