LETTERS: CAPE TEENS NEED CENTER

To the editor:

Weed, cocaine, meth, acid, alcohol and other drugs are the scenes teens see on the streets of Cape Girardeau. As a teen, I and others are put into situations almost on a daily basis to do drugs. Just about every place we try to go for enjoyment, there are drugs staring us in the face.

If Cape would spend more of its precious time on teens -- the people and politicians of the future -- by building us a center where we can to and get off the streets, maybe we would have a safe place to go.

There are many complaints and stories in the media about young people who are setting back progress in their lives by doing drugs or being arrested for them. Once again, I think a teen center would help with this problem. But I know it would not be a total solution.

A teen center should include a game room with pool tables, arcade games, pingpong tables and a few card tables. A dance room should be included too. It should have a nice dance floor, lights and a sound system. For educational purposes, a few rooms should be made for tutoring and help with homework or even counseling. A gym, where we could play many different types of sports, would be appropriate.

With all the drugs on the streets, a teen center is almost an essential need to the future of the town.

DENISE DUNN, Student

Alternative Education Center

Cape Girardeau