Youths need to be able to work

To the editor:I would love to know why Cape Girardeau is so intent on finding employment for former criminals when there is an abundance of youths who have committed no crimes.

My 14-year-old son has his working papers, but with all the restrictions on what he can do, his prospects are limited. He doesn't have to work, but I encourage his enthusiasm and do whatever I can to help. But when he asks why former criminals get first priority, I can't answer.

My child is active and wants to be productive. It hurts me that his job opportunities are basically nil. I don't want to send him to summer school. I don't want him to go to the library to use the computer. I don't want him getting sunstroke mowing lawns. I don't want him baby-sitting someone else's children.

Cape is sending a mixed message: We don't care that our productive youths want to work. We only care about former criminals, who need jobs the most. So we will help you if you go to jail. What a joke. Ask the people who want to find jobs for former criminals versus helping our youths become more positive members of our society. Maybe we well all have an answer.

A 14-year-old can get working papers but can't do any real work until he is 16 or 17. Stop wasting trees to print working papers that do no good.

AUDRA L. HAYNES, Cape Girardeau