It's troubling that so many adults, including Mary Mitchell and Rick Telander, feel that we need more sports programs to keep "Kids with nothing to do" from getting into trouble. For starters, they can stop trying to be like Mike or Derrick Rose and pick up a book. They can spend an afternoon in a library or a museum to learn how to read and write. They can start listening to their teachers, who just might get through to them that there is more to life than winning a game with a round ball. If none of that interests them, then maybe volunteering to hand out food packages for the needy will.

  We African-American adults have a moral responsibility to our youths to demand, not suggest, that they do right. We don't have to look fare for models of good behavior among America's youths. Chicago's black parents should look in the mirror and ask themselves: Why aren't there Asian-American "mobs" terrorizing people on downtown streets? Why do Asian kids manage to do well in our (public) schools and black kids don't? Why aren't jails and prisons filled with Asian kids? I'm convinced we know the answers.

Earl Smith, South Shore

   It seems like priorities of all families are so different.  Education has taken a back seat to many things and so has respect.  Some parents do not have a grade school education and are in the service industry, most of them put no value on school.  

   Others are kids raising kids, this causes a big mess because their priorities are askew.  I agree that picking up a book is much more important and the sports, music, dance and art only help more with expression, discipline and organization skills.  Both are needed, but the most imortant is the support of a parent, family member or mentor.  

   Kids need a strong adult, that cares about them to direct them, praise them and explain right from wrong.  Children respect those individuals that take time with them and show concern.  We just need to talk to children, not yell at them or call them names because we feel inferior.

   All races & nationalities are suffering the same problem, but to a different degree. Children at risk are just scared, so they lash out and they really feel unwanted, it's hard to have self esteem under these circumstances.  We all need to work & help each other.

Patty Fisher, East Side