1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

Responsibility, Who Has It and Who Doesn't and What That Means For The Nation

Teacher: Jill Davis

Big Springs High School, Newville, Pennsylvania

   1st Amy Eckman        2nd Kristen Renee Young  3rd Abbye Goodling 3rd Sharon Linsenbach

"A Nevada man sued a casino after he returned to its parking garage to retrieve his car after spending several hours drinking and using drugs at a party. Instead of going to his car, he jumped over a railing and plunged several stories to the street and was nearly killed.  The blame, he said, fell on the casino because they  (employees) should have stopped him."
Tate Kauffman, Big Spring High School, Newville, Pennsylvania

"A burglar, attempting to break into a house through a skylight was  injured when it collapsed under his weight.  He sued the skylight company-and won." 
Tate Kaufman, Big Spring High School, Newville, Pennsylvania

"The problem for shifting blame is very large, and it is due in part to the medical community creating mental disorders, and the justice system allowing mental disorders, and the justice system allowing mental disorders to remove responsibility from offenders.  I don't believe that abnormal DNA sequences can cause a person to make obscene phone calls, nor can a hormonal imbalance cause one to commit murder.  What is known as the "Medicalization of Morality" is teaching citizens that they don't have to be responsible." 
Allison Myers, Big Spring High School, Newville, Pennsylvania

"A Florida judge was caught stealing a VCR remote control from a store in Delray Beach, Florida.  The Supreme Court ordered Garrett off the bench.  Garrett appealed, claiming the decision constituted discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act.  He claims his disability was depression.  If depression is a disability, everyone on the face of the earth would have that disability.  We would no longer have to worry about parking in handicapped spaces because all parking spaces would be handicapped." 
Sara B. Sheaffer, Big Spring High School, Newville, Pennsylvania

 "The 'inherent reduction in victimism' is this: Victims, while they are innocent of their crimes, also have no self-control or will power.  They are mere creatures of instinct.  The thing that separates humans from animals is our ability to think and not rely on instinct.  When people realize that being a victim means that they have sunken to a beast-like state, they will soon begin to take responsibility.  I agree with Sykes because humans like to have control over their lives.  If we have an ounce of common sense, we will soon stop claiming victim-hood."  
Chris Klopp, Big Springs High School, Newville, Pennsylvania 

"Moral sensitivity cannot be taught by school teachers.  They [teachers] should continue to teach social studies."
Bill Hurley, Big Springs High School, Newville, Pennsylvania

"No, I don't think that the Scout Oath is irrelevant to kids of today.  There is one simple reason: there are still the 'good'  kids in today's society.  The sad truth, however, is confirmed by articles such as this one.  The media searches for tales of murder and deceit, because that is what makes good news.  Although, there are many 'good' kids out there, [they] never make the news.  It is sad, but making the Distinguished Honor Roll and staying out of trouble is not interesting. So, yes I feel that the concept of Scouts is still relevant, maybe not to everybody, maybe not to as many, but the 'good' kids [should] not be forgotten; they [should] be appreciated."
Abbye Goodling, big Springs High School, Newville, Pennsylvania

"I agree with Mr. Wilson. Young people today value self-expression more than self-control, because many times the opinions of kids are not heard.  Therefore, we spend triple the amount of time simply trying to voice our opinions, because we want to feel like they count for something.  This is often evident in families where kids try and tell their parents something, and for whatever reason may not be heard.  Instead of sitting down and trying to talk it over many teens will get angry and become irrational.  This could result in serious yelling matches, maybe fist fights, and in some cases kids might run away simply to get his or her parents' attention.  I do not feel, though, that this only involved young people.  Take for instance, some of the pro-life demonstrators.  It is acceptable to hold signs, rallies, or marches to express one's opinion, in fact it is the American way.  However, those people that use bombs to make their point clear have lost self-control somewhere along the line and are using violent methods of self-expression."  
Abbye Goodling, Big Springs High, Newville, Pennsylvania

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