This was originally an essay for an English class I have, but a couple of my peers believed that I should make it a public issue. The essay was written as follows: This is not necessarily an essay but more or less a plea to help change the present so we can have a brighter future. Bermuda's future is very bleak. The youth of today are being restricted to such limits that we are being forced to become rebellious. First of all why would Government turn around and legalise a drug that's been illegal for almost 100 years. Most of Government's problems with today's youth are drug related. Also if you're going to legalise marijuana, why not legalise crack, cocaine, heroine and other illegal substances? Almost everyone knows that marijuana is the gateway to other drugs.

It's bad enough that 60 percent of Bermuda's youth, under the age of 17, are smoking marijuana. If Government legalises marijuana they won't get the impact that the youth will, the reason being that the main people using this drug will be our youth, your future leaders of tomorrow. Also if government decides to legalise marijuana, then all the youth groups like PRIDE will be in vain.

They are out there constantly encouraging young people to have fun with out getting high. I think it's good that Bermuda's youth can be exposed to drug free fun. I think that if parents support this more and more we would have less and less problems.

Speaking of youth groups, why should there be an 8 p.m. curfew on transportation? I understand that Government is trying to reduce accidents, but one thing you can't do is stop them from happening. Accidents or road fatalities can happen during the day as well. What government doesn't realise is that by making an 8 o'clock curfew for 16 year-old cyclists, people will be speeding to get home. Speed is the biggest factor in road fatalities. Like I mentioned earlier we, the youth of Bermuda, are being restricted to such limits, we are being forced to be rebellious. Doesn't Government know that by raising the standards to become a cyclist in Bermuda is going to anger the upcoming youth. There are already underaged riders on the road. At least three out of every five kids have or are riding under age. Imagine what the factor will be if you raise the standards.

Don't get me wrong, I am not disagreeing with Government's attempts to decrease Bermuda's road fatalities. In fact in any other instance I would strongly support them. But Government does not realise they are taking away their youth's freedom. Sixteen isn't so sweet when you don't have anything to show for it. I believe I've given you enough to ponder for a while. Just think about your future before you change some of your present laws. Think about the freedom you may be taking away from the unsuspecting youth. You always say to us "You are the leaders of tomorrow'', and I ask you "What kind of leaders will you have tomorrow if you constantly change today?'' RAMIKA LAMBE CedarBridge Academy Student YOUNG OBSERVER YO