Most children want cell phones or skinny jeans. Not iPods anymore, because “everyone” has one. They really should upgrade, or add something new.

They have just made a new iPod nano that has a video camera and picture access, but it hasn’t made a huge wave. Even though the commercial was cool and catchy.

When they made it less expensive no one bought it because, most people like to buy expensive stuff so they could show off. I think Apple should come up with a new device, something that will make kids want to go to the store and buy it.

Most kids don’t even touch their iPods after they get it. I happen to own one and I don’t really use it anymore. In fact, I haven’t even bothered to charge mine!

iPods used to be the coolest thing but that is no longer true.

by Alinda A., 5th Grade
Editorial Assistant / THE LION LEDGER

Senator Hillary Clinton started out as a candidate running for president. She lost to Senator Barack Obama who is now the President-elect. Now where is she? After she lost to Obama she helped him with running against Senator John McCain.

I think Clinton lost because she and Obama both had the same ideas of what they would do if they were chosen to be president, and by working hard Obama won. I was very inspired by Hillary Clinton because she would be the first woman to be president.

If President-elect Barack Obama chooses Clinton for secretary of state, she will work in the White House, but not as president. I think she should try again. This time she might actually win. I think Obama should have picked Clinton for vice president because she was a good candidate and is fit for that job.

I think Clinton needed a little more work before she could enter the White House as president. I still think she could be president. She has been the First Lady, she also knows what it takes to be a president since her husband was a president. I think she is an amazing woman.

by Ida S., 5th grade
Writer / CONTRIBUTOR

If I was President I would change a lot of things. I would have a list five things I’d want to take care of right away.

First, I would take all the soldiers in the Iraq war and give them five years of free things for fighting so hard for our country.

Second I would lower the gas prices 70 percent so people would not have to pay so much.

Third, I would not allow discrimination around the world.

Fourth I would let kids take a test and if they pass 60 percent they get to vote.

Fifth I would get better books and labs for public schools.

After my list of five things, I would feed the homeless and put them in a shelter. I would also provide more money to public schools so they can go on field trips. I would also provide money to private schools for better uniforms.

Then I would have a clothes drive for people who have no clothes. Also I would start programs how to keep kids and teens off the street, selling drugs.

I will lower taxes 25 percent. I would also start a convention that can help kids stay away from fast foods and get closer to vegetables.

Last but not least, I will not let you down. As President I would make you, the people, proud.

by Devohn Moore, 6th grade
Writer / CONTRIBUTOR

In the first presidential debate, Senator Barack Obama said, “We are in a very defining moment in our nation’s history. We are in two wars and in one of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression…”

“And you’re wondering, ‘How’s this going to affect me? How’s it going to affect my job? How’s it going to affect my house? How’s it going to affect my retirement plan? And how’s it going to affect my sending my children to college?”

The economy affects a lot of things. But how does it affect students?

One way the economy affects a student or child is the amount of their allowance. Number one, he or she gets cut on it. Or number two, he or she might not get it at all anymore. Another way it affects them is their college fund.

There are other ways to be affected in this drowning economy. At the top are adults. Their stocks aren’t worth much anymore. They may be losing their homes. Or worse, they may have lost a lot of money because the banks have closed down.

So what are the presidential candidates’ views on the economy?

Republican candidate Senator John McCain’s position is he’ll hold people accountable for their actions and reward people who succeed. And about how he warned about corporate greed.

I think that Senator McCain’s position is unclear to me. Maybe some other people think that too. And if I can’t understand his answer to the question, I most likely wouldn’t for him.

Democratic candidate Senator Obama’s position seems he wants to help the vulnerable people in this economy today. Like homeowners, people who are retiring, and families without a college fund for their children.

Senator Obama’s position is a little more clear, so I think I can understand what he means. Like a good Samaritan, Obama always wants to help the people who are in trouble. But he does not explain how he’ll do what he says.

I think both candidates need to explain what they are going to do to solve the problem with the economy. That would help people make a better decision when they vote.

If I could vote, I’d vote for Obama.

by Naomi Ashford, 6th grade
Staff Writer / THE LION LEDGER