Hot Off the Hot Topic Press
Hey guys! This is a reminder for you all to vote on this month’s “Hot Topic.” We were a little late in putting it up on the website, and we need to make sure we gets lots of response as soon as possible!
The article, as you’ve probably seen in the June issue of OWL, is all about sailing. (Seriously!) Here’s the quick rundown:
Laura Dekker (pictured above) is a 14-year-old from the Netherlands who wants to set off this summer to become the youngest person to sail around the world solo. But the courts in her home country don’t think that she, or anyone her age, is up to the task. Last October, a judge ruled that Laura must put her plans on hold until July, at which time the court will take another look at the case.
It’s a tough call. One of the OWL readers who debated the issue in OWL thinks she deserved the opportunity because she’s got a goal and has trained hard to achieve it. The other reader in the debate, however, thinks the trip is something she should save for when she’s older.
What do you think? Click here to go vote!
Craig, owlblog@owlkids.com
P.S. While we were a little late in getting the June “Hot Topic” poll up on our website, we didn’t get the May poll to work at all. I’ve added that poll to the blog, and I would love it if you all could make sure to vote on that one, too!
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I think Laura Dekker should get to do it.
Here’s a coincidence:
We got this two-page text at the beginning the year called “Est-elle trop jeune?” (for those of you who don’t understand French, that means “Is she too young?”)
It was about the debate on what Laura Dekker wants to do. Isn’t it a coincidence that it’s in OWL, too?
Really, Katie(the author)? That’s wild! I’ve heard from teachers who’ve used OWL “Hot Topic” articles in their classroom, but I’ve never heard of it happening the other way around. What a coincidence!
I think she should get to go. It’ll be safer if she has stops unlike the one record holder.
Here is why I don’t think she should do it:
1. She is only 14. Us teenagers can make some pretty stupid decisions that at the time, we think are fine until something goes wrong and a you get punished. That is what I think will happen to Laura.
2. Her parents are still her legal gurdians so it is their call and they seem to be saying no.
3. If something happens to her at sea, and maybe she dies, her parents are going to feel very guilty.
Yeah, Craig. It’s so cool!
I was really surprissed to see the same thing I had read about months ago in OWL!
I think Laura should do it. She has the competence/skill for it and knows what she is doing. It is something she really wants to do. She will succeed and will be proud of this record for the rest of her life. Also, this is obviously something she has thought about for a while, so she’s probably got a good plan.
Did you guys hear about that 16 year old girl who is ironicaly sailing around the world and id LOST AT SEA!!!??? My point proven on why teens shouldnt sail solo!
I did read that, Marissa. The good news is she’s been found and she’s safe! But it definitely makes you think twice about whether the courts should allow Laura Dekker to embark on her voyage — if a 16-year-old can have so much trouble in rough waters, what about a 14-year-old?
It’s only one example, and it’s not the majority. It’s the minority. The majority made it out fine with no problems. I think Laura would be alright.
Ya but still, she had to be rescued. I think if that happens to Laura, she will feel really dissapointed. I am thinking the same as Craig, Laura is 2 years younger so she wud probably be more vulnerable.
Her Parents did NOT Raise her good