I am trying to figure out how I can become a refugee. I could live in a $1,000 apartment for a pittance, get medical coupons and food stamps, have a big-screen TV and drive a new car. I could wear a lot of gold and dress the babies in the latest of fashion.

I could complain about your holidays and make you take down all of your trimmings and you would have to say, "merry Anything" and "Happy Whatever."

But I don't think I would enjoy it. Because if I went somewhere else I would have to leave behind favorite people and the Highline Teen Parent Program.

I would not be able to take some young mothers to the food banks or to the D.S.H.S. office so they could ask for help.

Some of the services the Highline Teen Program offered were curtailed due to a budget cut. But did you know that the Highline area has more teen mothers who elected to keep their babies than any other area in the state?

Most of these young mothers are proud to be American and I know some who could hardly wait to vote. They believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, and although things are not easy for them they can still look to the staff that are left at the Teen Parent Program.

It seems to me we should take care of our own and reject those who find fault with us and our ways!

Come to think of it, I will just keep venting and driving.

Boots Dempsey

Burien