Ethnically Speaking by Larry Meeks

Dear Larry: Someone gave me a copy of your column about the child who needs to have her teeth fixed because they are decayed. I live in a small town, and my child's teeth are not the best. I think you must be talking about me.

First of all, there are two sides to every story. Yes, my child's teeth are rotten, but they are not all her permanent teeth. I have tried to get her to take better care of her teeth, but her father keeps giving her food with a lot of sugar.

We are not people with much money, and there are many things we need. The letter stated that we asked for help to get some new furniture and a car. This is not as it seems. Our home is a complete wreck. We have a box for a table, and the chairs are held together with tape. The couch is torn, and we have a sheet covering the holes. The house is so bad our daughter will not invite or allow any of her school friends to come over. Better furniture would allow her to have friends.

Yes, we asked for help to get a better car. This car would allow me to get around. I could get a better job. I have lost two jobs because I was late to or missed work because the car would not work.

I am in a situation in which these things are more important than my child's teeth. This man and his wife want to help my daughter with her teeth, and I am grateful. However, I believe if he really wanted to do something that would make our lives a lot easier, he could.

Larry, before you criticize, you need to know the whole story. — K.L.

Dear K.L.: You are right; one needs to know the whole story.

Now that I know, I still believe your daughter's teeth should come first. This man and his wife were moved by your daughter's need. They earmarked their money for dental care, and you are obligated to carry out their wishes.

You always have the option of showing them your home situation, and if they are touched, they may contribute to that need.

Your letter caused a lot of reactions, and every letter shares my opinion. Read on for other opinions:

From Rubin: If I were the rich people who gave money for the child's teeth and the parents were trying to use the money for something else, I would take my money back.

From Teacher: I see a lot of children in my classes who need dental care. They have a lot of problems with the loss of self-esteem. Other children poke fun at them, and the poor little ones withdraw, and their scholastic achievement suffers. I agree with you; fix the child's teeth, even if the mother must walk.

From B.D.: There are so many needs in the world, and all needs never could be fulfilled. I believe doing what is best for our health must come at the top of the list. Material things come and go. When one has lost his health, nothing else matters.

From Mary: I grew up with poor teeth, and by the time I was in high school, all my teeth were pulled, and I was in dentures. I asked my mother when I became grown why she did not take me to the dentist. She told me other things were more important. What can be more important than the needs of your child? I am older than 50, and I never have forgiven my mother for her selfish behavior.

To find out more about Larry G. Meeks and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.