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SCMP Reporter

Money plays a big role in a family
 People often say, 'Money can't buy happiness, but we have nothing if we don't have money.' 
Everybody has a different attitude to money. For some, it takes second place to family and friends. For others, it is the only thing that counts.
For me, money is almost as important as my family. Money can buy most things. 
It would be a joy for parents if their children could contribute financially towards their retirement. Having worked hard for half of a century to make ends meet, they should be able to enjoy their lives without worrying about money.
As for children, they are crazy about toys, electronic games, going to theme parks and so on. Parents provide them with money to buy and do these things. 
Money is an important factor in family harmony. Poverty often results in domestic violence. In poor families, even trivial money problems can trigger off a big fight. When there is enough money, there are fewer disagreements. 
But we need to exercise restraint when it comes to money. Desire for money can turn people into gambling addicts or even criminals. 
As the saying goes, 'Happy is he who is content'. We should treasure everything we have, not grumble about what we do not have.
Mandy Lam, King Ling College
Make the health system accountable
 I am writing about the recent deaths of five patients caused by a tainted drug. It is unbelievable that such a thing could happen in Hong Kong. 
People rely on medicines provided by hospitals to cure their illnesses. 
It's hard to trust the hospital system anymore. 
In the past few months, there have been scandals involving public hospitals and the health department, such as the incident in which the dead body of a baby was lost. 
I can only guess that we  don't have a very efficient system for supervising health workers. 
The health department should be testing all drugs used in laboratories and hospitals. There should be stricter government control over  drugs.
Tracy Au, Yuen Long  Merchants Association Secondary School
Stick to principles
Sometimes we have to be peacemakers to deal with disputes and quarrels. But I don't think we should change our personalities for people just to please them. 
We need to stick to our principles. Without them, we are nobody - just what other people want us to be. 
Charles Chan, Heng Seng School of Commerce
DIY solutions to environmental woes
 The government actively promotes environmental protection, and our school does its part. 
But I don't think overall the government's policies are effective. 
The reason is many of these policies are not practical. 
For example, environmental groups' proposal to start charging for plastic bags is not really eco-friendly, not to mention that it has caused an outcry among the public.
People who pay for the bags will think they are justified in using them - and throwing them away. 
 I think the best thing to do is to do it ourselves. 
We can help the environment by starting at home. To save paper we can print on both sides of the paper. Better yet, work online and print as seldom as possible. We can bring our own eating utensils to school, and we can shop with our own bags.
Let's do what we can to save the planet. 
Rachel Wong, Good Hope School



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