Occupy Long Beach, Meet Sophie Johnson, 14

Editor's Note: I am sharing this with Belmont Shore readers, though it is from outside our neighborhood, because it's on the front page of HuffPo and I always enjoy reading good writing, but especially by children. I promised that this Patch would highlight positive kid stories, and this seems to qualify. I welcome all local positive stories about youth so please share them. And also share your views, pro or con, or photos of Occupy Long Beach or any of the 'Occupy' events.

"A little more than a month ago, I became a Bat Mitzvah. In Judaism, that means I am now an adult and have pledged to keep the traditions of my faith. And yet it was for those very reasons that I decided to spend Yom Kippur - the holiest day of the Jewish year - joining the protesters of Occupy L.A. instead of going to synagogue.

No, my parents weren't thrilled when I first brought up skipping services on this important holiday, but since my Mom marched on Washington for civil rights and against the Vietnam War, I think she at least understood where I was coming from. Also, my mother knows first-hand what it's like to lose her job in this recession. Yom Kippur is the day of atonement, a day where we reflect on how we could be better people and apologize to anyone who we may have hurt. I think it's time for the big corporations and banks in America to say they are sorry, too.... And it certainly is time for people to stop ignoring the pain of others....

I know kids at school who have had to move out of their homes. I know families who are starting to fall apart because of all the stress. Our schools have one fundraiser after another and people feel bad because they can't afford to give anymore. Our eighth grade class is collecting cans of food to help feed people. In my synagogue, we are also collecting food for food banks. The need is so great and people are just being squeezed too hard. It is time for the government to pitch in.

I believe that by joining the protesters, I am not just taking a stand, but I am fulfilling my role of being an adult. Only kids get to ignore problems...."

Find the rest at HuffingtonPost.com.