"Children Need Puppy Kisses, Not Beepers" by Krista Ramsey

Ramsey's column, Children Need Puppy Kisses, Not Beepers talks about children's early loss of innocence and their childhood.

http://enquirer.com/columns/ramsey/1998/12/loc_krista26.html

"Cool is fine for Olympic athletes, brain surgeons and pink lemonade, but children are surely meant to be warm." I loved this quote because it is incredibly true-children are meant to be happy and cheerful and full of joy and instead they are being given beepers instead of puppy dogs. The syntax is great with the comma after athletes but not after surgeons to leave impact for the warm children line. 

Ramsey's writing style is mocking and cynical but often humorous. She makes light of the situation but also brings the subject to light in the first place. She covers topics many people try to shove under the rug. 

"They are meant to be the freshest and boldest among us. Able to make fun out of nothing. Willing to try anything once. Unaffected by etiquette, appearance or status. Genuine. Pure-hearted. Whole."

-Children Need Puppy Kisses, Not Beepers (Uncomfortable subjects)

"You see it all the time. Your teenager at the dinner table, waiting for his checkup at the orthodontist's office, sauntering to his car- continually hunched over his smartphone or iPad. You can't help but worry what all that screen time is doing to his posture, social skills and grades. But more and more experts are wondering what it's doing to kids' vision." 
-For Better Vision, Kids Need Time Outdoors (Unthought of Subjects) 

"Manning is a Southern-bred gentleman whose classic suits match up nicely with his classy manners." 
-Super Bowl QBs Score Points for Great Style (Humor)

Questions:
1. What got you into writing in the first place? What was your first piece of writing? 
2. What impact do you think the tone of your writing has on readers?
3. What made you decide to become a columnist other than a normal writer?