Thanks to David Adler for the excellent article, “Ode to the Prep Class of 2014.”

I echo David’s challenge to the class of 2014 to accept his challenge for their generation to make America a better nation. We are living at a time in history when there is a lack of innovative leadership and a citizenry deficient in civic literacy. Along with Mr. Adler I encourage you, the class of 2014, to accept present and future challenges as an obligation.

Even though you are graduates, continue to dream and learn through civil dialogue grounded on reasoned discussion and debate. Use the knowledge you have obtained from the dialogue as you become involved in your community. Study the issues, learn about the needs, participate and make a difference. Don’t rule out getting involved politically. Prove to our present generation that you can do better. Don’t sit on the sidelines while a very small percentage of the citizenry make the decisions that govern all of us. The percentage of citizens who are qualified or could register to be qualified who do not vote is shameful. I challenge you to embrace voting, not as a privilege, but as a responsibility.

Mr. Adler said, “The moral courage to improve our state, our nation, and our world is a rare but essential quality.” We are believing in you, the class of 2014, to be those rare individuals who will make a difference.

While I am not taking a position on Eric Snowden, he made the following remark, “Sometimes you have to violate that which is legally wrong to do that which is morally right.”

For those who are looking for a program that will challenge you and teach you how to be the moral leaders of tomorrow contact: www.letsreachamerica.org, phone: (208) 966-4434.

RON VIESELMEYER

Coeur d’Alene