I read with interest the recent letter to the editor on Sept. 21, that warrants a reply.

The letter writer stated he was “appalled” by the audacity of this “young fellow” to shake him out of his comfortable slumber by expressing his political opinion.

This “young fellow” should be applauded for his interest and action in the political process regardless of his opinion. It is scarce, and great to see. The youth of today are our hope for the future and should be encouraged to take part in a process that will, more than certain, affect their destiny.

Maybe if the armies of today would be made up of retired men and women in their 60’s for example, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, (a Vietnam War draft dodger by the way), would have had a harder time deceiving these older folks with their fabricated self-serving reasons to start and go to an unprovoked war in Iraq. It was our youth who carried the burden of this senseless war and died in the thousands for it. That is “appalling” sir!

This “young fellow” along with his many peers has the opportunity and right to decide as much as possible their destinies. I am proud, encouraged in our democracy, and applaud this young person, as well as all our youth, for their participation in our political process.

Rick Bodlaender, Kirkland