While wars halfway across the globe might seem like a quarrel in a faraway country between people of whom we know nothing," we are all too aware that they can affect us significantly. Young people have a huge stake in the shape the world will take in the future, and we cannot afford to squander the goodwill of the international community, or engage in a reckless foreign policy that will affect our generation, or future generations.

War isn't the answer to all of our problems; we need to convince our leaders that war is but one tool of international diplomacy, and diplomacy and humanitarian and economic aid are too often neglected. Democracy cannot be spread by the sword, but it can be spread with the pen and the plowshare. Humanitarian relief, such as food and educational aid, in areas of strategic importance would go a long way towards creating good will for the United States. Force of example is far more potent than force of arms; we need to stop detaining without trial and stop hollowing out our Constitution.

We have to lead with moral rather than military force--because it is our young men and women who bear the brunt of war and future generations that will bear the costs, both monetarily and morally.

Questions? Comments? Have your own ideas on these issues? Let us know.