Young people of today…I was once like you, in youth alone, a long time ago. I lived in the moment. I caroused in the day when my mother thought I was in school. I caroused in the night when my mother thought I was at the movies…or bowling…or playing putt putt.

Young people of today…I was never like you. It never crossed my mind that someone might bring a gun to school and shoot up the place. A knife? Maybe. A gun? Never. Incomprehensible.

Young people of today…I was never like you. I never had your courage. I was spoiled. I complained a lot…about how lame school was…about how bogus the weed was…that I didn’t have enough designer jeans.

Young people of today…I was never like you. I singled out people who weren’t like me. I harassed gay people because I thought it was fun. I wasn’t kind.

Young people of today…I am proud of you. My daughters are you. I am glad, relieved, that–if the Lord is willing–you are our future. Given the chance, I believe you will make things better.

Young people of today…I ask of you one thing: “Remember your Lord God in the days of your youth.”

Young people of today…think of these days and the changes you made. VOTE.