What has been one of the biggest explanations for those who oppose President Obama's budget? They don't want to pass down the debt to their children.

From this, it seems these people are thinking only about the welfare of the next generation. The problem is, my generation, the one that will inherit all of this, doesn't buy it.

We are the most highly educated generation in history, the most connected generation in history, and one of the most politically and socially active groups of young people in recent memory. This is good for the country. It means a smarter electorate, better governance -- a better system.

Of this generation (under 30 years old), over two-thirds voted for Obama. If the general vote was a landslide, the youth vote was an avalanche. Yet, when my generation speaks, we seem to be drowned out by the same old naysayers, relying on the same tactics that brought us to where we see ourselves ... inheriting a monstrous set of problems.

The reason Obama won the youth vote in such high numbers is because he understands our goals. We know that climate change is occurring, and we are anxious to start working on clean energy. We know that America's role in the world must change, and we are happy to see less "cowboy rhetoric."

We recognize the major shortfalls of our health care, transportation and education systems (not to mention our financial system!), and are eager to transform them to serve us better.

We have an opportunity to clean up this pile of problems, and we know we cannot wait any longer. Unfortunately, they won't just go away without expense. But, to those who fear handing down a large debt: We choose that debt over our other inheritance.

Adam Lindquist

Southern Pines