Recently I read the ­following in The Pilot: “Muslims supporting the building of this mosque are already abusing their ­freedom. This is the root of this problem” (Tom Snead, Aug. 20).

“I can only suspect that whoever was teaching the rising senior (Andrew Soboeiro) is a dedicated socialist. Common ownership indeed. And capitalism be damned” (Michael J. MacDonald, Aug. 20).

“I am constantly amazed at how the liberal/elite consistently know and ­dictate what is best for all of us who are either conservative or middle of the road. Just vote this liberal bunch out of office and go on watching Fox News and listening to Rush Limbaugh” (Sid Barnett, Aug. 25).

After reading the last of these letters, I read a commencement speech by Erica Goldson, an 18-year-old valedictorian of her high school class. Erica says, “We are all very special (socialists and capitalists) … so aren’t we all deserving of using our minds for innovation, rather than memorization, for ­creativity rather than futile activity, for rumination rather than stagnation? A tree can grow, but only if its roots are given a healthy foundation.”

Thank God for Andrew and Erica, the new generation leading us out of the ­forest of negativity, fearful finger-pointing and put-downs — moving us toward a civil exchange of all ideas, conservative and ­liberal. Respectful dialogue leads us to a consensus of our ­collective mind. I’m grateful that attacks on Muslims, Pinecrest High School and the liberal elite are being offset by a ­common decency modeled for us by our youth.

Chas Griffin

Seven Lakes