I am intrigued by Morgan White’s letter to the editor, Sept. 16, 2009, accusing President Obama of being politically motivated in his speech to classroom students.

Regardless of his motivation, I would like to know what is wrong with his message to school children to stay in school, study hard and make something of themselves?

In Louisiana the graduation rate for all high school students is 67 percent, while in Mississippi it is a dismal 61 percent. According to the author of the letter, urging all students to stay in school, get an education, get a good job and become a taxpayer are “ideas and lifestyles not necessarily shared by most older conservative Americans.”

If these are not the life choices promoted by older conservative Americans, pray tell me, what do you want young people to do with their teen years?

The Alliance of Excellent Education states “Individuals who fail to earn a high school diploma are generally less healthy and die earlier, are more likely to become parents when very young … and are more likely to need social welfare assistance. Their children are more likely to become high school dropouts themselves in a possibly endless cycle of poverty.”

Judging by the writer’s well-written, clearly phrased and concise letter, he is the beneficiary of a superior education. Does he want to deprive the younger generation of similar advantages? Or is it only the centrist and liberal influences which should be removed from our schools, daily life, politics and government?

In our democracy the majority rules with the consent of the minority.

This is an eye-opening concept that we would do well to remember.

As an unabashed liberal I had difficulties swallowing George W. Bush’s election, but it was necessary because he was the President, and I respect the office of the presidency.

President Obama won a decisive victory last November.

I would ask the conservative populace to extend the same courtesy to our duly elected President.

Heida E. Hicks

Natchez resident