Dear Citizens,

I am sure you saw the news of the Boston Marathon bombing last week and the manhunt and capture on Friday. You guys are old enough to know that sometimes people do bad things against our country and its people. Since we live in a free society, we’ll never be able to stop all bad things from happening. Our job as citizens is to strike a balance between freedom and security. We figure this out through discussion, debate, and politics. Sometimes that process is messy and frustrating, but it’s much, much better than the alternative.

Even though you’re only 5th graders, we need you to start thinking about these issues. Soon you will be the ones carrying on this important work of government by, of, and for the people.

Sincerely,

Mr. Heimbuck