Regarding Logan Ecclestone's letter on Sept. 20, the senior in high school who is looking forward to serving his country. First, thank you, Logan, for taking the time to write a thoughtful letter to the paper. In a most important way, you're already "serving your country" by participating in the dialogue in the democracy.

Your desire to join the Marines and serve in combat is all too understandable, but to me your vision needs to expand and take in more of the world than what can be seen through a gun sight. In fact, that's what you're supposed to be doing at this stage of your life, expanding your knowledge and experience, and learning how the world works. There are countless possibilities after high school for you to serve your country, and even serve people no matter where they live.

Your views seemed a bit selfish when I first read your letter, worrying that the war might end before you got a chance to participate. But you're a young man and it sounded like your heart was in the right place. I just don't think you need a 10-year war in a land most Americans can't even find on a map to prove you're serving your country.

GENE WEISSKOPF, Richland