While we baby boomers enjoy the attention, I find it amusing that so much of it is being paid to our loud music, drug use and sexual promiscuity ("Boomers truckin' into old age," Oct. 21).

The ensuing generations have far exceeded us in all of the above. We may have been the gateway generation, but most of us were observers in such folly, watching our own wilder kin on the likes of newscasts. I see our generation more in terms of political changers.

Yes, we collaborated with our pals more than previous generations. Yes, our musicians moved the masses through their worded art, prodding us on with their passions about peace and democracy.

But I would challenge the assertions that this generation is hard of hearing because of the music, or that we as a group are struggling with alcoholism or remnants of sexual diseases. What nonsense.

I would suggest that the perseverance we used to end a war, and to move the country forward using myriad of social, humanitarian and political actions -- could likely be the kind of leadership that is in such short supply today, both here in Minnesota and elsewhere.


GEORGIA HEISSERER, FALCON HEIGHTS