In 2006, President George W. Bush came to Fargo for a town hall meeting. Those who wished to attend but showed an opinion contrary to that of the president -- including high school students -- were barred from the meeting.

Now fast-forward to President Obama's New Hampshire town hall forum on Tuesday. The president asks those with an opinion contrary to his to please raise their hand so that he can answer their questions.

I guess change has come.

J. TODD EMBURY, RAMSEY