See, the truth is that the overwhelming majority of people in this country are open-minded and big-hearted.They are smart enough to see through that noise,and they are so hungry for voices that rise above it -- smart, compassionate, thoughtful voices like yours.Now, the process of democracy might not always be as fast or as smooth as we'd like. But the fact is, it works.Generation after generation, this country has become more equal, more inclusive, more fair, more free.My life and so many of your lives are a testament of that truth.But that has only happened because folks like all of you left their comfort zones and made their voices heard.Just look at the story of Oberlin College.The founders of this school didn't just decide to admit women and African American studentsand then pat themselves on the back and say "job well done."No, even in those early days, folks here at Oberlin were attending anti-slavery meetings,shivering on rough wooden benches in unheated, unfinished buildings.They were joining the Equal Suffrage League and speaking out for women's right to vote.They were leading civil rights marches and sit-ins, organizing exchange programs with historically black colleges and universities, and so much more.
