I spoke with Ed Reich, who sounded very happy. He speaks to his son, Bob ’68, almost every day. Isn’t that great, since Bob is in California and Ed is in Florida.

I spoke with Irv Sager and we both agree we have a dysfunctional government. In 1783, when the Constitutional Convention convened, it was a different world run by men, no women. Only men were appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court; they were lucky if they lived past 60 and a lifetime appointment made some sense. In this new age many are on the bench who are in their mid-80s and beyond. It’s just one small illustration of how it makes sense now to rethink the constitution to adapt to this new world.

An institution such as Dartmouth should host a Dartmouth convention in Hanover and invite leading academics and scientists—no politicians—to convene and draw up a new constitution. Their employers will continue to pay them and welcome them back when their task is completed. Hanover would be the perfect setting, secluded but with world-class facilities.

Ask yourselves if this is the world you would want your children and grandchildren growing up in or if you would rather they grew up in an environment that gives them a greater opportunity to live to their full potential. In conclusion, burdening future generations with the unbearable student loan debt is an abomination. Previous generations provided free or low-cost educations for their children. We should be ashamed.

Ed Reich, Irv Sager, Bert Jacobs and yours truly are moving ahead. Come join us.

—Edward Gerson, 2400 Mariposa West 3A, Laguna Woods, CA 92653; (949) 829-8400; ejgerson@webtv.net