What young people want to hear: a plan for the debt

http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/openforum/article/What-young-people-want-to-hear-a-bold-stance-on-3907472.php

The Millennial generation has thus far heard little from either presidential candidate that would lead us to believe our future is a top priority. Of course, President Obama and Mitt Romney still have a chance to change our minds during the upcoming debates. They can do so by providing young people an answer to the most pressing challenge we face - the overwhelming national debt.

At more than $16 trillion, the debt is a dark cloud hanging over our generation's hopes and dreams. If we don't immediately change course, our generation will face the prospect of an economy where businesses are too uncertain of their own futures to hire us, and homes will have interest rates so high we will never be able to afford them. 

We've heard both candidates talk about the great concern they have for their children and grandchildren, but neither of them have laid out policies that would do anything to substantively reduce the burden young people will face down the road.

The two candidates should take a bold stance at the debate, rejecting partisan bickering in favor of a collaborative approach that leaves all options open. Obama should tell Democrats that they must be open to reforming entitlements, and Romney should instruct Republicans that it's time to put revenue increases on the table as well. Attempts to blame the other side are nothing except a refusal to lead - more kicking the can down the road.