The current challenge to our democracy, the worsening of the economy, the consequence of ignoring climate change, the lack of support for education, the disregard for scientific research, the disdain for inclusivity are all issues that have taken root and are growing in this country.

I think daily about how they will play out for my five grandchildren, ages 11 and under.

I didn’t experience either the Great Depression or World War II, times when I know this country was tested to its limits.

I did experience the Vietnam War, a time of significant polarization. The protests then seemed to make a difference in eventually ending the war. Perhaps current protests will have some impact now in reversing some of these trends.

For the sake of my grandchildren, I can only hope that the future is not as dark as it presently looks.