A warning to Generations Z and Alpha

I have a message for members of Generations Z and Alpha. In the aftermath of the events in Tennessee, you have received well-deserved praise for standing up for the causes you believe in. From Parkland to Nashville; from climate change, gun violence prevention, to the defense of democracy — you have shown your courage, energy, and principle. But as a member of the most hated generation right now, I must give you a warning.

Sixty years ago, people of my generation were the ones protesting. We were the ones marching for civil rights, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. We were the ones protesting the Vietnam War. We led boycotts, sit-ins, and walkouts. We condemned our elders for their indifference, greed, and reckless endangerment of our planet. We were attacked by racist mobs and police. Four of us were shot and killed at Kent State. But we persisted with the belief that our generation could save the world. We did achieve progress in expanding civil rights, ending a war, lowering the voting age, and achieving freedoms that, until recently, you’ve been able to enjoy.

But we made two fatal mistakes.

First, we thought we were done. When we passed the laws and got the Supreme Court rulings we wanted, we thought those rights would be secure forever. “Roe v Wade is settled law”? That aged like unrefrigerated milk. We didn’t pay attention…