Leadership lacking from generation

In 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and Nazism threatened civilization as we know it. What would become known as America's greatest generation courageously stepped forward, rallied behind their government, and vanquished a monstrous enemy.

In 2016, America was attacked again. A diabolical enemy using 21st century weapons, launched an assault on our political system, and used advanced cyber weaponry attempting to manipulate public opinion and the outcome of elections. Evidence of this is overwhelming.

Vladimir Putin, the architect of this assault, has made himself dictator for life, murdered political opponents, murdered members of the press, invaded his neighbors, and made cyber war on our allies. He has become one of the richest men in the world through collusion with Russian organized crime.

Unlike 1941, Americans have not stepped forward to defend our cherished institutions electing to wage partisan wars on each other. Partisanship has replaced patriotism blinding many to the danger. Sadly, our President recently congratulated the Russian tyrant on his victory in a farcical election reminiscent of those held in banana republics.

This generation of leaders and citizens have failed to protect our children from threats both foreign and domestic. While foreign despots tamper with our elections, children are slaughtered in our schools. Thank goodness our younger generations seem to have the courage and common sense so lacking in the current one. As they protest and become politically active in the face of these threats, perhaps they have the right stuff to truly make America great again.

WILL RICHARDSON, Jackson