I enjoyed reading Edgar Allen Beem’s recent reflections on his grandchildren and his faith in their generation’s talents to create a better world. I take issue though with his characterization of all “boomers” being responsible for the sorry state of the country and the world today. I know many boomers, my husband and I included, who worked hard, played by the rules, were engaged citizens and involved parents and in general, tried to live lives of integrity.

Did the boomers who have been in leadership positions over the last 40 years let us all down in many ways? I believe they certainly did. I’m guessing most of us thought we could trust those elected to public office to do the right thing and put the public welfare above their own short-term personal and/or political gains. There are signs that many of us have learned that trust was unwarranted. Hopefully it’s not too late.

Mary Ann Larson
Portland