As I enter into my ninth decade, I can be grateful for many things. I have seen extraordinary advancements in human rights, health care, science and industry. There are, of course, always setbacks along the way; as the saying goes: “two steps forward, one step back,” but always forward.

Optimistically, I always expected this trend would continue for following generations, but now I have serious reservations. For the first time in my good life, I cannot expect continued advancement as a given. Typically, those with “better angels” have been in the majority ensuring often uneven, but eventual, progress.

However, now the majority of voters — though extremely slim — have chosen regression, and what is most saddening is that many observers have said “this is who we are.” I may not see it, but I sincerely hope that declaration is disproven.

Dwight Kennedy Sr.

Hollidaysburg