It was a good run, wasn’t it? Until just recently, we were considered the leaders of the free world.

Our economy was the envy of all nations.

Our universities were favored by domestic and international students alike.

Opportunities were, for the most part, unbounded. Beneficial research was encouraged and nourished. Our generosity, aid, and support for oppressed peoples and nations was unquestioned.

But now, because of an election by less than half of the overall potential electorate, we have a leader who’s afflicted by a rare psychopathy which presents a total lack of empathy and conscience; and these traits are resulting in disastrous consequences that may never be overcome.

I wish we, among the living, had missed this collapse and had only positive memories of our honorable, though sometimes flawed, pursuit of democracy.

But apparently such is not to be, and our greatest regret is to pass on this failure to our beloved family, friends, allies, and future generations. Please forgive us.

Dwight Kennedy Sr.

Hollidaysburg