For most of my life while I knew we had not achieved the ideals of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, it felt like we were making progress, moving in the direction of righting some wrongs, creating a more equal society, advancing science for the good of all.

        I have had several vocations in my life: working journalist covering government for a free press, being a research assistant in a premiere genetics lab at university, owning a business that helped attorneys prepare for trial in our justice system, and being part of an institution providing livable homes for seniors, like myself.

        Yet, foundational science is being challenged like never before. Constraints are being placed on the free press. The rule of law is being ignored. The prosperity quotient is askew.

        While I recognize the significance of a 250th Anniversary of 1776, my heart is very heavy. There is so much to be done to keep our freedoms guaranteed by our U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Being informed is a sober responsibility. Acting with knowledge is critical. Voting, so far, is still the most powerful option we have of protecting our rights and creating change so desperately needed.

        I encourage everyone to be diligent in parsing fact from fiction, knowing our rights, protecting them, and voting accordingly. November 2026 is not just another election. It is our future.