I’m a big fan of your work and sympathetic to the angst you feel as an American and as a parent. I first became a father during George W.’s presidency and have continued as such through Obama and now Trump. Perspectives through political lenses are sharp and defined by how we vote to a large extent.

However, at no point did I feel that which party was in office influenced my life and my children’s lives on the most granular level. Not to be flip, but it wasn’t an influence any more than whether the reigning Super Bowl champs were a team we liked or despised.

No matter who was in office, it came down to appreciating what we had, seeking to do better for ourselves, and help anyone we could around us. Whether the economy is strong or there’s a deadly virus making the rounds. Barack Obama and George Bush can’t help me in the example I set for my kids, the teams I coach, or the conscientious way I strive to behave as a citizen and simply a fellow human.

I won’t blame or credit any politician for what my children have to endure or enjoy in their formative years. For me, it’s going to be family and fundamentals that will override any headlines or perceptions of the influence of world or thought leaders of our time.