OK, Boomer.

OK, BOOMER

Olalla Center just closed in Toledo, Oregon. It was the ONLY day therapy option for kids who live in Lincoln County and need help to cope with disabilities like autism. The Center also provided support for kids facing all sorts of other challenges. But, for those children needing developmental or behavioral therapy, the next closest center is in Corvallis, OR. That is 50 miles away from Newport and 74 miles from Lincoln City, the two biggest towns in Lincoln County.

Hard to see this happen. The Center was founded in 1978 by my contemporaries. Many good social programs were founded by folks who were drawn to the Peace Corp and social justice movements. I hate watching them disappear - or be destroyed outright. It is no coincidence this is happening now. The extreme right has only ever had disdain for the vulnerable and contempt for those who are moved to help. Some even rationalize their cruelty by arguing that empathy is sinful.

It is so hard for an old woman like me to keep this new-fangled slang straight, but is now the right time to say, "OK, Boomer"?

The current administration seems determined to erase many good things like civil rights for disenfranchised people, fair housing, clean rivers, and reproductive rights. You could say, "Coming cuts to Medicaid would have ended the Olalla Center anyway." True. Funding for Olalla had been gradually whittled away over the years despite the good it was doing. But, the effect of these cuts will be massive. Many in need will be hurt, many programs that enable them to survive will be erased. This isn’t theoretical for any of us. The cuts will hurt many people I love.

At least I can say that I didn't vote for him.

Is now the right time go say it?

P.S. And then I read David Brooks’ editorial today in the NYT. Wish I could write like that:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/29/opinion/trump-vance-morality.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Lk8.Y5tM.Mh3znqT5D4K1&smid=url-share