In the shadow of political strife, 96-year-old Rosa Maria Juarez of Montebello reflects on the current state of the nation with a mix of despair and resilience.
Juarez, who has always kept up with the news, has now adopted a strategy to cope with the overwhelming nature of contemporary events.
“I don’t want to watch it now,” she said. “I don’t want to feel depressed … instead of happy, the way I am when I wake up.”
This sentiment echoes a broader sense of unease echoed by many seniors across the country.
Despite her desire to retreat from the news cycle, Juarez remains active, frequently driving to the Pico Rivera Senior Center for exercise classes and outdoor walks.
Yet even with her efforts to shield herself from negativity, Juarez cannot completely escape the disheartening political discourse, including President Trump’s recent provocative comments about detaining U.S. citizens and deporting them to foreign prisons.
“We’re a country that’s going down, like the Titanic,” she said. “I hope not, but what can we do?”
When reaching out to others of her age, a pervasive feeling of disillusionment dominates the conversations.
Bernard Parks Sr., a former LAPD chief and city councilman, shared his disbelief, stating, “I never thought in my lifetime I’d see a person with 34 felonies be elected president. The world is upside down.”
Conversely, some supporters view Trump’s tumultuous leadership as a necessary disruption.
Norman Eagle of Palos Verdes Estates expressed optimism, asserting that despite potential chaos brought by tariffs and the fear of recession, the changes are ultimately beneficial for America.
“I am extremely happy that the country is now headed in the right direction,” said Eagle, who believes in Trump’s commitment to eradicate wasteful spending and corruption.
He further added, “Another important hope I have is that the insane woke ideology and extreme progressive thinking will completely disappear from the American scene and return home to Mars, where it likely originated.”
In a similar vein, La Cañada resident Trent Sanders acknowledged some positive moves from Trump but cautioned that they are happening too quickly and without sufficient consideration.
Among detractors, the response is far more critical.
Estela Lopez, director of a downtown L.A. business improvement district, voiced her embarrassment for the country, lamenting the harmful impacts of government job cuts and the dismantling of essential protections for public health and safety.
“The runway ahead of me may be shorter than the one behind me,” she said, emphasizing the dire need for intelligence and informed decision-making in the face of adversity.
Jane Demian of Eagle Rock expressed her dismay over the perceived constitutional crisis the country faces, lamenting the attacks on foundational democratic principles.
Jeffrey Mulqueen from Seal Beach warned of the slippery slope toward fascism, noting the patterns emerging under the Trump administration that foster societal fear and misinformation.
Ernest Salomon, nearly 90 and a survivor of the Holocaust, drew parallels between Trump’s regime and the prelude to Hitler’s rise, highlighting the themes of fear, racism, and lies.
“Democracy,” he concluded, “is in peril.”
Jairo Angulo from West L.A. expressed concern for future generations, criticizing the complacency among those who did not participate in the recent elections.
“Selfishness, apathy and greed has propelled us to this point in time,” lamented Nick Patsaouras of Tarzana, echoing Plato’s warning about the consequences of indifference in public affairs.
For Alice Lynn of Pacific Palisades, the current political climate overshadowed her reflections on aging, filling her with a sense of hopelessness as she observes her hard-fought ideals being unraveled.
Meg Fairless from Simi Valley shared her hopes for a better future for her newborn grandchild, emphasizing the necessity of respect and compromise in rebuilding a safer society.
In their twilight years, Juarez and others like her remain dedicated to making a difference in their communities.
Juarez, for her part, engages with marginalized individuals she encounters, acknowledging that even small efforts can create connections and foster positivity.
Denny Freidenrich of Laguna Beach has rallied his friends to form the ‘Grandpa Brigade,’ aimed at preserving the rule of law and ensuring a legacy of freedom for future generations.
As political tensions rise and the country becomes increasingly polarized, demonstrations have marked a growing resistance.
Recent protests, including a significant gathering in Los Angeles attended by prominent figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have drawn tens of thousands eager to voice their opposition.
However, observers note that while these rallies highlight frustrations with current leadership, a clear and actionable plan for change remains elusive.
“What’s the best way forward?” remains a poignant question posed not just to seniors but to the younger generations who will inherit this political landscape.
As Juarez and her peers navigate their twilight years amid a chaotic political backdrop, their voices resonate, offering reflections on resilience, hope, and the need for action in uncertain times.
With concerns for democracy, the future of social programs, and the welfare of younger generations in mind, these seniors advocate for connection, engagement, and a united front against the challenges that lie ahead.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-19/in-their-golden-years-this-is-not-the-country-they-expected-to-be-living-in-so-what-now
