I grew up believing that the most serious threats require the most powerful resistance. Consequently, I read Stephen J. Lyons’ Chicago Tribune op-ed (Aug. 22, Page A4) with grave disappointment. Mr. Lyons declared that because of his advancing age and progressive history, he has no responsibility to confront the lies, irresponsibility and violence that besiege us from the right. I am 77, and I disagree emphatically.

Consider the veteran athlete who says he is too tired and sits out the biggest game, or the general who retires just when the war reaches the tipping point. Well, that is where we are right now in our struggles to retain democracy, rationality and a livable planet.

I belong to Third Act Maine, a group of elders who came together to fight for a sustainable future. Our engagement in solutions brings us meaning, joy and hope, not despair and detachment.

We are part of a national thirdact.org campaign to get the four primary banks that bankroll fossil fuel expansion to stop. So we pledge to cancel our accounts and cards with Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo and Bank of America if they refuse. We ask everyone, especially those over 60, who own 70 percent of America’s wealth, to take the pledge and join the solution.

We are also working to get out the vote in key districts.

This is our answer to Stephen J. Lyons’ sad cynicism. You can tune out, but do not try to discourage those of us who care about our world and our legacy. Write to third-act-maine@gmail.com to join us.

Charles Spanger
Scarborough

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