Reminders like these are bittersweet for me. I'm torn between the optimism of voting in politicians who will improve the place I live, and the cynicism in knowing most people wielding power are still the generation who brought this situation into being and who will fight to maintain it. I can't see change happening until they are well and truly long gone.

You don't seem to be getting it. If your generation's attitude is defeatist, then it's your defeatism that will shape the character of the country.

In the words of Pogo: "We have met the enemy and he is us."

Of course not, not as long as boomers are more effective propagandists and control more of the media, corporations, and public offices that matter.