In response to the letter, “Legos and cookies and milk,” on Nov. 12: Does the fact that elementary school kids weren’t affected by the election mean we should pat ourselves on the back at how well kids are doing?

Maybe not. According to the front page of The Astorian on Oct. 5, Oregon students test at 31% grade proficiency in math, and 29.3% proficiency in science; Clatsop County districts test worse. Testing isn’t a complete picture, but how are kids going to balance a budget, run a business, or cast a well-informed vote without science and math skills?

Book smarts aren’t everything. Unfortunately, on page A5 of the Oct. 31 The Astorian reported on multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties at a football game in Tillamook. If students are making racial slurs, they certainly aren’t prepared for a future leadership role in any business that has a diverse group of customers or employees.

It makes sense that college students have more concerns about their future than elementary school kids. They understand the high cost of Republicans failing to address climate change. They’re skeptical the Republican administration sincerely intends to reverse increasing wealth disparity. They recognize America will no longer be a trusted partner in international agreements. They study history, economics, environmental science.

Kids show us they’re struggling in a variety of ways. I absolutely, 100%, wish kids were tougher and more resilient, but I’d rather they put away phones and eat cookies than riot or take up assault weapons when they’re disillusioned and disaffected.

CAROL MERWIN

Astoria