If we're inclined to reflect on how much America has changed over the years, perhaps one of the most significant, yet subtle, aspects of how we've changed has been in our dedication to the long term. The 'greatest generation' probably wouldn't have thought of themselves as longsighted, but the conduct of their lives reflected a dedication to future generations. Perhaps it was immigrant dreams of making a better life for their children, coupled with mature leaders, that put our nation on a growth trajectory few could have imagined. Tragically, today our culture and the leadership we've chosen have dimmed those dreams and left us divided, directionless, and seeking quick fixes that neither remedy the pain and uncertainty we feel nor the loss of potential we see unfolding. During the Great Depression and World War II, the greatest generation chose leaders like Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy who respected the needs of people, saw their potential, and gave them purpose. Amid terribly difficult circumstances, they united the people to build highways, bridges and dams, electrify the nation, defeat fascism, build international democratic coalitions, schools and hospitals, and send kids to college. Yes, it was very difficult for many, and imperfect, but they built dignity and confidence and laid a foundation for future generations. As a conservative for nearly 50 years, it grieves me to have to contrast such leadership with the shortsightedness of 'leaders' today, particularly among Republicans. They're good at delivering platitudes and pitching financial gains, but woefully short at protecting the long-term best interests of our country. With respect to financial stewardship, both Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump dramatically ran up our national debt through large tax cuts, primarily for the wealthy. If they wanted to spur the economy and provide a foundation for lasting growth, they could have invested in infrastructure and people, but they didn't. Both of them instead put the economy at risk. Democratic administrations, often accused of reckless giveaways to the poor, invested in public education, healthcare and infrastructure, while restoring economic growth and reducing budget deficits. Sadly, a segment of our country, impatient for dividends from these longsighted investments, were lured by the get-rich-quick promises of President Trump. With respect to national security, the facts are that both Presidents G.W. Bush and Trump left us far less secure than when they started. They pressed us into pre-emptive wars that emboldened our adversaries and put distance between us and our allies. In contrast, after President Trump repeatedly berated and threatened our allies, President Joe Biden restored respect and trust between the U.S. and allies around the world. With respect to the environment that we're leaving future generations, Democratic administrations took concrete steps to take the top off the slow-building but devastating climate crisis barreling towards us. They provided incentives to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and expand renewable power sources. Tragically, President Trump rolled back auto and coal-fired-power-plant emission standards and rescinded financial support for renewable power projects. Given these facts, I submit that one of the biggest things that differentiates Democrats and Republicans is not that one is 'liberal' while the other is 'conservative,' but that Democrats practice longsightedness, while Republicans have chosen short-term enrichment. George Zadigian is a semi-retired construction and engineering project manager. If the legacy we'll be leaving our children is important to us, let us, like the 'greatest generation,' choose longsighted leaders who have the maturity to see the potential in people and our nation, and the courage to make hard choices. Amid a whirlwind of platitudes, promises and deception, let us not fall prey to those who pretend to be conservative, but rather let us choose to support those who build up people and practice longsightedness -- regardless of party. George Zadigian, an engineering program manager and author, has written more than 30 columns on economic, social justice, and environmental policy. He earned his bachelor's degree from Kenyon College in 1978 and an MBA from Cornell University in 1982. He writes from Alliance. Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions, comments or corrections on this opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com.