I feel the same way. I was prepared to be cautious, but mid-April 2020 (IMO) I think it was well understood, and everything after that proved to me it was less about COVID and more about control and power.
I hope by the time those “kids” have the appropriate lack of trust and skepticism of government, that it isn’t too late for them.
Everybody generation is different. But the spirit of 76 always come through.
The Boomers had political magazines and Firing Line and public broadcasting political shows. GenX had talk radio. Millenials had the Internet.
GenZ had podcasters and Joe Rogan and Crowder and Tim Dillon. I know these guys get beat up on FR, but their influence and reach cannot be denied.
Reaganism was about free trade, low taxes, a strong American presence globally, and the moral majority. Dubya was about crony capitalism. Trump was about Deplorablism. As such, every generation morphs into a new form of "Conservative."
The kidz today (who aren't rabid leftist freaks) tend to be libertarian - gays and pot doesn't bother them, but try to take away their guns or raise their taxes and tell them guys and gals aren't different they get peeved.
We need to recognize that change is inevitable but Truth is invariant with time. I'd sooner have a pro gun anti tax but gay tolerant GenZer at my back vs some of the unhinged folks calling themselves "conservative."
Your mileage may vary.