Perhaps this is how it all ends — self-government, self-defense, self-control, liberty, unity, family. Perhaps the fate of the nation is to watch its soul die along with the at least 19 students and two adults shot to death last week at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.

In the days after Russia attacked Ukraine, there was a lot of talk among Republicans that Vladimir Putin would not have invaded had Donald Trump still been president. Trump was so difficult to predict, so impulsive, so impetuous, the thinking went, that Putin would not have risked a massive U.S. response under Trump.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My ex-boyfriend is mad because I did not invite him to my son's graduation. They were close during the four years that we were together, but we broke up two years ago. I am seeing someone else who will be coming to the graduation. My ex says that I should reconsider because the event is about my son, not me. The two of them have maintained a relationship even after we broke up. I always thought that was nice, especially considering that my son's dad is not around, but I don't know how to handle having my current boyfriend and my ex together at my son's graduation. They have met but don't really know each other. What should I do? - For My Son

Americans often reflect on Robert Frost's meditation on roads not taken. Today, we might reflect on speeches not given and on truths unspoken.