Well, if the past twenty years or more is indicative of a trend, great optimism about the future is a denial of the reality around us. Things may get better. But they may not. Too many people have become lost and are willing to accept and believe just about anything; as long as it’s not good. The difference between Wolf and Pat is Wolf would rejoice and Pat would not.
I find it hard to believe that the nation is worse off than it was in 1987. :p