[Bob J]

Well, neither is good. But at least blind pessimism tells you there are potholes in the road. Blind optimism has you hitting one a full speed and losing a wheel. Blind optimism tells you that you live in a marshmallow castle with a strawberry moat when pessimism has you checking the structural integrity of castle walls and the moat for sharks.

Yes, if given the option between ONLY blind optimism or pessimism, I’ll take the P because at least I’ll be ready when the barbarians storm the gates.

[RonDog]

Well, neither is good.

But at least blind pessimism tells you there are potholes in the road.

Blind optimism has you hitting one a full speed and losing a wheel...

Funny that you would use an AUTOMOTIVE metaphor.

Although not TOO unexpected, I guess -- since you live in southern California. ;)

I was planning to reply to you with that classic quote from Henry Ford:

"If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right." – Henry Ford

Bottom line: I'm O.K. with being "realistic" -- and I understand the dangers of "blind" ANYTHING -- but the down side to pessimism is that our expectations often determine our reality.

Are you O.K. if we are "CAUTIOUSLY optimistic" about Governor Palin being able to lead our great country back from the Obama-nation train wreck?

[danmar]

...given the option between ONLY blind optimism or pessimism, I’ll take the P because at least I’ll be ready when the barbarians storm the gates.

I kinda like your way of looking at things...lucid and calculated.