There are major positive things happening in the U.S. lately, events which we're in danger of giving less than their due because we're depressed or oppressed by the economy, the political campaign and the heat/drought. These events should kindle optimism:
The Olympics: Not quite at end yet, and certainly receiving at least some attention if you judge by the breadth of reporting available, the Olympic Games in London should nevertheless be greater cause for celebration than they have been so far. "Team USA" is doing quite well, scoring a lot of medals and setting records, as are the best athletes from around the world as well. We should be uplifted by the example they all set, of putting forth their best effort and maintaining a positive attitude.
Landing On Mars: I've been amazed at how little media attention the successful landing of "Curiosity" on the surface of Mars has received. Folks, this is BIG! This is exciting! First, all this fantastically complicated new technology worked flawlessly (and it was mostly conceived and built in the U.S.). Second, because the understanding that we can expect to receive from Curiosity's work on Mars really establishes yet another new frontier in space. To those who say the space program isn't worth the money it costs, I would note that economic growth stems from such technological leaps; let's embrace it and cheer it. And as evidence piles up that we're wrecking the earth's climate balance, let's hope it can work in time to help us find a new planet to move to.
The National Mall: No, I'm not talking about the big shopping center in Minnesota; I'm talking about the park in Washington DC that stretches from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, and which includes the Reflecting Pool. People outside Washington can be forgiven for not knowing the Pool has been undergoing refurbishment for nearly two years; but they should rejoice that the project will be completed within just a few days, restoring this national monument to the style and grandeur it once had. Again, some will complain of the money spent, suggesting the work ought to have been delayed. Yet this project, like the Mars landing but on a smaller scale, has put people to work and set money to circulating in the economy. In many more ways than this one, we'd be worse off without it.
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