When the adults of a great nation feel long-term pessimism, it only makes matters worse when those in authority take actions that reveal their detachment from the concerns—even from the essential nature—of their fellow citizens. And it makes those citizens feel powerless.
Inner pessimism and powerlessness: That is a dangerous combination.
I see Noonan’s point, but I feel neither pessimistic nor powerless. America is more capable than any nation on earth, and we will — through wholesale change and reform — bounce back. Quite a few bad practices will be swept away, but so they should be.
These are hard times for millions, but we will yet see better days.
See, Peggy Noonan: America Is at Risk of Boiling Over – WSJ.com.