I am challenged daily on what I write. And yet when I ask for specifics, there is a deafening silence. During a recent political “exchange” in which I supplied some simple “truth and reason”,  a friend told me that while he understands there is “still work to be done”, he sees the glass as half full. This is an admirable quality in terms of one’s personal journey, but when we look at the facts of our national dilemma, it’s difficult to see our country as anything but in decline. 96 percent of all new hires are part time. The labor participation rate is at its lowest point in nearly forty years, (and declining still). Poverty is at its highest level since the 60’s and rising, and we shoulder a $17 trillion (and growing) national debt. Is this “still work to be done” or evidence of ideological failure?

Now while I applaud optimism as a worthy attribute, it must be accompanied by truth, reason and sound  judgment. We were sold a lofty bill of goods, much of which has failed or is yet to be realized. Respectfully my friend, denial is the enemy of our children’s future.