An observation

In response to the deteriorating economic conditions, people are rioting in a number of European countries. I reported earlier on troubles in Central Europe and the Balkans, linked in part to the disruptions in Russian natural gas deliveries, but late last month unrest, in the form of a general strike, spread to France. What's interesting is that, so far, nothing comparable has occurred here.

Americans are worried; lots of them are being laid off, while many have seen tremendous losses in their financial portfolios. Nevertheless, a majority are still calm enough to see through the non-stimulus 'stimulus package' and call for a more sensible response. I can think of two reasons why this is so:

-- First, most people don't expect the government to solve all their problems - at least, not yet!

-- Second, the American economy is tremendously resilient, and there are a lot of resourceful and creative people out there thinking as hard as they can about how to climb out of the hole.

Think about it, next time you feel discouraged about what's becoming of America.