[Moto44]

We are at a point where cynicism and discontent runs deep. I think ragged1's attitude is quite common today. However, I would like to offer an alternative viewpoint and a ray of hope.

Some of you may recall reading how much flack Teddy Roosevelt took for inviting a black man to dine with him at the white house. One hundred years later, we almost unanimously consider it ridiculous and reprehensible to take such a view. Is America ready for a woman or a minority president? Yes, when the right one comes along. That candidate may well be one currently in the running.

I honestly believe that things are always progressively getting better. Although it is sometimes a matter of two steps forward and one step back, we continue to move ahead.

I have heard my whole life about how bad things have gotten since the 1950s. Hogwash! The 1950's were dandy if you were white, a man, a protestant, heterosexual, and a conformist. They weren't so wonderful otherwise.

It does matter who we elect as president. Change for the better is usually a slow and steady battle. Unfortunately, change for the worse can come swiftly and unexpectedly.

Politics is a process. And although politicians are lightning rods at which much of our discontent is aimed, rarely do those who complain the loudest actually present reasoned arguments in a tone that we would accept from a political candidate.

By and large, the system works.