Yes, there were the predictable riots in the streets of Ferguson, as thugs took advantage of the situation to loot stores and destroy property. And yes, our nation has suffered both from ill-conceived domestic policies and no real foreign policy over the past six years. Most of us haven't felt any personal "economic recovery" in our own pockets.
But contrary to my often doom-and-gloom outlook, I have reason to suggest that we give much thanks this holiday season, because things are looking up for America.
First, we have only two more years of Barack Obama. The American people have booted his Democratic Party out of both houses of Congress. His executive orders have become so transparently offensive that they now serve as fodder for "Saturday Night Live" skits. Then there was his post-Ferguson speech, which was seen by many on split-screen TV's that also showed looting and mayhem. Even as the president reminded us that only a "handful" of troublemakers exist, he was greeted by protesters gathering in front of the White House.
The damage from Obamacare and amnesty might not be reversed immediately, but overall, just like the Thanksgiving turkey, you can put a fork in this nightmare of an administration -- it's about done.
And the voice of the average American is once again gaining traction as the public shows a renewed hunger for the truth. Several weeks ago I reported on the cruel mistreatment of an American soldier. He was injured in the line of duty along with the military dog he served with in Afghanistan. The law required that the injured veteran be allowed to adopt his beloved combat dog, but higher ranking officials had sent the dog off to parts unknown.
Radio talk star Michael Savage and Fox News' Greta Van Susteren, among others, brought the story to light, and I am pleased to report that the veteran and his dog have been reunited. Americans are starting to regain their voice in spite of the filter of the old and crumbling media establishment.
And for once I actually believe our economy might hold promise for the average American.
Energy prices are extraordinarily low, and that is the equivalent of a reasonable raise in everyone's paycheck. The housing market is starting to come back to life, but not in any overly robust way. That's good because it is those roaring recoveries in housing that lead to land grabs and ultimately bubbles that explode all too quickly.
Interest rates remain low, and although the Fed keeps hinting at some minor increase in rates, the drop in oil prices along with a more tepid cost of living in general, suggests that rates won't increase much this next year.
Perhaps the biggest reason for confidence in the future of our economy is the fact that America is, for once, virtually "the only game in town" when it comes to places to invest and grow businesses. Europe is an economic wreck, as is Japan. Russia is struggling, and even mighty China is going through hard times.
Meanwhile, our GNP is actually starting to show some true strength.
Yes, consumers say they aren't quite as confident as we have expected, but that too can be a good thing. After the misery of the Great Recession, it might be that we are becoming a bit more like those who grew up during the Great Depression. That would make us more prudent spenders and investors and less likely to spend money we don't have.
It's ironic, the two segments of our society that are having the toughest time this go around.
One is Millennials, who clamored for an Obama presidency. They are finding employment difficult and debt challenging. And second, many African-Americans, who overwhelmingly still support the president, have seen their plight only worsen under the Obama years.
Time marches on, and the path for our youngest citizens will become easier as the coming expansion of our economy will likely center on the very talents Millennials uniquely possess, those centered around our rapidly changing world of technology.
As for African-Americans, particularly black males, the answers will take more time. But they won't be found in the ashes of Ferguson, or with a president who has offered them little more than rhetoric.
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