Bad News: It's Not All Bad

Obviously, when the press is in love with the candidate talking about "change" -- and in the wake of eight years of a Republican presidency -- it's to the Democrats' advantage for it to seem as though life in America is falling apart. And only one man (Barack Obama!) can fix it.

In today's Wall Street Journal, Gregg Easterbrook notes the newest form of political incorrectness: Being willing to admit that things aren't, well, all that bad. Here's his proof:

Unemployment is 5.5%, low by historical standards; income is rising slightly ahead of inflation; housing prices are down, but the typical house is still worth a third more than in 2000; 94% of Americans do not have threatened mortgages, and of those who do, most will keep their homes.

Inflation was up in 2007, but this stands out because the 16 previous years were close to inflation-free; living standards are the highest they have ever been, including living standards for the middle class and for the poor.

All forms of pollution other than greenhouse gases are in decline; cancer, heart disease and stroke incidence are declining; crime is in a long-term cycle of significant decline; education levels are at all-time highs.

Apparently, John McCain can't say that not everything is terrible, lest he be nailed again by the DNC -- and seem terminally out of step with the hysterical zeitgeist being promoted by the press. But facts are facts, and they are worth knowing.