You can believe the United States’ best days are over and we are slowly slipping back toward dependence and bondage. Or you can believe that “good old American ingenuity” will allow us once again to “overcome the challenges that lie ahead” and retain our position of global leadership. Or you can choose something in between. Me, I’m an optimist, not least because life is a lot more fun when you look on the bright side. It makes you healthier, more productive, and more fun to be with.