William Safire's op ed today sums up, way more eloquently (and I should hope he's more eloquent than I am, he gets paid for his opinions) how I feel about the USA, and why I'm having trouble with the Democrats right now.

There are, as Edwards says, two Americas. But I'm part of the optimistic one. The Democrats don't seem to be.

Op-Ed Columnist: My Anti-Stump Speech

I stand here before you in my $24 Rockport shoes — yes, I went and bought a pair; my momma didn't raise no fool — and say yes, there are "two Americas."

Pessimistic America is pandered to by politicians demanding tariff walls and costly entitlements, preaching resentment, envy, anger, class war.

Optimistic America responds to competition, opportunity, openness, freedom — ready to do the business that not only creates tomorrow's jobs but spreads the prosperity that leads to peace around the world.