Optimism and Hope!

In a "60 Minutes" interview last night Andrew Sullivan made a distinction that got my attention.  About the future of this country, he said was hopeful but not optimistic.  I feel the same way.

Angry Americans are arming themselves in preparation for what they say is necessary to "take our country back."  They wear military-like clothing, ready for war.  They snarl epithets of defiance.  They want to appear to be dangerous.  And it would be foolish to think that they are not.

There is no reasoning with this mob.  Facts and rational arguments have no place in their world.  Their certainty of the rightness of their cause is unshakeable.  God is on their side.  Their hate for those who oppose them justifies their actions.  Beware!

So where does this leave me?  Optimistic?  I can't get there.  The momentum from the other side is palpable and growing.  I don't see the good guys on my side backing up their words with the strength that will be needed to counter what is coming all too soon.

Hopeful?  Yes.  I hope I'm wrong.  I hope that when push comes to shove we will have the strength to keep our democracy intact, that our people and our institutions will have the power to prevail.  We shall see!