[aramchek]

http://www.newsweek.com/id/234965

The lead-in:

"Declinists have always projected America's imminent demise. For a change, they're onto something.

Call it America's Age of Angst. The buzz of negativity seems to be everywhere. DECLINE AND FALL: WHEN THE AMERICAN EMPIRE GOES, IT IS LIKELY TO GO QUICKLY reads the cover headline for British historian Niall Ferguson's article in the current issue of Foreign Affairs. Faced with an unemployment rate near 10 percent, a ballooning deficit, and a grueling partisan battle over health-care reform, both President Barack Obama and his Republican critics in Congress are complaining loudly about the government's inability to get things done. In the meantime, there's a growing sense that others—here, China is always first on the list—are steadily chipping away at America's leadership position in the world...."

 

[bulrush]

The US voters voted for this, what are they complaning about? Did they seriously think that something good would come of Obama?

 

[FranchiseKid]

These articles always seem to try to soften the blow instead of just coming out with the facts and letting the punches land where they may. "Faced with an ue rate near 10 percent, a ballooning deficit"... yadda yadda.... how about just saying, "Faced with constant lies, fraud, illegal activities, violations of the US Constitution, and a monetary system that has never once succeeded...." I mean, come on....

 

[aramchek]

Yeah, it's a weak article. What is interesting about it, though, is that even the corporate media can't ignore it any longer.

Definitely trying to soften the blow, what I like to call freezing a frog. The new normal in baby steps.

 

[HowardRoark]

They are throwing a bone to all the people who lost their jobs and are feeling like the guy in their photo...

The subtitle of the story, "They're onto something." In other words, "It's okay to feel the way you're feeling. We give you permission."

Now, turn the page, read the last few sentences that say, "If Americans are smart—and there's every reason to think they are—angst can be productive, generating new determination and new solutions. Don't blow off the problems, but don't count America out yet."

On the facing page is an advertisement conveniently reminding you to refill the prescription for your anti-anxiety medication