This is primarily about politics and culture.
Do you think that as time goes on, that overall, your community, your country, or even the world will be a better place, be about the same, or get worse?
I am, and pretty much always have been, conservative (from an American point of view) and Republican.
For a long time, growing up most or all political and social commentary I got was conservative. This meant a lot of Evil liberals this, and Horrible Democrats that, the world is going to hell in a hand basket. And yet, the next morning I woke up, and life went on.
After joining the SDMB I’ve heard a lot of Evil conservatives this, and Horrible Republicans that, we’re destroying the world. Yet, every morning I wake up, and life goes on.
This isn’t to say that there aren’t things in politics that don’t bother me. A few recent examples include the Bush Administration, and Supreme Court’s rulings on eminent domain, and medical marijuana.
However, I have a mostly optimistic view because usually wrongs are eventually put right (I.E. Bush can’t seek a third term and most state legislatures have passed laws limiting when eminent domain can be used), and those that aren’t, well, we seem to be able to learn how to adapt. Usually.
There are some cultural things that bother me, but I try not to make my OPs too long, so I’ll skip those.
Anyway, point is, I see most of the world getting better as time goes on.
The only countries I worry about not getting better, at least not significantly, are those whose governments are extremely corrupt, I.E. North Korea, and those who reject modern or “Western” ideas and choose to live in poverty and less freedom (than Western democracies).
So, what’s your outlook on the future?