Apparently, I am a very poor communicator. I recently posted an OP that I thought was pretty

[ShazzieB]

38. No worries, Atticus!

I'm one of the ones who misunderstood, so I really appreciate this clarification.

I definitely share your sentiments about negative comments. I don't know how many times I've clicked on the subject line of a positive-sounding OP, only to encounter one negative post after another in the comments. I don't keep track of who the negative commenters are, and it doesn't sound like you do, either, but like you, I've definitely noticed the negativity and been bothered by it at times.

Personally, I try to see the big picture of an issue, not just the negative side. I don't always succeed, but I do try, and I absolutely refuse to completely give up hope in the vast majority of cases. There are a few exceptions; for example, I do NOT have any hope of Chump ever growing a conscience or changing in any other meaningful way. However, in this time, when we have a new president who is doing such a fantastic job, I feel that there is quite a bit to feel hopeful about. I wish more people felt the same, or at least that there wouldn't be such a rush to rain on other people's parades sometimes.