627 Optimism and Good Health Care in America

Babs, the new mother of a Russian baby, has been sick and also has been watching movies while decorating the Christmas tree--Dr. Zhivago and It's a Wonderful Life. She has some good things to say about optimism--USA vs. Russia, and getting well after a strep infection.

She writes:

"You want to go to high school beyond the age of 16? Show up. Wanna go to college but can't afford it? Borrow the money from the government (eg: your neighbors). Lost your job? Call the unemployment/welfare office. Don't want to go into the military? Don't go. Welcome to America.

Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the beginning of controlled capitalism, there's still pervasive fatigue and scepticism. As America's population continues to climb in part due to immigration, Russia's is declining. People can leave so they do. It's hard to keep your nose to the grindstone if there's never any hope of it leading to you putting your feet up and drinking a toast to your success."