The Boston Globe

Opinion

Boston.com

Jeff Jacoby

Are you optimistic or pessimistic about America’s future?

The nation’s prospects may seem dim to some, but there is reason for hope

By Jeff Jacoby

 |  Globe Columnist  

  November 16, 2011

Are you glum about the nation’s prospects? If so, you’ve got lots of company. According to a recent poll for The Hill, a Washington-based daily, 69 percent of American voters say the United States is declining, and 83 percent of voters describe themselves as worried (49 percent say very worried) about the country’s future. Worldwide, the Pew Research Center finds in a separate poll, “many now see the financially-strapped US as a great power in decline.’’ Among respondents in 18 countries, 47 percent expect China to replace the United States as the world’s leading power. Only 36 percent disagree.

Thank you for reading BostonGlobe.com. You have reached the monthly limit for free articles — to continue reading, get unlimited access to BostonGlobe.com now for just 99¢ for 8 weeks.

Unlimited access to BostonGlobe.com includes:

  • The FULL story all day: Enjoy all of the high-quality, in-depth journalism in the print edition of the Boston Globe — plus breaking news that's updated 24/7.
  • A truly reader-friendly format: It's online news that looks and reads just like the newspaper — uncluttered, uninterrupted.
  • Breakthrough technology: The responsive design automatically adapts content so it always reads perfectly on the digital device of your choice.
GET STARTED TODAY

Free access for home delivery subscribers.

Just need to link your home delivery account; one easy step.

Link my home delivery account

BostonGlobe.comSubscriber Log In

Contact us for help