That is the question.

According to the latest poll, 75% of Americans believe "the country is going in the wrong direction", economically. Only 17% thinks otherwise. (The rest evidently don't have an opinion.)

Who are these 75%? What do they see that I don't? Even before yesterday's Dow Jones 220 point boost, the stock market has been gaining steadily and has recovered all that was lost 4 years ago. That's going in the wrong direction?

The percentage of those jobless is shrinking, albeit slowly. And over 90% of the work force IS working! Perhaps it's human nature to always want more.

The White House and the Fed are doing all they can to boost the economy. I see nothing but positive results.

With Social Security and Medicaid, plus my teacher pension, I'm living quite comfortably, thank you very much. I'm not rich by any Mitt Romney standard, however. Yes, there are many people in desperate situations. My own "farmer" kids have lost it all and are struggling to make ends meet.

But overall, I am an optimist--one of the 17 percenters. One thing for certain. If the Republicans get into office, there will be hell to pay. My optimism will turn to pessimism--or is that realism?

Have an enjoyable weekend. PS: I helped plant 7,000 of the 12,000 strawberry plants yesterday! We're on our way!