papa - it must suck to be so self hating and jaded.
PalJoey - I still don't know where you're coming from in insinuating that I would put forth anything BUT hope or optimism to my students. The views I express on a message board of my interpretation of what's happening in the world are NOT similarly expressed in my classroom discussions with my students. Fact is, I let my students form their own opinions (dangerous, I know, I should be ridden out on a rail for that one). I may try to guide them in their thoughts, but indoctrinating my students with MY beliefs or opinions on political matters is completely anathema to me. If my students are left wing liberals or hardcore conservatives, that's up to them. Honestly, if my students know what those terms are and actually HAVE opinions I'm happy. If they can express those opinions, so much the better.
Hi, Shirley Temple Pudding.