The Age of Pessimism

Saw a story today with the headline: "Optimists Club Calls It Quits." The story goes on to explain that:

"It's a glum day for optimists. After 24 years of community service, the Quakertown Optimists Club is calling it quits. They're holding their last meeting on Thursday, citing declining interest."

Declining interest in optimism? I thought the Bush era was one of hope and empty rhetorical "isms." But, man, if the Quakers are pessimistic...some shit is definitely going wrong with this country.