Fareed Zakaria lays out an effective case for optimism as the United States faces an enormous dislocation in its economic assumptions. He is particularly effective in describing the escalating culture of risk-taking that took hold of financial institutions, initially in the United States then worldwide. And he debunks fears that a Democratic administration will be prone to making the problem worse, pointing out that all of Obama's advisers are committed fiscal conservatives. Finally he cites the need for worldwide co-operation in solving the economic crisis, and the opportunity for using this co-operative base to enhance international relations in general. Definitely worth reading, and let's hope Zakaria's optimism turns ... More »

I believe this story concisely explains the problems of America's debt-centric financial system, and the many reasons why we're in such a giant mess right now. I also like that its basic statement is about how we can remain optimistic, in spite of everything that is happening to perpetuate our financial fears and misgivings.