Lots of agreement on some of the problem, but what's the solution? 

Is it something to do with the nihilistic attitudes that seem to be gripping our country?  Do news stories and educators focus too much on problems and too little on successes?  Do we look back too much at mistakes and wrong doings and too little on the improvements in life?

Are we sending a message too often that life is hopeless or do we focus too much on what we don't have and too much on what somebody else has?  Do we encourage acceptance of mediocrity and acceptance of failure, pretending that all forms of lifestyle are equal?