For Better Or Worse December Differs America gets out of the meadow in December. Schools take a break. Holiday customs take over, romantic, ritualistic, retailing. They tend to be grim, intractable. Instead, let's talk about some attitudes prevailing among our people.
Attitudes are more flexible, capable of change.
Moreover, they are of fundamental significance in a democracy, as they thread or blast their way into governmental policy. Politicians are reluctant to buck them. In Washington and in state capitols elected officials at least pretend to function as standins for the people. So, if the discussion that follows seems negative at times, do not take it as funereal. Optimism can overcome the worst of aberrations.