• More freedom and prosperity worldwide. Never in history have so many people enjoyed so much prosperity and freedom. Free markets are at work in Eastern Europe, India, China, and most of Southeast Asia. Notable exceptions exist, but signs of hope exist even in some of the poorest countries. Free global markets create a rising tide for all.

• The general goodness of people. Our system of government and our economic prosperity are built upon a foundation of honest, moral and upright citizens. Thankfully, the vast majority of Americans still fit in that description. While the all-pervasive, 24/7 coverage of bad news would seem to indicate otherwise, Americans are, for the most part, fair, caring, principled people.

Pignanelli: Why I worry about the fate of the Republic:

• Too much demonizing of the opposition. Disagreeing with someone's opinion does not provide unfettered right to call into question his/her character and suggest he/she is a lackey of Satan. Such tactics, utilized by the talking heads on cable and nasty bloggers on the Web, are lazy alternatives to reasoned and substantive arguments. Unfortunately, the left and right wing proponents of such strategies are increasing.

• Ancient nomination process. Candidates for federal and state offices must endure a nomination process that is inefficient and promotes slavish following to the extremes of the parties. The end result is elected officials beholden to the fringes, and bad government.

• The domination of wimps. In 21st-century America, Abraham Lincoln could not secure the nomination of his party, or appointment to a judgeship. Individuals — with an outstanding personal character — who dare to promote rational but controversial public positions are labeled "radioactive." The resulting media attention, and targeting from special-interest groups, kills their prospects. Our country needs jurists and decisionmakers from the same mold as our founding fathers and mothers — thoughtful and courageous.

Webb: Why I worry about the fate of the Republic:

• Concentration of power and money at the federal level. The federal government was never designed to solve all of our problems. Yet that is what it is attempting, and that is why it is miserably failing. Sorting out the proper roles of federal, state and local governments would result in remarkable political progress.