I LOVE this article. Thank you - never hurts ANYONE to look on the bright side and oh how bright it is. It is a blessed day when those who work hard, have personal integrity and live their own dream can succeed in America and I put both David Archuleta and Barack Obama in that category. There is nothing greater than HOPE. HOPE is what BOTH of these individuals represent. HOPE for all Americans to live their dream. Makes my heart do something funky - hmmm.. yeah. It feels good.

Great article. Next year probably wont be so rosy. Loved the part about just as many people voted for American Idol as President.

Glad you're such the glass-half-full kind of guy this morning. Wish I could say the same. I saw very little sunshine this year. 2008 can't end soon enough for me, and yes I realize the year ending is purely symbolic, has nothing to do with my family's fortune changing.

This past year has seen two members of my immediate family lose jobs directly to the effect of the economy (reductions in force). Also, my own employer was faced with cuts, and we lost 13 percent of our crew. Along with that cheery news, we were informed there would be no pay raises, not to expect any for coming years, and of course, no bonuses.

Lest you think it's all about me, or having to get a 70" plasma screen, for years my family and I would take my annual holiday bonus and donate it completely to a local charitable event, be it the Road Home, VOA, UW, Globius. So I guess there was even less sunshine for those folks, too.

Here's to a much sunnier 2009.

I believe we are becoming a more intelligent, tolerant people and it does my heart good. The economy may be rocky but we will pull through. This year, being black or hispanic, or being any religion or not, did not seem to matter as much as personal integrity, talent and just plain hard work. Congratulations to Obama and Archuleta and best wishes in the future. I voted for both of you! Thanks for the article. The American Dream is alive and well.

I loved your article. Thanks for looking at the bright side of things.

This is a wonderfully optimistic article, and actually made a little teary-eyed. This has been a tough year for this country, but that didn't stop some people from always having a positive outlook on things. David Archuleta is the epitome of positivity, and I for one am grateful that people see that in him. Thanks for the article!!! :)

must we only have optimistic articles once a year?

Thanks for your uplifting review. 2008 was more positive than negative for me because of both Archuleta and Obama. They are two very positive human beings whose hearts are filled with joy and who aren't afraid to think for themselves. Both use their voices to inspire humanity. Faith, not fear, is the new buzzword for the New Year.