Via a great blog called The Inclusionist, The Center for American Progress has put out a review of public opinion surveys that reflect changing opinions on the economy. One interesting finding: generally, American public opinion trends optimistic when it comes to personal prospects for getting ahead, and pessimistic in terms of the economy as a whole. The dual nature of this economic viewpoint may be summarized as follows. I. When it comes to their own individual and family situations, most people say that they are succeeding (and expect their kids to succeed), thanks to their hard work and personal sacrifice in the face of great obstacles. This allows them to tell a story where they and their families are the heroes and where their difficulties redound to their credit. II. But, when they talk about how the economy is actually performing for “people like me” or for the entire nation or for the next generation as a whole, people are more forthright and forthcoming about the challenges that they themselves face. Now, they are not pitying themselves, but rather expressing concern for their children, their friends, their neighbors, their co-workers, and their fellow citizens.