So, in our current situation, is it better to be optimistic with economic forecasts or to be realistic (what some people would call pessimistic in today’s economic climate)? Does either one have the potential to lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy? Meaning, if people continue to be pessimistic in their forecasts, will that cause additional cutbacks and restraint, thus deepening the recession? Or, if more forecasters are optimistic, will that lead more people to breathe a sigh of relief and begin thinking about expanding their purchases again, thus lifting the economy? What are your thoughts? I can tell you I am choosing to be optimistic and believe that articles like this one are for real.