What seems to happen is that the bad things you're worried about can sort themselves out, and the good things you hope for sometimes happen. (For example, we haven't blown ourselves up yet, and the century is nearly done - I never would have bet on that back in the sixties)And we've been able to negotiate to have a life for my autistic daughter which fits her needs, and is free from any kind of institution. (Though we're not finished with some of that yet)

Then somehow a whole set of other bad things turn up that you weren't expecting, and while your back is turned, some of the good things you thought were settled and fixed get taken away.(And a glance through this thread shows the kind of thing I'm taking about. All the way from pollution and racism to cuts in welfare, and children's playgroundfs closing down)

And then good things you didn't expect turn up somehow. Like the Mudcat Cafe.

I'd a friend who when I met him didn't say "How are you" or "Alright?" or Good day". He'd say "Are you winning?" And I'd say "Not beat yet". And I'd go off feeling somehow encouraged. .

Good to know you. And you're not beat yet! Individually or collectively. Venceremos.