OK.
Let's have some clarification here.
An Optomist.
Somebody who insists on believing that all things will turn out for the best no matter how bleak the situation.
A Realist.
Somebody who chooses to see the world the way it is.The good, the bad, and the boundries of possible change.
A Pessimist.
Somebody who believes that things will turn out bad, despite the good in the world.
They are three completly different schools of thought.There is nobody who can say that one world view is better than another.Only their personal opinion.Belonging to any one of these schools does not make you a bad person.I haven't seen anybody sugest that.
Now, although I have a PHD in optimism (obtained from the university of hiding my head in the sand
), I have also been known to have bouts of realism and pessimism.Most people do, depending on their mood at any given time
.
I might not particulary agree with Tim's forcast for the new year, but I will still defend his right to express how he feels, just as I will defend anybody elses right to disagree with him
.
However, R. recently made a point in Site Feedback that I think is relevant to this situation.Sometimes less is more.If somebody wishes to start a thread that is not in your line of thought, it is sometimes better to ignore it.
Some people have expressed their feeling that this thread has depressed them.My advice.Don't bother reading it, and don't respond to it.It will die a natural death much sooner than having a debate about it.
Tim has expressed his anoyance at the Happy New Year mood on the forums.My advice to him.Ignore it.Don't respond.It to will all be over soon enough.
Agree to disagree, and remember that sometimes LESS really is MORE
Anyway enough of the boring stuff.
HAPPY NEW YEAR. 
F.M.
Off to bury my head in the sand again in the hope of finding more beer