It’s getting more and more difficult to watch network news anymore. It seems chaos and crises are the only things discussed in the news. Good news is seldom given, and it’s rarely acknowledged that there may be some good news to talk about. The economy “may” be going into a double dip, the job picture “could” get worse, consumer confidence and spending “may” decline, etc.

Why can’t news be given with more of a positive spin instead of one that’s constantly negative? For example, why not report on the positive signs that the economy is recovering? Why not look at the positive side of the job picture that shows improvement, even if may be occurring at a slower rate than we’d like? And surely there are areas where consumer confidence is stronger or at least holding steady. It’s all about how the news is given -- a positive spin instead of “doom and gloom” can be a contributing element to our recovering economy.

I spend a lot of time reading and watching business-oriented news. I sincerely believe things ARE getting better—maybe not very quickly or dramatically--and probably not as quickly as we would all like, but unquestionably things are better today than they were six months ago, a year ago, and even two years ago. Why can’t any of the networks’ talking heads acknowledge that?

I’m convinced that if people start hearing some good news, they will begin feeling better about themselves and their situations. It feeds on itself: If you start feeling better about your situation, then you might buy something you need for yourself, your family or your home. If you’re overwhelmed with negative news, it’s pretty hard to part with your hard-earned money, even when you really need something.

Think about where the economy was a year ago. We’ve improved dramatically. Why isn’t anyone saying that? Because it isn’t of interest-- or because it’s more newsworthy to be negative? I just don’t understand the why’s, but I do recognize the facts: positive news must not be interesting. Well, I’ve decided I’m just not going to listen to network news or read most newspapers anymore. Cable and business news will be my source for news. There I can read or hear about how the personal savings rate is much higher, consumer debt is much lower, income for the 90-plus percent of employed working families is up --- there’s a LOT of positive news to talk about if you only want to.

Yes, housing is still a problem, as is the remodeling industry because it's linked to housing, but as consumer confidence improves, these industries will improve, too. That’s what we need—consumer confidence and positive thinking. Chin up, it’s already gotten better, and it is continuing to get better every day.