Keith Srakocic – AP

My Pittsburgh Pirates – their fall from first place in their division to 15 games behind may have set a record, if they keep track of such things. My confidence in them has been shattered. On Sunday, the Pirates lead the Cincinnati Reds 4 to 3 going into the ninth inning. Prior to the All-Star break, I would have been supremely confident they would protect the lead and win the game. Today, I had a bad feeling and just knew they would lose, which they did 5 to 4 – in the ninth inning.

Reflecting on this, it is clear that I have repeated what has happened suddenly to the average American’s view about the economy and our leadership (both the White House and Congress) in Washington. Many Americans have simply lost confidence of a positive outcome and are conserving their cash, expecting the worst.