1.  What problem is Mr. Murchison addressing in this commentary?

2.  What solution does he offer?

3.  Is Mr. Murchison's opinion realistic?  Explain your answer.

4.  Read the following statements made by Mr. Murchison in his commentary.  For each, state whether you agree or disagree and explain why.

• It isn't that nothing good goes on. A lot of good goes on. We merely tune it out. Or, as more often is the case, the media tune it out for us, understanding as they do the human love of the awful. (para. 3)
  
• We could properly consider this moment to be one of great pessimism about... everything. We have overdosed on bad news. (para. 7)
  
• It would seem an infusion of civic courage is what we need at this moment: something like Churchill and Roosevelt gave the British and American peoples six decades ago. Here were leaders... leading. (para. 15)

5.  The major media reports daily on attacks, bombings and deaths in Iraq.  Have you seen any reports about good things happening in Iraq?