A Xanax-type of Year

When Americans were asked in mid-December to rate what events that happened in 2017 that were “most significant and important” to them personably, they rated highest the Las Vegas shooting; terror attacks in New York; the hurricanes, floods and wild fires; and the Trump inauguration. All mostly high-anxiety producing events (WSJ/NBC News, Dec. 15, 2017).

Also in December, Gallup asked what was the “top problem” in 2017 and dissatisfaction with government rated first. Health care, race relations, immigration and the need to unite the country were next.