Editor's note: The Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University recently enlisted more than two dozen students, academics, social activists, former governors and journalists to compose short, personal essays reflecting on social and political upheaval of the past year of the pandemic.
Eagleton's "This I Believe" project was inspired by legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow, who launched his radio show during the Cold War, when, as Eagleton Director John Farmer points out, Americans were questioning their life choices and values under the threat of nuclear annihilation.
Here is a contribution from USA TODAY Network Columnist Charles Stile, reflecting on the enduring faith of American optimism despite upheaval and the formidable political obstacles that stand in the road to reform.