Two terrific posts from RB and IHNN, IMO. Dead spot on. My own moods fluctuate in regard to my attitude toward the future. Largely I concentrate on walking my own path and leaving the salvation of Humanity to Christ et al. 

I have been told, and I believe that in the larger sense, the battle is already won. 

Although Tolkien never admitted to any allegory in his work, I can't help but think the ring of power might be thought of as moral, rational ethos in the minds of human beings - those who hold true to the Ring are in a sense, alone against not just the world but the Universe of Chaos and Inequity - the animalistic, and sometimes even Satanic forces all around us.  

Radical revolutionary socialists generally are not sane/smart enough to give a rat's ass about the effects of public policy.