Is Chuck Klosterman a pessimist?

We have reached a point where the reinvention of America is impossible, even if that were what we wanted. Even if that were what everybody wanted.

Perhaps. Although I’m gonna say this speaks to optimism right here:

You might think the government is corrupt, and you might be right. But I’m surprised it isn’t worse. I’m surprised they don’t shoot us in the street. It’s not like we could do anything about it, except maybe die.

Touche, Chuck, touche. That’s my brand of optimism right there.