This relative stability has been remarkable given the ebbs and flows in job creation, the equity markets, the conflict in Iraq, the election campaign, interest rates and gasoline prices.

The stability of the coaching staff is a big factor. We have everyone back and we?ve added a few guys like Mike Heath from Springfield to give us a few more experienced coaches. The kids have responded. They?re a little more comfortable. They know what they?re doing and because of that we?re ahead of where we were at this point last year. I think we?ll be a better football team because of it.

The near unanimity of this assessment among countries is remarkable in public opinion polling.

In an impoverished Europe which conflict had ripped apart, people yearned for peace, freedom, stability and a new chance to prosper.

Conflict builds character. Crisis defines it.

There are few things that will remain constant over the long run.