"El 98% de los adultos en este país son estadounidenses decentes, trabajadores y honestos. Es el otro 2% miserable el que recibe toda la publicidad. Pero entonces, los elegimos."

The heart of this quote is the idea that the majority of people are good, hardworking, and honest. It's just a small fraction that tends to get the most attention—usually for all the wrong reasons. It’s kind of like when you have a classroom full of well-behaved kids, but it's always the troublemakers who dominate the teacher's focus and the stories at the dinner table. But here's the kicker: this tiny fraction that gets all the bad press? We put them in positions of power.

Now, let's dive into the context a bit. This sentiment often pops up in discussions about politics and media. You know how it goes—scandals and corruption make headlines, not the everyday heroism of a regular Joe doing his job well. This quote probably surfaced during a time of political frustration, when people were fed up with the antics of those in power and felt disconnected from the decision-makers they themselves had elected.

Imagine this: You’re part of a team at work, and most people give their best effort every day. But there’s this one guy, let’s call him Jerry. Jerry cuts corners, shows up late, and somehow still manages to get the spotlight—usually for messing things up. Despite everyone else's hard work, management seems to spend all their time dealing with Jerry's screw-ups. Frustrating, right? It feels like the good work of the majority is overshadowed by the chaos of the few.

To put this into practice, think about how much energy we spend talking about the "Jerrys" in our lives—whether they're celebrities, politicians, or that one guy in the office. What if we shifted our focus? Start by acknowledging and appreciating the consistent, positive contributions of the people around you. Drop a thank you note on a colleague's desk. Highlight a friend's achievement over coffee. By doing this, we contribute to building a culture where the good gets the recognition it deserves, pushing the lousy 2% out of the spotlight.

Here’s a story for you. Picture a small town with a baker named Susan. Susan wakes up at 4 AM every day to bake the best bread and pastries you've ever tasted. She donates leftover bread to the local shelter and always has a smile for her customers. But then there's Bob, the town councilman who's always embroiled in one scandal or another. The local paper seems to have a new headline about Bob every week. While Susan's good deeds go unnoticed, Bob’s antics dominate the conversation.

Now, imagine if the community decided to celebrate Susan. They could host a “Baker’s Appreciation Day,” share stories about Susan’s kindness on social media, or simply tell her how much they appreciate her work. This shift doesn't just benefit Susan; it changes the whole vibe of the town. The focus moves from Bob’s shenanigans to Susan's heartwarming contributions.

So, let's think about where we put our attention. Who are the “Susans” in your life, and how can you start celebrating them? By doing this, we can change the narrative, even in small ways, from one that amplifies negativity to one that fosters positivity and gratitude. That’s how we can make sure the 98% don't just get overshadowed by the noisy 2%—they get their well-deserved moment in the sun.