--America is in a transition
--It's not as bad as people think
--I think I'm optimistic
--We are on the threshold of great things
--America's strength is its diversity
--Our arrogance is a weakness

The P-I asked 14 citizens -- age 17 to 93 -- to share their opinions and talk about their priorities for the nation. They served up a mouthful, and told us that after four months of war and an unforgiving recession, it's time for the truth. Click on their photos below to learn more about them, read a story summarizing their views or share your thoughts in an online forum.

Read the story | Join a reader forum | More quotes from our panel

Read the story | Join a reader forum | More quotes