Motivation is always a downer -- it always infers that somebody (else) needs to be more motivated to do something (work harder, play harder, lose weight, drop the price on their house, whatever) than they currently are.

The word popped up in several commentaries and a few editorials I've seen over the past couple of weeks, all pointing at how the current crop of college grads needs to be more motivated to become successful.

OK, I have a few problems with this. First, when I graduated, the school officials and guest speakers were all gushing about how we were the hope for the future, and entrusted us to be able to translate ideas and ideals into great deeds.

So what happened -- are today's grads just chopped liver? Are things different, and the new crew can't be trusted?

Second, let's look at those folks making these harsh, negative judgments. Are they doing so well with the economy and ethics and world peace and the environment that they can spot losers from a mile away?

Sorry about being skeptical, but I'm just not motivated to see it their way. Are you?