"My ag banker is also of the opinion that if the negative thinking would change the economy would turn up."

Not sure how a positive attitude is going to change the fact of huge bad debts now in existence with more being brought to light each day.  Sorry, but I am afraid our economic problems are a little deeper than that.  

Been a many a man go broke with a positive attitude.  Problem is that is usually what gets most people in trouble.  A positive attitude is good but must be tempered with a realistic assessment of the facts.