By all rights we should all be curled up in the fetal position on our mattresses stuffed with what's left of our 401ks. We should all be learning to barter; taking lessons from the Palins in how to field dress wild game and then turn the hides into moccasins.
Instead I see so many of us smiling.
Sure, as always, when I ask friends how they're doing they first groan and say they're overworked and worried and the damn holidays are rapidly upon us. But then... after a beat... they often smile and say, "But how about that November 5th...?"
And I'm not just talking about early adopting Obama true believers, I'm talking across the board of progressive thinkers whose entire lives, save the first few years of the Clinton administration, were lived in occupied territory.
Despite the most dismal economic forecasts of my lifetime, I'm thankful this Thanksgiving to the American people for their ability to be optimistic again. With rational thought restored to American governance I'm hopeful that we'll convert this crisis into an opportunity to finally create a more fair and more modern republic.
Ultimately, he seems the type that can envision a path with multiple routes and multple worthwhile and realistic objectives... As opposed to a leader that believes in his gut that he knows what he must do and he is so correct and convinced that second thoughts and planning details aren't necessary --and all negative thought and dissention must be ignored because you are either with him or against him.
Having said that, I'm also grateful that the outgoing President is leaving with enough class and patriotism (and acknowlegement of our serious multiple predicaments) to do his best to help the President Elect's team transition smoothly.
You really have a lot of faith in Obama but just don't be blinded by the light.
Being blind is a dangerous place to be.
I'm also thankful that in these lean times, I've discovered that I don't need all the trappings I once thought I needed. Going back to a simpler life has its benefits. As bad as things are, there are those who are worse off. Let's keep it in perspective. People in Darfur would be thankful for a meal.
It's a sense of relief, tempered with the idea that Bush and Paulson overscared us to save their buddies, but spiced with a future of Hope and Change, though that's fading quick.
lol
what was that nice sounding phrase Bush came up with for "torture"?
Ya see, as a conservative, my optimism doesn't stem from who is--or isn't--in office. It stems from a knowledge of history and knowing the greatness poured out on this country which overflows to all others. Those you have been led to think differently are entitled, but the true happiness and serenity experienced by those mature enough to know politics is simply an incidental in life comes from a place deeper than the ballot box.
lol
"rational thought restored to American governance".
Yes, Those simple words sum things up nicely, truly something to smile about.
Thank you for this.
Obama will govern from the center, he is a pragmatic politician, not the liberal left savior.
That alone is enough to smile about.