Why Are So Many Americans Smiling?

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.

Comments

[tkunz]

I'm grateful that we've elected a president who seems to favor basic human principals and common sense over ideology and doesn't outsource his thinking to palace idealouges. He seems to be able to listen to people of differing opinions and make an executable plan come together. He seems to recognize the value of good will and cooperation and not be the type that will 'show' the rest of the world that he was really always right -- in the end.
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.

[Emmory]

What did you think Bush was going to do when he left?

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.

[KarateKid]

I'm thankful for having good health and a job, and I feel for those who are out of work; I've been there and know what that feels like.

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.

[Javani]

Many are smiling because the have come to realize the economy, bad as it is, is not as dire as Bush and Paulson urged.

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.

[appleknocker]

Personally, I'd be thankful to see a little less optimism and a lot more realism.

[Tipotter]

Right on Appleknocker!

[inluvwkeitholbermann]

we're smiling because we have a leader who gives us something to smile about........it's about time!!!!!

[icechaos]

Like what?


lol

[fliptopbox]

like a President that speaks to us as adults instead of coining new rosy sounding words to cover up his crimes or failures...

what was that nice sounding phrase Bush came up with for "torture"?

[rbenjamin]

The nit wits are on their way out. Competence is moving in. Yeah, I'm smiling. Keeping my fingers crossed too. Obama seems like the right man for the job, but oh, what a job it's become. Bush still has almost 2 more months to make it harder

[johnnyjust]

We are smiling because we are thankful for the blessings (and blessing) of living in America.

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.

[davispty5]

It's your story, tell it however you like, but spare me the "mature, conservative optimism" routine. The rest of us are happy and thankful that this country is heading in a new direction. We made our voices heard and we are taking our country back!

[icechaos]

And what direction would that be?


lol

[Clavis]

Yeah, I remember how mature you and your buddies were eight years and four years ago, when all that was coming out of your mouths was "Hey, quit whining, lefty losers! YOU LOST!!!" Or when you nutjobs called America under Clinton "America Held Hostage" and stockpiled weapons. Real pride there! And you conservatives were simply thankful for the blessings of America when you fought to maintain segregation; when you fought to keep women from voting; when you left the Democratic party to join the Republicans because civil rights wasn't for you; when you fought for anti-miscegenation laws. Lots to be proud of, with your mature conservatism.

[SammyGone]

Hope and change! He who laughs last, laughs best.

[angelsea]

Might I be so bold as to suggest that it's not only Americans who are smiling? Obama's recent election and his stellar example is already putting pressure on other world leaders to approach difficult issues rationally and thoughtfully. Obama is raising the level of discourse for us all (and not a moment too soon).

[moonflowerjewelry]

proud that we did!

[littlebuddylouie]

"...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..."

"rational thought restored to American governance".

Yes, Those simple words sum things up nicely, truly something to smile about.
Thank you for this.

[ndem]

People are happy because the garbage is being exposed for what it was and the wastefulness of too many greed filled years is ending...we can breathe deeply and be true Americans again...

[arkansawtravler]

We are rid of the plague that has permeated our government. Extremely liberal, smiling and proud of it! Too bad the rest of the folks in my home state aren't. They do have their guns and religion however.

[icechaos]

To protect themselves against the policies that people like you push.

[Tipotter]

Yes the government can take care of us ALL I can't wait!!!! This plague you speak of is gone....wait, Obama chose Hillary for State, keeping gates at Defense? He put the third in line of the Fed at treasury.....

Obama will govern from the center, he is a pragmatic politician, not the liberal left savior.

[billbb]

We took our country back, when that was said to be impossible, and we have a chance to help make it work again. We have a decent chance to restore America's self-respect.

That alone is enough to smile about.

[HB]

Mr. Ellis, You know, I never thought about it before, but you're right about the smiling. I'm 64 and there's no chance that I can retire anytime soon, but I'm still all smiles about Obama's election as President. President Obama, God, that sounds good! After Newt's Contract with America followed by 8 years of Bush's compassionate conservativism I no longer feel like an alien in my own country. Thanks for a good article. HB Acker