by Colleen Ely

Created on: May 12, 2008

On the surface, conservatives might seem happier. The truth, however, is often found below the surface.

Happy, defined in Webster's dictionary is:
1. Enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure or good fortune.
2. Experiencing pleasure or joy.
3. Marked by good fortune.
4. Satisfied; enjoying well-being or contentment.
5. Exaggerated feeling of well-being or elation.

6. Well expressed and to the point.

Based on the simplicity of the exact definition of happy, it is easy to argue that conservatives are most happy. This is not difficult to accept when you consider each definition of happy points directly to self. By definition; it does not consider the human elements of empathy, sympathy or concern for your brother or sister.

When a conservative is asked if they are happy; they gauge their response by reflecting on themselves. Is their house paid for? Are they healthy? Are they patting themselves on the back for their self-proclaimed moral superiority? If they are content with their livesregardless of the world around them being mired by poverty, disease, corruption and hate, they will state they are happy. It is an odd phenomenon but fits neatly into the ideals of conservative beliefs.

Liberals, on the other hand, when asked if they are happy, gauge their response by reflection on themselves in conjunction with reflection on the world around them. They feel such a deep responsibility that extends beyond their doorstep, their comfort zones and into a world they might not relate to on a personal level; however, on a global level, that responsibility is what drives them to be idealists and in constant pursuit of improving conditions that benefit far more than just themselves. They, too, are happy, though the happiness is measured by looking beyond themselves.

The literal definition of happy, however, truly does describe the conservative mentality.

The United States is currently waging two wars. Whether you are for the war, or against it does not matter. War is happening. Yet, conservatives claim they are happy. And why shouldn't they be? Unlike wars before, the common every day citizen is not included in the war process. Unlike those before us, our current leadership felt it was better for America to go out and spend, spend, spend as if the economy and cost of war are not our concerns, rather than asking us to sacrifice for the cause. Because we don't have to feel the impact, we can pretend it away. We've even been "gifted" rebates to continue the farce. What good fortune!

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>