This Thanksgiving Marks a Time for Optimism
John Yoo ·
Nov 24, 2011 at 7:46am
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, Ricocheters may want to ponder whether this is a time for optimism or pessimism. Commentary Magazine recently published a symposium putting that question to a number of writers, including yours truly. I think, despite the terrible economy and the Obama administration's weakness in foreign affairs, that there is always time for optimism. Optimism, I think, defines us as a nation. And things never look too bad with a little perspective: just think about Lincoln's hopes for the future when he gave his Second Inaugural Address.
- Comment (9)
- · Quote
- · UnfollowFollow (1)
Comments :
Jun '10
Re: This Thanksgiving Marks a Time for Optimism
Great words to remember on a day we should all be counting our blessings John! Happy Thanksgiving! Also of note: it was President Lincoln who made Thanksgiving an official American Holiday which I didn't know before today.
Jun '10
Re: This Thanksgiving Marks a Time for Optimism
We, of course, become pessimistic when we look only at the short term (how could we not?). I, for one, worry how a culture can survive when we see the family in such crisis, when we continue to create debts our children may be unable to pay, and when religion (or some other kind of animating faith in something good) appears to be retreat from modern relativism and an increasingly hostile state.
But, we've seen cycles in history when barbarism reigns, but then we have found a way to come back.
As to our economic problems, there is one solution: strong, sustainable economic growth. As difficult as our economic problems are, I greatest fears are spiritual problems.
All that said, I tend to be long-term optimistic, short-term pessimistic. 2012 can change my short-term pessimism.
In the meantime, turkey is still good, stuffing and gravy even better, and pumpkin pie best of all.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Edited on Nov 24, 2011 at 9:39amJan '11
Re: This Thanksgiving Marks a Time for Optimism
Just so you know, the post immediately following yours is entitled: "We Are Truly Doomed."
Optimism. Doom. It's enough to make a guy start wearing a funny hat.
May '10
Re: This Thanksgiving Marks a Time for Optimism
Thank you for this reminder, Professor. Conservatives shouldn't become Pollyannas, but I don't appreciate that we all seem to be channeling Eeyore these days. America has always proved bigger than its challenges because of the conservative values, ideas and convictions we seek to preserve. I believe we are approaching one or more of the larger challenges we have encountered over these 222 years, but one of my core convictions is that we are up to it. We will be better ten years from now than we are today, and we will be better still ten years after that - as long as I have anything to say about it.
Re: This Thanksgiving Marks a Time for Optimism
Well if this isn't timely. I've been trying to figure out the proper posture during these times. These essays will be most helpful navigating the "optimism-pessimism" conflict being waged inside my head right now.
Dec '10
Re: This Thanksgiving Marks a Time for Optimism
I prefer Chesterton's formulation of "happy pessimist." But, if we insist on optimism, I like the old saw Michael Novak repeated on Hugh Hewitt's show the other day... A pessimist is one who says things can't possibly get any worse. To which an optimist replies, "Oh, yes they can!"
I do think there's optimism depending on the outcome of 2012. There's a whole lot of stored energy in this country, and I'm not just talking about the gas and oil in the ground. If 2012 comes out right, I think we could have an economic and cultural rebirth unlike anything this country has experienced in its history. It will be foreshadowed if we hear the creaks and groans of this ship of state turning around in the general election. Leftism delenda est.
May '10
Re: This Thanksgiving Marks a Time for Optimism
I've recommended them before, but if you want to have an historical basis for being optimistic now, I commend to you both 'Generations' and 'The Fourth Turning' by Strauss and Howe. You may be familiar with courses or books in thee "history of science" or "history of sociology" or other academic field. These two books are what might be called studies in the "sociology of history." They describe how our nation has faced similar crises on a fairly regular, cyclical pattern and we have always overcome .... despite the fact that, at the time, people were dour about the prospects. They can reboot your optimism simply by the recognition that we've been he before.
May '10
Re: This Thanksgiving Marks a Time for Optimism
Ultimately, I quote WFB, when he was asked in the mid-1970's how he could possibly look ahead without despair: "I know that my Redeemer liveth."
And, you know what? In 1975, things pretty much sucked, big time. We ran out of oil, the Russians were flexing muscles everywhere, Dems were on the ascendance due to Watergate, there weren't any conservatives in leadership, inflation was rampant, interest rates were shooting up. NYC had an endless crime wave, Lockheed, Chrysler, and NYC were all bankrupt.
And then things got better.
May '10
Re: This Thanksgiving Marks a Time for Optimism
Duane, I was born in 1975. I will leave it to everyone else to answer the question "correlation or causation?".