Don’t Worry; Be Happy!
OK, I absolutely, positively do NOT have time to write a blog article today which is why I wrote my earlier article well in advance. But, I’m going to take 10 minutes and pound out a quick one in order to save me time giving pep talks to a bunch of discouraged conservatives during the next few days. Now I can just say…. “Go read my blog.”
I am not looking for my Prozac this morning. I am not booking flights to some other country. I am not pouting like the pigs just ate my toy poodle. I’m quite happy this morning. And I’ve got plenty of reasons to be happy in spite of the way the election turned out yesterday. Let me share a few…
1. I’m happy for my African-American friends. Seriously. Thrilled for them. I don’t know of a single black friend of mine who didn’t vote for Obama (though there may be a few, but you don’t have to justify your vote to me or anyone else.) I don’t understand how they could vote for someone who, in many cases, represents values that I know they don’t believe or practice. But I do understand that I don’t understand and can’t understand what the election of an African-American means to them on a deeply personal level. And because I understand that I don’t understand, I’m quite content to be happy that it means something very special to them. I am excited that every person of color now has a legitimate reason to believe that when they grow up, they can aspire to any job in this country and know that it is within their grasp. That is a colossal shift and one that’s long over-due. That makes me happy.
2. I’m happy for the Obama girls. How cool is it to be able to move into the White House when you are still in elementary school? AND they get a new puppy! Good for them. I hope they also ask for a pony too. And then I hope they both poop on the White House lawn (the puppy and the pony, I mean) and that they run ruts in the grass and that they all just have the best time kids and their pets can ever have. It’s the people’s house and I’m delighted that two adorable little girls like the Obama sisters get to live in a house like the White House! That makes me happy.
3. I’m happy that Amendment 2 passed on Florida. I’m also kind of excited about being happy that Proposition 8 is winning in California — but don’t want to get too happy too soon as it’s still close. It’s reassuring that a majority of Americans still believe that the institution of marriage as traditionally defined is sacred and important. That tells me we haven’t completely lost our minds or our souls and that makes me happy.
4. I’m happy to live in a constitutional republic that practices the ideals of democracy. I’ll be in a country later this week where they don’t get to do what we did yesterday and if they did, you can bet they would vote for change. But instead, they are in bondage. It’s an awesome thing to live in a time when people actually get to choose their leadership and that’s something that is relatively new in terms of world history. Being able to vote and even lose that vote is a great thing. That makes me happy.
5. I’m happy for checks and balances. The system works. Permanent political change in our country takes a long time because of the wisdom of our forefathers. The Supreme Court is still in moderately conservative hands and that will serve as a buffer in folks decide to get too ambitious or forget that we live in a country with an amazing constitution. So that balance of authority and power gives all of us time to make sure this is REALLY the course we want to chart as a nation. That makes me happy.
6. I’m happy that we have personal freedoms that the government can’t touch. When I close the door on my house in Pembroke Pines, it’s just me and my family and God and our values. Politicians can implement a lot of laws that will impact me, but there are some areas where they can’t get to me — at least yet — and I’m thankful for that. That makes me happy.
7. I’m happy that we have a free media. I love to shout at the pundits on TV like they can hear me. I love reading columnists that make me crazy and at the same time, make me think. I don’t want to read or listen to people that only say what I was thinking all of the time. I like it when I can turn the channel and get another point of view. I like to call them “liberal media elites” like that’s something really sinister…bwhahahahah. I like it that I can post whatever I want on a blog and a few thousand people will read it in a matter of a week like I’m some sort of journalist or something and some of them will tell me how brilliant I am and then someone will tell me what an idiot I am and depending on the post, both of them are often correct. This is one great system we have here. That makes me happy.
8. I’m happy that we get to do this all over again in two and four years. I know, I know….I need therapy. I don’t think it’s cool to go around saying “I hate politics, I hate politics” like that makes you smart or intellectual or “above it all”. I think it makes you sound smarmy. I love politics. I love to watch the ebbs and flows of public debate. I think the strategy is fascinating (and the Obama campaign deserves a GOLD medal for putting on what may well have been the best-managed campaign in American history). I love the drama, the tension, the anticipation and the Monday-morning quarterbacking that happens the day after the election. What a country! That makes me happy.
9. I’m happy that the Republicans got spanked last night. They earned it. They’ve been arrogant, inept and unprincipled. They got EXACTLY what they deserved and probably not as much as they could have gotten. Now the big question is “what next”? I’m on the sidelines on this one. They have to earn my support in any future elections. I’m no longer involved on that level and don’t anticipate being the party activist I once was again. But, if they are smart, they’ll do what the Democrats obviously did, and figure out where the wheels fell off and go back and fix it. The two-party system is wonderful and we need two strong parties. I’m fairly confident that eventually they’ll deal with the problems and if they do, that will make me happy.
10. I’m glad I’m a Christian. I’m not trying to sound all “pastorish” or anything, but truly, I have peace and joy this morning. Happiness is a choice and I chose to be happy today. Joy is not dependent on circumstances. I always have my joy, even when I’m not happy. I’d rather have joy than happiness, but I’m happy to be happy as well. I want to make a difference in this lifetime. I love life. I’m not delusional — but I am happy. I’m so thankful to be created in the image of God and want to live up to that responsibility and that potential by leaving the world better than when I found entered it. But the best is yet to come…this is just the introduction. I’m as sure of that as I am of anything in my life. And folks, that REALLY makes me happy.
So put a smile on your face, congratulate the winners, get back to work (you’ve got taxes you’re going to need to pay!), be nice to everyone and be HAPPY.
Seriously.
Watchman said,
November 5, 2008 @ 12:50 pm
re: your point #1 I keep reading words like these. Congratulating America and the African American community. Sorry, but I just don’t get it. Perhaps some time in one of the Dear Leader’s re-education centers will help. But maybe you can offer a less painful solution to my dilemma.
If I voted for McCain because he was white and I was white, what would I be called?
If I was happy McCain won (ha) because he was white and I was white, what would I be called?
If I judged a person by the color of his skin rather than the content of his character (and boy does Obama fail that test big time) what would Dr. King call me?
The answer to all three questions rather clearly is racist. So why doesn’t the shoe fit?
Tim Sanford said,
November 5, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
God is STILL on the throne ! Enough said.
Skip said,
November 5, 2008 @ 1:56 pm
11. I’m happy conservatives now get a chance to rebuild and distance ourselves from centrist’s and middle of the road republicans. It now allows us a prime opportunity to influence.
Conservatives really have not had a chance to be on the ballot since 1994.
Rus said,
November 5, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
Watchman, please consider this:
Perhaps I’m oversimplifying here, but if you, and others like you, based on the color of your skin, were physically oppressed legally for generations, treated poorly and discriminated against for years and repressed by invisible barriers within your own country, while being told you were “equal” to the others despite all evidence to the contrary, and then one of your race were to rise to the highest office, would you not have a sense of joy that your race had reached a milestone within your country? Regardless of how you voted? I suspect there are many African Americans who voted for McCain who still have a sense of joy despite their preferred candidate losing.
Also, exit polls are saying that the African American turnout was approximately 2% higher this year than in 2004 (11% to 13%). Those voters broke approximately 95% for Obama. In 2000, Gore carried 90% and in 2004, Kerry took 88% of the same demographic. Considering the skin color of the previous two candidates, we can deduce the majority of these voters voted in their traditional voting block and not based on skin color.
Back to your questions:
1) If I voted for McCain because he was white and I was white, what would I be called?
3) If I judged a person by the color of his skin rather than the content of his character (and boy does Obama fail that test big time) what would Dr. King call me?
A racist. And I’m sure there were some white and black voters who voted this way. However based on the information above, it would be unfair to suggest the majority of either race voted based on skin color.
2) If I was happy McCain won (ha) because he was white and I was white, what would I be called?
Well, if you were in the minority like the scenario mentioned above and it was the first Scotch-Irish American to rise to power in the country, well, I think you or others from your heritage would be happy to see someone from their ilk rise to power.
I don’t think the shoe fits. Comparing white culture to black culture is apples to oranges.
Jonathan Charles said,
November 5, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
I absolutely can’t stand the fact that Obama won, but, like Dan, I can see why African-Americans are happy at this time. It wasn’t too far back when even white evangelicals acted wrongly towards blacks. Blacks who lived through that period may look at this as the light at the end of the tunnel of racism. It is about time that black men had a role model as big as Barack Obama. He is a family man, educated, well-dressed and well-spoken. Maybe Barack will be able to get black men to put away some of their bad habits.
The tone of Dan’s article hits on something missing from liberal media. While we wish the outcome would have been otherwise, we can see why the other side is happy. Do you remember 2004? The liberals could see nothing good on our side concerning the win of Bush over Kerry. Though we won, we were vilified as wanting to take America back to the 1800’s. The liberals want us to see something to celebrate, and I think we do. I wish they were as magnamimous with us as they want us to be with them.
Les Ismore said,
November 5, 2008 @ 4:06 pm
The international bankers still essentially control everything. I don’t think you’ll see much “change” as far as that is concerned. Sorry.
Watchman said,
November 5, 2008 @ 6:51 pm
RUS, comparing white behavior to black behavior is apples to apples. No past sin justifies sin today. Sorry. Not buying it. If it’s racist, it’s racist, no matter why it happens.
Rus said,
November 5, 2008 @ 8:22 pm
I agree, Watchman. If white people are voting simply for that reason, it’s racist. If Black people are voting for that reason, the same. The point I’m making is that exit polls show that this is not the overall case. Dan isn’t saying, “let them be racist.” He is acknowledging that this is very special for them and he’s happy for him. (Actually it’s special for all of us to see that our country continues to move beyond race). I’m not sure I see where the “sin” is that you’re referring to.
Al said,
November 5, 2008 @ 9:28 pm
This blog is all over the place, either hating obama loving mccain or the other way around…
PICK A FREAKIN SIDE!
Gene said,
November 5, 2008 @ 9:58 pm
Let’s not hate but I voted against Obama not because of the color of his skin, I hope Mike Steel runs on the Republican ticket next time, but because of his lack of morals where the unborn are concerned. Just as the Lord said to Cain, “The voice of your brother’s bloodcries out to Me from teh ground.” How defining and bone crushing must be from the cries of the murdered babies coming from the abotion clinics here in America, as well as around the world. When you don’t care for life what’s next…man I hate getting older!!!
Various Thoughts on the Election from Around the Web « Return to Biblicism said,
November 5, 2008 @ 11:08 pm
[…] Burrell gives us two lists: Ten Things to Expect from an Obama Administration and Don’t Worry, Be […]
patrick said,
November 6, 2008 @ 1:02 am
i only read #1 on your list but i loved it. i didn’t read any of the above comments either so someone may have already said this but you are RIGHT ON in #1! i think it was cool of you to write that. i think it’s cool that you recognize you “understand that you don’t understand”… i think a lot of “our” problems come from NOT understanding that we don’t understand.
#1 was awesome… but you know i think politics suck, so i can’t read anymore. but i congratulate you on that awesome paragraph.
Greg & Kim said,
November 6, 2008 @ 1:05 am
Very gracious Dan!
athomas said,
November 11, 2008 @ 7:48 pm
ok…I dont know how to take this blog,,, YOUR TOP TEN REASONS TO BE HAPPY WAS FUNNY AND TRUE…BUT!!!! I DONT THINK YOUR SO-CALL “I LOVE JESUS READERS CAN BE HONEST ABOUT THE ELECTION .
1 THEY DONT UNDERSTAND, AND NOT WILLING TO REALIZE THAT THEY DONT UNDERSTAND….
2…HOW MANY BABIES DIED UNDER THE BUSH ADMINSTRATION? JUST CURIOUS
3. JUST REMEMBER THAT THE PRESIDENT ELECT IS NOT IN THE WHITEHOUE BECAUSE OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN VOTE….CHECK YOUR US CENSUS BUREAU-ITS NOT ENOUGH AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE USA TO VOTE A PRESIDENT IN OFFICE,,,
John The Baptist said,
November 12, 2008 @ 12:27 am
Overall, an AMEN to the post.
Still……..something to said about the trade off………….
Gene said,
November 13, 2008 @ 5:22 pm
athomas said 2…HOW MANY BABIES DIED UNDER THE BUSH ADMINSTRATION? JUST CURIOUS
I think I understand your point however he that being Bush does not condone abortion and certainly not Partial birth murder.
Justo said,
November 13, 2008 @ 6:59 pm
I’m glad that you are happy! BUT, I’m greatly disappointed that so many “CHRISTIANS” compromised their Christian beliefs to vote for a person just because of his/her skin color. Shame on those who did just that!!! How a BIBLE believer can vote for a democrat is beyond my comprehension. The democratic party platform is the complete opposite to what we as Christians believe. We have so many ignorant and misinformed people in this country that are taking this GREAT Nation in a continuous downward slope. The Church needs to preach the true word of the BIBLE and stop trying to accommodate people. If God’s Word hurts, so be it. May GOD continue to BLESS this GREAT Nation!!!
MR. RUS - BLACK, WHITE, GREEN, YELLOW, and in between (obama) the BIBLE is the same!!!
Rus said,
November 14, 2008 @ 7:06 am
Justo, Amen to your second paragraph!
bryan said,
November 20, 2008 @ 6:43 pm
I admit to scratching my head at this post. I have seen similar ones, and the gist of them all seem to be: ” what a tragedy that we have elected the most hard-left president in history; how terrible that more unborn babies will lose their lives if he lives up to his promises; what a nightmare to see a president who confuses sexual perversion with civil rights; but isn’t it good for black self-esteem (and conversely white guilt) that we have a black president?” At least you are original, Dan. I have yet to see anyone throw in the “isn’t it cool the Obama children will have puppies in the White House” line before!
No, I am not proud for your black friends. Shame on them for letting the color of Obama’s skin trump values that go beyond skin pigment. It is high time for our nation to say enough to a race that, as a whole, cannot get beyond the politics of victimhood.
Reparations? Through the mainstreaming of rap/hip hop culture and music in American society and culminating in the election of a man whose candidacy would have been a joke were it not for his race (wow, I actually agreed with Geraldine Ferraro on something!), , I simply say, “AMERICA HAS PAID IN FULL- AT THE PRICE OF OUR NATIONAL SOUL
Connie d. said,
January 25, 2009 @ 5:39 pm
My sentiments exactly– I very much enjoyed this article, Dan-excellent! You are not only “happy” (me too- in a Pollyanna sorta way, as you now know) you’re also funny!