Optimism At All Costs

01 July, 2004

Ever since Ronald Reagan died, "optimism" has been the buzzword in American politics. In an effort to capture some of the Gipper's magic, both George Bush and John Kerry have become, in the words of Jon Stewart "optimists -- banal, unconvincing optimists." Optimism is the theme of the Bush campaign's infamous attack ad linking Kerry to the "Bush = Hitler" ads from MoveOn.org's contest last year. (Incidentally, if Dick Gephardt calling Bush a "miserable failure" is the worst example of a "wild-eyed" Democrat that they can find, I'd say we're an awfully down-to-earth party.)

Now, I can understand the appeal of optimism. Optimism feels good. Optimism gives you the strength to move forward with whatever you want to do (which may explain why most of us think we're above-average drivers -- as a self-admitted awful driver, my self-assessment can make it an ordeal to get behind the wheel). Many in this country -- from the "Bush = Hitler" folks to the "gay marriage will destroy Western Civilization" crowd -- would be well served by getting some perspective on their unduly dour outlooks.

But too much optimism, like too much of anything, can be just as damaging as too much pessimism. Optimism crosses the line when it goes from "we can find a solution" to "there's no problem." Let's take a look at some of what optimism has told us in the past four years:

• We don't need more troops or more planning, because the Iraqis will greet us with flowers.
• The administration hasn't presented any good evidence for Saddam's WMD capability, but I'll trust that the President knows what he's doing.
• The sweeping powers granted by the PATRIOT Act haven't actually been abused much yet, so there's no need to worry they will be down the line.
• Trickle-down economics hasn't worked before, but surely this time tax cuts for the rich will be just the boost our economy needs.
• If the courts convict someone of a capital offense, it must be because they're guilty and deserve to be executed.
• Global climate and oil supplies are doing just fine, so why don't I go ahead and buy that SUV.
• Surely if we just keep telling kids to abstain from sex, we'll take care of the unwanted pregnancy and STD problems without having to resort to condoms.
• Polluting industries are such good citizens that they'll happily comply with voluntary environmental guidelines.

I think a dose of pessimism could do some parts of our nation a world of good.

Stentor Danielson