Obama and Optimism

“I guess I just like liking things.” -Abed Nadir (Community)

I love that line. It’s the best counter to cynical hipster “ironic” detachment I’ve heard.

And I was thinking about it during Obama’s optimistic speech last night.

I also like liking things — without air quotes — and I’m not remotely embarrassed to be proud of America, despite its many faults, and optimistic about the future.

There’s a lot of anger this year, and much of it seems driven by a preference for cynicism or fear.

We face numerous challenges, and some people are struggling and need help. But listening to some of the rhetoric this election you’d think this is the worst time in American history.

It’s not. It’s not even the worst time in America this decade.