Insist!

• The stock market plummeted today
• Oil prices skyrocketed
• Unemployment is at an all-time high
• The dollar is becoming worthless
• We’re at war
• There are over a million homes in foreclosure
• Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera…

After Ted Kennedy was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Barack Obama said: 

“I insist on being optimistic about how it is going to turn out.”

I insist on being optimistic.  Not I am or will be.  Insist!  Optimism doesn’t just happen.  You have to make it happen and Obama subtly exemplifies that in his words. 

Now that’s leadership.  I want that guy to run the country.

I insist on being optimistic that our country can pull its head out of the sand and get back on track.  No matter how bad it gets, I’m going to insist that I appreciate the beautiful Arizona sunsets and be thankful for what I have every fucking day.  Forget about what you don’t have and appreciate what you do (he says after finally getting an iPhone). 

Remember the 60’s?  A lot of people are comparing 2008 to 1968.  There is only one thing different.  Nobody is speaking out.  Where are the protest songs?  Where are the chants?  Hell No We Won’t Go!  All You Need Is Love!  Give Peace A Chance!

Paging Joni Mitchel!!  Lennon!  Mr. John Lennon, please pick up the white courtesy telephone.  Your party is trying to reach you.

Oh yeah, he’s dead.  Some asshole murdered him. 

We’re in control of our own destiny.  Let’s insist on changing the world!  Let’s insist on making this a better place for everyone.  Let’s stop reaching for something outside of ourselves and start looking within.  That’s where all the good stuff is.