To the Editor:
Re “Can Those on the Left Be Happy?,” by Ross Douthat (column, April 7):
Mr. Douthat thinks, citing no proof, that folks on the left are “by nature” unhappier than moderates or conservatives, partly as a result of he thinks we don’t imagine in God anymore.
The left is just not “by nature” sad; we are usually brutally trustworthy with ourselves and unavoidably empathetic to the plights of those that undergo. I put on these traits as a badge of honor.
If we really feel extra sad nowadays, it’s not as a result of it’s in our genes. It’s as a result of we see the truths of our world — the unconventional disruptions from know-how, the very actual threats of local weather change, the distortions of our financial system that go away so many behind, and the specter of political violence and fascism on our doorstep (because of, um, the God-fearing proper). We see all of it with readability and are due to this fact motivated to alter it.
I’m a proud liberal who is decided and hopeful, and joyful more often than not. I don’t know if I imagine in God, however I believe Jesus was fairly superior, and what I principally assume is that we’d all be quite a bit higher off if extra of these on the fitting (particularly the politicians) would dwell their lives as in the event that they thought Jesus was superior too.
Rebecca Spence
New Windfall, N.J.
To the Editor:
Ross Douthat is correct to say that folks on the left have turn into pessimistic. He attributes a lot of the left’s dangerous temper to its drift away from “the Christianity of the American social gospel custom” and its message of “basic optimism.”
However did the left drift away from faith, or did faith stray from its mission? As a left-leaning non secular chief, I’ve to take Mr. Douthat to activity for failing to acknowledge that most of the most influential American non secular establishments appear to have turn into unmoored from any gospel of social, financial or environmental justice.
I think about that it’s onerous for a teen nowadays to really feel that old-time faith-based optimism when the loudest preachers in America deny the very existence of the forces that threaten younger lives essentially the most, reminiscent of local weather change and the erosion of our democracy.
(Rabbi) Michael Goldman
White Plains, N.Y.
To the Editor:
Ross Douthat wonders if fashionable liberals, within the absence of non secular or ideological certainties, may be joyful. I’ll admit that it may be a problem, in the event you care about human struggling and injustice and also you don’t imagine you’re assured success or a reward to your efforts to assist.
All I can say is, discover pleasure the place you discover it — in serving to a baby really feel safe, joyful and empowered; serving to the very aged know they nonetheless have worth; tending your backyard, house and relationships; trustworthy work. If all we’re doing is creating zones of affection and sweetness in an unsure world, it’s nonetheless value doing.
Joan Vanore
Indianapolis
To the Editor:
It’s reassuring to study from Ross Douthat that our conservative associates are so joyful. They usually simply look terrified. Terrified of getting their blood poisoned by individuals who don’t seem like them, of books with unfamiliar concepts, of people that love in a different way and of low-income individuals who would possibly finagle an undeserved profit.
They seem so afraid of their fellow residents that they’d somewhat limit voting than threat democracy. So frightened, in actual fact, that they observe a pacesetter who bellows about blood baths, carnage and World Warfare III. It seems that these associates of ours are stockpiling weapons whereas we liberal dupes go birding or to live shows. I’m unsure I envy that type of contentment.
Nancy Lorince
Bedminster, N.J.
To the Editor:
What an absurd assertion that “the left-wing temperament is, by nature, unhappier than the average and conservative options.” Embracing progress to enhance our lot now by working towards equity, fairness, sustainability and group versus pinning hopes on some afterlife doesn’t make one sad. It makes you an inexpensive, accountable (and dare I say, joyful) human.
Kevin Porter
Harmony, N.H.
To the Editor:
Ross Douthat declares that these on the left can’t be joyful and explains why.
I’m no professional, but when I needed to establish an sad political class, I’d be inclined to quote the fitting somewhat than the left. Can the snarling Representatives Jim Jordan and James Comer presumably be joyful? Does Ann Coulter radiate sunshine? Is it happiness that strikes Donald Trump to foretell blood baths and to model immigrants as animals? Do the crowds that cheer him on look serene and content material?
I respect Mr. Douthat, however I believe he’s lifeless improper this time.
Norm Tabler
Carmel, Ind.
To the Editor:
Though a liberal, I often get pleasure from Ross Douthat’s observations, however claiming that average to proper conservatives are happier than their counterparts on the left is patently risible.
The one foundation I can see for this conclusion is that not caring in regards to the welfare of others have to be conducive to raised sleep at evening. However then the best way to clarify the necessity for a totally automated AK-47 on the evening stand and two in the lounge? Or their fealty to that happiest of joyful warriors, Donald Trump?
Eric Conger
Weehawken, N.J.
To the Editor:
In my expertise as a working towards medical psychologist for greater than 35 years, I see sufferers each on the left and on the fitting politically who’re sad. I resent Ross Douthat’s implied belittling of psychotherapy for individuals who are “comforted by neither God nor historical past, and hoping vaguely that remedy can take their place.”
I imagine that this disparages the dedication sufferers deliver to their work in remedy, in addition to the work of the professionals who deal with them.
Karin Ruetzel
Evanston, Sick.
To the Editor:
“Can These on the Left Be Blissful?” Sure!
With the acquisition of my Trump Bible and gilded sneakers, I really feel a heat, cascading, virtuous happiness and contentment washing away my dirty liberal bile!
Matt Tanguay
Ann Arbor, Mich.
