Thom Hartmann: Why America has a happiness deficit

[thomhartmann]

Run time: 06:09 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yiWiVH4Yic   Posted on YouTube: June 07, 2011 By YouTube Member: TheBigPictureRT Views on YouTube: 15   Posted on DU: June 07, 2011 By DU Member: thomhartmann Views on DU: 863

 
Are you happy? Chances are…you probably aren’t. That’s because according to a
new study by “24-7 Wall Street” that looked into the OECD’s Better Life Index to
determine what the happiest nations on the planet are…the US didn’t even crack
the top 10. The happy nations spend far more of their GDP on social programs
than we do here in America. What's the point of being exceptional - as Ronald
Reagan would describe America - if that exceptionality doesn't make us happy?
Until we fix our elections - and kick the corporate millionaires and
billionaires out - and claim once and for all that our democracy belongs o We
The People - that it's part of the commons - then we'll always be stuck in the
muck wondering if this...is as good as it gets.

The Big Picture with Thom Hartmann on RT TV & FSTV "live" 9pm and 11pm check
www.thomhartmann.com/tv for local listings

[RKP5637]

1. Yep, we are a hollow nation anymore when it comes to people. A society

should be about people pulling together for the mutual benefits of a better life for the society as a whole. Instead, we've now descended into divisional tactics to impoverish and screw others for greed and profit, even if it eventually costs us the country.

[dotymed]

2. I love Thom Hartmann.

His shows are terrific but they should be accessible. Everyone should have the opportunity to see and listen to Thom.

He is one of our greatest weapons. A man who speaks truth, is literate and does not show his ego.

He should have a prime-time, MSM show with no influence allowed.

Oh, for the Fairness Doctrine.

[dash_bannon]

3. Happiness Quotient

I wonder what it would take to shift our culture to one that is more focused on our overall happiness? What would we have to focus on? What would it take?

We've been at each other's throats for so long, we forgot how to take time out and just relax.

What if we measured the value of our lives in leisure time, family time, and free time?

I wonder if we could use the internet to change our cultural conversation from one of greed to one of happiness?

[Esra Star]

5. I like the cut of your jib

Welcome to DU

The only country that declares a "Gross National Happiness" is Bhutan.....I think.

I think GNH would be worth measuring. To this end I have constructed four simple questions to be included in a national census.

#1.
Are you happy with your relationship with your immediate family? y/n
#2.
AYHW the medical facilities available to you? y/n
#3.
AYHW your immediate neighbours (adjoining properties)? y/n.
#4.
When did you last have a conversation with a neighbour (AP)?
One day/....one week/......one month/..........never (check one only).

Cheers.
Once again, welcome to DU.

[bulloney]

4. No way this is true!

We have the best health care in the world. So what if you have to be a billionaire to afford it?
We have the biggest, baddest military in the world.
We love our free markets! It's the only way to conduct business!
We already have the best schools. And as soon as vouchers become the standard means of funding, they'll be even better!
Our manufacturing base is leaving because we decided we don't need one. We want those cheap things from overseas at Wally World.

For those who are sarcasm-challenged: :sarcasm: