The Sydney Morning Herald, that overrated purveyor of what passes for news, at 1.44 pm May 23, 2012 made an astounding announcement “Smile, we’re the world’s happiest nation” and just in case we didn’t get the point included this photo of a delightful smiling child. You could, but I wouldn’t bother, click the link to read the article – it’s crap.
Apparently, as Australians, we have: a statistically high life expectancy; avoided the 2009 recession; jobs; mining investment boom; a budget surplus [aka creative accounting methods]; and a reputation as a safe trade & foreign investment destination.
I’m happy but it’s not because of any of those things. Actually, right now I’m a little mad that I’m supposed to be happy at the expense of the rest of the world. I want us all to be happy in ways that matter.
I may have to stop reading the news as there’s a chance I’m going to become the blogging world’s version of a habitual disgruntled letters to editor penner.
“False happiness renders men stern and proud, and that happiness is never communicated. True happiness renders them kind and sensible, and that happiness is always shared.” Charles de Montesquieu
daleleelife101.blog 
I wonder if anyone but the Treasurer is happy just because we have a budget surplus? Who are these people who thinks that kind of thing makes us happy?
I have to say, I gave up reading the news ages ago, and I don’t miss it at all. in fact, I’m probably happier not knowing about all the political infighting and stupidity. 🙂
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Sadly I think we’re being mislead by SMH selling news & the govt selling BS. As far as I’m aware & my interest in politics is peripheral, the budget surplus is due to increased borrowings… no-one sensible would be happy on that basis.I agree about the news, I read it less & less.
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You’ll get no argument from me:)
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I’ve given up on newspapers – they’re uniformly awful over here. And haven’t owned a TV set since 1994. I’m a lot happier for it. 🙂
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You are the first disgruntled happy person I know!
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haha… don’t mess with my happiness.
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Sorry. I remember you like the word happy.
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Nooo, don’t be sorry – your clever comment was right on the money. I am happy but disgruntled with SMH’s gratuitous “happiness” article.
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I love your perspective. Always a good read here, thanks
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I love the theory that those are the things that make people happy. It’s like the why got matched to the wrong what. As in the government is happy that it can report these statistics. But are the people of Australia really attributing their personal happiness to these stats?
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Hell no!
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Hey Elladee, please don’t feel bad for us, we do experience happiness here in USA, so at least now you don’t have to worry for us:). Go ahead, and enjoy every moment;).
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Thnx for the comment. I glad it’s not just Australia! 😉
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LOL
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