Gross National Happiness

 As the 2011 U.S. Congress begins to take shape, I have been feeling a bit disheartened to hear the words that communicate the new message of change:  The words "angry", "no compromises," and "less government" are foremost among the new communication. Now, these elected representatives will begin to debate against the backdrop of the murder of a Federal judge, and the near mortal injury of one of their own members by senseless gun violence.  "Yes, we can!" is definitely not popular.

Although nobody in Congress has asked for my opinion, I feel sufficiently worried about our leaders that I did some quick research.  I found that the King of Bhutan offered some words to his people that may be useful for our country and our new leaders. In his 2008 Coronation address, His Majesty King Khesar, The 5th Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, inspired me with these words:

"...we must always remember that as our country, in these changing times finds immense new challenges and opportunities, whatever work we do, whatever goals we have - and no matter how these may change in this changing world - ultimately without peace, security and happiness we have nothing.  That is the essence of Gross National Happiness. Our most important goal is the peace and happiness of our people and the security and sovereignty of the nation."

King Khesar added, "As citizens of a spiritual land you treasure the qualities of a good human being - honesty, kindness, charity, integrity, unity, respect for our culture and traditions, love for our country and God.  Throughout our history our parents have upheld these values and placed the common good above the self.  My deepest concern is that as the world changes we may lose these fundamental values on which rest our character as a nation and people."

The King told his people that future generations will live in happiness and peace "as long as we continue to pursue the simple and timeless goals of being good human beings."

Perhaps these words from a country that is leaving the third world would be helpful to the leaders of a country that has been doing all it can to enter the third world.