Page 22 - Issue 66

Volume 1 ELITE ISSUE 66

Governments that venture down the cynical Leaders must engage in the hard work of problem-
path of attempting to fulfill arbitrary desires for solving, even when it necessitates uncomfortable

happiness often undermine the foundations of conversations and unpopular choices.
a flourishing society. The authoritarian regime

of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela serves as a The government’s mandate is to safeguard its citizens’
prime example. Maduro's platform, which can rights to pursue happiness, not to promise it as an end

be described as that of a "political messiah" goal. The cautionary tale of Venezuela’s descent under
promising to salvage the Venezuelan economy, Maduro’s regime underscores the peril of platforms
has led to devastating consequences, illustrating that offer joy and salvation as solutions to societal

the dangers of such empty promises. woes, ultimately devolving into dogma and hollow
rhetoric.

While Harris's "joy" platform may offer a welcome

contrast to the toxicity that has permeated American
politics, but it distracts from the difficult work essential

for genuine progress. For a truly flourishing society,
we need leaders who will prioritize a pragmatic, fact-
based approach to the challenges before us. Only then

can we hope to build a future grounded in realistic
solutions rather than the fleeting allure of happiness.
While joy, optimism, and civility

undoubtedly have a place in political
discourse—especially after years of bitter
partisan gridlock and cultural clashes—

these qualities cannot substitute for
substantive policy discussions. The most

pressing challenges of our time, such as
widening economic inequality, climate

change, and the fragility of democratic
norms, cannot be resolved through mere

declarations of positivity.

Effective leadership requires confronting

uncomfortable truths and making difficult
decisions. A society that prioritizes

ephemeral happiness over pragmatic
solutions is ill-equipped to navigate the

complexities of the 21st century.

YEARS ANNIVERSARY
YEARS ANNIVERSARY
22