Voting is the Best Revenge -- How did all of you so badly misunderstand the allusion in Obama's remarks????

Submitted by Naomi Mann (United States), Nov 3, 2012 at 22:27

Obama's comment was not a "gaffe" in any way, nor did this words imply a violent or vengeful attitude towards the opposition. His words were a spin on the familiar saying, "Living well is the best revenge," a quotation from the 17th c. British poet and theologian George Herbert. Herbert's words were intended as a response to those who take pleasure in the discomfort or troubles of others -- what the Germans call "schadenfreude." "Living well is the best revenge" is widely quoted, and simply means that living a good life is the best way to deflect the envy and mean spiritedness of other.

Obama simply meant, if the opposition is making things difficult, go out and vote against them. Voting is the best revenge.

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