Ignorance is Less Painful

I'm up in arms about the debt ceiling deal.  Teahadists are up in arms about the deal.  We're vocal, everyone's yelling.  Except, I'm slowly realizing that not EVERYONE is yelling. 

I know far more voting-age people who don't know what a debt ceiling is, and furthermore they don't care, and their lives are just blissfully flowing along without all this angst over who got screwed and who won this particular battle.

Are their lives less meaningful because they don't live them in tune with the political struggles of the day?  I'm not seeing them be more unhappy than I am.  In fact, they have all the same qualities of any other living being...they have relationship ups and downs, employment ups and downs, and the same need to fill their days with important or pleasurable activities.  They're just the same as me, but with far fewer times they want to tear out their hair over the latest political faux pas of their favorite politician.

If they can live their lives this way, why am I not emulating this behavior and increasing my happiness quotient?  The fact that I care (and care deeply at times) brings me little joy, it mostly has me ranting in frustration.  Who would voluntarily do this to themselves?  Am I a masochist? 

I could argue that there is a need for grownups, a need for those who assume the responsibility of making sure our country is run well and that the citizens have opportunities for good lives.  Systems tend to devolve without constant monitoring and tweaking, and there is a need for people who are willing to take on that managerial role.  An involved electorate.  I am driven that way.

But today I'm envying the ignorant because sometimes, I'd like to feel a little more carefree.