It seems sad that only once each year we give thanks for all we have. We, in this nation, have so much, even 365 days may not be enough to show gratitude for the boundless bounty. Yet the precedent has been set, the one day set aside, and nearly all of us here will take at least a brief moment and give thanks. With that in mind, I’d like to add my thoughts and thanks this Thanksgiving.
Let’s first give thanks for each of the first ten amendments to our Constitution. The freedom of speech, so clearly expressed over the past two months, along with freedom to assemble, in the OWS protests. It matters not whether you agree or disagree with what the Occupy crowd has been saying, or even if you can understand their outrage. What does matter is that precious blood of this nation’s youth has been shed to protect their right to say it. Those sacrifices are made without any consideration of what is being said, or even if those speaking will appreciate the sacrifice. Thus we should also be thankful for those who sacrifice to defend our Constitution and its amendments.
We should also be thankful that all those Occupy protestors who have been arrested are, prior to their trial, considered innocent. They will not be declared guilty and punished just because they have been arrested. They have a right to a speedy and fair trial. Judging them before that trail date is set is a violation of our Constitution. We should be thankful that we live in a nation where innocence is assumed until guilt is proven, and not the other way around.
Many of us will pray at some time tomorrow, thanking our Maker for the gifts we have received for the year. Again, our nation was founded on the idea that any person, no matter their religious preference, should be allowed to pray and worship in their manner of choosing without fear of persecution. That many of those same people fear saying “Merry Christmas” in public is evidence that this freedom hangs by a tenuous thread. “Happy Holidays” may seem polite, but the freedom of religion and speech gives us the right to say “Merry Christmas”, or “Happy Chanukah”, or whatever cheerful, peaceful greeting we choose. Be thankful, and exercise that right as this season of joy progresses.
I am also thankful for elections that allow us to choose our leaders every four years. Let’s face it, this nation elected Obama to take the helm, and there are many now who may regret that decision. In less than one year they will have a chance to correct that decision, and possibly change the direction this nation is currently taking. Those types of changes make it possible for America to evolve and grow without dramatic shifts in the foundational pillars that make it great. Try for a moment to imagine what America would look like if nothing had changed in the past 200-plus years. Exactly, so give thanks.
Finally, thanks to those of you who have taken time to read our rants and thoughts for the past two-plus years. Our freedom of speech is exercised weekly on this site. In some nations I might be arrested for these scribblings. In others they might not even make it to your desktop. Thank-you for your readership, and may the coming year be one of growth and prosperity for you and those you hold dear. Happy Thanksgiving.
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