Thanksgiving

 

My blessing are many. So many that I often take my blessings for granted. Sometimes I have to remind myself just how lucky and blessed I am. I don’t mean by monetary riches, but for what I have is mine that I earned and worked for.

I’m thankful for capitalism. You cannot walk into a grocery store and see the abundance of products. A cornucopia of fresh foods and choices available. When I see countries like Venezuela, Cuba, Russia, and other socialists countries, their choices are limited and often priced out of reach for the consumer. There are mega stores, and small mom and pop stores to choose from. There is an internet with infinite products, as many as there are stars in the night sky. The free exchange of products, trade and ideas grows the economy and the wealth of this country.

I’m thankful for my liberty. The ability to choose my destination, and the freedom to pursue my dreams and desires. Other countries don’t have such liberties, and many try to immigrate to the United States.  They come here for a chance for a better life. Either because they have limited opportunities in their country, or conditions make it hazardous to live.  Unfortunately, the draw to this country also brings illegal immigrants that include gang members and criminals. There are legitimate immigrants that play by the rules, but illegal immigrants hurt legal immigrants by jumping ahead of the line for citizenship. It is disappointing elected officials favor the illegals over the legal immigrants, because that hurts the country, the economy and opportunities to secure liberty for all. With liberty comes fairness.

I’m thankful for my freedoms. I am free to live my life as I want. I am free to practice the religion of my choice. I am free to live anywhere in the United States without restrictions. I am free to innovate and be as productive as I want. I am free to choose the career of my desires. I am free to move about this country unrestricted. There are those that cannot travel between borders because of their religion, ethnicity, political affiliation, and country of origin. Unless you are a criminal, this country welcomes everyone. With freedom, comes the need for security and the rule of law. Without rule of law, freedoms would not exist and would be severely restricted. This is true for many countries that have no government.

I am thankful for the United States Constitution. Based on the Judaeo-Christian values which our freedoms, liberties and happiness are God given rights. These rights cannot be taken away, because their are granted by our creator. They are basic human rights that provide for the common good of humanity. Which is not to be confused with rights that are given by man, or government, because those right, or entitlements, can be taken away by other men. We are blessed with the wisdom the Founders used to craft the Constitution. No where else is there a more perfect form of government.

I am thankful for the times we live in. We have so many conveniences available at our fingertips today. When I look at how people used to live one hundred, two hundred, even a century ago, we can marvel at the inventions, the medical advances, and shelter we have today. The inventions of the automobile, refrigeration, cooking, washing machines, communication, and the list goes on and one. It makes you wonder about the future innovations and what it will be like five, ten and a hundred years from now. I am reminded of a conversation that Ben Franklin had with a Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia.  She asked Benjamin Franklin, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” With no hesitation whatsoever, Franklin responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.” We have kept this republic for over 240 years and hopefully for another 240 years, and beyond. It would be great if other countries would model their government after ours.  So much greatness has this country provided for the world.

For example, slavery was common place in the world when this government was formed. Slavery wasn’t started in the United States, it was abolished, and the rest of the world followed in abolishing the slave trade. That’s not to say slavery has been completely abolished, it still exists in parts of the world. In particular, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of central and south Americas.

The United States is the only country to successfully send men to the moon and back.  It’s sad the country didn’t pursue further space exploration to establish colonies on the moon. So much industry and science advancements have been slowed by not advancing this technology.  Too many have said that we have to worry about the problems on Earth than sending people into space. I think that is a serious missed opportunity. Hopefully, there will be a renewal into the space industry soon.  We were created of star stuff and be belong to live among the heavens.

There are so many other things to be thankful for, but the most important things are family, country and God. At least for me, these are the things are important for me. I have to keep reminding myself of these blessings, because when I see others less advantaged that myself, I get over any grievances I might have.

The bell ringers and kettles are out now that the season of giving is here. However, for me the season is year round. So many disasters and misfortunes have upset many lives and families. So we give whatever we can, when we can. I keep a few extra dollars in my wallet to drop in the kettles when we go shopping.  No big deal, no fanfare, sometimes a check goes to a favorite charity for disaster relief. There are those that have lost everything, some even lost lives, and we grieve for them. I am thankful for everything that I have, and I will share my good fortune with those less fortunate. It is why I am thankful, and appreciative, and who we are as a country, and a people.