Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to any who stumble across this blog today.

Despite the doom and gloom that greets us everday in the papers, magazines or on television, we have a great dealt to be thankful for in this country today.

Though there is conflict abroad, we are not, in fact, at war. Those of us with loved ones in the military have hopefully been able to see them return home safely or know that they are still safe and healthy wherever they are serving at this time.

Despite the economic woes we face, you can go into any grocery in this country and find food. Good, healthy edible food and much of it easily affordable to everyone. Those who find themselves in tough times can find help at many places in every city. Food banks, shelters, and charitable organizations are ready and willing to aide anyone in need during the holidays or any time of the year. You need only reach out to them, which is sometimes hard for the suffering proud, but help is there without judgement or pre-condition. That stands in stark contrast to much of the rest of the world.

There are jobs to be had, perhaps not what one hopes for, but unlike the Great Depression of old, there is plenty of work available for those who are willing to work.

Hospitals and free health clinics will take care of you, even if you've not the means to afford it.

Any legal citizen of this country can vote, have a voice in the government. We can protest and demand redress of grievances. On and on, we have rights here that few in the rest of the world can claim. Our system is not perfect, but we have it much better here than anywhere else in the world.

Remember that today, as you sit with your family and friends, or in my case, alone, things could be infinitely worse than they are. It may seem a bit yucky out there, but we have plenty to be thankful for.