Why Thanksgiving Still Matters: A Common Sense Take

Perspective in a Season of Thanks

A blessed and joyful Thanksgiving to all. In some quarters, wishing a happy Thanksgiving has become codified to mean “you are ignoring all the bad things Americans have done, starting with our treatment of Native Americans.”

For many of us, especially those who come from military families, the temptation is to remind those so anxious to be critical of our history, culture, and traditions that, among adults, perspective encompasses recognizing both the good and the bad in our history. It entails including historical context and a “compared to who” quotient. We see the choices as being more than we are perfect versus we are terrible.

Recognizing Our Shortcomings — and Our Strengths

Most reasonable people, hopefully, would agree there is absolutely no shortage of reminders of our shortcomings, or the demand that we “get honest with ourselves, acknowledge and atone for our many sins.” Pick up the history books used in your local public schools. Try keeping a straight face and arguing that the treatment of our heritage is anything other than very critical.

Is it true that Native Americans had their lands taken from them? Is it true that slavery was a terrible stain on the nation? Is it true that for too long women were treated as second-class citizens? In each and every case, the answer is yes. The question is whether or not those things should define us as a nation. This aging Boomer shouts The answer is no.

The Good Done Alongside the Bad

Beyond these genuine and true shortcomings, a bunch of almost exclusively white, European males did a lot of wonderful things. These, too, deserve attention and focus. You can argue it has taken too long, and the job is not done, as it pertains to addressing our shortcomings. At the same time, it seems reasonable and fair to note in each case that those same white European males were at the forefront of doing a lot to improve conditions. Pretending otherwise is nothing more than elitist arrogance, often with some blatant anti-American sentiment being mixed in for free.

A Thanksgiving for Free Speech

Recently, there has been a lot of talk about free speech. In the simplest and clearest terms possible, let’s all agree free speech starts with allowing, without government restrictions, speech with which we totally disagree. So long as it passes the reasonable man test in terms of not engaging in the equivalent of crying fire in a crowded theatre, you say what you want, and I will say what I want. That does not mean either of us is free from the consequences of having said it. Here is a thanksgiving for free speech.

Free speech does not stand alone. It comes with the right to peacefully assemble and worship as you deem appropriate. Heck, let’s give a big thanks for the entire Constitution.

Gratitude for a Nation Worth Celebrating

Most of all, let us all be grateful for the privilege of living in this wonderful country. For nearly 250 years, we have stood as a beacon of light for all who cherish liberty, freedom, and opportunity. That problems and challenges remain is not an indication of how terrible we are. It is recognition that humans will forever face difficulties.

As I enjoy another Thanksgiving, one with family including grandchildren, I pray that more of my fellow Americans will join me in giving our thanks for the chance to live in one country, under God, with liberty and justice for all. Without hesitation, there is gratitude in my heart to live in the country where the greatest amount of freedom, liberty, and opportunity is true for the greatest percentage of its citizens.

Common Sense: Truly, God bless America. From sea to shining sea. Your grace is seen and felt.