Our country is a magnificent experiment in so many ways. We are young and brash in comparison to many of the world’s other countries, but we are also big hearted and exuberant in our likes and dislikes, in our expression of dress and style, and through the multiple ways we live with one another and manage for the most part to get along. There is no other country that takes all the people of the world and creates one nation where each can live and flourish according to their own abilities. Not by virtue of birth, nor tribal position, or gender – Americans are uniquely endowed with the capacity to dream big dreams and through effort, make those dreams come true.
We are a nation that houses major religious differences and diversity, yet we have proven that we can accept one another’s right to religious freedom, and for the most part we coexist in a state of accommodation and mutual respect. Our forefathers wanted it that way.
In spite of our differences, and our individual preferences, we are a nation that has proven for over two hundred years that this formula can work. We have shown that people from all walks of life can live together in a free society that upholds the values of dignity, individuality, and possibility. It’s an enormous feat if you really think about it.
So…in spite of all the things that we constantly point to as “wrong” with our country and society, let’s take this next few days to count the many good things that we are privileged to have. Let’s put aside our petty bickering and finger pointing, and look at one another with pride and delight that we are Americans. We are living in an incredible country that offers us so much, and at this very special time of year when it is important to count our blessings – we give thanks for all the good that is ours.
Happy Thanksgiving to all, and many thanks to our magnificent country that has made it possible!
