Thanksgiving thoughts.

One may wonder as we approach Thanksgiving Day if the country in general has much to be thankful for. We are still in the throes of an economic crisis although it is starting to improve. The actions we took to ease the crisis have increased our deficit and combined with the high unemployment rate and reduction in business activity, the deficit was increased even more so due to the loss of tax revenues. We are still engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan and have thousands of young Americans at risk. We see a rising economic threat in China and we see a rogue country like Iran on the verge of developing Nuclear Weapon capability.

So, what is there to be thankful for? Of course each of us has our own individual situation and most of us can probably find many good things in our lives to be thankful for. However, as a Nation, what is there?

First, despite the current hostile activities, in most ways the Nation's defense has never been more secure. Yes, there is the threat of terrorism and we need to remain vigilant, but there is no real military threat to the country as a whole.

Second, most Americans still have a higher standard of living than almost all of the world's inhabitants. The issues we face will be challenging but we should never forget the great wealth and potential of this nation. We have the capability to solve our problems, we merely need to develop the resolve. We always have in the past and I believe we will again.

Third, we are on the verge of providing health care to all Americans. We need to be smart about it but I can't imagine anyone who thinks we shouldn't do it. Without addressing the issues on the implementation of this, we will find a way to pay for it and we will join the rest of the developed world in improving health care access.

Fourth, most (not all) of the racially divisive issues of the country's history are behind us. Yes, there are still pockets of segregation and it will never go away completely, but society as a whole treats all our citizens equally. We have also made great strides in gender equality.

Fifth, we seem to have grasped the need to protect the climate and improve the environment. There is a long way to go, but I believe the tide has turned and more and more we will see improvements in how we treat the world we live in.

Finally, we still enjoy the benefits of freedom that our country was founded upon. There are some who think our freedom's are being threatened and we need those people to keep the system honest. There is a constant challenge related to freedom which is best expressed by the old adage that states, your freedom to swing your fist stops where my nose begins. We can have freedom and individuality while respecting the rights of others.

I believe all Americans should keep some of these things in mind this Thanksgiving and enjoy this very American holiday.