Happy Thanksgiving!
According to the Plimouth Plantation one of the Europeans who settled here, Edward Winslow, wrote to a friend in England, and said: “And God be praised, we had a good increase…. Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling that so we might after a special manner rejoice together….” Winslow continues, “These things I thought good to let you understand… that you might on our behalf give God thanks who hath dealt so favourably with us.”
I am all for celebrating our shared values like care for our neighbors, love of our country, family, and the blessing of being here in the USA where we have the freedom and rights to continually improve our country and world!
Each year, my wife Amy and I, make sure to take action to help those less fortunate. This year we donated and helped pack full Thanksgiving meals for distribution to families in need. We did it with our synagogue who coordinated with church groups around Los Angeles to ensure the meals were promptly delivered to appropriate families. Working together, as an inter-faith group, to help our community.
We also consider the impact the settlers made on the Native Americans. Our unfair and colonial ways, continued to this day. We’ve failed to honor our treaties and provide just compensation for what we took from them.
Finally, we consider the impact on our world today. This year, we are enjoying a vegetarian meal as the treatment of turkeys is less than stellar.
Spending time with family, friends, and strangers, connecting as people, sharing gratitude is always a worthwhile venture. Please be safe today and be gentle with your self and others.
Happy Thanksgiving!
P.S. Here are a few tips on handling politics at the table!
