Thanksgiving

You know, I bitch a lot about this country, and I have plans of retiring in Europe, but I'm always thankful to be born an American and live in this great nation. Yeah, it's fucked up now and we probably won't get the damage done in the last 7 years fixed until long after I've left the scene, but America has been good to me and I'm deeply thankful for the opportunities I've had.

I've lived in many different parts of the world and seen desperate poverty, sickness, and hopelessness and I've always marveled at the roll of the dice that allowed me to be born here. Since I was born, I've taken decent medical care, a decent education, and opportunities to get ahead as a given. Yes, all those things could be better here, but they could be nonexistent as they are in many places in this world.

I am thankful for the military we have, and I've had the honor to serve with, for they are not mounting a coup every few years. I am thankful for the political system we have, though it could be better, for in many places I'd have been executed for what I've written here or for supporting the candidates I have.

I'm thankful for the America that beckoned both my parents here from foreign shores, for that same America reached out to my wife's grandparents and welcomed them all. I am thankful to all the immigrants who've added threads to the American tapestry, creating a nation more diverse than any other. I'm thankful to be part of this unique social experiment.

Yes, the Constitution is tattered and the American Dream has been put out of reach for many more people, but this is still America and we can fix it if we want to. As Michael Douglas said in The American President, "America is hard work", but it's worth the effort. It is gratifying to see that hard work come to fruition, no matter how small the victory.

I'm thankful that we, my fellow bloggers here and our compatriots around Left Blogtopia (y!sctp!), are capable of inducing change; regular folks from all walks of life making their voices heard. We've proven it and I'm thankful we're here to keep an eye on the criminals who've taken over for the time being. I'm thankful we're making the American people aware of what is really going on and the people are listening.

We will get this nation back on track, one day, and I'm thankful we're able to play a small part in it.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving, ladies and gentlemen.