Thanksgiving...

Like so many things, its original intent and its current interpretation are out of whack. Just like America. I went to hear Eugene Jarecki speak about his new book, The American Way of War: Guided Missiles, Misguided Men an a Republic in Peril and he explained the sea change that occurred in 1947 with the great expansion of the Executive branch of the government. It was supposed to be balanced with each branch counterbalancing the other. The Executive branch's fiscal and fundamental obesity epidemic is just one example of the misinterpretations.

I used to think that chicken was a protein but now that they are penned and caged they have become a fat, increasing that content threefold from lack of exercise and movement... sound like anyone you know... any ideas you know? The original idea was thanking God for the bountiful feast at the end of the harvest... or according to my fourth grade textbook, Thanksgiving was supposed to have been when The Pilgrims were saved by the Native Americans, that they had raped and pillaged, and that after being taught to plant corn -- maize -- the Pilgrims were so thankful that they invited the Indians to a supper... Bullshit.

We now know the truth about the Pilgrims and the Native Americans and instead we have turned this into an excuse to gather as families and eat until we are sick. Nice... No Native Americans or Iraqis, Iranians, or, in most white people's cases, African Americans. And certainly no French people present at the feast of reconciliation and gratitude. No, Just Uncle Frank who hates the fact that his brother carves the non-Palin-pardoned turkey poorly ( I betcha it was the one that still quaked in the background as she prattled on ) and that Aunt Alice thinks it is always "too dry" which she slurs during her fifth glass of boxed wine.

Real thanks and giving is from truth. Hard, ugly, painful truth, about ourselves and our families and our nation. So on this Thanksgiving let's try to count our blessings and not our calories, blessings not balance sheets, blessings not division, blessings not bombs.

Thanks to Barack Obama for his courage, for our children that they will get a chance to see real change occur, as Bette and Mae said, "Fasten you seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy night ( few years )."

Blessings for our path-cutters... a favorite quote from one of those Greek Genius', "Civilization flourishes when great men plant trees under the shade of which they will never stand."

Blessings for the brave who first said "No, I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!" and put their lives and limbs on the line for us and the brave men, women and children who continue to fight for the right to fight for the right...

So this Thanksgiving let's fight for the right to disagree, to discourse, to dissemble the things that don't work and plant seeds of change whithin ourselves, our families, our communities, our Nation and our World, that they will bloom and grow and yield new truths that we will all hold... that are and should always be self-evident... That all men, women, children, of every race, creed, color, religion, sexual orientation, are created equal.

Equal for all.

Please God!

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Comments

[ohioan73]

Many blessings Jamie. And thank YOU for starring in one of my favorite Xmas movies Trading Places. :)

[Coattails]

I know the modern tradition of the Thanksgiving Holiday is a wag the dog tale that has nothing to do with its original intention.

However, we should at least try to observe this federal Holiday for a few moments for the things we take for granted that many in this world do not have the privileges of.

Thanksgiving in these modern times is of course taken out of context, but we should try to realize its original meaning and try to at least put our selves in the shoe's of people who put a day aside from their regular calendar to give thanks for their blessings, enjoy themselves with their families, have a good meal together, and to quite simply enjoy themselves while acknowledging what they are lucky to have.

[Kalena]

Today we give thanks…

For friends and family gathered in love and celebration.
For all of our ancestors who brought us to this place.
And our children and grandchildren…and all the children of the world.

Blessings to all those who toiled in the fields and in difficult jobs
To bring us this bounty.
And for all those who today are hungry or suffering.
May all beings be well, be happy, be fed.

May we work tirelessly towards the new vision we have ushered in…
For peace and prosperity, equality and shared sacrifice,
For the greening of our lives…and of this country.
Yes we can.

Thanks to this good, sweet earth and a planet that nourishes and supports us.
May we be ever mindful of our footprints
And learn to live moderately and generously in our abundance.

We are ever grateful for that spirit which fills us, Individually and collectively.
For love, in all its forms and feelings.
For friends and our global family ~ We are truly grateful and truly blessed.

[lvlcaphoto]

We the people of the United States, let's stand up as a union of the people, for the people and let there finally be light! You are correct Jamie, let us come together as a complete nation with all the same equality, liberties and justice for each citizen. That each state also stop it's bureaucracy and move forward with supporting and being accountable for new programs and services. Thanks Jamie, I always enjoy your truth in writing from the hip!! Happy Holidays!

[bedeboop]

Many blessings to you.

[wendoxia]

thank you jamie. beautifully put, as all your posts are... a peaceful and joyous day of thanks for you and your family, and all good wishes.
wendie goode dox

[justjojo]

Thank you, Jamie. Thank you from all of us. Let us all give thanks for that which has been and that which is yet to come...and bless us all. Happy Thanksgiving.