SOME OF US DON'T REALIZE HOW FORTUNATE WE ARE...

Special to El Rrun-Rrun

It's probably understandable that people may find it difficult to find something to be thankful about today given the last two years of suffering through a pandemic that has taken millions from among the living, battered our economy, and has created a rise in the cost of living.

The racial conflicts in our country, and the continuing ideological antagonisms that have resulted in blood spilled in our streets between brothers, have rent the social fabric of  this republic. Unity - so necessary to forge the social contract that bind us together as a people - is eroding visibly.

Yet, we - you who read this and I who write it -  have much to be thankful for. 

We are alive, we're not starving, and live in a nation that is the envy of the world. Hunger stalks the world. People are literally dying on our shores to be where we are, to enjoy the benefits bestowed upon us that are denied to millions worldwide. In fact, food bank advocates say we waste more food in this nation than in any other.

As our older Mexican-American generations in South Texas used to say: "No concemos el hambre."  

We must be thankful for the men and women - military veterans and civilians - who came before and for those who are are still serving in their place to make us safe and secure. 

And we must salute the public servants who labor sincerely to make our democracy work, and the taxpayers who contribute through their labor and obligations to fund its existence and provide the wherewithal to their fellow citizens to assure their survival.

There will always be political differences, but there is a mechanism - political participation - to address them. The right to dissent and resist the government is guaranteed by the constitution. No one - magistrate or soldier - can force you how to think or how to worship.

To not be thankful for this is to be an ingrate and a denial that we are the beneficiaries of living in a great nation and part of a great people. Be thankful today for that and for those who share our existence here. And pray that the suffering millions around our world have a  better tomorrow. Work for and pray that our future generations also enjoy the fruits of our democracy and its bounty. 

Share with those who have less and extend a hand to those needy among us as the Creator, Great Spirit, or God, has extended these blessings to us. Show compassion, as has been shown to us.

Happy Thanksgiving America.