“And although it be not always so plentifull, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so farre from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plentie.”
— Edward Winslow, Mourt’s Relation, 1621
Thanksgiving Day is a uniquely American practice of thanking God for all we have.
In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims and Wampanoags gave thanks for cod, bass, venison, corn, walnuts, chestnuts, plums, quail, pigeons, partridges, and, of course, turkey.
But mostly they gave thanks to God, who provided them all these things and, more importantly, their lives, their families, their friends, and their relationship with Him.
In November 1621, one of the second-wave Plymouth dwellers named William Hilton wrote a letter to a cousin in England in which he described the community he had joined.
“Our company are, for most part, very religious, honest people; the word of God sincerely taught us every Sabbath; so that I know not any thing a contented mind can here want,” Hilton wrote.
With that sentiment in mind, here below are five things Americans ought to be thankful for in 2023.
1. Checks and Balances
Does the federal government’s executive branch have a figurehead 80 years old, well into dementia, who never had much wisdom before his illness? Is he manipulated by unelected and unseen hands who have bad principles and poor judgment and largely dislike the country?
Yes.
But the genius of the system the Founding Fathers left us is that it’s hard to totally screw it up. Our checks and balances prevent any one person – whether skilled or addled – from running things.
Lesser countries would buckle under the weight of better leaders than Joe Biden.
But the United States muddles on.
2. Food
Joe Biden’s inflation is hurtful and wrong. Many people are straining under the weight of increasing prices caused by foolish economic policies.
But there is still plenty of good food in our supermarkets capable of being purchased by people of ordinary means. For a car ride, some walking the aisles, and some time waiting to get to the cash register, we can eat most of the things we’d ever want or need.
Venezuela can’t say that.
3. Religion
We Americans may not be as religious as we used to be – and more’s the pity – but we have confidence we can practice our religion if we wish.
Sure, some people in the country are attacking religious freedom, and some would ditch it. But it’s hard for them to accomplish, because the federal constitution’s First Amendment and comparable measures in state constitutions are so clear, as is our longstanding tradition of respecting each other’s religious beliefs and practices.
No one in this country ever gets arrested merely for praying.
England can’t say that.
4. Free Speech
While many college administrators in the United States have lost interest in free expression, the country still cherishes it and protects it.
Again, the federal constitution and state constitutions are helpful on this matter. But so is the general agreement among Americans that people have a right to say their peace without fear of government reprisal.
Canada can’t say that.
5. Stability
Does crime make life difficult in certain cities in our country?
Yes.
But the United States almost never sees the sort of widespread disorder common in many parts of the world.
It’s a rare day and a rare place where people feel unsafe going to and from school, work, or a store.
God bless America.
And thank you, God.
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