Where do I begin? Maybe you should tell me. Or, better yet, tell yourself. What do YOU have to be thankful for?
Outrageous prices for most everything? Taxes? Unemployment? Gas prices? War? Death? Traffic? Crime?
Doesn't sound like we have a lot to celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday, right? Well, not so dang fast, buster. I don't know about you, but I've got a lot to be thankful for. And, so do you. True, we've all got those pesky little things like taxes and traffic to deal with. And, yes, it seems like we're always on the brink of war or conflict somewhere in the world. Unfortunately, we have thousands of troops either in harm's way or getting ready to go there. And, thankfully, we have those brave men and women to make sure those conflicts remain somewhere else.
Gas prices? A pesky nuisance, a price we pay for the luxuries we have in this great nation. If we, the average joe, ever wanted to bring gas prices down, we could do it. We would have to learn how to conserve, to become more conscious of our wastefulness. If we, as a UNITED nation of motorists would decide that enough is enough, and as a group would stop wasting gas, then our dependence on those nations that provide us with oil at inflated prices, those distillers and distributors and dealers would soon get the message. Once they find out that they can not, please pardon the pun, hold us over a barrel, then and only then will the pump prices go down. So, enough of your whining about gasoline prices. If you don't like it, then get organized and do something about it.
Taxes are what they are. It's the cost of Big Government doing business. Who created Big Government? Well, check out the mirror, my friend. It was you. And, me. We, as a nation, continue to send representatives to Washington to represent us. And, they do it so lavishly (is that a word?). Government has grown over the decades. The shear numbers of Americans employed by the government has reached a level that is scary. But, again, quit complaining. It's your fault. And, mine. If we, as a UNITED nation of people would send the same message to Washington that we could send to oil and gas leaders, then our Big Government would get back to a reasonable size. And, it doesn't have to start in Washington. It can start in our communities, at the city council and county commission levels. Hold those we elect acccountable. If this wave would sweep the state, the country, then you can bet that business would not be the same in the future.
Unemployment is a bit more difficult. It's out of control. We have one out of every four veterans in the unemployment lines. And, that's likely to increase dramatically as we reduce the number of troops we have. Countless others remain unemployed, many because they're un-employable. Their skills are no longer needed. That said, there are still opportunities and programs that will help. Let me point out the Community College System in North Carolina. Regardless of age or background, if you're willing to apply yourself, they will help you help yourself. Read that line again, and take it to heart.
Now, what do I have to be thankful for. First, a full life. Approaching that magic year of 65, I have remained in relatively good health. As with many today, there have been ups and downs in the health arena. Nothing that could not be fixed, usually by my own hand. With a little guidance from the medical professionals, life is good.
My wife. Of a mere six years, but six wonderful years. Understanding and loving. And, just as important, a word so often unused or misused, caring.
A daughter, a granddaughter, and a host of other relatives, far and near, and friends, and neighbors. And, oh yeah. An 89-year young mother. Taught me a lot in my almost 65 years. Two dogs and a cat (that still thinks he's a dog). Great companions. Great for stress control.
I've had a great life to be thankful for. I've learned to cook. Mainly because I like to eat, and the stuff I like is seldom cooked the way I like it at a restaurant. I'm still trying to get some control on the amount that I cook. I know, I know. There's no reason, or way to justify, cooking 16 quarts of spaghetti sauce for "just the three of us".
Maybe that's why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Friends and relatives from far and wide. All getting together to eat. No expectations, no putting on the airs. Just normal people, having a good time.
Please, for this special day of the year, remember those who have given so much to ensure the sanctity and sanity of this great nation. Thank them every chance you get. And, when you start searching deep inside, you'll no doubt come up with a lot that you should be thankful for.
Outrageous prices for most everything? Taxes? Unemployment? Gas prices? War? Death? Traffic? Crime?
Doesn't sound like we have a lot to celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday, right? Well, not so dang fast, buster. I don't know about you, but I've got a lot to be thankful for. And, so do you. True, we've all got those pesky little things like taxes and traffic to deal with. And, yes, it seems like we're always on the brink of war or conflict somewhere in the world. Unfortunately, we have thousands of troops either in harm's way or getting ready to go there. And, thankfully, we have those brave men and women to make sure those conflicts remain somewhere else.
Gas prices? A pesky nuisance, a price we pay for the luxuries we have in this great nation. If we, the average joe, ever wanted to bring gas prices down, we could do it. We would have to learn how to conserve, to become more conscious of our wastefulness. If we, as a UNITED nation of motorists would decide that enough is enough, and as a group would stop wasting gas, then our dependence on those nations that provide us with oil at inflated prices, those distillers and distributors and dealers would soon get the message. Once they find out that they can not, please pardon the pun, hold us over a barrel, then and only then will the pump prices go down. So, enough of your whining about gasoline prices. If you don't like it, then get organized and do something about it.
Taxes are what they are. It's the cost of Big Government doing business. Who created Big Government? Well, check out the mirror, my friend. It was you. And, me. We, as a nation, continue to send representatives to Washington to represent us. And, they do it so lavishly (is that a word?). Government has grown over the decades. The shear numbers of Americans employed by the government has reached a level that is scary. But, again, quit complaining. It's your fault. And, mine. If we, as a UNITED nation of people would send the same message to Washington that we could send to oil and gas leaders, then our Big Government would get back to a reasonable size. And, it doesn't have to start in Washington. It can start in our communities, at the city council and county commission levels. Hold those we elect acccountable. If this wave would sweep the state, the country, then you can bet that business would not be the same in the future.
Unemployment is a bit more difficult. It's out of control. We have one out of every four veterans in the unemployment lines. And, that's likely to increase dramatically as we reduce the number of troops we have. Countless others remain unemployed, many because they're un-employable. Their skills are no longer needed. That said, there are still opportunities and programs that will help. Let me point out the Community College System in North Carolina. Regardless of age or background, if you're willing to apply yourself, they will help you help yourself. Read that line again, and take it to heart.
Now, what do I have to be thankful for. First, a full life. Approaching that magic year of 65, I have remained in relatively good health. As with many today, there have been ups and downs in the health arena. Nothing that could not be fixed, usually by my own hand. With a little guidance from the medical professionals, life is good.
My wife. Of a mere six years, but six wonderful years. Understanding and loving. And, just as important, a word so often unused or misused, caring.
A daughter, a granddaughter, and a host of other relatives, far and near, and friends, and neighbors. And, oh yeah. An 89-year young mother. Taught me a lot in my almost 65 years. Two dogs and a cat (that still thinks he's a dog). Great companions. Great for stress control.
I've had a great life to be thankful for. I've learned to cook. Mainly because I like to eat, and the stuff I like is seldom cooked the way I like it at a restaurant. I'm still trying to get some control on the amount that I cook. I know, I know. There's no reason, or way to justify, cooking 16 quarts of spaghetti sauce for "just the three of us".
Maybe that's why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Friends and relatives from far and wide. All getting together to eat. No expectations, no putting on the airs. Just normal people, having a good time.
Please, for this special day of the year, remember those who have given so much to ensure the sanctity and sanity of this great nation. Thank them every chance you get. And, when you start searching deep inside, you'll no doubt come up with a lot that you should be thankful for.
This is one of the most poignant messages you have ever posted. It is one that would serve ever American well if it was passed along via the letters to the editors in the major newspapers and the social network. We do have so much to be thankful for when we look around us and stop complaining about everything that is wrong. Thank you for pointing that out in such a good way.
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