Thanksgiving has to be one of my all-time favorite holidays.  Not just because I get to eat as much as I want without counting the calories, but because it is a truly American holiday.  While it is true that Congress made Thanksgiving an official holiday on the fourth Thursday of the month in 1941, its celebration can be traced all the way back to 1789 with George Washington proclaiming a day of thanksgiving.  Lincoln did so as well in 1863.  What a great idea to sit around and count our blessings.  Too often we forget just how fortunate we are, well everyone except the turkey.

There are so many things to be thankful for, and today is the day set aside to reflect on those things and thank God for them!  Yesterday I passed a homeless lady in the street, and it made me think about the many things we have as a family that she does not have.  We have a home, cars, food, and most of all each other.  Even the homeless in San Diego have something to be thankful for that other beggars do not.  In our city, thousands of pounds of food are donated to feed the homeless and shelters all around this county will be feeding the unfortunate.  As I have traveled all over this world, I have seen many beggars in other countries, and most of those people do not have the shelters, churches, and many other civic organizations which go out of their way to provide for the homeless like we do in America.  Homelessness is awful, but once again even the homeless in this country have something to be thankful for today.  

We as Americans have many things to be thankful for, and while our country is by no means perfect, it is the most tolerant in the entire world.  Often I hear people complaining about intolerance in our country, but the very ability to complain of intolerance proves what a great country America is.  In many other parts of the world the mere whisper of things that are anti-government are squelched decisively.  Don't believe me?  Go to Iran and try to practice religious freedom, or try China.  In Islamic countries it is fine to go and pray towards Mecca 5 times a day, or is it three, but try to openly worship another God and see what is allowed.  Things such as homosexuality, or same sex marriage, and living together are not only illegal, but in many cases punished severely.  Not so in America.  We not only tolerate all of these things, but we have sitcoms on television which openly celebrate them.  If you don't believe me, just try to get Will and Grace on the Al Jazirah network. 

My point is not to bash Iran or any other country.  That is the culture they have chosen.  The point is that in America, we are made up of individuals who came here to seek religious freedom.  America is not perfect, but in comparison to most other countries I have visited, we are a tolerant nation and it is one of the many things that make America great.  (Even Bush gets a pardon today for his many mistakes) So sit back today and enjoy your turkey and dressing while the Colts beat up on the Falcons.  Spend some time with your family and give thanks for the many blessings each of us has including the one true American Holiday, Thanksgiving.

Socalsportsfan