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| Michael and Conrad |
We are a nation of plenty. Our nation’s most threadbare citizens are quite blessed when compared to many citizens in other countries. Americans seem to be “The cup is half empty” type of people when what obscures the enjoyment of our bountiful blessings is the politics of envy and entitlement. Since someone has more than we do the government needs to do something.
Thanksgiving is an American notion: a time to be thankful for that we have received. Each year for a brief moment in November we recognize how blessed we truly are and hopefully have a wealthy Thanksgiving.
Unfortunately this year much of the dialog from our political leaders is focused not on what we have but rather what others have that we do not. The politics of envy and entitlement sours our holiday spirit. The notion is that Americans are injured when some Americans having considerable more than others. This is without understanding that most Americans have all they truly need.
Sitting down for the Thanksgiving feast are people who bow their heads reverently and give thanks. Others mutter impatiently, “About time.” With the butter from homemade rolls on their lips this second group carps about what has not come their way. Their mantra: “I deserve this that I have and even more.”
Many people consider this day a day of lassitude and gluttony. W. J. Cameron said, “Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.” This holiday was my father’s favorite, even above Veteran’s Day. As a WWII soldier on the frontlines for several years I suspect he carried thoughts of the times he might have died and those who did. He would not talk about war. But at times he got a far-away look. He was his most talkative, not that it was much, on Thanksgiving. One winter day he and I went to the store to get a couple last things for the Thanksgiving feast. On the spur of the moment I asked, “Which Thanksgiving did you like the best?” He took a long puff on his cigarette and said meditatively, “Thanksgiving 1944 in the winter mud of Italy.”
With a far-away look he said, “It was the first hot meal me and my buddies had in a long while. As I was sitting there eating hot food I realized that the war was coming to an end and next Thanksgiving I had a good chance of being home. At that moment I was warm and full and happy. I have never been happier.”
We drove up to the store and he retreated back to his quiet nature. He was quite frugal with words to anyone other than those who served with him in combat. And with them they talked in code with one or two words and knowing looks.
Was my father wealthy? Perhaps he was because he was completely satisfied with what he had and did not lust after the possessions of his neighbors. He did not have more than some of his neighbors but he never seemed to notice. Every Thanksgiving was a wealthy time for him.
This whole discussion about wealth in our country falls apart when it comes to defining wealth. Other than super rich we have no definition of those Americans who are wealthy as compared to those who are not. Politicians say America’s wealthy are harmful to our country because they have a yacht. Again, the half empty glass thinking of what we do not have versus are we well-fed, warm and safe? Our most dangerous age is now with the government mandate to redistribute the resources of our country for political gain. Well, Swickard, do you not want to be fair? Absolutely, and that is why when one American has something, it is their possession, not something for the government to confiscate. Without property rights we cease to be a free nation. I do not buy into the notion if they did not have their wealth I would be better off. This Thanksgiving I give thanks to God for that which I have. I do not look with envy and entitlement at the possession of other Americans. I hope each of you have a wealthy Thanksgiving.
Swickard: Have a Wealthy Thanksgiving
From KHOU-TV.com - by BRAD WATSON - RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas - Every day students in Texas public schools pledge allegiance to the flags of the United States and Texas. But when a teacher in a Rio Grande Valley high school assigned students to stand and pledge allegiance to the Mexican flag and sing Mexico's national anthem, one student refused.The resulting controversy has one East Texas lawmaker wanting changes in the state's curriculum on how culture and patriotism are taught in schools. 15-year-old Brenda Brinsdon entered her sophomore year at McAllen ISD's Achieve Early College High School just wanting to do well in her classes.But in mid-September she got an unexpected lesson on personal conviction and taking on the system."I feel that I did what's right," Brinsdon said. "And I know what I did what's right [...] I'm going to stand my ground."Brinsdon said she stood her ground by staying seated when first-year Spanish 3 teacher Reyna Santos assigned her class to stand and recite Mexico's pledge of allegiance. Students stood with right arms straight out and palms down, which is how the school district says Mexicans say their pledge.Above Vicente Fox, former Mexican President demonstrates. Calling the lesson "un-American," Brinsdon recorded the class, which occurred the week of Mexico's Independence Day and also the 10th anniversary of 9/11.The teacher also told students to memorize and recite the the pledge individually.And when the time came for the part of the assignment to sing Mexico's national anthem, Brinsdon again refused.With that, Santos asked the class to stand and led the class in the anthem."I told her, I was like, 'I thought this was a Spanish class,'" Brinsdon recalled. "And she's like, 'Well, yeah it is, it's like, it's a cultural thing.' And so I was the only one that sat down." Brinsdon's father, William, backs his daughter. He said that reciting a pledge to any other nation has no place in public schools."What are we to do? Just lay down and let it happen?" Mr. Brinsdon said. "Or should we stand up for our country?"Santos couldn't be reached for comment.The school district declined several News 8 requests to interview someone with the district. Read more
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