A Thanks Giving American
A somewhat analytical way of describing me, in a desending order would be I am a human being frist, of caucasian race with American social/political rights.
And how those ‘rights’ have changed since the founding of this land.
But to the Thanks Giving, that was begun in 1621.
Is just short of 400 years the time it takes to forget the lesson of Thanks Giving?
A group of Separatists, pilgrims wishing only to practice their religion in peace and seeing their chidren beginning to pick up some social conventions of the Dutch, traveled to the New World.
During the frist winter, more then half died.
And no doubt desperate and knowing that another winter would mean all their deaths, they met and forged a treaty lasting 50 years with Squanto of the Wampanoag tribe.
The Native Americans showed the settlers what and how to plant and thrive off of the land that was their home.
So before the second winter, with a bountiful harvest, Governor Bradford invited his neighbors and Chief Massasoit who brought 90 braves to a feast.
And that was the first Thanksgiving in America.
Imagine.
Seeking and receiving the help of others to survive and prosper.
Only a short time ago a National candidate for the Presidency of the United States belittled those who sought such help.
Saying that they were ‘entitled’ to food, housing, medical care.
‘Entitled’?
Were the pilgrims ‘entitled’?
No.
Grateful.
Those too old to work, receiving incomes and paid in part medical care, to provide for basics of living, comforts and health. Providing dignity.
Those just starting out in life, receiving Government supported and reduced rates on student loans so that a better education may be had.
Those having served their Country, receiving incomes and medical benefits.
Those working one, two sometimes even three jobs just to make ends meet and maybe provide a little extra for their family.
Single mothers, fathers, the disabled, finding themselves in circumstances through no fault of their own, just needing help.
Adding the insult of describing these varied lifes as those’ not wanting to take personal responsibility for themselves’.
These are not ‘entitlements’ but human caring and compassion.
Something the Mayflower settlers were shown by the Native Americans.
Something that was eventually written into our very lives by our Founding Fathers in ‘We The People’, ‘Life, Liberty and Justice For All’.
I am Thankful.
For being an American.
And I’m hopeful that all of us can begin to see all of us as Americans.
That would and should be American Exceptionalism.
![](http://thisruthlessworld.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/hieronymus_bosch.jpg "Hieronymus Bosch, "Cutting the Stone" (15th century)")
The Last Of The Millenniums 