Despite
situation Americans can be thankful
Thanksgiving is a holiday that has lost much of its meaning. Time spent in reflection
over good fortune has become secondary and good food and post-Thanksgiving sales
have become what many Americans associate with the holiday.
As Americans we all have a lot to be thankful for. Rather than dwelling on the
dwindling confidence in the current administration or the family member who couldn’t
be present at the dinner table because he is a soldier in a cockamamie war, we
should give ourselves one day to bask in the blessings that come with American
citizenship.
Many people in other countries are facing extraordinary circumstances that deprive
them of any luxuries. They are also struggling for survival, constantly trying
to keep their families safe from suicide bombers or other violent attacks.
Newspapers and television news has been covering the raging conflict in the Middle
East obsessively. Residents walking to the mall, going out to eat or simply using
the bus become victims of a fiery, madness-driven motive. Suicide bombers have
been plaguing tumultuous areas there; even Jordan, a peaceful country, has become
the victim of these attacks. Fear plagues the air.
Americans
have largely been spared the trauma and anguish
of terrorist bombings. We do not have to live
in constant fear of our safety because our
government has taken extensive preventative
steps to ensure the safety of the people.
The most obvious example of this protection can be noticed while at the airport
this holiday. Not only are people extensively scanned for potentially dangerous
objects, but cars are no longer permitted extended stay in the parking structures
of LAX and family members are no longer allowed to accompany people to their
gate.
To some, these might be extreme over-precautionary measures and an utter disregard
for privacy, but it reflects the government’s concern about the well-being
of its constituents.
Also,
Americans have been guaranteed a set of basic,
undeniable rights outlined in the Bill of Rights.
Although no human being should be alienated
from these rights, many people in other countries
are not free to express themselves or practice
their religion.
As Americans, we have been assured we will never be estranged from these rights
and if we are, there is a thorough, extensive judicial system to which we can
appeal our case.
Many women in other countries are still not recognized as equal, intellectual
beings and are disregarded as unimportant and incapable of social contributions.
Many people in Pakistan have been devastated by the loss of a loved one because
their country did not provide them with structures capable of withstanding or
limiting damage in a massive earthquake. The French have had to deal with the
fallout from a lower class rebellion, trying to restore order and bring back
the rich, romantic culture once associated with France.
Amid the global mayhem America has been able to remain safe and strong. The economy
is rising, gas prices are dropping and you don’t have to carry a weapon
to feel protected. Americans have a lot to be grateful for this
Thanksgiving. For one day, put aside your political qualms or any other negative
feelings you might have about the current situation and be grateful for the freedoms
your government has assured you.
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