Image: “The First Thanksgiving 1621,” oil painting by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, circa 1912-1915
Grateful for their freedoms, 53 pilgrims enjoyed the first Thanksgiving some 400 years ago in Plymouth, Mass.
They were survivors of the original 100 separatists from their arduous Atlantic Ocean journey aboard the Mayflower from Southampton, England.
Originally, their destination was Virginia, but they disembarked in Massachusetts. It was a severe winter.
But they survived with the help of Native Americans, who taught them valuable lessons – how to live off the land.
A year later in 1621, for three days, the pilgrims and Indians were able to celebrate their good fortune. Initially, it was a religious Thanksgiving.
Over the years Thanksgiving became an American tradition as an opportunity for gratitude – enjoying a plentiful meal with family and friends – all while giving thanks.
President Lincoln declared it a holiday in 1863 on the third Thursday of November. It was switched to the fourth Thursday during the 1940s.
So with the exception of some professions such as journalism, airlines, first responders and healthcare, it’s been a holiday.
Quest for profits
But in the quest for profits that’s changed. Initially, it was just workers in retailing have to work Thanksgiving to prepare for Black Friday.
That’s the day when retailers started earning green in the holiday shopping season.
It’s one thing to be altruistic to serve Americans who need prescriptions for their illnesses. But many retailers open on Thanksgiving to jump start Q4 sales. As it is, countless retailers have been displaying Christmas decorations since October or some even earlier.
My sense is that many fortunate Americans could learn from history and are missing some other important signs reminiscent of the Great Depression:
- We seem to have forgotten about America’s Hoovervilles. In pointing a finger at President Hoover for his inability to prevent economic chaos, Hooverville was a term coined by Democrats to describe the shanty towns of unemployed Americans. Old newspapers that were used to keep unemployed people warm were referred to as Hoover blankets. Worn out shoes were lined with cardboard and called Hoover leather.
- In 1932, World War I veterans marched on the nation’s capital. Twenty-five percent of the nation’s budget had been swallowed by veteran benefits, but many veterans were destitute from unemployment. They demanded early payment for their benefit promised for 1945.
- Economic hardship exacerbated by a drought, forced thousands of Oklahomans to seek a better future – dignity, jobs and land – by migrating to California.
Fast forward to today. Since the election of President Trump, the unemployment rate has dropped to 3.5 percent, and the stock market has added about $10 trillion.
“Dependence begets subservience and venality, suffocates the germ of virtue, and prepares fit tools for the designs of ambition.”
–Thomas Jefferson
But there are other reasons. Unlike the New Deal policies of Franklin Roosevelt, the federal government is a hindrance.
President Trump’s policies have made inroads with his bully pulpit against China, but the trade deficit remains unacceptably high.
So is the federal budget deficit:
Additionally, consider federal regulations. Cabbage, for example, is a commodity many will enjoy on Thanksgiving.
However, the U.S. government bureaucracy uses 26,911 words to regulate it.
Compare the cabbage example with the Declaration of Independence: A mere 1,300 words.
Or how about the U.S. Constitution and its amendments: 7,818 words.
Polarized nation
Politics – an infinite pursuit for power – stands in the way of prosperity.
Democrats are still hindering progress. You might remember that under Sen. Harry Reid’s “leadership” during the tenure of President Obama, not one budget was passed.
Their political party still stands in the way of a balanced budget, encourages attitudes of entitlement and advocating “free stuff,” makes bogus accusations as in the so-called Russian collusion and Ukrainegate, and in fighting every positive initiative of the Trump Administration.
As a result of economic dysfunction, unproductive trade policies, waves of illegal immigrants and an unhappy electorate, Donald Trump was elected as a culture-war president. The nation is polarized.
The economy has improved dramatically under President Trump’s leadership — leading economic indicators are now positive.
But the polarizing politics are a menace to our nation’s core values as expressed in our Declaration of Independence – because we’re failing to honor a legacy.
The pilgrims of 1621 showed us the way. They didn’t let politics and poor public policy disillusion them.
They found a way to exist harmoniously with their Native American neighbors, worked hard, practiced stewardship of their assets and reaped a bountiful harvest. That’s why they had reasons to celebrate for a happy Thanksgiving.
When will we have valid reasons to celebrate? Today, the pilgrims would be aghast.
From the Coach’s Corner, more food for thought on Thanksgiving Day:
Governments – from Cities to Federal – Dangerously in Debt — The U.S. economy has been slowly mending. However, the situation is bleak for governments at all levels. Why? High debt is dangerous and economic growth is dreadfully slow. This is best illustrated by the enclosed U.S. Debt Clock.
Like Nobility in the Age of Kings, Ruling Class Gets Trumped — Throughout history, there have been ruling classes in every region of the world. Noteworthy in Europe were the Dark Ages in which the ruling classes dominated ordinary, hardworking folks. That’s true for 21st century America. But like the Age of Enlightenment in the 1700s, America’s ruling class in 2016 is getting trumped by a voter revolt.
Are We Doing Enough to Cherish Memory of 9/11 Victims? — If we really want to cherish the memory of the 9/11 victims, we’re falling far short of the goal. Why? We’re not doing our best to prevent more victims of terrorism for two reasons.
Why a 1960s’ Beatles Protest Song is Still Relevant — Have you ever wondered why British groups like The Rolling Stones, The Who and The Beatles spent so much time touring abroad? To sell music for sure, but there’s another reason: Abusive taxes.
Memorial Day: What Would Abraham Lincoln Say Today? — Memorial Day is to remember the armed forces’ men and women who died to protect our freedoms. Some reflection on what Abraham Lincoln would say today.
“Dependence begets subservience and venality, suffocates the germ of virtue, and prepares fit tools for the designs of ambition.”
–Thomas Jefferson
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