"Don’t talk to me of solemn days in autumn’s time of splendor, Because the sun shows fewer rays, And these grow slant and slender. Why, it’s the climax of the year,—The highest time of living!—Till naturally its bursting cheer just melts into thanksgiving." The great Paul Laurence Dunbar, "Merry Autumn," circa 1896
Good morning—and Happy Thanksgiving Day!
As many of you know, Thanksgiving holidays during Election years tend to be fraught with melancholy for those whose political choices were defeated in early November, and as a progressive Democrat who fully supported Kamala Harris's presidential bid with my time, tithes, and talents, I, too, have had some very long days—and hard to sleep nights—wondering "what's next" as Donald Trump (and his Project 2025 agenda) prepares to reenter the White House this coming January.
But the historian in me knows that life runs in cycles—and that throughout this American pageant, if we have learned nothing else, we know (or should know) that somber days don't last forever! Whether it was wars at home or abroad, economic ruin in the form of a worldwide depression or recession, natural and unnatural disasters, or the murder of popular presidents and social activists, history repeatedly proves my old saying that “even the worst storms eventually run out of rain—and the sun soon shines again!”
So on this Thanksgiving Day, instead of focusing on everything that is wrong in America or the world writ large, I will reflect upon all that's right—and the things that I am immensely grateful for this day. These include:
The love of kin and friends who support me fully in words and deeds ...
Relatively good health with a sound mind and body...
My students and mentees who inspire me to share my vast reservoir of knowledge and experiences to help further their enlightenment...
The subscribers to this blog, one that I pour my time into with hopes of analyzing the critical political and social issues of our day—and to leave a record for future generations to study these times to help ameliorate their own social, political, and economic conditions!
Indeed, I am grateful for each of you and I pray that your day is filled with bliss—good food, even better conversations, and rest from your labors so that your minds and bodies can be renewed with vigor to endure the months and years ahead!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING 🦃
So thankful a friend reposted one of your newsletters that inspired me to start following you! You've been a blessing and a voice of reason and hope through this whole election process. For that I am truly blessed and thankful. Happy Thanksgiving, Chuck. 😊
Perspective. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, good sir.