As Americans we may feel the need to give thanks for the immense wealth that we possess (that won't last): the wealth of material possessions, the wealth of comfort and security, and the wealth of opportunity. Of course, our wealth, under the so-called bailout plan, is becoming more and more concentrated among the hands of a few especially thankful Americans. Because of the economic crisis our wealth is also being foreclosed and deflated. It is a time to hope for the best and grasp what we hold dear; I am talking about what transcends the material world.
I hope you will keep this in mind as you watch the Tennessee Titans devour the Detroit Lions as you devour your warm turkey and mashed potatoes. Keep this in mind as you make vacation plans. Keep this in mind as you begin your Christmas shopping. Remember the children of Iraq and Afghanistan. Remember the indigenous people who walked this land for thousands of years before the White Man came, bringing disease and slaughter (not turkey or stove-top stuffing), and such nationalistic holidays as Thanksgiving. Remember the stolen African people who built this country under the crack of a whip. Remember the fallen. Remember the forgotten.
Let us be thankful for our heartbeat and our strength to build a better country and a better world based on truth, peace, justice, love, and harmony. Let us be thankful for the sacrifices that were made by our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, cousins, friends, teachers, and noble ancestors to make our lives as good as they are today - so long as they did so not at the expense of another. Let us be thankful for each other and that, regardless of the circumstances that brought us here, we are all here: black, white, brown, red, and yellow. Let us be thankful that there is still time and opportunity for us all to shape our future together across generations, borders, races, and religions. These are the thanks I give today.
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