What IS Thanksgiving?

It is a typically American holiday, the celebration of the "bountiful harvest" brought about by our own work and initiative. Our "production," not our dependence on government largess. "What is today’s version of the 'bountiful harvest'? It's the affluence and success we’ve gained. It's the cars, houses and vacations we enjoy. It's the life-saving medicines we rely on, the stock portfolios we build, the beautiful clothes we buy and the safe, clean streets we live on. It’s the good life. How did we get this 'bountiful harvest'? Ask any hard-working American; it sure wasn't by the 'grace of God.' It didn’t grow on a fabled 'money tree.' We created it by working hard, by desiring the best money can buy and by wanting excellence for ourselves and our loved ones. What we don't create ourselves, we trade value for value with those who have the goods and services we need, such as our stockbrokers, hairdressers and doctors. We alone are responsible for our wealth. We are the producers and Thanksgiving is our holiday." (Debi Ghate, 11/19/07)