What I’m thankful for – redux

Every year at this time I start to think about what I’m thankful for.

Of course I’m thankful for my family, my health and my place in this world.

But, I’m also thankful for our country and the way it picks our leaders.  The recent presidential election brings a far greater meaning this time around.

We have just completed a very divisive and mean-spirited political campaign which resulted in a very surprising upset victory for a non-traditional candidate.   Few people remained neutral in this election and bad blood between parties and people have resulted.

So, why am I thankful?

I was in Peru a few years ago, during an election period.   On election day there were tanks in the street and armed milita on every corner.   Here in Washington and across the country everything was relatively calm.  While we did have some protests and a few incidents of violence, most protests were non-violent and didn’t need to call out the National Guard.   I’m thankful that I live in a country where election results are accepted by the people, no matter who they voted for.

So, I’m thankful that I live in the United States of America where people make their protests at the ballot box and polling sites.   I’m thankful that we live in a country where the military isn’t called out to validate one side or the other.   I’m thankful that I’m an American with the right to make my views known.

I’m thankful that those who disagree with me, do so with great emotion, but in a peaceful manner, respecting every citizen’s right to express an opinion on election day.

I’m thankful that I live in a country which allows us to achieve our potential to the best of our ability, without the confinement of social stature, race or religion.

And, I’m thankful that our current political season is almost over.

(Editors note:   I first published this commentary on Thanksgiving Day 2004)