Michael Swickard
Editor’s note: It is my (Heath Haussamen’s) fault that this column wasn’t published on Thanksgiving. My apologies.
We are a nation of plenty. Our nation’s most threadbare citizens are quite blessed when compared to many citizens in other countries. Americans seem to be “the cup is half empty” type of people when what obscures the enjoyment of our bountiful blessings is the politics of envy and entitlement. Since someone has more than we do the government needs to do something.
Thanksgiving is an American notion: a time to be thankful for that we have received. Each year for a brief moment in November we recognize how blessed we truly are and hopefully have a wealthy Thanksgiving.
Unfortunately, this year much of the dialog from our political leaders is focused not on what we have but rather what others have that we do not. The politics of envy and entitlement sours our holiday spirit. The notion is that Americans are injured when some Americans have considerably more than others. This is without understanding that most Americans have all they truly need.
‘I have never been happier’
Sitting down for the Thanksgiving feast are people who bow their heads reverently and give thanks. Others mutter impatiently, “About time.” With the butter from homemade rolls on their lips, this second group carps about what has not come their way. Their mantra: “I deserve this that I have and even more.”
Many people consider this day a day of lassitude and gluttony. W. J. Cameron said, “Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.” This holiday was my father’s favorite, even above Veteran’s Day. As a WWII soldier on the frontlines for several years, I suspect he carried thoughts of the times he might have died and of those who did. He would not talk about war. But at times he got a far-away look.
He was his most talkative – not that it was much – on Thanksgiving. One winter day he and I went to the store to get a couple of last things for the Thanksgiving feast. On the spur of the moment I asked, “Which Thanksgiving did you like the best?” He took a long puff on his cigarette and said meditatively, “Thanksgiving 1944 in the winter mud of Italy.”
With a far-away look he said, “It was the first hot meal me and my buddies had in a long while. As I was sitting there eating hot food I realized that the war was coming to an end and next Thanksgiving I had a good chance of being home. At that moment I was warm and full and happy. I have never been happier.”
We drove up to the store and he retreated back to his quiet nature. He was quite frugal with words to anyone other than those who served with him in combat. And with them they talked in code with one or two words and knowing looks.
Being fair
Was my father wealthy? Perhaps he was, because he was completely satisfied with what he had and did not lust after the possessions of his neighbors. He did not have more than some of his neighbors, but he never seemed to notice. Every Thanksgiving was a wealthy time for him.
This whole discussion about wealth in our country falls apart when it comes to defining wealth. Other than super rich, we have no definition of those Americans who are wealthy as compared to those who are not. Politicians say America’s wealthy are harmful to our country because they have yachts. Again, the half-empty-glass thinking of what we do not have versus the question of whether we are we well-fed, warm and safe. Our most dangerous age is now with the government mandate to redistribute the resources of our country for political gain.
Well, Swickard, do you not want to be fair? Absolutely, and that is why when one American has something, it is his or her possession, not something for the government to confiscate. Without property rights we cease to be a free nation. I do not buy into the notion if they did not have their wealth I would be better off.
This Thanksgiving I give thanks to God for that which I have. I do not look with envy and entitlement at the possession of other Americans. I hope each of you has a wealthy Thanksgiving.
Swickard is co-host of the radio talk show News New Mexico, which airs from 6 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday on a number of New Mexico radio stations and through streaming. His e-mail address is michael@swickard.com.