Our View: Thanksgiving 2010

Don't politicize a grand holiday

November 24, 2010

Over the years, historians have vigorously debated the origins of the first Thanksgiving. Did it, in fact, take place in Plymouth, or could Jamestown lay claim to the feast?

Now, in the wake of the Tea Party's rise, another debate has been rekindled: Were the Pilgrims proto-socialists, due to the fact that, in the early days of the settlement, they had embraced a collectivist ideal? A lengthy New York Times article on Saturday addressed this question, clearly suggesting that Tea Party polemics, not to mention its adherents' "reverence" for early American history, had ignited this discussion anew.

To be sure, this is an intriguing exercise. The basics of the historical record seem clear enough: Initially, the Pilgrims did establish a communal system only to scrap it in favor of farming parcels privately held. Only the details - when the change took place and why - are now the subjects of historical scrutiny, and dispute.

All well and good, but, in terms of the holiday itself, the historical haggling misses the key point - mainly that, yes, the Pilgrims did gather, presumably with Native American friends, to give thanks. And so, whether in Plymouth or a year earlier in Jamestown, a precedent was set, one we observe every year at this time.

We enjoy, as much as anyone, a robust polemical tiff, a rousing historical dispute. But there's a time and place - and so we'll resist the temptation to untowardly politicize a holiday set aside for good cheer, family joy, and, most of all, hearty thanks for God's bounty.

After all, as the writer O. Henry (William Sidney Porter) once said, "There is one day that is ours. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American."

So why not keep it "pure" - and free from political fevers.

Note:

I believe the Winchester Star has said it all beautifully - Thanksgiving is "one day that is ours - purely American" and a day set aside for "good cheer, family joy, and, most of all, hearty thanks for God's bounty."

Therefore, for the next two days, I will be putting aside politics. Wednesday will be a day of cooking and preparing special foods for our family and friends on Thanksgiving.

To each of you, may your day be one of great comfort, joy and happiness.

Please enjoy some of my favorite music.

Bee Sting