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Health & Fitness

Morton Chalfy's Blog: Thanksgiving 2011 — Celebrate Freedom

Thankful for freedom.

Thanksgiving has given rise to a new holiday, Black Friday. No longer is the dominant theme of the holiday the feast of the harvest and the celebration of family and friendship. It is now the official leadin to the opening of the Christmas shopping season. Oh well, we can turn off the television, eschew the gladiatorial games and concentrate on what the holiday is really about.

In my family we’re extremely thankful for the crop of babies the past year has brought to us. If cuteness were to be personified we’re all sure that Ada, Lexi and Michelle (alphabetical, not cuteness order) are the very ones to do so. The more mature among us are grateful for another year on this earth and all of us are thankful for each other as the experience of life is immeasurably enhanced by our loved ones, both relatives and friends.

For me in particular this year has special significance. This is the year the world found its voice, raised it in frustration and anger and began the long process of shaking off the bonds of corrupt rulers and uncaring security forces. From Tunisia and Egypt to downtown Oakland and Wall Street the 99 percent are expressing their frustration at the course of social events over the last thirty years. In the Arab world the cause is freedom from tyranny. In Oakland, the cause is economic justice and the defense of freedom of speech. Around the world, armed with the new social media, movie cameras in telephones and the knowledge that we are many and can be the mighty the desire for freedom is motivating demonstrations even in the face of live fire as in Syria.

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While the future is being made in the workshops of the present and can only be experienced and not seen in advance, the present is forming along the lineaments of free expression and, very importantly, concern for each other and the earth.  The very first Thanksgiving celebrants had come to this continent in search of the freedom to practice their own version of religion. This, to me, is the heart of the holiday.  Freedom is an ongoing struggle and this year the struggle has spread over the face of the globe.

Is it possible that the modern world will break through into an era of freedom and good governance through the magic of cell phones and the internet?  One hopes so. Meanwhile this one is thankful for the demonstrations and the demonstrators. 

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After the family meal one will also be stuffed.

Happy Thanksgiving.

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